Automation of fire safety systems has raised the quality of fire fighting to a new level. Outdated manual counterparts are gradually becoming a thing of the past, leaving room for more efficient devices. This applies to fire extinguishing means , and to alarms that integrate seamlessly into such systems. At the same time, the installation of an automatic fire extinguishing system (ASP) requires a professional approach at every stage of its implementation. A complete arrangement of the facility with means for detecting fires and combating them includes measures for design, development and installation. In this case, it is necessary to follow technological standards, which will allow to avoid errors during the installation of equipment.
General information about ASP systems
Modern fire extinguishing systems are designed to provide complete control in the process of eliminating a fire without the direct participation of people. Depending on the used design solution, ASP can be divided into engineering complexes and individual modules. The easiest is the installation of modular type fire extinguishing systems, since they have a standardized device and are designed for typical facilities such as warehouses and industrial workshops. The installation of engineering control systems is much more difficult, since they require careful design, carrying out commissioning activities and in-depth after-sales service. Such fire extinguishing systems are more expensive, but at the same time they can be implemented at various sites and in the future provide effective localization of ignition with increased safety for property and people.
Composition of automatic fire extinguishing systems
Despite the many classes, varieties and configurations of ASPT, it is possible to distinguish a common set of elements that form their structure. In particular, the installation of an automatic fire extinguishing system involves equipping the facility with devices for detecting sources of ignition, managing the infrastructure and means of delivery of substances and materials for fire extinguishing. To detect fire, alarm detectors are used: optoelectronic, thermal, gas and other models. The delivery of extinguishing agents depends on the substance used. So, there are ASPTs operating on aerosol, gas, water, foam, powders, etc. For their delivery pipelines, nozzles, various nozzles and sprinklers can be used. The choice of a specific extinguishing agent depends on the conditions of its use. For example, in residential premises there will be special requirements for environmental safety in the operation of the system, and in production facilities efficiency comes to the forefront - especially when extinguishing wiring and explosive substances.
Sprinkler water ASPT
Water extinguishing systems are among the most common. In this case, the installation is considered, which includes a special sprinkler - the so-called sprinkler. This element is integrated into the piping system, which can be filled with air, foam or water. There are also combined models in which the supply system of the pipeline is always filled with water, and air can be used in the supply and distribution channels. Water extinguishing sprinkler systems are capable of determining the moment to carry out their work without human intervention. Initially, the sprinkler is in a closed state, which is ensured by a thermal lock. When a certain temperature in the environment is reached, the closure flask is depressurized and after 5-10 minutes the installation starts fire fighting.
Deluge water ASPT
Despite the similarity of deluge with sprinkler systems, there are many fundamental differences. Firstly, this is a different approach to detecting fire. For such systems, the fire alarm does not work due to temperature-sensitive flasks and thermal locks, but with the help of external fire detectors, that is, fire alarms with associated sensors. Secondly, the water consumption in deluge ASPT is greater, and the irrigation system as a whole is more complicated. Built-in nebulizers can dispense finely divided water in the form of droplets measuring 150 microns in size. In this case, irrigating nozzles are jet, gas-dynamic 2-phase, and can also be equipped with deflectors for splitting the jets. The most successful deluge water systems cope with the localization of fires, dividing sections into sectors, preventing the spread of thermal foci and preventing the burning of toxic substances.
Gas extinguishing
Modern ASPT, which work with the use of gas fire extinguishing compositions, can be installed both in non-residential and in residential premises. It depends on which gas is used. Recently, manufacturers have contemplated the use of compositions such as argonite and inergen, which are non-synthetic and do not have a harmful effect on the atmosphere. The quenching principle in this case is based on the replacement of oxygen, a decrease in the content of which leads to a weakening of combustion. However, the installation of fire extinguishing systems on gas mixtures should also include the factor that a sharp decrease in oxygen levels can contribute to malaise in people who are indoors. Nevertheless, the main objects where the installation of gas automatic fire extinguishing systems is recommended are non-residential premises - server rooms, libraries, museums, banks and offices. This is due to the fact that in the process of extinguishing gas material values are fully preserved.
