Experimental program to evaluate the performance of quick-acting on/off sprinkler heads
We evaluated the performance of new generation on/off sprinkler heads for potential use in water-sensitive areas with costly equipment, such as computer rooms and experiment control rooms, or for areas where fire-suppression water must be minimized, such as hazardous-materials holding areas. These sprinkler heads are reputed to respond quickly and shut off automatically when the fire is controlled or extinguished. We conducted a series of fire tests to analyze the ability of such quick-acting (QA) on/off sprinklers to extinguish or control fires of various strengths and fuel types; these tests were repeated with conventional sprinkler heads for comparison. Our results show that the QA on/off heads control or extinguish the gas burner and pool fires with minimal water discharge; however, when exposed to our 20-kg wood crib fire, one manufacturer's on/off sprinkler failed to operate properly in two consecutive tests. When the QA on/off heads did operate successfully, however, they discharged only 10-45% of the water needed by standard heads to control or extinguish the test fires. We are continuing to evaluate these devices to determine if they would be appropriate fire countermeasures in areas where minimal water discharge is required.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA). Hazards Control Dept.
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 5276941
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-94224; ON: DE86015158
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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