Operating testing of deluge system indoors

[DavidCR]

Hi guys.

In a power plant there is an old deluge system with open spray nozzles that protects a lub oil tank, pipes and pumps inside the power house building. We need to refurbish this system that has some defective components. The systems consists of a Viking E deluge valve, with electrical release with solenoid valve controlled by a detection system with thermal detectors

From NFPA 15 (2004 is the latest Ed. I have) operation testing is mandatory.

If I make an operation test of the deluge system, the water mess may damage lots of electrical equipment around the lub oil system.

So my questions are:

-Is there an exception to allow a deluge system that should not be subject to operation testing?

-Can I install a valve downstream the deluge valve with a tee derivation with another valve to send the deluge discharge to a safe place?. With this I would only have the chance to test the operation of the valve but not the spray over the equipment.

Any comment on this will be appreciated.

 

[cdafd]

Can you give a section reference where the test comes from and edition of the standard

 

[cdafd]

13.4.3.2 Testing.

13.4.3.2.1* The priming water level in supervised preaction systems shall be tested quarterly for compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.



13.4.3.2.2* Each deluge valve shall be trip tested annually at full flow in warm weather and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.


13.4.3.2.2.1 Protection shall be provided for any devices or equipment subject to damage by system discharge during tests.



13.4.3.2.2.2* Where the nature of the protected property is such that water cannot be discharged for test purposes, the trip test shall be conducted in a manner that does not necessitate discharge in the protected area.



13.4.3.2.2.3 Where the nature of the protected property is such that water cannot be discharged unless protected equipment is shut down (e.g., energized electrical equipment), a full flow system test shall be conducted at the next scheduled shutdown.



13.4.3.2.2.4 The full flow test frequency shall not exceed 3 years.

 

[cdafd]

sorry speed read the question, nfpa 15 does not seem to address existing systems or buildings

what is the installing company suggesting???

 

[LCREP]

Dave,

From NFPA 25, 2011, it has not changed from the 2008 edition.

You may be able to use section 10.3.4.3.1. The 2 big things are clogged nozzles and miss alined nozzles. This is why NFPA 25 requires a full test. Has this test been done in the past?? Is the system tested as per NFPA 25???


10.3.4.3* Discharge Patterns.
10.3.4.3.1* The water discharge patterns from all of the open
spray nozzles shall be observed to ensure that patterns are not
impeded by plugged nozzles, to ensure that nozzles are correctly
positioned, and to ensure that obstructions do not prevent
discharge patterns from wetting surfaces to be protected.
10.3.4.3.1.1 Where the nature of the protected property is
such that water cannot be discharged, the nozzles shall be inspected
for proper orientation and the system tested with air
to ensure that the nozzles are not obstructed.
10.3.4.3.2 Where obstructions occur, the piping and nozzles
shall be cleaned and the system retested.


Also review Table 10.5.1 Summary of Component Replacement Action Requirements

Not sure what you are replacing but the table will list what needs to be done.

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[DavidCR]

Thanks.

The plant fire protection was designed by others, and now the system has broken nozzles, the deluge valves are not working, and there is not good coverage of the equipment, etc. And the owner needs to refurbish it.

I have only used deluge systems in open areas so I was wondering if it is OK to use deluge systems where it is not feasible to test them with water discharge. It looks that this NFPA 25 10.3.4.3.1.1 allows it.

To use automatic sprinklers or automatic nozzles is not an easy decision here since there is no ceiling above the equipment and to install baffles or small ceilings above the equipment as a way to collect heat to activate sprinklers, obstructs important maintenance access space.

The other part of my question goes to provide a branch to test the valve operating. What do you think about this?

 

[cdafd]

This equipment must be in a room. How high is the room ceiling ??? How big is the room???

One not to want fire protection, but is the system required by anyone?? City , state , insurance company??

 

[LCREP]

"The other part of my question goes to provide a branch to test the valve operating. What do you think about this?"

I suggest an OS&Y valve above the deluge valve on pre-action systems for computer rooms since getting an IT person to do a trip test is not going to happen. For the test you close the OS&Y valve conduct the trip via the manual dump and then via the fire detection system as per NFPA 25. One thing you need to do is support the riser well because of the water hammer when the valve is tripped.

Check out FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 7-101
FIRE PROTECTION FOR STEAM TURBINES AND ELECTRIC GENERATORS

A lot of good information on lub oil protection.

FM Data Sheet are free

http://www.fmglobal.com/fmglobalregistration/Default.aspx

****************************************
Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters’ Lives Too!

 

[DavidCR]

The room is a power house building of a geotermal plant, the tank is under a irving grate floor 8m bellow, that should be removed from time to time and the upper ceiling is 20m high above the tank.

Our insurers accepts local protection with spray.

I attach a photo of the tank.

 

[cdafd]

I was just wondering if the protection could just be eliminated, if whoever the ahj would allow it to be removed, or install a regular sprinkler system at the cieling.

 

[inspectortx2]

If you have broken or misaligned nozzles more then likely you have plugged nozzles and that system not functioning properly if there is a fire. For it to be inside and open nozzle you have a high hazard system. Are you going to put your tag on there and take responsibility of that building and the people that work in it with the system in that shape I wouldn't put my tag on it till its right.