Measuring modified glass bulb sprinkler thermal response in plunge and compartment fire experiments

Automatic fire sprinklers use a heat sensitive element such as a glass bulb or fusible link to respond to the heat from a fire. The response of commercial fire sprinkler glass bulbs has been extensively characterised in convection-dominated dry gas flows but in real fires there may be more factors that influence the heat transfer to the bulbs such as radiation from the fire or cooling from adjacent sprinkler sprays. The time of activation is the only indication of the thermal response of typical commercial fire sprinklers using glass bulbs to a fire, but direct temperature measurement using a modified proxy may provide a better understanding of how sprinklers respond in a complex environment. Modified glass bulbs have been created that allow a thermocouple to be inserted in the bulb for direct temperature measurement. In this paper, the thermal response of sprinklers with these modified bulbs has been observed in hot-air wind tunnel plunge experiments and full scale room fire experiments. At the time of activation the measured temperature of the modified sprinklers was found to be higher than the nominal activation temperature specification for the unmodified sprinklers. For the compartment fires, a thermal response model generally predicted longer sprinkler activation times based on ceiling jet temperature and velocity measurements than was observed experimentally.     

Limited-water-supply sprinklers for manufactured (mobile) homes

A prototype limited-water-supply (LWS) sprinkler has been developed for manufactured (mobile) homes in a research program sponsored by the United States Fire Administration. The LWS sprinkler is designed to be installed at a 2.44 m (8-foot) spacing and to have a total water supply of 380 (100 gallons). The installation spacing was determined in a series of freeburn fire tests that indicated that the heat release rate at sprinkler actuation could be halved by reducing the sprinkler spacing from 3.66 m to 2.44 m (12 feet to 8 feet). A series of eight fullscale fire tests, including a corner living room scenario similar to that used in the Los Angeles Residential Test Program, was conducted to evaluate the performance of the prototype sprinkler. In five of the tests, room tenability was maintained during the 10-minute period following the actuation of a single sprinkler at a flow rate of 38 pm (10 gpm). In three tests, tenability was maintained with multiple sprinkler actuation (2 or 3 sprinklers) and a total system flow rate of 49 pm (13 gpm). The spray of the sprinkler was characterized in terms of its water flux distribution and drop size distribution. The thermal sensitivity requirements of the sprinkler are to be based upon RTI, C, and temperature rating, which would ensure that sprinkler actuation would occur at fire sizes comparable to those encountered using the prototype LWS sprinkler in this study.     

Temperature and velocity correlations in room fires for estimating sprinkler actuation times

Automatic sprinklers are increasingly used in residential occupancies to provide active fire protection. These sprinklers, known as quick response and residential sprinklers, may be located either at the ceiling (pendent-style) or on a wall (sidewall-style). Though several fire models are available for estimating actuation times for sprinklers located under unobstructed ceilings, these use engineering correlations that do not apply to residential-sized rooms. Thus, data are needed for estimating sprinkler actuation times for residential occupancies.This paper reports on fire tests that were conducted in various sized rooms to obtain temperature and velocity data for 73 kW, 100 kW, and 147 kW fires. The data were then used to develop nondimensional correlations for temperature and velocity at the sprinkler locations. The temperature data revealed a significant temperature transient in the hot gas layer, and thus a nondimensional correlation describing the transient phenomenon was developed. These correlations compared reasonably well with experimental data, and they were used to estimate the sprinkler actuation times. The estimates were in reasonable agreement for the pendent sprinkler, except for the smallest fire in a 4.27 m by 4.27 m occupancy. The estimates for sidewall sprinkler acuation were significantly lower than experimental values. This may have been due to the sprinklers' heat losses, which were not accounted for in the calculation.     

