SFPE FPE Magazine Article on challenges in sprinkler design 2

[stookeyfpe]

Ken Isman offers an interesting perspective on the subject of sprinkler protection and storage occupancies in this quarter's SFPE Fire Protection Engineering magazine:

http://fpemag.com/articles/article.asp?i=549

Enjoy.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

Thanks, Stookey!

An example of a situation where it is impossible to comply with both FM standards and NFPA 13 is the installation rules for sprinklers under sloped ceilings where the slope exceeds 2 in 12. FM Data Sheet 2-0 requires the sprinklers to be installed with their deflectors horizontal (parallel with the floor) while NFPA 13 requires them to be installed parallel to the ceiling. Both organizations have interesting concerns here.

How in the world does one accomplish this in a bent metal purlin building with a 3 to 12 roof slope? I am not addressing how to satisfy both, you obviously can't, but how would you physically install the branch lines so deflectors were parallel, run the pipe level using sprig ups? Long sprig ups with "step ups" in the lines?

 

[cdafd]

Real life;;;;

http://www.fireengineering.com/arti...-texas-warehouse-with-high-piled-storage.html

 

[stookeyfpe]

CDA,

The author did a good job but missed some key points. I interviewed Grand Prairie FD senior staff, investigators and inspectors about this fire.

Here is the presentation I delivered for the Austin/San Antonio SFPE chapter in January this year:

http://www.sfpe-asa.org/Grand Prairie, TX Post Paddock Warehouse Fire by Scott Stookey.pdf

 

[LCREP]

Scott,

Nice job!

About 50% of the warehouses we look at the automatic sprinkler protection is inadequate. This loss is not a surprise at all. When I 1st saw the ESFR sprinkler design the first thing I was thinking was either ESFR obstructions OR storing something the ESFR was not designed to protect. Protecting plastics with a system design of .30/2000 did not stand a chance in doing much to control or extinguish the fire.

Regarding the HID lighting were they type "O"rated??? If not the fire starting via a bulb exploding is a real possibility.


****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[MGXFP]

Only a few evaluate their fire suppression when changing occupancies or storage commodities. One would think the insurance company would require it but it doesn't seem to matter much.

 

[cdafd]

Thanks for the PowerPoint

Good info

 

[stookeyfpe]

LCREP

Speculation warehouse. Nothing much more can be said about this incident.

 

[LCREP]

"Only a few evaluate their fire suppression when changing occupancies or storage commodities. One would think the insurance company would require it but it doesn't seem to matter much."

Newton,

Perhaps the "insurance company" had a "recommendation" to upgrade the sprinkler system. BUT the building owner made a business decision to pay more insurance premium OR just find another insurance carrier.

Also some insurance companies no longer have an engineering department to go out and look at what they insure. It is called cash flow underwriting, write a lot policies, and hope you bring in more then you pay out.





****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[cdafd]

scott did you happen to look at the Waxahachie fire, or know anyone that has or is looking at it???

I would like to see a report on that one

http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-201_162-20114848.html

 

[stookeyfpe]

CDA

Last month's Industrial Fire World had an article on the incident.

 

[cdafd]

scott thanks, forgot I had read that