How Best to Sprinkler Hot Washdown Areas?

11/23/2021

We have a project with exposed sprinklers and pipe in a washdown area that is for full sterilization with 100+ degree water.

What are the best practices used to prevent accidental sprinkler from the hot washdown water, if any?

We also have a space with waterproof (sealed) walls and ceilings using pendents and sidewalls - any tips on good practices for a room like this?

On the fire alarm side, we've found plastic cover/guards that will provide a reasonable level of protection from the washdown. I appreciate any design suggestions, thanks.

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7 Comments

Alex

11/23/2021 06:40:21 am

Hi,

What does 100+ entail? Ordinary sprinklers (orange or red bulb) have a temperature rating between 135-170 degrees but should be installed in areas with a maximum ceiling temperature of 100 degrees. Using 100-110 degree water, in my opinion, would not cause an issue if it is for a short period of time and does not cause significate steam buildup.

As far as preventing accidental opening of the sprinkler, you can purchase escutcheon covers to install over the sprinkler during washdown. Before doing so, have a discussion with the AHJ/ Fire Department since you are impairing the system. Personally, I would see no issues.

Same would go for the waterproof room.

Link to Escutcheons: https://argco.com/4510071-prot.html?gclid=CjwKCAiAv_KMBhAzEiwAs-rX1HqK9aE9wtM9wFXN6ZOyWdl4sKeiYB1UMrgTtgtwXUM1otndlJuU1xoC8oQQAvD_BwE

Thanks,
Alex

Rusty Scott

11/23/2021 09:17:28 am

100 degree Fahrenheit water, potentially up to 130 degree Fahrenheit water max

Glenn Berger

11/23/2021 08:18:24 am

My recommendation would be to install 200F sprinklers.

I am concerned with the guards over the detectors. Why are detectors be furnished in spaces with sprinklers? And can these guards that prevent accidental activation be left in place after the sterilization operations?

Rusty Scott

11/23/2021 09:18:18 am

guards are for notification devices not detection devices

Shane

11/23/2021 08:33:14 am

Not to be over technical with this situation and adding extra work and cost. Would just using the 3mm cellophane baggies we use for spray paint booths be sufficient. The air temp should remain safe for the sprinkler link and protect the sprinkler from corrosion. Also, it was mentioned the system is exposed so there are no existing escutcheons for the plastic cover to attach to, right?

Dan Wilder

11/23/2021 08:33:26 am

Couple of items to note:

Piping - Powder coated, sealed (epoxy), or stainless due to the wet nature of the area, stay away from galvanized.
Fittings - (grooved), I would stay away from anything threaded.
Hangers - may need to go with stainless rod & rings and thread only what's needed (straight bar with an inch of threads to engage the knurl nut.
Sprinklers - White poly or stainless is a must, wax covered if available. Temp can be into the Ultra-high side (500F+ for a 350F degree environment) but you can likely get away with a 286F for a 225F degree environment without an issue (water sterilization occurs between 180-200 degrees F). Maybe error on the side of caution and install Extra High (325-375F).

Preventing accidental spray should not be an issue with the proper temp sprinkler but I'm sure there are preaction systems available to handle this (not worth the money in my opinion, if the room is being sprayed down the cost of anything in the room is negligible). Maybe suggest a tampered valve to section off the room (similar approach to a paint booth)

As for the water sealed rooms, same approach as above (leave the wall sealing to others!).

I would not recommend covers for the sprinklers at all. The less they are touched, the better.

Jesse

11/23/2021 08:41:04 am

I've seen and protected various iterations of hot wash rooms, and have seen multiple configurations. So not really sure how yours is presented.

We use Ordinary Temp. sprinklers in areas where ceiling temps would be less than 100-deg F. If your concern is temps above 100-deg F at the ceiling, then using intermediate temp sprinklers should resolve it.

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How Best to Sprinkler Hot Washdown Areas?

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