Estimating effectiveness of state-of-the-art detectors and automatic sprinklers on life safety in residential occupancies

The report provides a qualitative assessment of the life safety impact of early warning fire detection and automatic sprinkler technology in residential occupancies. This assessment is based on the results of full-scale studies and statistics on residential fire fatalities from the NFIRS data base. Estimates of the impact of three alternatives, smoke detectors, standard automatic sprinklers, and residential sprinklers, are provided for major fire hazard scenarios in residential occupancies. The results of this study indicate that significant life safety benefits can be derived from broad application of detectors and sprinklers in all residential buildings. National Bureau of Standards Note: This is a condensed version of the more detailed document NBSIR 84-2819 bearing the same title as above. The document is available in limited quantities from the National Bureau of Standards or it may be purchased through National Technical Information Services (NTIS). Reference: Edward K. Budnick, “Estimating Effectiveness of State-of-the-Art Detectors and Automatic Sprinklers on Life Safety in Residential Occupancies.” Fire Technology, Vol. 20, No. 3, August 1984, p. 5.     

Model scale tunnel fire tests with automatic sprinkler

The study focuses on the performance of an automatic sprinkler system in a model scale tunnel with longitudinal ventilation. A total of 28 tests were carried out in a 1:15 model scale tunnel using an automatic sprinkler system with glass bulbs. The maximum heat release rate, energy content and failure of the automatic sprinkler system were analysed. The results show that high ventilation rates and low water flow rates result in a failure of the automatic sprinkler system in a longitudinal ventilated tunnel fire. The main reason for the failure under the tested water flow rates was the effect of the longitudinal flow on the fire development and the hot gas flow close to the sprinklers. The fire development and the activation heat release rate of the first activated bulb are intimately related to the ventilation velocity. The fire spread to the neighbouring wood crib was investigated and a presentation of tests conducted using a deluge system are given.     

SMART Sprinkler Protection for Highly Challenging Fires—Part 2: Full-Scale Fire Tests in Rack Storage

An experimental study was conducted to demonstrate the concept of a new sprinkler protection system using Simultaneous Monitoring, Assessment and Response Technology (SMART). Part I of this study focuses on the system design and function evaluation at the component level. The present work is Part II of the study, focusing on full-scale suppression tests to evaluate the performance of SMART sprinkler technology in protecting rack storage fires. The selected fuel was cartoned unexpanded plastic (CUP) commodity representing an intermediate level of fire hazard. The storage height increased from 3 tiers (9.1 m) to 5 tiers (10.7 m) to 7 tiers (12.2 m) in the three tests. The sprinkler activation was initiated by a smoke detector and a ceiling temperature rise threshold. The fire location was calculated as the thermal centroid based on ceiling temperatures. A group of six sprinklers, closest to the calculated fire location, was activated simultaneously. Subsequent fire development was monitored through visual observation as well as ceiling temperature data. Test results show that the SMART sprinklers can provide adequate protection for the CUP commodities stored up to 7-tiers (12.2-m) high within a rack storage under the tested conditions. The water densities used in these tests were approximately 50% of those in existing protection recommendation. These results lay the foundation for exploring potential applications of the SMART sprinklers to Highly Challenging Fires.     

Influence of fire source locations on the actuation of wet-type sprinklers in an office fire

An experiment is conducted on a full-scale model office and an actual sprinkler system to explore the influence of fire source locations on sprinkler actuation. The office space is a brick structure that measures 5.7 m in interior length, 4.7 m in width and 2.4 m in ceiling height, and equipped with a sprinkler system. The investigated fire source (100 kW LPG burner) locations include the room center, wall centers, room corner, and other locations at different distances from sprinklers. The results show that actuation of the sprinklers is affected by the fire source locations and the heat conduction properties of the glass temperature-sensing bulb. Average actuation time of all the tests is 102 s, around 40 s faster than if the fire source is located in the room center. For fire sources in corners, sprinklers are quickly activated at the experimental time 75 s, showing concentrated hot gas flow.     

