CENTER FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES

UNIVERSITI TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA

PROJECT
HYDRAULIC (DAC21003)
SEMESTER 2 SESSION 2019/2020

TOPIC:
FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM

GROUP DETAILS:

NO. NAME MATRIC NUMBER

1 NUR MUWAFIQQAH BINTI FEKRIRAZI AA180018

2 NUR AIN SYAHIRAH BINTI MAHYUDDIN AA180800

3 RAFIUDDIN IRSYAD BIN RASID AA182116

4 MUHAMMAD DANIEL IEZZWAN BIN AHMAD FAIRUS AA181004

LECTURER:

………………………… …………….. ………………

STAMP & SIGNATURE DATE MARKS
 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

1.0 INTRODUCTION

A firefighting system is probably the most important of the building services, as

its aim is to protect human life and property, strictly in that order. So, in this project
we just focus on pipes sprinklers.

It consists of three basic parts:

1. A large store of water in tanks, either underground or on top of the building,

called fire storage tanks.
The amount of water present in the fire storage tanks is determined by the
project's degree of threat. Most building codes have at least three levels: light hazard
(such as schools, residential buildings and offices), ordinary hazard (such as most
factories and warehouses) and high hazard (places where flammable materials are
stored or used, such as foam factories, aircraft hangars, paint factories, fireworks
factories). The building code in inquiry lists which type of structure falls into each
category. The amount of water that should be stored is usually given in hours of
pumping capacity. The tanks are made large enough in a system with a capacity of
one hour to provide the fire with water for a time of one hour when the fire pumps are
plugged in. For example, building codes may require light hazard systems to have one
hour’s capacity and high hazard 3 or 4 hours capacity.  

Water is normally contained in underground concrete tanks. It is essential to

ensure that this water store is always full so it must have no outlets apart from those

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

led directly to the fire pumps. These tanks are separate from the tanks used to supply
the occupants with water which are usually referred to as domestic water tanks. Also,
designers will try to make sure that the water in the fire tanks does not stagnate and
develop algae that could block the pipes and pumps, making the system in a fire
useless.

2. A specialised pumping system

In general, fire pumps are located in a pump room very close to the fire tanks.
The main aspect is that the pumps should be positioned just below the bottom of the
fire tank, so that all of the water in the tanks will flow gravitationally through the
pumps.

Figure 1.1 An electric fire pump located in a fire fighting pump room.

Like all major systems, backup pumps must be installed in case the main pump
fails. There is an electric main pump, an electric backup pump, and a diesel-powered
second backup pump, which is common in case the electricity fails. Each of these
pumps is individually capable of pumping the necessary quantity of water-they are
identical in ability.

A fourth type of pump is called a jockey pump, too. There is a small pump
connected to the system that turns on continuously to maintain the proper delivery
system pressure, which is usually 7 Kg / cm2 or 100 psi. If somewhere in the system

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

there is a small leakage the jockey pump will switch on to compensate for it. Each
jockey pump has a backup, too. The pressure sensors control the pumps. When a fire
fighter opens a hydrant, or a sprinkler comes on, water gushes out of the system and
the pressure drops. This drop is observed by the pressure sensors and the fire pumps
turn on.

The pump capacity is calculated by taking into account a variety of factors some of
which are:

 The region occupied by sprinklers / hydrants

 Number of Sprinklers and Hydrants

 Assumed area of sprinkler service

 Construction type and layout

3. A large network of pipes ending in either hydrants or sprinklers (nearly

all buildings require both of these systems)

A fire hydrant is a vertical steel pipe with an outlet, next to which two fire hoses
are placed (A fire hydrant in America is called a standpipe). Fire fighters can go out to
the outlet during a fire, break open the hoses, add one to the outlet, and open it
manually so that water streams out of the hose's nozzle.

