Back to Back Basics of a Fire Sprinkler Pipe
A fire sprinkler system is one of the most familiar suppression systems in the world. A fire sprinkler pipe is strategically placed in the room. That’s because the pipes need to respond immediately in case the room heats up and catches fire. The most common type of fire sprinkler pipe these days is the steel pipe. However, manufacturers use other pipes as well. Some common examples of other pipes are copper and plastic.
Want to know more about that fire sprinkler system and the fire sprinkler pipe? This guide will tell you everything you need to know. Stay tuned!
What is a Fire Sprinkler Pipe?
To put it in simple words, a fire sprinkler pipe is a part of a fire sprinkler system. A fire sprinkler system provides water in case there is a fire emergency. A fire sprinkler system does not only consist of pipes but consists of an entire water supply system.
The basic function of the system is to provide flow rate and pressure to a water distribution piping system. This is done with the help of a fire sprinkler pipe. The pipes are called fire sprinkler pipes because there are sprinklers to each of the pipes.
The pipe discharges the water with the help of a sprinkler head. This is what makes these pipes extremely efficient for water.
How Does a Fire Sprinkler Pipe Work?
The fire sprinkler heads attached to the pipe are one of the main components of the fire sprinkler system. These heads are held together with either the help of a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal link. An important thing to note here is that the alloy holds together the two-part metal link.
The alloy link or the bulb attached to the pipe keeps the pressure on the cap of the pipe. These two materials act as a plug as well. As a result, they protect the water from flowing out of the sprinkler head. This function is extremely important in a fire sprinkler pipe. That’s because when the temperature in the room rises, it releases the cap. Water pours down on the area where there is suspicion of fire.
Moreover, the bulbs and the alloy links completely depend upon the ambient temperature. Thus, the temperature is extremely important to trigger the system.
An important thing to note here is that the entire sprinkler system does not trigger. Only the sprinkler that is near the fire triggers. This feature is extremely important because it limits the water wastage and the damage that the water pressure can cause. In addition to this, it only focuses on the spot that requires water.
Some Common Types of Fire Sprinkler Pipes
Do you want to know how many types of fire sprinkler pipes does a fire sprinkler use? If yes, then continue reading. We have listed some common types below.
· Wet Pipe
Wet pipes are the most common types of pipes. The reason behind the popularity of these pipes is that they keep a constant supply of water in their sprinkler heads. As a result, the system reacts extremely quickly in case of detection of a fire. For this reason, these pipes are the most popular choice in the building where there is no risk of freezing.
· Dry Pipe
A unique thing about a dry pipe system is that the water does not stay in the pipe. Instead, there is pressurized air in the pipes and a special control system holds the water back. When the sensor detects a fire, it automatically opens the head of the sprinkler. The pressure drop opens the valves as well. As a result, water flows all through the sprinkler and onto the fire.
Types of Materials Used in a Fire Sprinkler Pipe
Steel is the most common type of material for a fire sprinkler pipe. In addition to this, the manufacturers also use some other materials. Let’s take a look at them below.
1. Steel Pipe
These pipes are the pillar of channeling materials for sprinkler funneling frameworks. Steel is a material that is solid, sturdy, and impervious to fire. With a dissolving point of about 2,700°F, the steel line can withstand the warmth inside a consuming structure.
Steel pipe is accessible in both dark and aroused. The dark line is an uncovered steel pipe without a defensive covering. Stirred steel pipe is hot-plunged in zinc to have a defensive covering on the dividers of the line. The zinc covering goes about as a conciliatory anode to lessen the erosion of steel pipes.
The most commonly utilized steel pipe for sprinkler frameworks is black. As the funneling framework is stale, there is a limited effect of erosion.
2. Copper Pipe
Copper tubing is another channeling material used in a fire sprinkler pipe. The copper tubing can be Type K, L, or M. The sort demonstrates the divider thickness, with Type M being the lightest divider and Type K being the heaviest divider thickness.
The base size tubing needed for copper sprinkler frameworks is 3/4 inches. The manufacturers need to join the copper tubing by brazing except if fastening is allowed.
Copper tubing likewise can be joined by fittings that have been recorded by a testing organization. This would incorporate different mechanical joints that utilization an elastomeric gasket or ring to make the seal. Certain press associate fittings have been recorded for sprinkler use.
3. Plastic Pipe
You can even use plastic pipes in certain types of fire sprinkler pipes. The manufacturers record the plastic pipe by a testing organization. NFPA 13 recognizes CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) and PB (polybutylene) as worthy plastic channeling materials. The line is orange in color.
Final Words
A fire sprinkler system and a fire sprinkler pipe are extremely important these days. That’s because it protects the room or area from fire. Some common pipe materials are silver, copper, and plastic. But, steel pipes are more famous than the other ones.
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