Cooling Tower Deluge Systems 1

[JohnRobinsonOz]

I'm trying to determine whether I need to install a fire deluge system on a 5MW modular fibreglass cooling tower.

I understand installing a deluge system is common practice in larger towers. I assume this is because they are often timber and shut down through winter in cold climates, and burn rather quickly due to good draught arrangements.

My tower will be in alumina plant in the tropics. Other than the tower itself there are no nearby sources of ignition, and no combustibles or flammables. There are no operators in the area.

Am I correct in my assumption that deluge systems are a convention for cold climates / building code regulations or is there another reason?

 

[SAK9]

John,

It is an underwriter's(for eg Factory Mutual) requirement to have sprinklers above cooling towers.Another alternative is to use a cooling tower of non combustable construction which could prove to be more expensive than having a deluge system.