Best Way to Limit "Sprinkler Loading" on Install?

9/25/2023

We have a project in Geelong, Australia, where the product that is bulk-stored within the building makes for an extremely dusty environment when it is unleaded.

Sprinkler protection is proposed to protect the building - but I wanted to ask the question about "excessive loading of sprinklers".

What's the best option to minimize the loading on the sprinkler?

NFPA 25 mentions this, of course, but our code in Australia does not mention this term but does state that the sprinklers need to be visually checked annually, and suggests that a more stringent maintenance routine be in place for these environments.

The bulk product is phosphate rock and it typically used for the fertilizer manufacturing plant across the road.

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe

9 Comments

Dan Wilder

9/25/2023 07:53:13 am

Is there a ceiling or is this an exposed structure/conveyor/covered tunnels?

If permitted for the hazard, there are concealed sprinklers with gaskets around the perimeter of the cover plate for use within ceilings.

If exposed or the ceiling will not allow concealed installation, possibly use NFPA 13-22' for "Protective Coverings" and install Cellophane bags (0.003"/0.08mm thick). Orientation of sprinklers or use of intermediate shields to lessen the impact of settling debris may also be an option.

Any use of conveyors with protection systems, including any deluge type sprinkler systems will need covers/plugs in addition to any coverings used above.

On the facilities side, I see several articles concerning dust suppression and mitigation along with preventative measures from within NFPA 68, 70, 77, 654 (as references, not sure what are the adopted AS standards would be comparable)

Michael de Gabriele

9/30/2023 11:32:28 pm

Hello All

Firstly I really appreciate the comments provided to the issue I have here in Australia.
The Building is a massive warehouse, no ceiling. It is essentially a bulk storage shed.
I am finding it extremely difficult to convince the client that sprinkler protection as a means to provide additional fire fighter protection.

The roof height of the buildings vary between 16-22m and to have cellophane bags over every sprinkler I can see could be impractical.

The other option "Orientation of sprinklers or use of intermediate shields to lessen the impact of settling debris", would you be looking at pendant sprinklers with water shields for example?

Once again, appreciate the comments

Kind Regards
Michael de Gabriele
Fire Protections Engineer

kimberly olivas

10/6/2023 09:52:56 am

Dan Wilder pretty much nailed the solution that is acceptable by code.

Jose Pinies link

9/25/2023 10:00:46 am

Just for having new comments

Casey Milhorn

9/25/2023 11:17:24 am

Dan nailed it. I never thought about a deluge system in an environment like this and the use of some type of plug. Never ran across that. Would you use something similar to an ear plug? Something that would stay in place, but provide very little resistance to water flow? Interesting.

Dan Wilder

9/25/2023 11:47:50 am

Something similar to this, they are sprinkler specific.

https://www.vikinggroupinc.com/sites/default/files/documents/020107.pdf

https://www.vikinggroupinc.com/sites/default/files/documents/021105_0.pdf

Jesse

9/25/2023 12:57:28 pm

Basically what Dan said.

I'd also look at a dust collection / prevention system.

WC Boyte

9/28/2023 03:42:37 pm

In addition to paper or cellophane bags over each head, to help reduce the accumulation of dust on the head, you can install appropriately rated oscillating fans at the ceiling. One provider/product is SonicAire Dust Control Fans (www.sonicaire.com).

Quentin M Maver

11/29/2023 10:19:29 am

Is dust collection system and option?

Leave a Reply.

Home
Our Cause

The Blog
The Forum

PE Exam Prep
The Toolkit
MeyerFire University

Pricing
Login
Support
Contact Us

MeyerFire.com is a startup community built to help fire protection professionals shine.
Our goal is to improve fire protection practices worldwide. We promote the industry by creating helpful tools and resources, and by bringing together industry professionals to share their expertise.

MeyerFire, LLC is a NICET Recognized Training Provider and International Code Council Preferred Education Provider.
All text, images, and media Copyright © 2016-2024 MeyerFire, LLC

We respect your privacy and personal data. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence.

Discussions are solely for the purpose of peer review and the exchange of ideas. All comments are reviewed. Comments which do not contribute, are not relevant, are spam, or are disrespectful in nature may be removed. Information presented and opinions expressed should not be relied upon as a replacement for consulting services. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a small commission for orders placed elsewhere.

Best Way to Limit "Sprinkler Loading" on Install?

Leave a Reply.

ALL-ACCESS

SUBSCRIBE

COMMUNITY

YOUR POST

PE EXAM

FILTERS

ARCHIVES

PE PREP SERIES