Avoid In-Rack Sprinklers for Pre-Action Storage?

1/7/2021

We have a project where we're not sure about how to address protection of movable storage racks.

The cold storage facility requires a double-interlock pre-action system where the temperature can reach down to -4 deg F (-20 deg C). The storage consists of movable racks, 39 feet (12 m) tall, with a roof height of 46 feet (14 m).

Our biggest concern would avoiding in-rack sprinklers, since the racks are intended to be moveable.

Our understanding is that NFPA 13 considers movable racks as multiple row racks but there's not clear guidance there. We looked into ESFR as an option, but believe ESFR are not listed to be used with a pre-action system.

Is there a recommended solution/design path for ceiling-only protection on a double-interlock pre-action system?

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9 Comments

Wayne Ammons

1/7/2021 08:27:44 am

I have designed a number of cold storage facilities but I have a few questions concerning your particular scenario, one being what is the commodity being protected? Feel free to email me at txa@wiginton.net and I may be able to offer some guidance.

Matt Cogswell

1/7/2021 09:06:45 am

QUELL is most likely your best solution however I am not sure that moveable rack are permitted.

Dan Wilder

1/7/2021 09:10:13 am

Have you looked into the Quell Systems by Tyco? This sounds like a prefect scenario to utilize them.

http://tycofpp.com/quell

Justin Harrison

1/7/2021 09:13:54 am

We used to install Quell Systems at my old company. They would provide the best overhead protection with the highest roof and storage heights with no need for in racks. I do believe there was some certification process and fairly large fees that needed to be paid through Tyco to become a certified installer of these systems. I've installed many of them myself but that's about all i know on the back end of things.

Wayne Ammons

1/7/2021 09:48:17 am

This is correct, the individual or company must go through the process with Tyco (Johnson Controls) to become licensed to design/install Quell systems.

Brian Gerdwagen FPE

1/7/2021 02:38:42 pm

Use another system. Preaction for storage is not great. The fire gets too large before the second detection confirms the fire.

If the entire building is cold, use a Quell system (as said before), dry system, or antifreeze.

A wet system with dry pendent storage sprinklers is the best solution for a cold storage box within a building.

Wayne Ammons

1/7/2021 02:52:57 pm

I would be remiss if I did not point out that Tyco's "Quell" is not a system, but a methodology employing a surround and drown concept. Both dry and preaction systems can be designed utilizing the Quell methodology. Personally, I have only ever seen preaction systems utilizing the Quell design.

Jesse

1/7/2021 03:02:00 pm

Depending upon you commodity, Tyco Quell may be your best solution.

http://tycofpp.com/quell

Sarah Swan link

1/11/2021 11:22:20 am

Will you have solid shelving (i.e. - loads blocking the required flue spaces)? If so, it will be very difficult to avoid in-rack sprinklers without a variation from the code officials. In addition, be aware that changes have been proposed to NFPA 13, 2021 edition (and have previously been made to FM Global Data Sheet 8-9) that impact the provision of in-rack sprinklers where sufficient flues and aisle spaces are not provided due to solid shelving concerns. If you have any questions about how these would impact you, please reach out to me at sarah@the-fpi.com.

Avoid In-Rack Sprinklers for Pre-Action Storage?

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