IFP Issue 24

The Global Voice for Passive & Active Fire Protection Systems

An MDM PUBLICATIONIssue 24 – November 2005

IFP

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INTERNATIONAL FIRE PROTECTIONwww.ifpmag.com

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Editorial ContributorsMark Budzinski C.B.O. and Daniel GemenyP.E., Lee James, Fred Tingle, Mr G Frigo,Robert J. Wheeler, Mr E Walker, J. J. Beiteland N. R. Iwankiw, Jim Allison and Graham Ellicott

IFP is published quarterly by:MDM Publishing Ltd 18a, St James Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5BWUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0) 1460 249199Fax: +44 (0) 1460 249292 e-mail: [email protected]: www.ifpmag.com

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An MDM PUBLICATION

Issue 24 – November 2005

IFP

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November 2005 Issue 243-8 The Use of Alternate

Materials and Methods in Fire Protection Design

11-17 Clean Agents: The BigPicture

18-19 Setting the Standard

21-24 Fixed Gas DetectionSystems

27-32 A Historical View of BuildingFire Protection Systems

33 Tyco Product Profile

36 bst Product Profile

38-40 PFPs – Proven AssetProtection

42 Ameron BV Product Profile

43-46 Historical Survey of Multi-Story BuildingCollapses Due to Fire

47 E. J. Bowman Ltd. ProductProfile

49-51 Why low pressure carbondioxide has become theworld’s most flexible gaseousextinguishing agent

52-53 Fire Safety Guidance forEngland and Wales –Consultation DocumentsIssued

54-55 Product Update

56 Advertisers’ Index

P. 1 8/10/06 2:18 PM Page 1

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The model codes are not intendedto prevent the use of materials,alternate designs or methods of

construction not specifically prescribedby the code. In fact, the code providesbroad opportunities for innovation.

Nonetheless, a design that deviatesfrom the prescriptive code requirementsmust be found equivalent to the pre-scriptive code provisions in suitability,strength, effectiveness, fire resistance,durability, safety and sanitation. Inorder to demonstrate this, the authorityhaving jurisdiction (AHJ) requiresevidence or proof.

PROCESSES

The burden of providing evidence orproof will rely upon a solid understand-

ing of the process and the effectivenessof the request. The process of pursuingan alternate material, design or methodcan vary between jurisdictions.

Although the formal request will gener-ally describe the code issue, the codeintent, code analysis and a justificationfor the proposal, it culminates in thepreparation of a formal request forconsideration by the AHJ.

Although the rationales for a partic-ular request may vary, the merit of arequest will typically be judged by the analysis and the quality of theengineering supporting the request.Effective approaches will typically rely


3

Unconventional architectural featuresoften benefit from the use of alternatemethods in fire protection design

The Use ofAlternateMaterials andMethods in Fire ProtectionDesignIT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED radical to suggest that building codes are theseedbed of innovation. However, the portfolio of striking design elements bythe current breed of architecture’s finest designers was often made possiblethrough the skillful use of somewhat obscure building code administrativeprovisions that are intended to promote new thinking and new methods.Although the building codes used in the United States are typically usedprescriptively by applying code requirements in a specifically defined manner,these model codes also provide options for achieving equivalent levels ofperformance through alternate methods.

Mark Budzinski, C.B.O.and Daniel Gemeny, P.E.Rolf Jensen & Associates

Although the formal request willgenerally describe the code issue,the code intent, code analysis anda justification for the proposal, itculminates in the preparation of aformal request for considerationby the AHJ.

The Use ofAlternateMaterials andMethods in Fire ProtectionDesign

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:19 PM Page 3

upon a combination of engineeringanalysis, code analysis, engineeringjudgment and performance-baseddesign methods.

Less objective proposals that are notrooted in an engineering methodologyare often the hardest to evaluate andjustify. If subjective proposals for alter-nate methods are approved, they oftenresult in requirements for arbitrary mit-igating design features which may notprovide benefits that address the issuesassociated with a particular alternatematerial, design or method. As jurisdic-tions become more accustomed torequests for alternate methods, theyoften become less inclined to approvesubjective proposals without anengineering basis.

Nonetheless, even when well-equipped with supporting engineering,the often uncharted nature of alternatemethod requests can present conflicts

between AHJs and the design team.Although AHJs are sanctioned toenforce minimum standards to safe-guard life or limb, health, property andpublic welfare, designers may havecompeting objectives.

