Performance Capabilities of Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems

Russell P. Fleming, P.E. Managing Director, International Fire Sprinkler Association APUCI, Montevideo, Uruguay November 2015 Colectiv Nightclub Fire

 Bucharest, Romania  30 October 2015  48 people killed  163 people injured  4 November – 20,000 protest in streets  5 November – Romanian Prime Minister Ponta and Bucharest District Mayor Piedone resign from office; Piedone later arrested Nightclub Tragedy Fire Scenario

Description of a tragedy: . Crowded . Security concerns limit exits . Use of alcohol affecting judgment . Rock band using pyrotechnics . Ignition of foam soundproofing Two Similar Fires – 10 Years Apart

2013 – Kiss Nightclub, 2003 – Station Nightclub, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil West Warwick, RI, USA Similarities in the Two Fires

Station Nightclub, Warwick, RI, USA Kiss Nightclub, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil 21 February 2003 27 January 2013 Ignited by band pyrotechnics Ignited by band pyrotechnics Rapid spread on exposed foam Rapid spread on exposed foam Limited exit options Limited exit options No fire sprinklers No fire sprinklers Tragic loss of life – 100 dead Tragic loss of life – 233 dead Why Automatic Fire Sprinklers?

. Automatic sprinkler systems are known to be the best single feature of fire protection available, and are able to make up for a wide range of other fire protection deficiencies. How Do Fire Sprinklers Work? . Sprinkler systems contain water under pressure, typically held back by liquid-filled glass bulbs . Heat from a fire expands the liquid until it shatters the glass bulb, opening the waterway and distributing water . Heat from a fire only activates the nearest sprinklers(s), extinguishing the fire or keeping it small Fire Sprinkler System Arrangements

Feed Main Suction Tank Branch Lines Automatic Sprinklers Waterflow Cross Main Alarm Hanger Riser

Fire Pump Lead-in Sprinkler Control (Isolation) Valve Fire Department Connection

Private Fire Main Divisional . SprinklerBackflow systems Preventer (Vault) can be supplied(Sectional) with water from city mains, storageValves tanks with pumps, or pressure tanksPublic Water (Underground) Main

The Sprinkler System Advantage . Unlike smoke detection systems, smoke control systems or other systems that simply react to a fire, automatic sprinkler systems act to extinguish or control the fire, preventing it from becoming dangerous. Would Sprinklers Have Saved Lives?

. Because of concern that fire sprinklers would not have operated fast enough to save lives from the fast spread of fire on exposed foam in the Station Nightclub, tests were conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as part of their investigation of the fire.

NIST Reconstructed the Fire Area

. The stage area was rebuilt and tests conducted as similar as possible to the actual fire, which had been filmed by a television crew the night of the tragedy.

NIST Test Compartment

R A I S E D F L O O R A L C O V E M A I N 2.7 m F L O O R 3.1 m 1.1 m 1.56 m

0.74 m

3.8 m 0.4 m

2.4 m 2.44 m 3.8 m 7 m 5.94 m 2.3 m

NORTH DOOR OPENING 0.9 m wide x 2 m high

Temperatures: Sprinklers vs. No Sprinklers

800

Ceiling 700 Un-sprinklered

C ) 600 o

500 Ceiling Sprinklered 400

300 1.4 m above floor Approximate Un-sprinklered o Temperature ( 200 lethal limit 120 C

100 1.4 m above floor Sprinklered 0 0 50 100 150 200 Time (s) CO: Sprinklers vs. No Sprinklers

6

1.4 m above floor Approximate 5 Un-sprinklered lethal limit 4%

4

3

2 1.4 m above floor Sprinklered 1 Carbon Monoxide (volume (volume %) Monoxide Carbon

0 0 50 100 150 200 Time (s) Available O2 : Sprinklers vs. No Sprinklers

25

20 Approximate 1.4 m above floor lethal minimum 15 Sprinklered 1.4 m above floor 12% Un-sprinklered 10 Oxygen (volume %) (volume Oxygen 5

0 0 50 100 150 200 Time (s) NIST Experimental and Modeled Times to Untenability (per Purser at Station C)