CMSA喷头动态热性能研究

采用风洞试验方法研究下垂型和直立型CMSA喷头的动态热性能,分析总结CMSA喷头的导热系数和响应时间指数的特点。导热系数由等速率升温试验计算。可以考虑采用ESFR喷头的计算公式计算CMSA喷头的导热系数和响应时间指数,采用普通洒水喷头的分类将其归入标准响应喷头的范围。     

Zur Verwendung von Sprinkleranlagen im Wohnungsbau

Employment of sprinkler systems in residential buildings. Current guidelines do not require sprinklers in residential buildings within England and Wales. Research has shown that providing sprinkler system will be able to reduce the number of deaths in fire accidents. It is assumed that in spring 2007 the guidelines within England and Wales will change and sprinkler system will be called for residential buildings over 30 m height. This article discusses the provision of sprinkler system in residential buildings and shows that they could have an important effect on the architectural layout of typical flats.     

某高架仓库火灾风险数值模拟

利用FDS对某高架仓库火灾风险进行数值模拟,并分析快速响应早期抑制喷头的控火效果,探讨机械排烟形成的负压对火灾蔓延的影响。结果表明,运用快速响应早期抑制喷头可以有效地防止火灾蔓延,而布置货架喷头可以进一步提高仓库的安全性;布置货架喷头时,货架内喷头的动作温度应比顶板喷头动作温度低;加入机械排烟时必须合理计算机械排烟量,避免负压引起新鲜空气进入火场。     

The Impact of Thermal Runaway on Sprinkler Protection Recommendations for Warehouse Storage of Cartoned Lithium-Ion Batteries

This study investigates the appropriateness of applying the standard large-scale fire test protocol developed for ordinary combustibles for energetic batteries. A large-scale fire test was recently conducted to determine sprinkler protection guidance for warehouse storage of lithium-ion batteries. The specific battery tested had a 20 Ah capacity, polymer pouch format, lithium iron phosphate chemistry and was at a typical state-of-charge (50%) for long-term storage. The batteries were packaged in single-wall corrugated containerboard cartons on hardwood pallets, as received from the supplier. Each carton contained 20 batteries separated by nested polystyrene plastic dividers. Acceptable ceiling-level sprinkler protection was achieved for 4.6 m (15 ft) tall rack storage under a 12.2 m (40 ft) ceiling using K-Factor of 320 L/min/bar^½ (22.4 gpm/psi^½), quick-response, sprinklers at a discharge pressure of 2.4 bar (35 psig). The effect that thermal runaway of the Li-ion batteries had on the design and outcome of the large-scale fire was evaluated. A focus was placed on the role of thermal runaway during three stages of the fire; ignition leading to sprinkler operation, active sprinkler protection, and conditions after the sprinkler system was turned off. An external ignition source was used in cases where induced thermal runaway, which refers to rapid self-heating of a battery under abuse conditions, did not lead to combustion of the battery contents. Through a combination of experiments and review of literature data, it was found that thermal runaway within a pallet load of cartoned batteries would result in a similar fire hazard as that associated with external ignition scenarios typically used in large-scale fire testing. Regardless of chemistry, evidence shows that fire propagation beyond the battery or carton of origin occurs external to the carton due to limited available air within the carton to support combustion. In addition, intermediate-scale testing showed that sprinkler water would be effective at suppressing a fire at a later stage of battery involvement than was achieved in the large-scale test. This work reinforces the sprinkler protection guidance resulting from the successful large-scale fire test.     

Experimental Investigation of an Office Fire with a Partially Impaired Sprinkler System

In this work, an actual office fire with a partially impaired automatic sprinkler system was investigated. As per regulations, there were four sprinklers in this model office. In the research conducted here, the first three sprinklers were actuated without water supply, while the last sprinkler was supplied with water at the required operating pressure for a period of 30 min. The fire source, a burning plastic trash can filled with 0.5 kg of paper, burned the adjacent chair, desk, desktop computer, and then reached the interior wooden furniture. The results show that the single remaining sprinkler effectively controlled the fire spread for 30 min. The partially impaired sprinkler system does not completely extinguish the fire, but extends the available time for evacuation. Continuing the discharge from sprinklers is preferable since the heat release from the fire increased after water flow was terminated.     