Accordingly, a design team motiv-ated by design expression or innovationwill often test the bounds of accept-able code norms in ways that maycreate discomfort towards or reactionagainst a design proposal because ofunfamiliarity, fear or justified concernabout the erosion of effective coderequirements. The safest position for anAHJ is to default to the rejection ofany alternate request — it is unlikelythat an AHJ will be accused of negli-gence for adhering to the strict letterof the law.

However, the AHJ may be motivatedby external factors that influence thepolicies of municipalities. As cities

compete to attract the attention ofhigh-profile projects in order to gener-ate tax revenue and to enhance theirreputation, AHJs are increasinglyencouraged by elected officials to beresponsive to alternate methods. Addi-tionally, as alternate methods becomemore normalized in practice, theseapproaches become increasingly viableto achieve project delivery objectives.As more advanced tools to support therequests become available and thedesign community becomes moreaware of the possibilities, alternatemethods will likely be embraced morefrequently.

APPLICATIONS

Within the discipline of fire protectionengineering, typical candidates foralternate requests often include exitsystem design, smoke detection andsprinkler system design elements,opening protection, fire-resistance andsmoke control systems. Althoughvarious engineering methodologies andtools exist that are suitable for evaluat-ing the merits of particular approachesto achieving equivalency, the emer-gence of graphical engineering toolshas lead to broader acceptance of theuse of alternate materials and methodsin fire protection design.

Some of these tools include timed-egress computer models that graphicallydisplay exit system performance, firedynamic simulators and heat transfermodels. A benefit of these tools is theability to visually correlate aspects of aparticular design with two- or three-dimensional effects. Moreover, oncemodeling inputs are established, variousoutcomes can be studied by varyingdesign inputs. The benefits of dynami-cally observing modeling performanceis a key selling point when presentingthe evidence to a building or fire offi-cial; moreover, the engineer has greateranalytical tools available to facilitatethe design evaluation.

EXIT SYSTEM DESIGN

The number, location and width of exitcomponents such as doors and stair-ways are a design consideration in allbuildings. The challenges of balancingmultiple design considerations with exitsystems code requirements are magni-fied as occupant loads and building


44

The benefits of dynamicallyobserving modeling performance isa key selling point whenpresenting the evidence to abuilding or fire official; moreover,the engineer has greater analyticaltools available to facilitate thedesign evaluation.

The Use of AlternateMaterials andMethods in FireProtection Design


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areas increase. Moreover, programmaticobjectives, effective space utilizationand design expression often createadditional tension with exit systemcode requirements.

The intent of the prescriptive coderequirements for the exit system designis to provide a safe and reliable meansof egress before the onset of hazardsfrom a fire or other emergency.Nonetheless, the considerable amountof useable floor area dedicated to theprovision of required exit systemcomponents can be considerable; this is particularly evident within largeassembly buildings and structures withexpansive footprints or floor plates.

Convention centers and warehouseshave one common trait when it comesto exit system design, long travel dis-tances to an exit. This is due to theopen floor plans that are necessary forstorage and exhibits. The functionalneeds of these buildings conflict withthe maximum travel distance prescribedby codes. Traditional solutions haveincluded the addition of fire-resistivewalls subdividing the space, or theintroduction of subterranean exitpassageways.

A recognized method for evaluatingother alternatives is the use of fireeffects models and egress models.These engineering tools allow thedesigner to evaluate the time to exitacross longer distances to an exit andthe impact of additional fire safetyfeatures to mitigate any unacceptableeffects from a fire. Through the utiliza-tion of these tools, architects will oftenachieve their design objectives throughthe provision of mitigating fire protec-tion features without compromisingoverall project objectives.

SMOKE DETECTORS AND SPRINKLERS

The prescribed location of smokedetectors and sprinklers can, at times,be in conflict with building architectur-al features. Ceiling configurations thatare aesthetically compromised byinflexible positioning requirements offire protection system elements canoften benefit from a coordinated engi-neering approach. Alternate locationsof these devices can be consideredwhen the performance of the device isshown to be equivalent to its intendedfunction.

Show systems within amusementattractions, suspended sculptural ele-ments or highly articulated ceiling sys-tems can all present conflicts betweendesign elements and fire protectionsystem device positioning requirements.The obstruction of ceiling-mountedsprinklers by a full scale whale replicasuspended from a ceiling in an aquari-um building is one example; another isthe requirement to install smoke detec-tors in each pocket of a ceiling withdeep beams on a six foot grid. In both of these examples, engineeringanalysis was used to justify the alter-nate placement of fire protectionsystem elements in order to achieve thedesired objectives.

