High Rise/High Pressures??
High Rise/High Pressures??
(OP)
In a high rise building, I am including one standpipe zone and one fire pump. two of the three class I standpipes would be combined with the floor control stations.
On many floors, I should be able to get away with 2 1/2" floor control stations. Therefore, I would be able to use a 2 1/2" inline pressure regulating valve as my system control valve on each floor (with tamper of course).
But, on the lower floors, where there will be many 'amenities', kitchens, storage etc... I am concerned about having floor controls greater than 2 1/2". Would I need to use a high pressure gate valve (floor control valve with tamper) on the inlet side of a monstrous presure regulating valve at each floor control station?? Or would it be more economical to have two zones and step the pressure down on the lower floors with one pressure regulating valve but then add much more bulk mains to feed the other higher zone??
In short, what is everyones experience in dealing with the high pressures in sprinkler/standpipe systems in high rises (ie pressures exceeding 175psi but not higher than 300psi)??
On many floors, I should be able to get away with 2 1/2" floor control stations. Therefore, I would be able to use a 2 1/2" inline pressure regulating valve as my system control valve on each floor (with tamper of course).
But, on the lower floors, where there will be many 'amenities', kitchens, storage etc... I am concerned about having floor controls greater than 2 1/2". Would I need to use a high pressure gate valve (floor control valve with tamper) on the inlet side of a monstrous presure regulating valve at each floor control station?? Or would it be more economical to have two zones and step the pressure down on the lower floors with one pressure regulating valve but then add much more bulk mains to feed the other higher zone??
In short, what is everyones experience in dealing with the high pressures in sprinkler/standpipe systems in high rises (ie pressures exceeding 175psi but not higher than 300psi)??





RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
One other alternative is to have the monstrous pressure reducing valve in the lower level. Then just run a second riser to feed the floors that you need. The only extra bulk piping is the riser for the floors where you can use a 2½" reducing valve.
Hopefully this will make sense for you.
RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
I have considered feeding the lower floors from a pre-pump supply. I'm looking into that option. Although, the siamese connections would need to be very well indicated. This arrangement could cause confusion.
I have also thought of the P.R. valve being on the lower floor and running the bulks up to the other floors where I could use the 2 1/2" valves. But, as usual, space is at a premium. And, although I could cross connect the upper standpipes, the floor that the cross connect would occour on is a mechanical/truss floor. Very tight, very congested.
With either of these (pre-pump supply or lower level P.R. valve) I would, essentially, have 2 standpipe zones. I was hoping to get away with one to reduce bulk mains and also to eliminate the 2 extra siamese connections for the extra zone.
Interesting ideas though. I surely have a few senarios to play with.
RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
The pre-pump supply will get very creative with the FDC. It will cost you an extra check valve at the least. I have done this several times with rack systems.
Good luck with the outcome.
RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
RE: High Rise/High Pressures??
A very good article was in the Sprinkler Age magazine, February 2004, put out by The American Fire Sprinkler Association. Go to the web site http://www.sprinklernet.org and sign up for a free copy of the magazine. The author of the article, Bill Harvey of Harvey & Associates, Fountain Inn, S.C. is on NFPA 20 and very knowledgeable regarding fire pumps, you may want to give him a call.
I have not scene this new technology in the field, but looks like it will solve a lot of problems with PRV flow testing and maintenance.