Predicting the Suppression Capability of Quick Response Sprinklers in a Light Hazard Scenario

Abstract

An apparatus to determine the Actual Delivered Density (ADD) of quick response and resi dential sprinklers under light hazard conditions was constructed and calibrated. The plume of a burning chair at different stages of fire development was simulated by the apparatus using five convective heat release rates: 110, 160, 250, 300 and 390 kW (6300, 9100, 14,200, 17,100, and 22,200 Btu/min). The ADD as a function of the convective heat release rate was determined for a residential sprinkler at ceiling heights ranging from 2.4 m to 4.6 m (8 ft to 15 ft). ADDs were obtained for single and multiple sprinklers installed using a 3.6 m x 3.6 m (12 ft x 12 ft ) spacing. The ADD of a 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) orifice, quick response sprinkler was determined for a single sprinkler directly over the ADD appa ratus at a ceiling height of 3 m (10 ft). Previously reported Required Delivered Density (RDD) measurements for the reclining chair allowed suppression predictions to be made. Seven full-scale fire tests were conducted to evaluate the ADD/RDD approach to suppres sion prediction. Predictions were verified in five tests; suppression, however, occurred in two tests with ADD < RDD. The results of the seven tests indicate that the ADD/RDD approach used provided a conservative means for predicting suppression.

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References

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