Sprinkler protection of manufactured homes with sloped ceilings using prototype limited water supply sprinklers

Three full-scale fire tests were conducted in a commercial manufactured home 4.3 m wide by 18.3 m long with 10° sloped ceilings. The purpose of the tests was to determine the performance of limited water supply (LWS) sprinklers under a sloped ceiling and to determine whether the minimum distance allowed between sprinklers could be reduced from 2.4 m to 1.8 m. Six prototype LWS sprinklers were installed at a spacing of 1.8 m by 2.4 m in the living room/kitchen area, which measured 4.0 m by 7.2 m. The ceiling and walls were combustible in all three tests, and the room was ventilated by three open windows. The fuel package for all three tests consisted of a vinyl-covered chair with polyurethane padding, double-layered curtains (100% polyester and 50% cotton/50% polyester), and a wooden end table. In the first test, the fuel package was placed in a corner; in the second test, along the wall under the apex of the ceiling between two sprinklers; and in the third test, along the longitudinal wall between two sprinklers. In all tests, no more than two sprinklers actuated. The flow rate with one and two sprinklers operating was 38 pm and 49 pm, respectively. Flow after the first sprinkler actuation was maintained for 10 minutes when one sprinkler actuated and for 7 minutes 40 seconds when two sprinklers actuated. The total flow in each of the three tests was 380. In all three tests, the sprinklers prevented the curtains and wall paneling from becoming involved in the fire during sprinkler operation. Tenability based on carbon monoxide concentration and gas temperature at the 1.5 m level was maintained in all three tests.     

Field test and evaluation of residential sprinkler systems: Part I

A series of full-scale fire tests involving sprinkler installations was conducted in 1979 and 1980 in a two-story residence in Los Angeles, CA, and in a mobile home in Charlotte, NC. Previous laboratory tests, including full-scale room fire tests, had indicated that a prototype “quick-response” sprinkler was effective in controlling residential home fires. More full-scale fire tests under less controlled and more operational conditions were considered necessary to confirm or deny these scientific and engineering judgments. The prime objective of the program was to test the performance of alternative sprinkler designs to “control” the development of fire in single-family dwellings and mobile homes. National Fire Protection Association Editor's Note: This paper is the first of three papers reporting on full-scale residential sprinker fire tests conducted under Grant 79027 for the U.S. Fire Administration by the National Fire Protection Association. In this paper, the objectives of the test program are outlined; the test facilities, Prototype sprinkler, water supplies, sprinkler system design, and instrumentation are described; and the scenarios for the total of seventy-six tests conducted are summarized. The second paper (February 1984 issue) will focus on the results of the test and the conclusions drawn from them and the third (May 1984 issue) will cover a study of the comparative activation times of sprinklers and smoke detectors in the mobile home tests. Mr. Cote is Assistant Vice President (Engineering & Technical Services) for the NFPA. He served as project manager for the test series insofar as the NFPA had overall management responsibilities for the program.     

自动喷水灭火系统喷头基本特征参数对比与选用分析

改善消防喷淋喷头性能及新品种的开发是为自动喷水灭火系统中的研究热点。结合喷头的流量系数、热敏指数（RTI）等各征参数及一些工程实际中的使用情况，对闭式喷头的适用场所及选用时应注意的几个方面进行了比较与说明，为设计应用项特自动喷水灭火系统时喷头的选用提供方便。     

Fire tests to evaluate CPVC pipe sprinkler systems without fire resistance barriers

Nine full-scale fire tests were conducted to assess the adequacy of exposed chlorinated poly vinyl chloride (CPVC) pipe and fitting sprinkler systems installed in light hazard occupancies. The tests were conducted in an enclosure using six different types of automatic sprinklers including QREC pendent and sidewall sprinklers, a pendent residential sprinkler, and a sidewall residential sprinkler. Two types of fires, fast growing and slow growing, were used as test fires.The sprinkler in each test was operated with the normal operation pressure until the test fire was almost completely suppressed. Next, to assess the integrity of piping systems after fire exposure, the water pressure was increased to 12.1 bar and maintained for 10 min and then were visually inspected for any leakage while hydrostatic pressure was maintained at 12.1 bar. No leakage was detected in any of the tests.The results of the tests indicate that sprinkler systems based on exposed CPVC pipe and fittings can be safely installed in light hazard occupancies and will provide adequate protection when installed to all the relevant standards.     