OPENING PROTECTION

Many buildings require fire-resistivecompartmentation with listed wall andfloor assemblies. Although openingswithin fire rated assemblies, such asdoorways and windows, must be pro-tected with listed fire protectives, archi-tects often desire to have glazedopenings in fire-rated wall assemblies.The opening protection requirementsfor doors and windows often impingeupon the desire for visual connectionbetween adjoining building spaces orbuilding porosity. The default option ofspecifying wired glass is generally notacceptable due to aesthetic considera-tions, and dimensional constraints


5

Timed egress model used to demonstrate the flow of occupants out of a building

The obstruction of ceiling-mountedsprinklers by a full scale whalereplica suspended from a ceiling inan aquarium building is oneexample; another is the requirementto install smoke detectors in eachpocket of a ceiling with deep beamson a six foot grid.

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:19 PM Page 5

often rule out the use of a ratedshutter to protect the glazed opening.

An alternate design solution that iscommonly sought is the protection ofan opening with an engineered systemin lieu of a listed fire protective assem-bly. The use of closely spaced quick-response sprinklers directly above theglazing has been a widely acceptedalternate solution to provide an equiva-lent level of opening protection with anaesthetically unobtrusive impact.

FIRE RESISTANCE

Alternate designs for fire-resistiveassemblies are also common in com-mercial building construction due tothe desire for structural expression.There are several methods available todemonstrate equivalent performance ofan alternate assembly, including stan-

dard fire testing, heat transfer/structuralcalculation, and empirical methodssuch as Harmathy’s rules.

When fire tests are not practical andan empirical solution does not exist,engineering calculations, using recog-nized equations or models can result ina definitive solution. For example, aunique column design, with a rein-forced concrete core and a steel wrap,was proposed for use in the lobby of aperforming arts theater. A heat trans-fer/structural performance model SAFIRwas used to predict the fire resistanceand integrity of the column subjectedto a wide range of fire exposures.

On a smaller scale, a heat transferanalysis was conducted on a customfireplace to be installed in a privatehome. This effort was needed todemonstrate that the performance of

the fireplace was equivalent to thestandard set for all listed residentialfireplaces.

SMOKE CONTROL

Buildings that have large open vol-umes, with interconnected floor levels,such as malls and atria, are required tohave smoke control systems. Tradition-ally, smoke control is provided bymechanical exhaust systems thatremove smoke from the large volumespace to prevent it from becomingsmoke-filled before the occupants exitsafely.

The code has evolved in recent yearsfrom prescribing smoke exhaust ratesof six air changes per hour to a perfor-mance method requiring mechanicalexhaust rates that are based upon thevolumetric smoke production rates ofpossible fires. However, recent interestin green building design has increasedthe demand for alternate solutions withnatural smoke ventilation in place ofdedicated smoke fans. Engineered solu-tions have resulted in approved designsin buildings such as federal courthouses,student centers, historic theaters, andcovered mall buildings.

UNCERTAINTY

There is often significant uncertainty in the actual performance of many


66

A lateral section of a column showing temperature distribution (SAFIR)

Engineeredsolutions haveresulted inapproveddesigns inbuildings suchas federalcourthouses,student centers,historictheaters, andcovered mallbuildings.



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CONTROL LOGICSparkdetector

designed fordust collectionsystemsto protectstorage silosfrom the riskof fi re.

Sparks fl yat high speed.

They travel at a hundred kilometresper hour along the ducts of the dustcollection system and reach the silo

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CONTROL LOGICIR FLAME DETECTOR

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alternate designs that are proposed andaccepted during the design and con-struction of a building. The reductionof uncertainty in any alternate orequivalent design or material will resultin buildings that are more efficient and safe from the threats of fire. Theareas of uncertainty that should beconsidered include:

■ Qualitative Solutions – These arealternate designs that are often the

result of negotiation between the pro-ponent and the AHJ that rely on pastprecedence, expert opinion, and some-times by give-and-take of mutuallyexclusive fire protection features. Theresults can range from overly conserva-tive to non-equivalent.

