A deluge sprinkler system is used in areas that contain hazardous materials spread over large areas. For example, aircraft hangars, power plants, and chemical processing facilities. A deluge sprinkler system is an empty wet system where all the heads are open. This means the pipe is not prefilled with water. As a result these heads lack a fusible element that sprinkler heads on a normal wet system have. They use automatic detection to operate or release the valve, or manual intervention. The biggest difference is all the heads flow at the same time. When activated water flows from all heads attached to the system. Sometimes they use a combination of water and foam concentrate that mixes with water. Either way, it is effective in covering a large area.

Designing and Engineering

A deluge sprinkler system is unique, and you need a highly experienced contractor to design and build these systems. What makes these systems different is the sprinkler heads are always open and are triggered electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically, usually by a pull-down fire alarm. This means deluge sprinkler heads uniquely lack a fusible link. Once the alarm is pulled, water and other agents go through the pipe. Because the sprinkler heads are always open regular maintenance must be performed to make sure all the moving parts function properly.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A deluge sprinkler system is great for larger areas. They quickly apply a large volume of water or other fire suppressing agents and reduce the spread of the fire. These systems are helpful in areas where hazardous materials are stored. One downside to all the volume that a deluge system allows, is that the cleanup is typically greater than wet sprinkler systems. However, the benefits of a deluge system far outweigh the cleanup.

When considering a deluge sprinkler system, give us a call. At Valley Fire Protection, we have the experience you need to design, engineer, and build your deluge system.

Related Topics: Fire Protection