Figure 1.2 : Stand pipe

A sprinkler is a nozzle attached to a pipe network, and mounted just below a

room ceiling. Each sprinkler has a small glass bulb in it, with a liquid. This ampoule
usually blocks water flow. The liquid within the bulb will become hot in a blast. It

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

then expands, and shatters the glass bulb, eliminating the barrier and allowing the
sprinkler to spray water. The biggest difference between a sprinkler and a hydrant is
that a sprinkler would automatically come on in a storm. Skilled firefighters have to
run a fire hydrant manually-it cannot be powered by the laymen.

Typically, a sprinkler can be triggered quite quickly in a fire-likely before the fire
department is told about the fire and is therefore quite successful in putting out a fire
in the early stages, before it grows into a large fire. A sprinkler device is also known
to be very effective at putting out fires before they spread and become unmanageable.
According to America's NFPA, in the mid-1980s, hotels with sprinklers experienced
78 per cent less fire property loss than hotels without in a survey.

Following the types of sprinklers system:

1) Wet Pipe System

Water is in the pipes at all times with the wet pipe system and is released when
the seal in the sprinkler head ruptures heat. This is the most popular method and is
valid where it is not affected by freezing. The water from triggered sprinklers cannot
completely extinguish a fire, requiring help from fire fighters. A downside of these
systems is that a leak or impact can lead to water flow and property damage.

Figure 1.3 : Total concept of the wet-pipe automatic sprinkler system

Wet pipes have water right up to the heads of the sprinkler: the pipes are "wet."
The head of the sprinkler includes a metal (usually in older sprinklers) or a tiny glass

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

bulb intended to melt or crack at a specific temperature. When that occurs, the head of
the

Sprinkler opens, and water flows. If the temperature of the trigger reaches, each head
will open independently.

Figure 1.4 : Bulb Sprinkler Head

The figure shows the head of a bulb type sprinkler and the bulbs come in different
colours, showing the ceiling temperature that will cause the bulb to burst and open the
head of the sprinkler.

This chart from the fire safety standards indicates the colour of the bulb and the
respective operating temperature.

2) Dry Pipe System

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

The second most popular form of sprinkler system, the dry pipe systems. Dry
pipe systems are built in spaces where the ambient temperature in a wet pipe system
can be cold enough to freeze the water, making the device inoperative. Dry pipe
systems are most commonly used in unheated buildings, in parking garages, in
outdoor canopies attached to heated buildings (in which there would be a wet pipe
system would be provided) or in refrigerated coolers. In regions using NFPA
regulations, wet pipe systems cannot be installed unless the range of ambient
temperatures remains above 40 °F (4 °C).

When the system works, water is not present in the piping; rather, the piping is
filled with air at a pressure below the pressure on the water supply. To prevent the
greater water supply pressure from unnecessarily pushing water into the piping, the
nature of the dry pipe valve (a modified type of inspection valve) results in greater
force on top of the inspection valve clapper by using a larger valve clapper region
exposed to the piping air pressure compared to the higher water pressure but smaller
clapper surface.

Figure 1.5 : Fire sprinkler control valve assembly

When one or more of the automatic sprinkler heads are triggered, this opens
allowing the sprinkler to vent the air in the piping. Each sprinkler works
independently, since its temperature rises above its threshold of control. The pressure
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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

difference around the dry pipe valve varies as the air pressure in the piping decreases,
allowing water to reach the piping system. Water flow from sprinklers, required to
regulate the fire, is delayed until the sprinklers vent the air. In regions that use NFPA
13 regulations, the time it takes to hit the hydraulically controlled sprinkler from the
moment it activates the sprinkler is limited to a maximum of 60 seconds. This is
known in industrial practice as the "Full Water Distribution Time", the maximum
time of water delivery may be required to be reduced, depending on the hazard
classification of the area protected by the sprinkler system.

Disadvantages of using dry pipe fire sprinkler systems include:

 If the sprinklers use the same standpipe system as the standpipe system that
supplies fire hoses, then the supply of water to the fire hoses will be significantly
decreased or even entirely curtailed.

