Deluge sprinkler system overview
A deluge sprinkler system is used to flood high-danger areas with large quantities of water. Unlike wet and dry pipe systems, all the sprinklers in a deluge system are open and active at all times. The pipes are dry until the system is activated. Water is released into the pipes when the system is tripped by heat or smoke alarms.
Deluge systems may be required in high traffic areas or in areas with high ceilings. They are often used in areas where hazardous materials are found.
The technology
A deluge sprinkler system resembles a pre-action system. The pipes remain dry until an alarm opens the water supply and fills the pipes. The alarm is usually triggered by a fire or smoke sensor. However, deluge systems differ from wet-pipe, dry-pipe and pre-action systems. In deluge systems, all sprinkler heads are open all the time. When water enters the piping system, all sprinklers release water immediately. The flood of water helps prevent fires from spreading in high hazard areas.
All the pipes in the deluge sprinkler system are open. Water is held back from enterring the system by a deluge valve. The valve is activated by a separate alarm system. (Unlike dry pipe systems, deluge systems do not use air pressure to trigger water flow.) A deluge valve may be opened electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically.
Where the risk of explosion is especially great, a foam fire-suppressant may be used in place of water. Deluge systems are much less simple and straight forward than wet- and dry-pipe systems. The system must be connected to alarms that trigger the system open and flood with water.
Applications
Deluge sprinkler systems are used in special circumstances, such as facilities where there is a high risk of explosion or other danger:
- Flammable liquid storage areas
- Aircraft hangars
- Archives
- Refrigerated areas
Call Global Fire Prevention today at (845) 781-0117 to learn how we can help protect your building.