EP1702655A1 - Système d'essai amélioré de sprinklers - Google Patents

Système d'essai amélioré de sprinklers Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1702655A1
EP1702655A1 EP06251429A EP06251429A EP1702655A1 EP 1702655 A1 EP1702655 A1 EP 1702655A1 EP 06251429 A EP06251429 A EP 06251429A EP 06251429 A EP06251429 A EP 06251429A EP 1702655 A1 EP1702655 A1 EP 1702655A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
switches
pump
sensor
sensors
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Application number
EP06251429A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Gary Richard Noble
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication date
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Publication of EP1702655A1 publication Critical patent/EP1702655A1/fr
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/50—Testing or indicating devices for determining the state of readiness of the equipment

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a test system, apparatus and method for sprinkler systems installed in domestic or commercial premises, and more specifically to an improved test device for testing particular critical components of sprinkler systems which are adapted to be actuated in the event of a fire, and yet further specifically to a means of testing such components without causing full-scale actuation of the sprinkler system as a whole.
  • Automatic sprinkler systems are installed in a wide variety of buildings, either as a result of mandatory compliance with legislation, or as a security measure to prevent property damage and/or fatalities in buildings which can be regarded as fire hazards, or may be maliciously set alight.
  • buildings may be commercial, industrial, or, less frequently, domestic, but in any sprinkler system, it is usual for the system to comprise more than a single sprinkler head, usually disposed in the ceilings of the various rooms or areas within a building.
  • the sprinkler heads in the system are interconnected, usually in parallel configuration by means of pipework which is in turn fed from a system pump which supplies the extinguishing liquid, usually water, to the various sprinkler systems.
  • a system pump which supplies the extinguishing liquid, usually water, to the various sprinkler systems.
  • sensor or transducer which is capable of recognising or detecting changes in the atmosphere in the particular room in which that particular sprinkler head is disposed.
  • the sensor provided may be capable of detecting the presence of heat, light, smoke or noxious or toxic gases, these being indicators of the presence of a fire.
  • the sensors are adapted to detect heat or a marked increase in atmosphere temperature. Once any one sensor disposed either integrally within, adjacent, or proximate the sprinkler head, or indeed any sensor anywhere in a particular room but nevertheless in communication with the activation mechanism of the sprinkler system, determines that a fire is present in a particular area, the sprinkler system is caused to be activated as hereinafter described.
  • the extinguishing fluid within the pipework supplying the sprinkler heads is typically maintained within a predetermined design operating pressure range, commonly in the region of 3-10 Bar, although this is a matter of design dictated at least in part by what is to be protected and where it is located.
  • a predetermined design operating pressure range commonly in the region of 3-10 Bar, although this is a matter of design dictated at least in part by what is to be protected and where it is located.
  • a jockey pump (as opposed to a main pump) is provided in the system to ensure that the system pressure is maintained.
  • This pump is supplied from a reservoir and is provided with a sensor which monitors the pressure in a particular section of the sprinkler system. Pipework can often develop leaks, and therefore jockey pumps of this type are considered essential.
  • the pump is energised if the pressure drops below a predetermined pressure level by means of a pressure sensitive switch controlling the jockey pump. It is arranged that in the presence of a sufficiently intense or large local heat source, the seal of an adjacent sprinkler head will break, thus reducing the pressure in the system below the predetermined value and energising the jockey pump. More than one sprinkler head may respond in such manner to the heat source.
  • the jockey pump itself is sufficient to maintain a supply of liquid thereto at a sufficient pressure.
  • additional main pumps which are energised successively as the sensed pressure falls below a corresponding sequence of reduced pressure levels, so as to maintain the flow of liquid to the sprinkler heads.
  • sprinkler systems do not simply have a single pump, but an array of pumps which are provided in case one or other fails in a live fire event (resulting in catastrophic building and contents loss).
  • FIG. 1 A schematic layout of a typical installation which provides for the testing of three separate pump initiation assemblies 10 is shown in Figure 1.
  • a pump initiation test assembly 10 of the layout of Figure 1 is illustrated in Figure 2 and more schematically in Figure 3 for ease of understanding.
  • the installation illustrated in Figure 1 includes a jockey pump 22, and two further pumps 22a and 22b.
  • the inlet 23 of each pump is coupled by pipework 24 to a common reservoir or other source of sprinkler liquid, and the pump outlets 25 are coupled by pipework 26 to a sprinkler array.
  • Each pump is controlled by a respective electrical unit 27 including a starter, each unit being coupled to receive the output of a pressure sensitive switch 15 of the respective pump initiation test assembly 10.
  • the installation is designed and set up so that as the pressure in the sprinkler system falls the jockey pump 22 is initially started, and thereafter pump 22a and 22b in succession.