■ Quantitative Solutions – Alternatedesigns that are engineered with theuse of recognized calculation methodsand models can often get closer to

demonstrating equivalent performanceto the prescribed fire protectionsolution. There is inherent uncertaintyin the calculation methods and datathat is used in an analysis, however aquantitative solution is easier todefend.

■ Individual vs. Whole Building –Many building designs depend upon afew alternate design solutions whichare often considered in their individualcontext, such as relocating a fewsprinklers in one room and usingsprinkler protected glass on the exteriorof the building. However, there areexamples of buildings that may have inexcess of 100 different alternatedesigns. The combined impact of allthe alternates on holistic building fireperformance is not known.

■ Code Intent – The alternate designsare required to provide an equivalentlevel of fire safety as intended by thecode prescription. There is no referencethat is available to the designer or AHJthat defines the intent of the prescrip-tive requirements. The lack of clarity ofthe intent of a given code requirementresults in a large degree of uncertaintyin the correctness of the solution.

CONCLUSION

The alternates and equivalency sectionsof the U.S. Building and Fire Codeshave created many opportunities todevelop the practice of fire protectionengineering. These code sections arealso substantial drivers for the currentevolution of performance-based firesafety design, technological innovationand design expression in the built envi-ronment. As engineering tools advance,the use of alternate methods willexpand—the result will be the innova-tive use of engineering tools tofacilitate new thinking, new methodsand better design.


88

Mark Budzinski is a Project Managerbased in Rolf Jensen & Associates’Los Angeles office. Dan Gemeny isChief Engineer – Innovation for RolfJensen & Associates, also located inthe LA office. They may be reachedby phone (714-257-3555) or byemail ([email protected] [email protected] ).

A fire plume exposure to a sprinkler protected steel beam

This is a view of the top three levels of the five-story atrium space. The cyan color ofthe floor represents the main entrance/exit level, which includes lounge seating andwaiting areas for a performance arts theater. The file shows 3D “smoke” from asample furniture fire on the entrance/exit level

Roof Level, with Automatic Opening Vents

Second FloorLevel

Main Entrance/Exit

First Floor Level(Grade)

Opening to FloorBelowFurniture Fire

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:21 PM Page 8

Chemetron w/p 3/11/05 11:02 am Page 1

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Until recently, Halon 1301 wasthe leading clean agent. How-ever, its phase-out for environ-

mental reasons has led to a bewilderingchoice of alternatives. No single cleanagent currently available is suitable forall applications, and so the uniqueproperties of each agent must be care-fully matched to each application.

Factors that need to be consideredwhen selecting the most appropriatesuppression system for each applicationare the physical dimensions of the risk; whether or not it is occupied bypersonnel; weight/space limitations forsuppressant storage; fire fightingperformance; environmental credentials;and of course the overall cost of thesystem.

No single suppression agent is suit-able for all applications, and each mustbe carefully weighed up in relation toits suitability for any given risk. All toooften the process of selecting the mostappropriate suppression solution is

made difficult by unfounded rumoursand misinformation put about by

organisations with vested commercialinterests in a limited number of agents.In contrast, this article provides unbi-ased guidance from a source with expe-rience in the manufacture and design ofall the major clean agent technologies.


11

Kidde Fire Protection 25 Bar SystemCylinders for 3M Novec 1230 FluidCLEAN AGENTS DON’T LEAVE behind any oily residues, particulates, water

or corrosive materials. In other words, they don’t cause collateral damage towhatever they are protecting from fire. That’s why they are used extensivelyaround the world to protect business-critical computer and telecoms rooms,and also precious artefacts in archives, museums and art galleries.

By Lee James

CleanAgents: The BigPicture

6 CO2 discharge nozzles protect 6-colour printing press

CleanAgents: The BigPicture

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:21 PM Page 11

THE SUCCESS OF CO2

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) was the original“clean” gaseous fire suppression agentpioneered by Kidde over eighty yearsago. Since then it has safely extin-guished more fires than any othergaseous agent.

CO2 expands on release to form acombination of gas and fine particlesof solid CO2 or “dry ice”. The gas pene-trates the hazard area and extinguishesthe fire primarily by reducing the oxy-gen concentration in the atmosphere toless than 15%. In addition, as the dryice sublimes (changes to gas) it pro-vides localised cooling. The dry iceparticles also enable the extinguishantto be projected over much greaterdistances than would be possible withgas alone.