Fire extinguishing systems design
The main task facing designers is the preparation of technical and budget documentation, which gives a description of the system and its elements in a finished form, as well as provides regulatory data for installation. The phased design of fire extinguishing systems can be represented as follows:
- A visit to a working facility by specialists.
- Determination of the optimal type of extinguishing system.
- Preparation of technical specifications and its approval by the customer.
- Development of design documentation based on technical specifications.
- Coordination of prepared documents in supervisory authorities.
- Implementation of the technical part of the project in accordance with the standards.
Graphic Design
For a visual display of the future fire extinguishing system, the development of graphic documentation is also necessary.
In this case, the authors must prepare a plan that will take into account the characteristics of the particular site where the object is located. In particular, exit routes from the territory, opportunities for access of special equipment, schemes for laying water pipes, arrangement of irrigators, nozzles, hydrants and signaling devices are indicated. If stationary fire extinguishing systems are used, the location of tanks and water tanks and pumping stations should also be considered. Mandatory are the schemes on which the paths for the evacuation of personnel, residents and material assets are indicated. Safe exit planning is carried out not only in relation to a specific building or structure, but also from the adjacent territory, within which a fire can spread.
General rules for installing fire extinguishing systems
Depending on the type of system chosen during the installation process, it may be necessary to perform electrical, plumbing and welding operations. The wizard’s work mainly involves fixing the elements of the system, as well as their connection into a common infrastructure through special nodes. The standard installation of an automatic fire extinguishing system includes the following:
- Installation of sensors, indicators and other sensitive elements that capture signs of fire.
- Integration of elements providing notification of an emergency situation.
- Installation of funds, through which storage and subsequent transfer of substances intended for fire fighting is carried out.
- The installation of atomizers directly performing the function of eliminating fire.
An important element of such systems is a fire alarm, which can act as part of the complex in the form of the above-mentioned sensors or perform a separate detector function.
Installation of water fire extinguishing
By and large, the entire technical infrastructure of ASPT is aimed at servicing the material with which the fight against fire is carried out. In the case of water complexes, the set of system components can be represented by a pumping station, a fluid reservoir, control units, piping and irrigation devices. After designing, the installation of an automatic fire extinguishing system of this type aims to correctly distribute and reduce the elements into a common complex.
The pumping station can occupy a separate room, but without fail it is isolated with fireproof screens. The optimal places for installing irrigators are ceiling surfaces and floor beams. But another principle of their integration is also possible, including the hidden one - it all depends on the fire threats in a particular room. The nodes with which the operation of the alarm and fire extinguishing system is regulated are located in a safe place where free access is provided by personnel. The pipeline and reservoir are interconnected and can be connected to the central water supply, but only subject to compliance with sanitary standards.
ASPT service
Maintenance activities can be determined even at the stage of system design. As a rule, they provide for checking the elements of the complex for the correct execution of functions and the state of the working resource. At the same time, maintenance of fire extinguishing systems involves an analysis of the conditions in which the equipment is contained. If, for example, the nature of the operation of a room or a building has changed, adjustments should be made in accordance with it in the technical part of the complex.
How much do ASPTs cost?
There is no doubt about the usefulness of modern fire extinguishing systems, but when planning to equip with such equipment, one should also prepare for significant costs. The cheapest solutions include stand-alone systems that include several modules. Systems with a powder extinguishing agent with a typical layout for a small room can cost 11-13 thousand rubles. But in most cases it is difficult to make such a decision, and the installation of a fire extinguishing system is required, the cost of which can exceed 100 thousand rubles. For this amount, the customer receives full fire protection in the form of an automatic complex equipped with alarm sensors, a modern control center and advanced functionality. The most expensive solution may be an ASPT with finely atomized water, which includes several modules united by a common control center. A similar system for equipping a trading floor can cost about 500 thousand rubles.