Question Regarding Fire Suppression Equipment in Warehouse Capacity

[jregieng]

Hello,

I am currently developing recommendations for Fire Protection in commercial hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facilities(TSDFs).

I have read through the regulations pertaining to hazards analysis, but I was looking for more technical information regarding mitigation measures. Specifically, I have heard conflicting accounts pertaining to the usage of fire suppression equipment.

If anyone could point me in the direction of some good references I would be very apprciative.

Regards,

JR

 

[cdafd]

what is the conflict??

Have seen foam system installed at a safety kleen recycling facility with no problems

http://www.safety-kleen.com/skcda/views/pages/channel/home.do?channel=7049b592

 

[LCREP]

A closed head AFFF foam system connect to a wet pipe automatic sprinkler system is the preferred method of fire extinguishment. A water only system will not work on hydrocarbon product as the material will just float on the water and spread the fire. If a universal foam is used, good for both polar solvents and hydrocarbons you would cover it all. I would calculate the duration of the foam for at least 20 minutes, the longer the better.

If you have flammable or combustible liquids in plastic containers, say larger then 5 gallons, this is a huge problem. No full scale testing to date, that I know of at least, has controlled this type of fire. The drums release too much product for the sprinklers to handle. This type of storage should be segregated in it own fire rated room and or stored in a separate building away from the main building.

Follow NFPA 16 for installation. Also take a look at NFPA 30 for sprinkler design based on the type of storage you have. Also check out FM Data Sheet 7-29 as it is more up to date on the most recent testing and sprinkler foam densities.

A single atmospheric type foam concentration tank and a foam concentration proportioning pump supplying an in-line balanced injection proportioner is the better way to go. With this set up the first few sprinklers that activate will get a good foam concentration. The Viking Foam web site is a good site to check out

http://www.vikingcorp.com/foamdatabook/

also the design section

http://www.vikingcorp.com/databook/default.cfm?lang=title&Location=Foam Design

this is a interesting product, takes care of the problem of not enough foam reaching a fire

http://www.vikingcorp.com/foamdatabook/design/011592.pdf.

 

[stookeyfpe]

You have not presented enough information for any of us to make a determination as to what constitutes an appropriate design criteria for a fire protection system. Specifically:

1) What are the hazard classifications of the stored materials? This is TSDF so are you restricting receipt of certain products (e.g., pyrophorics, organic peroxides, oxidizers). Are you intending on downpacking materials?
2) What are the methods of packaging, e.g., bulk, non-bulk, plastic, metal, glass?
3) What are the methods of storage and the height of storage?
4) What is the ceiling height?
5) What is the slope or pitch of the roof?