Temperature > Heat Flux > 2.5 kW/m2 Oxygen < 12% 120o C No Sprinklers Experiment 76 seconds 61 seconds 87 seconds FDS Model 72 seconds 57 seconds 80 seconds With Sprinklers Experiment Always < 24o C Always < 0.32 kW/m2 Always > 20.6% FDS Model Always < 22o C Always < 0.15 kW/m2 Always > 18.8% FDS View – Non Sprinklered FDS View - Sprinklered Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

An automatic sprinkler system can be expected to:

Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

An automatic sprinkler system can be expected to: 1. Prevent flashover in the room of fire origin

Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

An automatic sprinkler system can be expected to: 1. Prevent flashover in the room of fire origin 2. Limit the fire size to no more than 1 MW, and

Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

An automatic sprinkler system can be expected to: 1. Prevent flashover in the room of fire origin 2. Limit the fire size to no more than 1 MW, and 3. Prevent flames from leaving the room of origin

Fire Sprinkler System Capability

In the United States in the 1990s, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was required to state the capabilities of an automatic fire sprinkler system and presented the following:

An automatic sprinkler system can be expected to: 1. Prevent flashover in the room of fire origin 2. Limit the fire size to no more than 1 MW, and 3. Prevent flames from leaving the room of origin Other than preventing the fire in the first place, there is no other fire protection measure that can do this

Where Are Sprinklers Required in U.S.?

 All new high-rise buildings  All new public assembly buildings of size, including nightclubs serving more than 100 people  All new nursing homes and other health care  All new stores and warehouses over 1200 m2  All new hotels and apartment buildings  Many existing buildings with life safety risks Growth in Annual Sprinkler Usage in the United States and Canada 1975-2000

4 4 2.9 3.5 3 2.6 2.2 2.5 Growth of 2 1.4 1 Sprinkler 1.5 Market 1 Based on 0.5 1975 = 1 0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 . Fire Death Comparisons Fire Death Rates per Million Population 40 Canada 35 U.S. 30 U.K. Japan 25 Sweden 20 15 10 5 0

77 79 81 83 85 87 89 91 93 95 97 99

The increased use of fire sprinklers helped the U.S. and Canada bring their fire death rates down to some of the lowest in the world Fire Sprinkler Results (1989 -1998 NFPA)  Average reduction of civilian fire deaths in specific occupancies: – Manufacturing 60% – Stores and offices 74% – Health care 75% – Hotels and motels 91%  Average reduction of property loss in specific occupancies: – Stores and offices 53% – Manufacturing 60% – Health care 66% – Public assembly 70%

Fire Sprinkler Results

 In general, fire data shows the ability of sprinklers to reduce fire deaths and property loss by at least one-half to two-thirds  Data indicates ability of sprinklers to reduce fire deaths in residential occupancies at least 74% International Fire Sprinkler Association "to promote and enhance the business of manufacturing and installing fire sprinkler, water spray and water mist systems and devices in all buildings, from homes to high-rise, worldwide, with the highest degree of competence and professionalism, for the purpose of saving lives and protecting property.”

IFSA Goals

 Development of National and Regional Organizations to Promote Proper Use of Fire Sprinklers  Development of Information Systems to Protect Product Integrity and Industry Identity  Delivery of Training and Education  Enhancement of Codes, Standards and Legislation Support of Other Organizations

 National Fire Sprinkler Network (UK)  Residential Sprinkler Association (UK)  Sprinklerfrämjandet (Sweden)  European Fire Sprinkler Network – Including country managers for Netherlands, France and Germany  British Automatic Fire Sprinkler Assn (UK)  ABSpk (Brazil)  AMRACI (Mexico)  ANRACI-Colombia Sprinklers Installed Worldwide (millions) Sprinkler Usage by Continent Sprinkler Usage by Continent IFSA Goal 2: Product Integrity

 To protect the excellent record of fire sprinkler system performance, we must be on guard against: – Counterfeit products – Noncertified products

Product Integrity Concerns

• Use of counterfeit or non-certified products in a fire protection system can compromise the safety and

protection afforded by the system.

Product Integrity Concerns

• Use of counterfeit or non-certified products in a fire protection system can compromise the safety and

protection afforded by the system. • To ensure that fire sprinkler systems will continue their record of high performance, component products should be certified by a reputable, independent certification organization.

Product Integrity Concerns

• Use of counterfeit or non-certified products in a fire protection system can compromise the safety and

protection afforded by the system. • To ensure that fire sprinkler systems will continue their record of high performance, component products should be certified by a reputable, independent certification organization. • Users should confirm that the product is authorized to have the certification mark, since counterfeiting is a large and growing problem within the global marketplace.