  • the jockey pump also operates to maintain the pressure in the system when no sprinkler heads are in operation, and it is only when sprinkler heads are operating and the sensed pressure falls to first and second predetermined levels progressively lower than the design working pressure that the pumps 22a and 22b are successively activated.
  • each pump initiation test assembly 10 comprises a central section 11 of piping between a normally open ball valve 12 and a normally closed gate valve 13.
  • a flow restrictor 20 is located between the ball valve 12 and the central section 11.
  • Coupled to the central section 1 1 are a pressure gauge 14 and a pressure sensitive electrical switch 15, for example operated by a diaphragm, piston or another suitable pressure driven actuation mechanism, sensing the pressure in pipework 11, which is thus the effective pressure in the system pipework as the other side of the ball valve 12 is coupled by pipework 16 to the sprinkler installation.
  • the other side of the gate valve 13 is coupled to pipework 19 which is common to all assemblies 10 and which leads to a drain.
  • An optional arm sealed with a plug 20 also couples into the section 11.
  • a small bore loop 17 forms a bypass around the ball valve12 and restrictor 20, and includes a one-way valve 18 permitting flow only in the direction of arrow 18a towards pipework 16. While it is preferred to have the loop 17 and valve 18 in each of the assemblies 10, if desired the valve may be omitted from the assembly 10 which controls the jockey pump 22, while retaining the loop 17.
  • the operator closes the ball valve 12 of a selected assembly 10. Since gate valve 13 is normally closed, the pressure in the pipework 11 between the valves 12 and 13 remains at the pressure in the sprinkler installation. The operator now opens the gate valve 13 to allow the pressure to drop slowly until pressure (as shown by gauge 14) drops to a critical level at which the switch is operated, this being detected by any means known. Should the critical level be outside of specification, the switch is adjusted and the assembly re-tested after having been brought up to the pressure in the sprinkler installation once more. Alternatively, but less desirably at least in respect of a final setting, the operator may bring the pressure in the pipework 11 within a specified range by opening and closing the valve 13, thereafter adjusting the switch to its switching point.
  • the presence of the one-way valve 18 permits liquid flow if the pressure in the sprinkler system or pipework 16 falls, so that the switch and pump will still be operated.
  • a pump initiation test assembly for a sprinkler system in which there are provided at least a pair of pressure sensors provided in the same test section of pipework within said assembly and communicating with the same chamber containing pressurised fluid within said pipework, said pressure sensors having associated therewith at least two switches whose state changes simultaneously when the fluid pressure within said chamber becomes less than an adjustable pressure threshold of the sensor, a first of said switches of each sensor being electrically connected to at least one pump so as to cause actuation thereof when the fluid pressure within said chamber changes to a value greater or less than said threshold, characterised in that the first switches of each sensor which are electrically connected to said pump are effectively connected in series such that the actuation of either of said switches causes actuation of the pump, and further characterised in that the second switches of each sensor are electrically connected, substantially electrically independently of said first switches, to display means capable of indicating which of the particular sensors is actuated during a test when the fluid pressure becomes less than said threshold.
  • first switches in each pair might be connected within the same overall circuit as the second switches in each pair, the desired effect is that the actuation of either of the first switches in each pair results in a different action to that caused by the actuation of the second switches of each pair of switches associated with said pressure sensors.
  • the result of the first switch actuation is independent to that of the second switch actuation.
  • both switches of both sensors are actuated when the fluid pressure in the chamber falls below said threshold value, and further preferably the threshold values of each sensor are set to different values to ensure that one of the sensors, and thus the particular pair of switches associated with that sensor, is actuated before the other.
  • the display means is a simple light suitably mounted and located, preferably proximate the test assembly, and in another embodiment, the apparatus comprises electrical detection means communicating with each pressure sensor and/or associated switches, and memory means associated therewith for storing snapshot information relating to the operation of said sensors, said display means including a display panel on which said snapshot information can be viewed.
  • the pressure threshold value at which the pressure sensors are configured to be actuated is slightly different so that during any pressure drop test, the apparatus automatically identifies which of the two sensors was actuated by means of a light or through information displayed on the display panel.
  • both switches associated with each sensor are identical in that their states change in an identical and simultaneous manner when the pressure sensor is actuated.
  • the switches of the sensor having the higher of the two threshold values will be actuated first.
  • Such actuation will open the circuit in which the first switches of each of the two sensors are wired, and the pump will start automatically.
  • the display means will indicate that this particular sensor was actuated because the second switch changes state as well as the first, and thus the display means can be illuminated (in the case of a simple light being provided) or updated with relevant information (in the case of a display panel being provided).
