FT 27 AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER

DRENCHERS
OBJECTIVE 1. To explain the purpose of drenchers installed their types and operation.

REFERENCE 2. Manual of Fireman Ship Book 9.

CONTENTS 3. Introduction. While a sprinkler system protect a building from internal fire, drenchers are placed on roofs and over windows and external openings to protect the building from damage by exposure to fire in adjacent premises (see Fig.1). 4. Drencher System. A drencher system is comprised of water heads somewhat similar to these of sprinklers; these may be sealed or unsealed (open drenchers), may be controlled by quick-opening valves operated by less of air pressure in a detector line system in a similar manner to high velocity water spray system. 5. Drenchers are of 3 main types: a. b. c. Roof drenchers. Wall drenchers. Window dranchers.

Fig.1 A Typical Drencher System

6. Roof Drenchers. Roof drenchers (Fig.2a) have a deflector rather similar to that of a sprinkler head. From the roof ridge they throw a curtain must be protected. 7. Wall Or Curtain Drenchers. Wall or curtain drencher (Fig.2b) throw water to one side only of the outlet in the form of a flat curtain over those openings or portions of building most likely to admit fire in order to cover all combustible portions of a wall, it is the usual practice to put a line of drenchers just below the caves of this contain flammable material, and to fit every window or opening the top two storey with a drencher. Those below this level except the ground floor and basement are fitted on every alternative storey.

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8. The drenchers must be fitted so that the streams from water curtain which must come in contact with the window 600 mm from top. A special use for this type of drenchers is on the stage side of a theater proscenium arch to protect the safety curtain. 9. Window Drenchers. Window drenchers (Fig.20) are used to protect window openings. They are placed horizontally level with the top of the window, with a deflector 100 mm from the tail of the deflector, a jet is thrown inwards on to the glass near top of the window, while two streams are directed at an angle of 45 degrees to the lower corners.

Fig.2 Types of Drencher (a) Roof (b) Wall/Curtain (c) Window Drenchers. 10. Water Supply. The installation should be connected to a nominally unlimited water supply with a pressure sufficient to give at least 0.34 bar at the level of the highest drencher will the 50 mm drain valve fully open. A fire brigade inlet should provide on the basis of one connection for installation of 55 heads and under, and two connections for installations of overheads. These inlets should be fitted with a non-return valve should the normal supply pipe. 11. Valves. The controlling valves must be located in accessible positions on or near ground level and away from fire risk of the exposing hazards. A padlocked or riveted strap must be used to secure the valves in the appropriate position. The position of each valve and the drenchers it controls must be clearly indicated by a wall plate. Not more than 72 drenchers may be controlled by a single controlling valve. 12. Spacing of Drencher Heads. Drenchers fitted on the top row below the caves and those on the apex of the roof, must have maximum horizontal spacing of 2.5 meters. Windows or other openings, or combustible materials in wall exceeding 2.5 M in width must be protected by two or mare drenchers not more than 2.5 M apart, and not more 1.25M from the window jambs. Windows separate by not more than 12 drenchers may be fixed on any horizontal line of pipe, and not more than six on one side of the vertical feed pipe. 13. Discharge. Drenchers may be either open or scaled. Open drenchers are operated simultaneously by the opening of the main valve, while the sealed type are individually actuated in the same way as a sprinkler head. Sealed drenchers differ little from sprinkler heads except in the shape of the deflector plate. They normally operate on the alternate system and are more economical in the use of water then open drenchers, since only those heads operate which are required and the pressure in consequence is maintained more efficiently. 14. Drainage. All pipes are fitting above the controlling valves must be so arranged that the water can be drained away, a 20 mm controlling valve. 16. In an open drencher system, the drain tap must always be kept open except when the drenchers are in operation. A full-way 50 mm waste valve and pipe must also be installed below the controlling valve or valves, so that the running pressure tests can be carried out at any time. 170