The versatility of applications is whatgives CO2 its true uniqueness. It hasphysical characteristics that allow it tobe used to suppress fires in a widervariety of applications than any othergaseous agent. It is effective on abroad range of Class A, B and electricalfires. It can be used as a “total flood-ing” agent in enclosed spaces, or in“local application” for unenclosedequipment protection, or in a combina-tion of both. Most other clean agentshave only total flooding capabilities.

Another big advantage of CO2 is thatit is relatively inexpensive. This is becausethe cost of storage and distribution is

spread over a wide range of industries,most notably beverage carbonation.This also means that CO2 is readilyavailable world wide for low-cost re-charge.

CO2 occurs naturally in the atmos-phere and therefore has no restrictionson its use in fire fighting. It has a zeroOzone Depletion Potential (ODP) and a

Global Warming Potential (GWP) ofone.

It is well known that CO2 at fireextinguishing levels can cause death byasphyxiation to personnel who mightinadvertently be in the hazard area.While it is widely used in unmannedapplications, it is also acceptable foruse in manned areas provided suitablesafety measures are adopted. These arecovered in NFPA 12, BS 5306 Part 4and manufacturers’ safety and opera-tion manuals. CO2 has a proven track-record of safety when these simplemeasures are taken. Over 100,000systems installed world wide over thepast fifty years show that it can beused safely.

WATER MIST

Even though it is not gaseous or classi-fied as a clean agent, water mist isworthy of mention since it is increas-ingly being used in certain applicationssuch as gas turbine enclosures. Watermist systems, such as Kidde AquaSafe,use the most natural of substances,deployed as a highly efficient fine mistmade up of ultra-fine droplets in therange of 40 to 400 micron in diameter.They work by a combination of cooling


1212

CO2 Discharge on Jet Engine Test Rig

CO2 Storage and distribution control system for multi-zone risk

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:22 PM Page 12

Nohmi w/p 8/10/06 2:22 PM Page 1

and inerting and also have the addedadvantage over gaseous systems ofremoving airborne smoke particles andabsorbing water-soluble toxic andirritant gases.

It must however be remembered thatwater mist is not a total flooding agentand is transient in nature. It must berecognised that permanent extinguish-ing may not be attained if re-ignitionsources are present.

INERT GASES

These are a blend of gases that occurnaturally in the atmosphere. Thosemost commonly used are argon, nitro-gen and carbon dioxide. They are pop-ular with organisations that prefer touse a non-chemical suppression agent.With zero ODP, zero GWP and zeroatmospheric lifetime, inert gases haveexcellent environmental characteristics.

Inert gas suppression systems, suchas Kidde Argonite, work by displacingoxygen and reducing it from the nor-mal 21% to a level that will notsupport combustion. A typical designconcentration of 40% will reduce theoxygen level to 12.5% within 60 sec-onds. In occupied areas personnel cancontinue to breathe safely at this levelfor short periods of time.

The space requirement for inert gasstorage cylinders is greater than thatneeded for chemical agents, althoughthe latest systems with cylinder storagepressures of 300 bar offer significantspace savings over equivalent 200 barsystems. The cylinders are mounted in

rows and may be stored in any suitablelocation, even in excess of 100 metresaway from the protected areas.

CHEMICAL GASES

With hundreds of thousands of systemsinstalled in over seventy countriesworld wide, the most widely usedHalon replacement is a hydrofluoro-carbon (HFC) called HFC-227ea.

HFC-227ea works by absorbing heatfrom the flame and the fuel, reducingthe temperature to a point were theflame can not sustain itself and the fire

is extinguished. It provides rapid sup-pression, with a short discharge time oftypically 6 to 10 seconds after firedetection. With a relatively smallcylinder storage footprint HFC-227ea isideally suited to use in areas were spaceis at a premium or weight restrictionsapply.

The largest manufacturer of HFC-227ea is the US-based Great LakesChemical Corporation, recently re-namedChemtura. Known as FM-200™, itsproduct is the most comprehensivelytested clean agent in history. Over $20 million has been spent by GreatLakes on toxicology and safety testing. It is completely safe for use inoccupied areas within prescribed con-centrations and exposure times. It is sosafe that it has even been designatedas a replacement for CFCs as a propel-lant for pharmaceutical metred-doseinhalers (MDI).