Response characteristics of glass bulb sprinkler heads mounted in a paint spray booth

The response of sprinklers mounted in a paint spray booth is usually influenced by paint covering the heat-sensitive element. To avoid this problem, sprinklers are often covered to prevent the paint from accumulating on the heat-sensitive element. The influence of various numbers of paint layers and different types of covers on the response time of two different types of glass bulb sprinkler heads has been investigated. Both wind-tunnel tests and large-scale fire tests were performed in the test series.It was found that covers delayed the activation of the sprinklers considerably, though a faster response was obtained with a quick response sprinkler than with a standard response sprinkler. It was found that the accumulated paint on the heat-sensitive element also affected the response time, but not nearly as much as the covers. It was also found that a paint layer covering both the glass bulb and the frame acted as a glue; the consequence was that the spray pattern of the sprinkler was considerably affected.     

Influence of fire ignition locations on the actuation of smoke detectors and wet-type sprinklers in a furnished office

Experiments were conducted in a full-scale model office equipped with movable and fixed fire loads to explore the influence of ignition source (movable fire load(s)) conditions on smoke detector and sprinkler actuation. The interior plan dimension is 5.7 m × 4.7 m and the net ceiling height is 3.3 m. Both northeast and southeast wings have a 2.1 m × 0.9 m single door to be opened. Seven fire scenarios (seven different ignited fire load configurations) under natural ventilation were investigated experimentally. The results show that the amount of fire load at the initial stage in a room fire does not markedly affect smoke generation and does not significantly impact the actuation time of the smoke detectors. When the fire source is located near a corner, the plume corner effect greatly increases; smoke detectors and sprinklers can activate quickly and effectively actuate the fire suppression. When the fire source is located in the room's center, given the uncertainty regarding smoke detector and sprinkler actuation, it may not be possible to control the fire spread.     

Environmental Impact of Automatic Fire Sprinklers: Part 2. Experimental Study

A recent study on the environmental impact of automatic fire sprinklers is documented in a two part series. The present paper examines the relationship of automatic fire sprinkler technology to environmental sustainability. Large-scale fire tests were conducted using identically constructed and furnished living rooms. In one test, fire extinguishment was achieved solely by fire service intervention, and in the other, a single residential automatic fire sprinkler was used to control the fire until final extinguishment was achieved by the fire service. Comparisons of the total greenhouse gas production, quantity of water required to extinguish the fire, quality of water runoff, potential impact of wastewater runoff on groundwater and surface water, and mass of materials requiring disposal between the two tests were made. The results show that in addition to providing life safety and limiting property damage, the use of automatic fire sprinklers is a key factor in achieving sustainability.     

Delayed Fracture of Glass Bulbs Used in Fire Sprinklers

Very rarely, glass bulb sprinkler heads activate when there is no fire or elevated temperatures. In such cases, the bulb fragments are never recovered. Speculation may arise that there was a defect in the bulb from manufacturing or installation, which led to its eventual failure. We investigated the growth of such defects using the principles of fracture mechanics and the well-known laws of slow crack growth in glass. These laws include the existence of a threshold, below which cracks do not grow at all, and above which cracks grow at a velocity that is greater than a minimum value. As a result, bulbs either never fail, or fail within a relatively short time after the crack or defect is created. Finite element and fracture mechanics analyses for a typical bulb indicates that the maximum delay is of the order of hours or weeks, not years. Experiments confirm this phenomenon. Over 100 bulbs were intentionally damaged, then placed under a constant load. A total of 44 bulbs, for which the combination of damage and load happened to be above the threshold for crack growth, failed within days (up to 36 days), while all other 58 bulbs survived over 2 years without failure. The theoretical analysis and the experiments demonstrate that fracture of sprinkler bulbs occurs relatively quickly after the introduction of a defect: if a bulb fractures in service without apparent cause, there must have been some event to damage the bulb or the sprinkler head in the days or weeks before the activation.