thread184-411028 I am also in th

[Buildtech2]

thread184-411028

I am also in the process of designing firefighting system for a cold storage but our client is not willing have sprinkler system in it. Can we omit dry sprinkler system (pre-action system) with below provisions. I have to still carryout IBC code analysis.

All insulation wall panels are having fire retardant insulation. These fire retardant panels do not spread fire, do not spit out burning droplets or emit excessive smoke. Fire resistant panels preserve their integrity and heat insulation properties for a certain time period. By successfully meeting this criteria during a fire, fire resistant panels will provide sufficient time for occupants to safely evacuate building and implement firefighting measures. Moreover, this insulation is also FM approved.

We are not using flammable or combustible refrigerant such as ammonia in the cold storage. Instead of ammonia refrigerant, we are using Glycol solution which is neither combustible not flammable. It is just like a water.

With above provisions, can you please let us know if we can omit dry sprinklers from cold storage.

 

[LCREP]

How large is the building sq ft and height?

What will be stored and commodity classification?

 

[TravisMack]

What does your IBC code analysis tell you? Are you taking a height or area increase from 503? There are several other things that will point to requiring sprinklers. But, that is just one of them.

Travis Mack
MFP Design, LLC

http://www.mfpdesign.com

"Follow" us at

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

 

[Buildtech2]

Thanks for your responses. I am doing code analysis for this project, will let you know the outcome soon.

 

[Buildtech2]

The building is a single story constructed with non-combustible concrete block and fire retardent insulating material which is FM approved. In cold storage, all fruits and vegetables are stored using steel rack pallets. The total ground floor office area is 1942 m² (20903 ft²). The building peak height is 12.15 m and ceiling height is 9m.

As per IBC 2012, 311.3, cold storages can be classified under low hazard storage, Group S-2.
All insulation wall panels are having fire retardant insulation. These fire retardant panels do not spread fire, do not spit out burning droplets or emit excessive smoke. Fire resistant panels preserve their integrity and heat insulation properties for a certain time period. By successfully meeting this criteria during a fire, fire resistant panels will provide sufficient time for occupants to safely evacuate building and implement firefighting measures. Moreover, this insulation is also FM approved.

There is no combustible or or flammable refrigerant in the cold storage as Glycol is being used as a primary refrigerant which is not combustible or flammable.

Sınce fruits and vegetables will be stored in the cold storage on steel rack pallets as bulk storage, as per NFPA-13 generic commodity classification, the cold storage can be classified as class-I commodity where the stored product is noncombustible.

Technical Data:
Insulation core: High grade PIR foam core with a density of 40 KG/m³
Thermal conductivity = 0.02 W/Mk
Fire rating: Certified according to EN 13501-2, NFPA 255, NFPA 285, FM Approvals.

Based on above points, it can be assumed that sprinkler can be omitted from cold storage rooms. Please advise.

 

[cdafd]

Will let the pros answer the question

Is this located in the US?

What is the hieght to the top of storage??

Do you have a specific edition of IBC you have to follow?

It is more than likely a S-1.

Plus more than likely high pile stock provisions of IFC kick in.

So either S-1 or high piled stock would kick in sprinkler requirement

 

[LCREP]

What type of pallet, wood, plastic, steel

What type of box used for storage if cardboard how many layers are the boxes, if plastic, solid plastic or with holes?

This info is needed to determine commodity classification= product + pallet + container = commodity classification.

 

[Buildtech2]

The cold storage is located in Dubai
The vegetables and fruits are stored unpacked on a steel rack pallets as bulk storage
There is no specific edition of IBC to be followed
As per group S-2 in IBC, We can find the following.
1.Foods in noncombustible containers
2.Fresh fruits and vegetables in non plastic trays or containers
3.Frozen foods

So think the correct occupancy would be S-2.

Commodity classification= product + pallet + container

Commodity classification = Frozen fruits and vegetables + steel rack pallets + no container, just placed on the steel rack, all unpacked fruits and vegetables.

 

[Buildtech2]

According to IBC section263.3, an approved sprinkler system to be provided to the cold storage if insulated with plastic foam insulation but our insulated panels are fire retardant type and there is no refrigerant in the air conditioning system.

 

[stookeyfpe]

I'm having a very hard time believing that the packaging has no plastics but if you say so then Group S-2 would be OK.

 

[LCREP]

Yea I agree I have been in 1000's of produce warehouses and never saw fruit or veggies just on a pallet with no container. What prevents the product from falling off the pallet? I see large carboy boxes, cardboard boxes or plastic boxes.

 

[stookeyfpe]

In a typical food warehouse (protein, vegetables, fruits) our experience is 60% palletized (with plastic becoming prevalent)and 40% collapsible pallets:

http://www.orbiscorporation.com/products/hand-held-containers/collapsible#.WJirwFPR-Uk

 

[Buildtech2]

The packaging house may have negligible amount of plastics but our client has confirmed that there is no plastic in the cold storage. I have also received response from the Civil Defense that sprinklers can be omitted if wall and door ratings surrounding the cold storage shall be 90 minutes fire rated.
Thanks everybody for the responses.