Dangers of Non-Certified Sprinklers

Sprinkler sample was exposed to 800°C (1470°F) for 3 minutes. Sampl started melting within 60 seconds.

Deflector (steel), cap Frame (brass) and loading screw (steel). Recent UL Tests of Installed Non-Certified ESFR Sprinklers

 Deflectors did not have suppression capability  Sprinklers utilized now- prohibited O-ring seals  Heat responsive elements activated slowly or not at all Fire Sprinkler Standards

 Product Standards – Contain requirements and test methods for fire sprinklers and related equipment, and are developed by the certification bodies

 Installation Standards – Contain requirements for design and installation of sprinkler systems using components that meet acceptable product standards Hazard Classes of Sprinkler Standards

CEN 12845 NFPA 13

Light Hazard Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard 1 Ordinary Hazard Group 1 Ordinary Hazard 2 Ordinary Hazard Group 2 Ordinary Hazard 3 Extra Hazard Group 1 Ordinary Hazard 4 Extra Hazard Group 2 High Haz. Production 1 High Haz. Production 2 High Haz. Production 3 High Haz. Production 4

High Hazard Storage High Piled Storage

40 Years of Improvements

 Tremendous gains since the 1975 introduction of hydraulic design to NFPA 13 40 Years of Improvements

 Tremendous gains since the 1975 introduction of hydraulic design to NFPA 13  Hydraulic calculations allowed sizing the piping for a system based on the strength of the water supply as opposed to the previous “one size fits all” pipe schedule system 40 Years of Improvements

 Tremendous gains since the 1975 introduction of hydraulic design to NFPA 13  Hydraulic calculations allowed sizing the piping for a system based on the strength of the water supply as opposed to the previous “one size fits all” pipe schedule system  The use of hydraulic calculations is considered to have reduced system costs by up to 40 percent overall, with most of that savings from smaller pipe sizes NFPA 13 Design Rules  NFPA 13 provides requirements for water demand – The number of sprinklers to be provided with water simultaneously, and the minimum pressure or flow from each sprinkler.  NFPA 13 provides requirements for pipe friction calculation method – The use of the Hazen-Williams formula with pipe friction factors assigned based on type of system and pipe material.

System Piping Configurations

Tree Loop Grid

Complex piping arrangements can increase efficiency but generally require the use of computerized hydraulic calculations How Much Water is Needed? . Based on the rules of NFPA 13, a minimum application rate of 0.1 gpm/sq ft (4.1 mm/min) is required for nightclub occupancies, for a time period of 30 minutes. If ceiling heights do not exceed 10 ft (3 m), a minimum water application area of only 900 sq ft (84 m2) is needed. How Much Water is Needed? . Based on the rules of NFPA 13, a minimum application rate of 0.1 gpm/sq ft (4.1 mm/min) is required for nightclub occupancies, for a time period of 30 minutes. If ceiling heights do not exceed 10 ft (3 m), a minimum water application area of only 900 sq ft (84 m2) is needed. . Even with inefficiencies of distribution, this means that a water volume of as little as 3,000 gallons (12,000 liters) would be satisfactory. How Much Water is Needed? . Based on the rules of NFPA 13, a minimum application rate of 0.1 gpm/sq ft (4.1 mm/min) is required for nightclub occupancies, for a time period of 30 minutes. If ceiling heights do not exceed 10 ft (3 m), a minimum water application area of only 900 sq ft (84 m2) is needed. . Even with inefficiencies of distribution, this means that a water volume of as little as 3,000 gallons (12,000 liters) would be satisfactory. . A pressure tank used for supplying a fire sprinkler system is usually one-third air and two-thirds water, meaning that a pressure tank as small as 4,500 gallons (18,000 liters) might be used. Where Are Tanks Used in the U.S.?