  • both the switches of the second sensor having the lower pressure threshold will be actuated.
  • the actuation of the switches will have no effect as regards the fist switch which is electrically connected to the first switch of the first sensor and the pump because the pump has already been started as a result of the above.
  • the actuation of said switches is still relevant for the display means, which can be illuminated (or updated) to clearly show that the second sensor was actuated.
  • test operators can quickly establish the functioning of test assemblies.
  • the apparatus includes both digital display means and illuminatable display means, most preferably in the form of lights whose illumination or lack thereof indicates that a particular pressure sensitive switch was correctly actuated or did not actuate.
  • the memory means of the apparatus is further capable of receiving information concerning the day, date, and time of a particular switch actuation, the chamber pressure at which that actuation occurred, and furthermore, it is preferable that such snapshot type information is capable of being stored for a large number of individual, separate pressure drop tests.
  • the apparatus preferably stores at least the last pressure drop test results so building inspectors, fire officers and the like can verify that each switch operated on the day of the weekly fire sprinkler test.
  • the invention can prove that the switch is wired correctly, has power and that the switch operates. It cannot verify that the pump has started-this is done by means of the weekly drop test done by an operative. The operative must note the pressure that each switch operated and that they would have worked if the other one failed.
  • Jockey pumps in sprinkler systems are often used to maintain the system pressure in the event of a leak, and they also operate first in a fire situation. If a jockey pump does not work when it is required, a fire or main pump will start, and in the light of the fact that the main pumps in conventional installations are linked to the fire brigade by remote alarm, their activation often results in a fire brigade call out. This is inconvenient and can also be expensive. The apparatus of the present invention prevents this from occurring.
  • Jockey pump failure is often due to:
  • the apparatus of the present invention is capable of monitoring both of these conditions enabling installers to see a snapshot of the system parameters, in particular the jockey pump pressure switch activity and pressure readings, for example once a week, when they revisit site to perform the weekly drop test. If the panel indicates a fault it will offer further evidence in the way of; time of fault and duration or number of faults. With this information and engineer may be able to rectify the system prior to a failure and unnecessary cost and downtime of the system. Volt free contacts may be used in the apparatus enabling a signal to be run to the building management system to warn of the problem when it occurs.
  • FIG. 4 a schematic representation is shown wherein the two pressure sensors 15A, 15B each have associated therewith two identical and simultaneously operable electrical switches (not shown).
  • the first switch of each pair of switches is electrically connected together effectively in series in a circuit with the pump such that the actuation of the pressure sensor associated with either of these switches causes the actuation of the pump.
  • the second switch of each switch pair is wired independently of the first switch of the particular pair and feeds display means in the form of a programmable logic controller (PLC) 40 (which may include simple light display means) or most simply, a light. It is envisaged by the applicant that a suitable (PLC) may include data capture, processing and display purposes.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • the second of the two pressure sensors attempts to trigger the jockey pump (as is soon to be required by law), and again (redundantly as a result of said pump already having been actuated by the above) the communication between the second sensor and the jockey pump is achieved indirectly through the apparatus 40.
  • the actuation of the second pair of switches therefore achieves nothing as far as said pump is concerned, but nevertheless causes illumination and/or data capture indicative of the fact that the second sensor was actuated.
  • the apparatus which is essentially an information, logging and basic display apparatus, said information being basically a snapshot of the characteristics of the fluid pressure in the conduit 11 at the time of actuation, and also the time and date of that actuation.
  • This information is stored in the apparatus for later inspection for both pressure sensors, and basic lights 42-46 provide an indication of apparatus power, and also which of the two pressure sensors 15A or 15B was actuated first as the pressure drop test was carried out.
  • the electronic component may be housed within the apparatus which can be locked so that access can be gained thereto only by those with relevant keys, and furthermore the electronic device may include a simple LED screen by which the information concerning the various tests performed over a predetermined period (for example a month or two) may be viewed thereon. Additionally, the device may allow for connection of a computer which may then be able to download the information for analysis.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Fire-Extinguishing By Fire Departments, And Fire-Extinguishing Equipment And Control Thereof (AREA)
EP06251429A 2005-03-17 2006-03-17 Système d'essai amélioré de sprinklers Withdrawn EP1702655A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0505462A GB0505462D0 (en) 2005-03-17 2005-03-17 Improved sprinkler test system

