ESFR system adjacent to existing .25/3000 System 1

[Jondoeiowa]

A question has been posed at an existing manufacturing building, half the building is being converted into storage under an ESFR system. Both systems are divided by a full height wall except at a 49'-10" section. As per NFPA 13 2010 8.4.6.4.1 "Where ESFR sprinkler systems are installed adjacent to sprinkler systems with standard response sprinklers a draft curtain of noncombustible construction and at least 2' in depth shall be required to separate the two areas." This clearly calls out standard response sprinklers, would it be allowable to replace the sprinklers adjacent with Quick Response sprinklers in lieu of a draft curtain? The current division is a tapered steel beam with 6" joist chair at top.

Thank you,
Jon

 

[Sdpaddler50]

1. Your statement re QR head makes sense, but I believe you still need the curtain. Keep in mind, ESFR heads are large orifice (min K14) so the idea is to prevent a bunch of these activating, such as where a quick spreading, flam liquid, dust, etc fire could occurr in a mfg area. Hence the curtain, and you also should have a good space on the floor between the storage, and mfg, under the curtain.

2. Have you researched the bldg height issue? NFPA 13, Chap 17 maxes out at 45 ft peak. i belieeve (if memory correct) there are some sprinklers listed for 48 ft recently, but, these are not within the adopted scope of the 2010 version of 13. Ceiling height is a critical element you need to be very careful with.

 

[Jondoeiowa]

Sdpaddler50,

Thank you, I had assumed the same, but the owner asked as he does not wish to erect the draft curtain.

As for the building height the building is only 30'-7" at it's peak, the 49'10" gap is the piece of wall missing, I've attached an image to give better detail on the situation.

Thank you,
Jon