. In rural areas with no public mains . Where public mains have insufficient flow . In high buildings divided into vertical zones . As secondary supplies for redundancy . As secondary supplies for post-earthquake reliability NFPA 22 – Standard on Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection

. First published in 1909 as standard on gravity tanks . Other types added in 1913 . Pressure tanks mentioned in 1915 . Heating criteria added in 1922 . American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard specifications for riveted steel elevated tanks and standpipes first published in 1933 Types of Tanks

. Elevated tanks on towers or building structures (gravity tanks) . Tanks at or below grade (suction tanks) . Pressure tanks Elevated Tanks

Pressure = 0.433 psi/ft x elevation in ft Elevated Tanks Suction Tank

System Riser

Tank

Pump Suction Tanks Pressure Tank

Air - generally 1/3 of volume System Riser

Water - generally 2/3 of volume Pressure Tank Sizing Pressure Tanks

1) Determine system demand 2) Determine duration 3) Tank size (water portion) = demand x duration 4) Choose total tank size

Sizing Pressure Tanks (cont.)

5) Calculate the pressure for the tank using the formula: Pi = ((Pf +1)/A) – 1

where Pi = tank pressure in bar

Pf = required system demand pressure in bar A = proportion of air in tank 6) If the required tank pressure is above the pressure rating for the tank, select a larger tank to increase the proportion of air and lower the required tank pressure

1. Determining System Demand

. Determine sprinkler to be used based on application, including hazard . Determine the minimum required flow for the most

demanding sprinkler (Qmin) . Determine the total number and arrangement of sprinklers in the design area

65 1. Determining System Demand

. Determine sprinkler to be used based on application, including hazard . Nightclubs are considered light hazard, and typically use quick response standard orifice K= 5.6 (Km = 80) sprinklers

66 Km = 80 Standard Orifice QR Pendent

Km = 360 Km= 200 Pendent ESFR Pendent ESFR

67 1. Determining System Demand

. Determine sprinkler to be used based on application, including hazard . Determine the minimum required flow for the most

demanding sprinkler (Qmin) . Sprinklers are available that can cover up to 40 m2 each, but pressure requirements increase with coverage area

68 1. Determining System Demand

. Determine sprinkler to be used based on application, including hazard . Determine the minimum required flow for the most

demanding sprinkler (Qmin) . Determine the total number and arrangement of sprinklers in the design area . This will depend on the proposed spacing in combination with minimum design area per the rules of the standard used

69 NFPA 13 Density/Area Curves

Any point on the appropriate curve is allowed

70 NFPA 13 Density/Area Curves

Most economical for light hazard = 4.1 mm/min over 139 m2

71 NFPA 13 Design Area Adjustments

. Quick Response Sprinklers in Light and Ordinary Hazard . Can reduce area 25% to 40% depending on ceiling height . Wet pipe (water-filled) system only . 6.1 m maximum ceiling height . No unprotected ceiling pockets . No less than 5 sprinklers in design area . Can be less than 139 m2 (often will be) Quick Response Sprinkler Design Area Reduction Ceiling Height vs. Percent Reduction For ceiling height < 3 m Reduction is 40% 40% (139 m2 is reduced to 83.4 m2)

30% For ceiling height of 6.1 m Reduction is 25% 20% For higher ceilings No reduction allowed

5 sprinkler minimum

3 m 6.1 m Flow Through an Orifice

Q = Km P

 Q = flow in lpm

 Km = constant dependent on orifice size and shape  P = pressure in bar NFPA 13 Standardized Sprinkler Km Factors Nominal K-Factor (lpm/bar 0.5) Thread Type 20 ½” NPT 30 ½” NPT 40 ½” NPT 60 ½” NPT 80 - standard ½” NPT 115 ½” NPT or ¾” NPT 160 – minimum ESFR ½” NPT or ¾” NPT 200 ¾” NPT 240 ¾” NPT 280 1” NPT 320 1” NPT 360 – largest currently made 1” NPT 400 1” NPT Orifice Flow Example 1

 How much water will flow from a

standard orifice sprinkler with a Km factor of 80 operating at 3 bar?

Q = k P Q = 80 3.0bar =139lpm Orifice Flow Example 2

 What pressure is needed to get 200 lpm

from a sprinkler with a Km factor of 80 ?