 Increased complexity: Dry pipe systems require additional control equipment and
components for air pressure supply which increase the complexity of the systems.
It places a emphasis on careful maintenance, since this rise in system complexity
results in an overall system which is potentially less robust (i.e. more single
failure points) compared to a wet pipe system.

 Increased response time for fire: Since the piping is empty at the time the
sprinkler works, there is an unavoidable delay in supplying water to the sprinklers
that have been running as the water is flowing from the riser to the sprinkler,
partially filling the piping throughout the process. The regulatory criteria usually
permit a maximum of 60 seconds from the time a single sprinkler opens until
water is discharged onto the fire. This delay in the suppression of fire results in a
greater pre-control fire which increases property damage.

3) Deluge System

"Deluge" systems are systems in which all sprinklers connected to the water
piping system are opened to remove, or specifically designed as such, the heat sensing

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

operating element. These systems are used for special hazards in which the rapid
spread of fire is a concern, as they provide a simultaneous application of water over
the entire danger. They are often mounted in egress paths of staff or building openings
to delay fire movement (e.g. openings in a fire-rated wall).

Water in the piping is not present until the machine is in service. Due to the
opening of the sprinkler orifices the piping is at atmospheric pressure. A "deluge
valve" is used in the water supply connection and is a manually latched valve to
prevent the water supply pressure from pushing water into the piping. It is a non-reset
button, and once tripped, it remains open.

Since the heat sensing elements present in the automatic sprinklers have been
removed (resulting in open sprinklers), a fire alarm system must open the deluge
valve as signalled. The type of fire alarm initiating device (e.g. pilot sprinklers, smoke
detectors, heat detectors, or optical flame detectors) is selected mainly based on the
hazard. The initiation device signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn indicates
opening of the deluge valve. Activation can also be manual, depending on the
objectives of the system. Manual activation normally occurs through an electrical or
pneumatic fire alarm pull station, signalling the fire alarm panel, which in turn
indicates opening of the deluge valve.

Operation-The activation of a fire alarm initiating device, or a manual pull

station, indicates the fire alarm panel, which in turn indicates the opening of the
deluge valve, allowing water to enter the piping. Water flows out simultaneously from
all sprinklers.

4) Pre-action System

Pre-action sprinkler systems are designed for use in environments where

accidental activation is especially undesirable, such as in museums with rare works of

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

art, literature, or books; and data centres for computer equipment safety from
accidental water discharge.

Pre-action systems are hybrids of wet, dry, and deluge systems, depending on the
exact system goal. There are two main sub-types of pre-action systems: single
interlock, and double interlock.

The operation of single interlock systems is similar to dry systems in that such
systems require that a "preceding" fire detection event, usually the activation of a heat
or smoke detector, occur prior to the "action" of the introduction of water into the
piping of the system by opening the pre-action valve, which is a mechanically latched
valve. In this way, the system is transformed basically from a dry system to a wet
system. The goal is to reduce the unnecessary time delay in the delivery of water to
sprinklers inherent in dry systems. If the sprinkler is running or the piping device
develops a leak before fire detection, loss of air pressure in the piping may cause a
trouble warning. In this case, the pre-action valve will not open due to loss of
supervisory pressure, and water will not enter the piping.

The operation of double interlock systems are similar to deluge systems except
that automatic sprinklers are used. Such systems require both a "precedent" fire
detection case, usually the activation of a heat or smoke detector, and an automated
sprinkler operation before the "action" of the injection of water into the piping of the
device. Activating either the fire detectors alone or sprinklers alone without the other's
simultaneous operation does not allow water to reach the piping. Since water does not
reach the piping before a sprinkler works, in terms of water distribution times, double
interlocking systems are considered to be dry systems, which thus require a larger
design region.

