When a fire starts, every second counts. A small fire can turn into a massive calamity in no time. This is the reason Fire Protection Systems are so important.
Most people are familiar with standard sprinklers, which spray water only in the area of the fire. However, in certain locations, this simply isn’t enough. In high-challenge areas, it is possible for fire to spread too quickly for a standard system to keep under control.
And that’s where a deluge system comes into play. It is more powerful, faster, and a stronger option for handling the most challenging fire applications. Let’s take a look.
What Makes a Deluge System Different?
With a standard sprinkler system, each head operates independently from one another. Only the head closest to the fire opens. The other heads remain closed, in order to save water and prevent damage.
A deluge system has open nozzles instead of closed heads. The water is only held back by a special deluge valve. When a fire is detected, the valve releases the water, and it rushes out through all of the nozzles at the same time.
The result? The area is saturated with water within seconds. It’s like a sudden wall of water is created to prevent an escalation and stop fire spread.
How It Works
This is the process in simple steps:
- Fire detection sensors read smoke, heat, or flames.
- A signal is sent to the deluge valve.
- Water fills the pipes when the valve opens.
- Water sprays from every nozzle – all at the same time.
Rather than waiting for heat to break a glass bulb as with one sprinkler, the entire system activates at once (faster and with more power).
Where Are Deluge Systems Used?
Deluge systems are not found in every office building or apartment. A deluge system is the right fit for occupants in spaces where a fire can spread in seconds and create life-threatening danger.
Examples include:
- Aircraft hangars (potentially with fuel).
- Chemical plants (fires can grow with explosive results).
- Oil and gas plants (stored flammable liquids).
- Power plants (machinery and fuel provide high fire risk).
In these spaces, using a traditional sprinkler system would likely be too slow. The Deluge system provides immediate, massive response.
Advantages of a Deluge System
The primary advantage of a deluge system is its speed. When a fire is detected, water is applied immediately to the entire area.
The other advantage is the area of coverage. Regardless of the origin of the fire, the system will provide total flooding of the area, thereby eliminating the chance of the fire spreading.
The deluge system also provides added safety in environments with hazardous materials. By slowing the progression of the fire, it allows people time to egress and firefighters time to respond.
Challenges to Consider
Of course, no system is perfect. There are some limitations to the deluge system.
It applies a tremendous amount of water. If there is a low risk of fire, it can cause more damage by the water than by the fire itself. Because of the multitude of components, they must be inspected periodically.
This is why the professionals typically only install deluge systems where the risk for fire is high. A wet pipe system is ordinarily sufficient for typical office or home use.
The Importance of Maintenance
A deluge system should always be operational. This is why maintenance is critical.
The detection system should be tested frequently. The valve should be inspected to ensure it opens. Pipes and nozzles should be clean, and free of blockages. One must also ensure that there is a reliable water source.
Most facilities will have a qualified inspection of the system at least once a year to maintain the system in peak condition.
Why They Are Important
Take a moment to consider how fast fire spreads in an area with fuel, gas, or chemicals. Normal sprinkler systems may not respond quickly enough. It is situations like this, when a deluge system may avert disaster.
In this case, it can do more than spray water. It can hold the fire at bay. It can help people escape to safety. It may help preserve property. It can provide firefighters with time.
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