Q = k P 2 2  Q   200lpm  P =   =   = 6.25bar  k   80  Pipe Flow and Losses

 Primary energy loss in fluid flow in pipes is due to friction between fluid and pipe wall – energy is converted to waste heat  At low velocities, fluid flows smoothly in laminar flow  At critical velocity, motion changes from laminar to turbulent  Various methods used to estimate amount of friction loss – Darcy-Weisbach is best known – Hazen-Williams is standardized for fire protection Friction Loss Formula

Hazen and William's Formula

6.05x105 Q1.85 = pm 1.85 4.87 C dm

pm = friction loss per m of pipe in bar Qm = flow in lpm C = friction loss coefficient

dm = interior pipe diameter in mm NFPA 13 Pipe Friction Coefficients

– Unlined cast or ductile iron 100 – Steel (dry systems including preaction) 100 – Steel (wet systems including deluge) 120 – Cement-lined cast or ductile iron 140 – Asbestos cement 140 – Concrete 140 – Copper 150 – Plastic (listed CPVC allowed in NFPA 13) 150 Friction Loss Example

 If a pressure gauge is reading 2.0 bar at one point in a length of 50 mm standard wall pipe (steel with C = 120) with a flow of 400 lpm, what will a gauge read that is located 10 m downstream?

? 2.0 50 mm standard steel pipe

10 m

6.05Q1.85 6.05*4001.85 bar = 5 = 5 = PL 1.85 4.87 10 1.85 4.87 10 0.0299 C di 120 *50 m

Friction Loss = 0.0299 bar/m x 10 m = 0.3 bar Gauge Pressure = 2.0 bar – 0.3 bar = 1.7 bar Example Nightclub System Design

. Assume quick response (QR) Km=80 sprinklers spaced at 4.5 m x 4.5 m = 20.25 m2 protection area each . Minimum required flow for the most demanding 2 sprinkler (Qmin) = 4.1 mm/min x 20.25 m = 83 lpm . Minimum pressure at most demanding sprinkler 2 2 . p = (Qmin / Km) = (83 / 80) = 1.08 bar . Number of sprinklers in the design area = 83.4 m2 / = 20.25 m2/sprinkler = 4.2 = 5 sprinklers Example Sprinkler Design Area The water supply is sized based on the 5 most demanding sprinklers Sizing Pressure Tanks 1) Determine system demand . System demand will be 5 x 83 lpm per sprinkler = 415 lpm, plus about 15% for “hydraulic increase” due to pressure losses in upstream piping and fittings, causing most sprinklers to flow slightly more than the minimum. Assume hydraulic calculations through the piping network result in a system demand of 475 lpm at 2.5 bar . Note: Pressure of 2.5 bar includes 1.08 bar at most remote sprinkler plus 1.32 bar to address piping and fitting losses back to tank

Sizing Pressure Tanks

2) Determine duration . For a light hazard occupancy like a nightclub, NFPA 13 requires a 30-minute water supply 3) Tank size (water portion) = demand x duration . 475 lpm x 30 minutes = 14,250 liters 4) Choose total tank size . Try 20,000 liter tank with 14,250 liters water and 5,750 liters air, i.e. 29% air

Sizing Pressure Tanks

5) Calculate the pressure for the tank using the formula: Pi = ((Pf +1)/A) – 1

where Pi = tank pressure in bar

Pf = required system demand pressure in bar A = proportion of air in tank

Pi = ((Pf +1)/A – 1 = ((2.5 + 1)/0.29) - 1 = 11.1 bar Sizing Pressure Tanks

6) If pressure is unworkable, select larger tank

Assume 10 bar tank rating. Try 22,000 liter tank.

A = 7,750 liters air / 22,000 liters = 35% air

Pi = ((Pf +1)/A) – 1 = ((2.5 + 1)/0.35) - 1 = 9 bar

In this example, a 22,000 liter tank maintained at a pressure of 9 bar would be a satisfactory water supply

Pressure Tank Connections

. Horizontal swing-check and indicating valve directly under or near tank . Water level and air gauges . Air pipe minimum 1 in. (25 mm) from compressor . Water filling pipe minimum 1–1/2 in. (40 mm) . Replenishment required within 4 hours Tank Supervision and Alarms

 For pressure tanks that are the sole water supply, NFPA 13 requires low air and water trouble alarms  NFPA 72 specifies supervisory and restoration signals for high and low pressure (pressure tanks), high (pressure tanks) and low water level, low water temperature, and control valve movement from normal

Preventing Future Fire Tragedies . Fire sprinklers are a proven and simple technology that make up for a wide range of other fire protection problems. . Properly enforced codes are needed to require fire sprinkler systems for life safety as well as property protection. Fire Sprinkler Americas Conference

 24-25 February 2016 in Medellin, Colombia

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