5) Water Mist System

Water mist systems are used for special applications where it is determined that
the primary purpose is to produce a heat absorbent vapor. Usually this form of device

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

is used where water damage can be a problem, or where water availability is reduced.
NFPA 750desc ribes water mist as a spray with a droplet size of 'less than 1000
microns at the optimum discharge operating pressure nozzle. The droplet size can be
managed via a nozzle of a fixed orifice size, by changing the discharge pressure.

Equivalent amount of water can produce a greater total surface area that is
exposed to fire by producing a mist. The greater total surface area better facilitates
heat transfer, enabling faster transformation of more water droplets into steam. Due to
the exposed surface area, a water mist which absorbs more heat than water per unit
time will cool the room more effectively and thus reduce the flame temperature.

Operation - Water mist systems can work as deluge, wet pipe, dry pipe, or pre-
action systems with the same features. The difference is that a device of water mist
uses a compressed gas as an atomizing medium, pumped through the sprinkler pipe.
Some devices use a high-pressure pump instead of compressed gas to pressurize the
water so it atomizes when it exits the sprinkler nozzle. Systems can be applied using
local application method or total flooding method, similar to Clean Agent Fire
Protection Systems.

2.0 CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

A sprinkler is a nozzle attached to a network of pipes, and installed just below the
ceiling of a room. Each sprinkler head is attached to a pipe that connects to a reliable
water source outside the building. Fire sprinklers work because high heat triggers the
sprinkler system.

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

Figure 1.6 : Build up for sprinkler

Step 1 : When a blaze ignites, the air directly above it heats rapidly. This hot air
rises and spreads along the ceiling. When the air is hot enough and reaches a sprinkler
head, it triggers a chain reaction.

Figure 1.7 : Hot air rises to the ceiling

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

Step 2 : Every sprinkler has a small glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid in
it. This bulb normally blocks the flow of water.

Figure 1.8 : glass bulb filled with a glycerin-based liquid in sprinkler

Step 3 : In a fire, the liquid in the bulb will become hot. It will expand and shatter
the glass bulb when it comes in contact with air heated to between 57 and 68 degrees
celsius.

Figure 1.9 : Glass bulb shatter due to hot air

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

Step 4 : It will activate the head and causing water to spray from the sprinkler.

Figure 1.9 : Water spray out from the sprinkler

Step 5 : When heat activates a sprinkler head, a valve opens allowing pressurized
water from the pipe system to flow out. It is important for water in a fire sprinkler
system to be pressurized. This allows the water to spray outward in an arc to more
thoroughly douse the fire and prevent it from reigniting.

The fire sprinkler activation will provide approximately 900 litres/min (250 US
gallons/min). A typical sprinkler used for industrial manufacturing occupancies
discharge about 75–150 litres/min (20–40 US gallons/min). However, a typical Early
Suppression Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler at a pressure of 50 psi (340 kPa) will
discharge approximately 380 litres per minute (100 US gal/min). In addition, a
sprinkler will usually activate within one to four minutes of the fire is start.

3.0 TECHNOLOGY
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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

1) Dry Sprinklers

Dry sprinklers are designed for use in areas where the sprinkler may be subjected to
freezing conditions. Dry sprinklers may be used in dry systems, where the entire area
being protected is subject to freezing, and wet systems, where a small portion of the
area being protected is subject to freezing. 

Until activated, dry pipe sprinkler systems are typically filled with nitrogen gas or
pressurized air instead of water.  Dry pipe systems are ideal for fire protection in areas
such as parking garages, loading docks, balconies and canopies, unheated storage
facilities, and water sensitive areas where pipes are likely to freeze under cold
conditions.  

2) Special Sprinklers

Reliable special sprinklers are designed to protect unconventional and challenging

areas such as attics and combustible concealed spaces, metal structures, MRI rooms,
high-security and mental health institutions, hallways, and more. Each special
sprinkler is designed to produce effective, efficient coverage while providing superior
fire protection for highly specific use cases.  

