Deluge Systems

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INBAL DELUG VALVE

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F03-01-01

Deluge Systems
A Deluge System is a sprinkler piping system employing open sprinklers or nozzles, connected to a water supply through a deluge valve which is closed when in set position. There is no water in the sprinkler system pipe, and it is at atmospheric pressure. A supplemental detection system is provided throughout the same area as the sprinkler system. The deluge valve is operated manually or automatically by actuation of the detection and release systems. When the deluge valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all open sprinklers and/or nozzles in the system. In the foam-water deluge system, when the deluge valve opens, water flows into the piping system. Foam concentrate [protein, fluoroprotein, or aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)] is injected into the water, and the resulting foam solution through all sprinklers and spray nozzles simultaneously generates and distributes foam. Deluge systems, as the name implies, are intended to deliver large quantities of water over a large area in a relatively short period of time. Deluge systems are suitable for facilities that contain combustible or flammable materials. In addition, these systems are used for situations in which thermal damage is likely to occur in a relatively short period of time. Foam-water deluge systems are especially applicable in the protection of most flammable liquid hazards. Deluge Systems are used for the purpose of: ! Extinguishing fire in the protected area by discharging suitable foam-solution densities, the use of selected discharge devices, and by provision of adequate supplies of air-water at sufficient pressures. ! Prevention of fire in the protected area by manual operation of the deluge valve to discharge foam or water in case of accumulation of hazardous materials from spills to afford protection against ignition in such occupancies as garages, aircraft hangars, petrochemical plants, paint and varnish plants, or from other causes in the protected area. ! Control of fire to allow controlled burning of flammable and combustible materials where extinguishment is not practical. Exposure protection to reduce heat transfer to neighboring high hazardous areas can be accomplished by water spray or foam. Water supplies for deluge systems shall be of flow capacity and pressure capable of maintaining foam or water discharge or both, at the design rate for the required period of discharge, over the entire area. Since deluge systems produce a large volume of water, a proper drainage system should be provided in the protected area. Inbal Deluge Valves are available for: Local Resetting - Once the deluge valve operates, it is latched in an open position and will not close even if the releasing device closes. The deluge valve will close only if the Local Resetting procedure, applicable to the specific Inbal Deluge Valve in use, is exercised.In the design of the Local resetting Inbal Deluge Valve, priority was given to fast and easy reset after testing or emergency operation. Remote Resetting - The Inbal Deluge Valve can be remotely reset. The remote resetting enables quick resetting from the control panel or control room for areas which no longer need to be fire extinguished or cooled. Thus, the water resources are effectively used only in the areas which are still under emergency conditions. The Inbal Deluge Valve is designed to allow for a variety of detection and release systems: Hydraulic Actuation - A wet pilot line contains water under pressure and functions as thermal detecting and releasing device. A manual emergency valve can provide, besides automatic actuation, remote and/or local manual operation. Hydraulic actuation is the simplest and least expensive release system. Pneumatic Actuation - A dry pilot line contains air or gas under pressure, functioning as a thermal detecting and a releasing device. A manual emergency valve can provide, besides automatic actuation, remote and/or local manual operation. Installation and maintenance are usually more costly than Hydraulic Actuation. To reduce operation time, an optional accelerator may be considered. However, the Inbal Pneumatic Actuators are designed for operation at a minimal pressure drop of the dry pilot line, regardless of the water line pressure level. Electric Actuation - The electric detection system consists of heat, smoke, flame, or radiative detectors and communicates electrically with a control panel. The releasing device normally consists of a solenoid valve, which could be of power-to-open type (a back-up power source may be considered), power-to-close type (solenoid is under power in set position), or magnetic latch (impulse) type (selfmaintained position from the last control signal of a millisecond duration). A remote manual electric operation and local hydraulic manual operation are normally included. Installation and maintenance are usually more costly than hydraulic or pneumatic control. Any combination of hydraulic, pneumatic, and/or electric actuation arranged as non-interlocked or double interlocked is available. One of the most popular in the industry is: Pneu-Electric Actuation - A combination of pneumatic and electric actuation designed as non-interlocked action. The Inbal Deluge Valve will open either by operation of the dry pilot line or the electric detection system. A pressure control added feature is available on each of the actuation types (see section F06). Besides the types of deluge valves included in this book, there are many other variations as well as customized deluge valves to answer specific requirements for functional and operational conditions.

Magisco Inbal Valves Ltd. 28 High St. Tettenhall, Wolverhampton WV6 8QT,United Kingdom.Tel: + 44-1902-561-111, Fax: + 44-1902-561-113, E- mail: inbal @ inbalvl.com
March 2000 / F03-01-01-002