Experience with sprinkler protection for a "covered radial stacking conveyor"?

[SprinklerDesigner2]

I've done conveyors before but never a "radial stacking conveyor" or a conveyor that pivots.

Looks very similar to this only larger (much larger about three times the length and twice the width).

and the one I am working with is covered looking very much like this one only with a pivot

It's FM Global and what they recommend is pretty straight forward; ten sprinklers k8.0 discharing 30 gpm spaced a maximum of 10'.

Water supply isn't a problem I have 4,000 gpm @ 150 psi through a 12" loop around the facility.

The fixed conveyor is not a problem, I did some conveyors at a coal fired power plant years ago, but I am at a loss how to provide water to the moving pivot. I honestly don't see how it could be done... this thing rotates a solid 120 degrees and does anyone make an FM Approved flexible connection that would handle this?

Cold weather so will be a dry system and the commodity isn't rocks but something similar to wood pellets.

So yes, I will definitely be asking FM some questions but in order to get a running start has anyone else encountered such a thing?

 

[MatthewJWillis]

Not sure about listed... But it can certainly be made and submitted to FM for acceptance.

The closet thing I can think of was the flexible connections made once for movable rack storage of boats. I would contact the flex manufacturers and get their input.
Another instance is a flexible connection to a gambling boat connected to the shore for fluctuating water levels.

R/
Matt

 

[MatthewJWillis]

Also remembered,
Using flex couplings you do get some deflection.
Look at the old school seismic separation assemblies. A bunch of couplings with minimum cut pieces of pipe, on each side will net you farther travel.

R/
Matt

 

[cdafd]

Not sure the terminology
But solid pipe at the base that has a rotating joint, such as used in ladder pipe trucks

 

[cdafd]

You might give David white a call to see if he has anything you can use

http://fireworld.com/Home/AboutUs.aspx

 

[TravisMack]

Would the seismic metraflex loops provide any benefit?

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

"Follow" us at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/92218417692

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

Travis, I haven't looked yet, been tied up with putting out other fires today, but I would be surprised if they are listed for dry pipe systems but I will check it out. Probably call FM rep tomorrow.

 

[TravisMack]

Dry systems need seismic as well I don't see anything on the literature (just a quick scan) that limits to wet systems.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

"Follow" us at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/MFP-Design-LLC/92218417692

 

[SprinklerDesigner2]

Travis, what's seismic mean when you live on the Georgia Florida state line? Last seismic job I did was 15 years ago and I muddled through it.

 

[MatthewJWillis]

Parts of GA have some strict seismic. Before I moved from there, we had a 2.5. I slept through it.
I have also worked in Florida. There is not much seismic there as the ground will not support the building during an event. I do not think I did any Seismic in the 3 years I was there,
The Metraflex is one I had in mind. Also, the Flexhead and others can custom make a connection.

R/
Matt