Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
(OP)
Ok for a short understanding of this job, it is an existing building, 23' to top of storage, 30' to peak. Now ESFR sprinkler will not work do to the massive amount of ductwork above and the fact that you are limited to moving around ESFR sprinkler to avoid obstructions. So I am left with CMSA or CMDA sprinklers.
The storage is plastic pallets with plastic bins that are not covered or encapsulated and stored in racks against the walls. With the issue of the ductwork I have chosen to select the density area method. So I have chosen based off table 16.2.1.3.2 storage over 22' to 25' max, commodity class 1, not encapsulated, 4' isles, no mandatory in rack sprinklers (the customer doesn't want them),used curves F & H, also apply figure 16.2.1.3.4.1 which says sprinkler density vs storage height.
I have no clue how to apply that last chart to my calc, also I am wanting to make sure I am on the right path. I have never done a system in a longgggggggggg time that was this choosy.
I can start to select my pump, but I want to make sure I am on the right path to selecting the design that I exactly need.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
The storage is plastic pallets with plastic bins that are not covered or encapsulated and stored in racks against the walls. With the issue of the ductwork I have chosen to select the density area method. So I have chosen based off table 16.2.1.3.2 storage over 22' to 25' max, commodity class 1, not encapsulated, 4' isles, no mandatory in rack sprinklers (the customer doesn't want them),used curves F & H, also apply figure 16.2.1.3.4.1 which says sprinkler density vs storage height.
I have no clue how to apply that last chart to my calc, also I am wanting to make sure I am on the right path. I have never done a system in a longgggggggggg time that was this choosy.
I can start to select my pump, but I want to make sure I am on the right path to selecting the design that I exactly need.
Any help is greatly appreciated.





RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
R M Arsenault Engineering Inc.
www.rmae.ca
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
"Follow" us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/9221...
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
One last question, is there any reason that you cannot use an ESFR head with a flat ceiling, I cant find any reason.
Thanks guys.
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
Be certain that you are fully aware of all of the ESFR criteria. Many owners/developers think that ESFR is the panacea of fire protection. Basically, with an ESFR system, you have to build the building around the sprinklers.
Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC
www.mfpdesign.com
"Follow" us at https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/9221...
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
"The storage is plastic pallets with plastic bins that are not covered or encapsulated and stored in racks against the walls"
You can not use ESFR with open top containers as per NFPA 13.
Also did you talk to the insurance carrier? They may have additional requirements particularly for the sizing of the fire pump and the pump driver electric and or diesel. They may also mandate a 10 psi safety cushion on your hydraulic calculations. In most cases the pump should not churn more than 175psi.
A phone call now can save many $ on insurance premium on the life of the building.
If Factory Mutual is the carrier they do not follow NFPA.
Warehouses are so much fun about 50% of the warehouses I looked at as an insurance loss prevention rep the sprinkler protection was not adequate.
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage
Sprinkler designed for ord grp 2 with a 30' ceiling
Solid shelving
ESFR obstructions
Poor water supply
Idle wood pallets stored to the roof
Stock in aisles
Fire pumps turned off, no one knows why
Sprinkler control valves turned off
Flammable and combustible liquid storage inadequate protection or no foam.
As noted most times the storage has changed BUT protection has not been upgraded to reflect the change in commodity
The joys of the insurance industry .....
RE: Selecting a Fire Pump for High Piled Storage