ESFR sprinkler in glicol installation

[natka24]

Hi,

I have installation with 120 ESFR sprinklers. Can I use a glicol medium with ESFR sprinklers according to NFPA13?

Joanna

 

[stookeyfpe]

Is this the system listed by TYCO? I thought most of these glycol systems for refrigerated warehouses were designed using CMSA sprinklers.

 

[firepe]

What are you protecting that needs antifreeze? Is it a small area, or the entire system?

 

[cdafd]

here is a viking head good for gycol if the add is current

http://news.thomasnet.com/pdf/451308.pdf

 

[cdafd]

here is an 09 document:

http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/databook/sprinklers/storage/100102.pdf

 

[firepe]

This cut sheet gets me back to my question...What are you trying to protect?

The data sheet clearly shows that for an ESFR COLD STORAGE SYSTEM, it is limited to:

"Commodity Classification: Limited to Class II or less."

Just because it's ESFR does not mean you can protect everything by converting to anti-freeze. You are severely limited to only Class II Commodities.

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

"Just because it's ESFR does not mean you can protect everything by converting to anti-freeze. You are severely limited to only Class II Commodities."

As been stated here numerous times ESFR systems are not the panacea to solve anything storage related.

 

[chevy4x4trucks]

Stookey - Tyco's system is a dry system and I is good for Class II or III commodities depending upon building height. Usually takes a pretty hefty fire pump.

Viking's antifreeze system is still pretty pricey and makes for a big maintenance headache.

My guess is you are trying to stay away from in-racks so I would look strongly at the Tyco Quell system first.

 

[userscren5]

Is the Quell system cost effective?

 

[chevy4x4trucks]

it depends... the quell system usually requires a large fire pump so if you have a small warehouse (for example 20,000 sq. ft.) it would be more cost effective to install in-rack sprinklers if the city water pressure is adequate.

If you have larger warehouse or need a fire pump regardless the quell system will be more cost effective.

Also, their are the maintenance costs if you eliminate the in-rack sprinklers since those never get hit by forklifts.

Contactors need to be licensed by Tyco to install the Quell system so not every sprinkler contractor is qualified.

 

[safetydan]

One thing to be very watchful, make sure with your system that you have adequite protection around your cooling units. If you have a rooftop "penthouse" be especially careful with your installation because your insurance company will go nuts if heads aren't set up right. Even with a contractor who was licensed by the designer, my facility ran into all kinds of trouble.