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

4.0 ISSUE

Fire sprinkler system reliability is critical to the safety and security of your
building and occupants. Malfunctions or piping system issues come in variety of
forms. Some of the most common issues are scaling and corrosion of metal fire
sprinkler system and failure to maintain operational status of the system.

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

First of all, the scaling and corrosion build up in metal piping. Water can be
corrosive to metal piping if it falls outside of a neutral pH and impurities in the water
can lead to scaling issues. Scale is build-up of minerals on the pipe surface. As
minerals drop out of the water and attach to the piping surface, the pipe opening
constricts. The constriction limits water flow and increase the pressure loss. Corrosion
take place when charged ions within the water attract ions from the metal surface.
This process will effect parts of the metal surface and eventually lead to pieces flaking
off. These issues can restrict water flow, weaken the piping material and joints,
increase pressure loss and cause leaks to form.

Furthermore, generally an adequate water supply is an essential and critical part

of any sprinkler system. This is the primary cause of fire sprinkler failure. The water
supply valve could be shut down for any variety of reasons including routine
maintenance, building construction or demolition, system impairment or improper
valve installation. With any portion of the sprinkler system out of service, the smallest
fire will quickly grow beyond the sprinkler systems capabilities.

5.0 RECOMMENDATION AND CONCLUSION

In recommendation, how common nowadays that fire sprinklers are and how long
it have been use in a building with a fire protection. Since the first fire protection
systems were installed, the strength, durability, and extreme resistance to heat
exhibited by black steel has made it the traditional leader of the fire sprinkler pipe
market. With a melting point that falls between, steel pipe can withstand the heat of a

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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

burning building and keep water flowing onto a fire. Steel pipe is suitable for all fire
protection systems. It’s easily formed, bent, and fabricated, enabling it to be
manufactured into various sizes, shapes, and configurations. But steel pipe have a
major flaw, they are more susceptible to corrosion than any other fire sprinkler system
pipe material, and damage can begin as soon as a system is installed it is also make it
lifespan used short. The presence of water, oxygen, and metal creates the ultimate
breeding ground for rust to form.

We can prevent it, or extend the pipe lifespan by replacing pressurized air with
nitrogen in dry systems by eliminating a critical leg of the corrosion triangle. There is
also another recommendation such as galvanized steel pipes are coated with zinc.
Since zinc is more reactive than steel, it’s intended to serve as a sacrificial material
when corrosion strikes, creating a protective layer of scale build-up while protecting
the piping underneath. The news was widely accepted that the NFPA considered a
requirement that all steel pipe used in dry sprinklers systems be internally galvanized.
The distribution system consists of steel or galvanised steel pipes that are painted red.
These can be welded together to make secure joints, or attached with special clamps.
When running underground, they are wrapped with a special coating that prevents
corrosion and protects the pipe.

In conclusion, fire sprinklers are effective in extinguishing or containing fire

because how fast it react after a fire breaks out. It reduce the risk of injury and death
because they extinguish flames, heat and smoke from spreading. Fire sprinkler
systems give peoples the time needed to evacuate the building. It can reduce property
damage because it contain or extinguish the fire before the fire department arrives.
Fire sprinklers are one of the best tools we have to fight fires at the early stages. As to
add, by using the right pipes is essential to fire sprinkler's ability to control and
extinguish a fire. Steel is commonly used as fire sprinkler system pipe material that is
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 Faculty : CENTRE FOR DIPLOMA STUDIES
Department : CIVIL ENGINEERING
Title : FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM (SPRINKLERS PIPE)

a good choice in many applications, as long as the potential for corrosion is

accounted.

6.0 REEFERENCES

Web

1. https://www.reliablesprinkler.com/sprinklers/

2. https://www.explainthatstuff.com/firesprinklers.html

3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_sprinkler_system

4. https://www.guardianfireprotection.com/blog/how-do-fire-sprinklers-work

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