Publications (1)

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EP1702655A1 true EP1702655A1 (fr) 2006-09-20

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EP06251429A Withdrawn EP1702655A1 (fr) 2005-03-17 2006-03-17 Système d'essai amélioré de sprinklers

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GB (1) GB0505462D0 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103071269A (zh) * 2013-01-30 2013-05-01 中国电子科技集团公司第三十八研究所 一种新型消防自动末端试水系统
US9453505B2 (en) 2012-06-07 2016-09-27 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Methods and systems for monitoring a power supply for a fire pump motor
US9482220B2 (en) 2012-06-07 2016-11-01 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Dual redundancy in fire pump controllers
US10179256B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2019-01-15 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Fire pump room system integrator
US10240593B2 (en) 2011-03-04 2019-03-26 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Systems and methods of controlling pressure maintenance pumps and data logging pump operations
DE102022115300A1 (de) 2022-06-20 2023-12-21 Mecon Gmbh Druckschaltvorrichtung, Wasserlöschanlage und Verfahren zum Start eines Pumpentestlaufes

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5982274A (en) * 1995-05-16 1999-11-09 Master Control Systems, Inc. Paperless pressure and alarm recorder
GB2347721A (en) 1999-03-11 2000-09-13 Gary Richard Noble A coupling unit for use in constructing a pump initiation test assembly
US6273686B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2001-08-14 A. Roemheld Gmbh & Co Kg Apparatus and method for controlling a rated system pressure
GB2375301A (en) * 2001-05-01 2002-11-13 Atlas Fire Engineering Ltd Fire control/extinguishment system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5982274A (en) * 1995-05-16 1999-11-09 Master Control Systems, Inc. Paperless pressure and alarm recorder
US6273686B1 (en) * 1999-01-29 2001-08-14 A. Roemheld Gmbh & Co Kg Apparatus and method for controlling a rated system pressure
GB2347721A (en) 1999-03-11 2000-09-13 Gary Richard Noble A coupling unit for use in constructing a pump initiation test assembly
GB2375301A (en) * 2001-05-01 2002-11-13 Atlas Fire Engineering Ltd Fire control/extinguishment system

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10240593B2 (en) 2011-03-04 2019-03-26 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Systems and methods of controlling pressure maintenance pumps and data logging pump operations
US9453505B2 (en) 2012-06-07 2016-09-27 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Methods and systems for monitoring a power supply for a fire pump motor
US9482220B2 (en) 2012-06-07 2016-11-01 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Dual redundancy in fire pump controllers
CN103071269A (zh) * 2013-01-30 2013-05-01 中国电子科技集团公司第三十八研究所 一种新型消防自动末端试水系统
US10179256B2 (en) 2013-03-13 2019-01-15 Asco Power Technologies, L.P. Fire pump room system integrator
DE102022115300A1 (de) 2022-06-20 2023-12-21 Mecon Gmbh Druckschaltvorrichtung, Wasserlöschanlage und Verfahren zum Start eines Pumpentestlaufes
DE102022115300B4 (de) 2022-06-20 2024-08-14 Mecon Gmbh Druckschaltvorrichtung, Wasserlöschanlage und Verfahren zum Start eines Pumpentestlaufes

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Publication number Publication date
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