Why Install a Deluge Fire Sprinkler System?
Posted on: 21 December 2020
Choosing suitable fire sprinkler systems for commercial and industrial environments takes some thought. You will have different needs to many other properties; you have to choose a system that can contain a fire and mitigate against any safety hazards you might have in your premises.
In some cases, a deluge sprinkler system is the best option. How do these systems work and what are their benefits?
How Do Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems Work?
All sprinkler systems release sprays of water or specialist materials to contain and extinguish a fire. However, standard systems often have limitations that affect how effectively they work in some situations.
For example, some systems limit how much water or foam they dispense. They sometimes have built-in regulating systems that use pressurised air, closed nozzles or locking valves to delay the release of their extinguishing materials.
Deluge fire sprinkler systems typically don't have limiting devices. Once the system activates, it releases water immediately.
Often, these systems use a higher volume of water over a wider area. These systems create more of a deluge than a contained or constricted flow. The aim here is to get as much water on the site as quickly as possible.
What Are the Benefits of Deluge Fire Sprinkler Systems?
There are times when a restrictive sprinkler system works well. For example, if you're protecting a library, a document storage area or a computer equipment room, then you don't necessarily want a lot of water raining down. It'll extinguish the fire but could also cause a lot of damage.
However, there are also times when you want a large volume of water to rain down quickly. You need to mitigate against what might happen if the things in the area caught fire.
So, for example, if your sprinkler system protects chemicals or materials that have a low flash point or that could explode in a fire, then you need to put out a fire as quickly as you can. Here, a deluge system works well. It deals with a fire more aggressively before it can spread.
You can also tailor a deluge system to compensate for the things you're protecting. For example, if water might not be enough to put out an oil-based fire, then you can use other extinguishing materials, such as foams, in the system.
Before you make a decision here, take advice from a fire sprinkler systems specialist. They can take a look at your site, discuss your needs, and then recommend the most suitable system for your business.
Share