Sealed Fire Sprinkler for Conveyor Protection?

12/22/2022

Hi all, is anybody aware of a sealed sprinkler that is available in the market with an elongated spray pattern?

I'm looking for something specifically designed for conveyor protection.

Have tried the main manufacturers (Reliable, Tyco, Viking etc.) but nothing seems to be out there. The FM data sheet (FMDS0711) suggests that they are out there.

Many thanks in advance.

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10 Comments

Jesse

12/22/2022 08:08:29 am

I learned long ago that just because the code (NFPA or FM) suggests a certain sprinkler may be used, that doesn't mean said sprinkler exists yet, or ever will.

There are numerous sprinklers with an elongated spray pattern - think corridor protection / attic protection- but if they aren't specifically listed for the application you shouldn't use them. I'm not familiar with a sprinkler specifically listed for what you're wanting other than ubiquitous standard spray sprinklers. Other may, so good luck!

Glenn Berger

12/22/2022 08:36:59 am

I have always just used standard spray sprinklers, open or closed type based upon site specific conditions.

Franck

12/22/2022 08:38:42 am

I do agree with Jesse
Protection of conveyors is a real challenge (fast moving, combustible load possibly on the conveyor, many aggravating factors such as slope…) and deviation from existing standard installation should be avoided.

If the aim is to provide less sprinklers with a larger spacing, this does not seem to me as a good idea.

Jesse

12/22/2022 08:47:47 am

I too have always just used standard spray sprinklers. And while not part of the sprinkler discipline per se but rather the overall fire protection engineering of the facility, Glenn touched on a very important point. These are moving - usually pretty fast. We know that numerous areas of ignition creating a bunch of little incipient fires along the way that grow to become bigger fires will overwhelm the water supply pretty quick. That interlock to shut it all down on water flow is pretty critical.

Shane

12/22/2022 09:37:13 am

I agree with the above. Also, corridor and attic sprinklers are listed for light hazard use only. Conveyors are usually in ordinary group 2 and higher hazards. Stick with the Standard Spray Sprinkler Heads.

Matt C.

12/22/2022 09:42:35 am

The ONLY sprinklers I have come across that have narrow spray patterns like this are corridor/hallway sprinklers, which are obviously NOT designed for this application. They do however have crazy long coverage areas in the neighbourhood of 28'x10' or 28'x12' (see Viking VK638, Reliable RA5814, Tyco TY4282).

TL;DR - yes there are sprinklers which are designed to cover long/narrow areas, but none are for protecting conveyors (to my knowledge)

Dan Wilder

12/22/2022 10:40:27 am

I think the wording of sealed is not referring to a closed head sprinkler but sealing the opening through an enclosed conveyor. It's not a smoke/heat/fire barrier and does not have to be rated so we have utilized everything from a 2" coupling rubber turned inside-out over a 1.5" pipe to having their sheet metal guys cut a horseshoe out of scrap and Tek screw it to the shroud

We have used Viking Model E Nozzles (any nozzle MFG will due) to spray bearings, rollers, and motors (upper and lower) with a deluge system interlocked to the electrical controlling that conveyor. When overhead tunnel protection was required, it would be either a deluge system with standard spray sprinklers or nozzles depending on the height/width of the tunnel.

Tyco has the TN-25 sprinkler for tunnels (not quite this application I think), other than that I don't know of a wider than longer throw pattern available for conveyers.

Just leave a bag of the nozzle caps with the owner for their maintenance guys, they will appreciate you.

Alex

12/22/2022 02:09:20 pm

As others have mentioned, I do not believe there is an extended spray sprinkler for this application.

Dwight Havens

12/24/2022 02:34:42 pm

I would like clarification of the meaning of "sealed". If it means closed head, the use of directional nozzles, like the Tyco EA-1 may be appropriate. If looking at an open head nozzle, a Tyco D3 might work. Other manufacturers also may have them in their catalogs.

Phil Watkins

12/28/2022 03:46:43 am

Hi all and many thanks for the input on my question. Just to clarify, I did mean a sealed sprinkler (i.e. thermal bulb or soldered strut) as opposed to an open nozzle.

The reason for the specific question on whether there was a sprinkler with an elongated spray pattern was not to necessarily keep the number of sprinklers low, but was more about an more efficient distribution of the water delivered so that more or it lands on the conveyor as opposed to outside of it.

The conveyors in question are non-inclined, elevated and more than 10m from the roof sprinklers. The use of sprinklers as opposed to water spray is already specified and permitted by NFPA 850. The use of water spray on inclined conveyors is provided already for those conveyors.

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Sealed Fire Sprinkler for Conveyor Protection?

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