HFC-227ea has a zero ODP, a lowGWP and a short atmospheric lifetimeof only 29 years. Since its environmen-tal impact is negligible, it is likely toremain a viable agent for many years to come. Perhaps the best evidence forthis is the fact that the US Environ-mental Protection Agency recentlyinstalled HFC-227ea systems to protectsensitive equipment at its NationalComputer Center in North Carolina.


1414

Kidde Fire Protection 25 Bar System Discharge Nozzles for 3M Novec 1230 Fluid

Kidde Fire Protection Inert Gas System

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:22 PM Page 14

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NEWEST TECHNOLOGY

The latest arrival on the fire suppres-sion market is 3M™ Novec™ 1230 FireProtection Fluid. It differs from con-ventional chemical agents in that it isstored as a liquid and, thanks toefficient nozzle technology, is dis-charged into the hazard zone as acolourless, non-conductive and non-corrosive gas. The agent does notdisrupt the operation of electronicequipment even when in its liquidstate. This has been graphically demon-strated by mobile phones being shownto work even when fully immersed inthe fluid!

The big advantage of Novec 1230fluid is that it has negligible impact onthe environment. Known chemically asa fluoroketone, its greatest appeal iswith companies where environmentalconsiderations are high on the cor-porate agenda. Its impressive “environ-mental footprint” credentials include azero ODP, an GWP of just one and aremarkably low atmospheric lifetime ofonly 5 days. It satisfies not only today’senvironmental regulations, but alsomeets all of those in the foreseeablefuture.

Novec 1230 fluid puts fires outquickly by reaching its extinguishingconcentration in 10 seconds or less. Itworks by absorbing heat from the firerather than oxygen depletion. It has thehighest heat capacity of any commer-cially available chemical agent, giving itthe lowest extinguishing concentrationof 4 to 6 percent.

Novec 1230 fluid is people-friendlytoo. It presents no risk to personnel inoccupied spaces at normal design con-centrations. The US EPA SignificantNew Alternatives Program (SNAP) hasclassified it as acceptable for use as atotal flooding agent in occupiedspaces. In fact, its low extinguishingconcentration (4-6%) in combinationwith a high No Observable AdverseEffect Level (NOAEL) of 10 percentmeans that it provides a safety marginof nearly 100 percent. This is by far the largest safety margin of any clean fire suppression agent currentlyavailable.

Novec 1230 fluid systems areavailable in 42 and 25 bar versions.While 25 bar systems are the most


1616

Kidde Fire Protection Inert Gas System

P. 3-17 8/10/06 2:23 PM Page 16

cost-effective, 42 bar systems offerincreased design flexibility for large orcomplex pipe runs.

THE SMALL PICTURE

When selecting the most appropriateclean agent for your particular appli-cation, it is wise to seek guidance froman unbiased source with access to all ofthe options, rather than an organisationwith only a limited range of products.

Once the most appropriate agent hasbeen selected for your particular risk,you are still only half way towards asolution! Whichever agent has beenselected, the importance of ensuringthat your system is properly designed,installed and maintained cannot beoverstated.

As a minimum you should make surethat:

● appropriate system design has beencarried out by trained and certifiedengineers.

● system components comply with allrelevant legislative requirements suchas US DOT and EU TPED forcylinders and PED for pressurecomponents.

● systems have an independent thirdparty approval such as UL, FMGlobal, LPCB and VdS.

● installation is carried out by properlytrained and certified engineers toensure your system operates asintended.

● maintenance is carried out in accor-dance with manufacturers’ instruc-tions and relevant Codes such asNFPA 2110 and ISO 14520.


17

When selecting the mostappropriate clean agent for yourparticular application, it is wise toseek guidance from an unbiasedsource with access to all of theoptions, rather than anorganisation with only a limitedrange of products.

Lee James hasover twenty yearsin the fire protec-tion industry, andin that time hasbuilt up a worldwide reputationas an acknowl-edged expert onclean agent fire

suppression systems with a back-ground in design and installation. Heis currently Product Manager at KiddeFire Protection responsible for theglobal marketing of all the majorsuppression technologies includingCO2, FM-200™, Argonite™, and3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fire ProtectionFluid.

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1818

The new RRFSO applies only tothe UK, and does away with FireCertificates issued by local fire

brigades, to be replaced by what could be described as “self assessment”based on fire risk assessments. Thisreflects a growing international trendfor fire safety to be based on theapplication of fire engineering tech-niques rather than prescribed solutions.The inevitable consequence of this isthat compliance with recognisedstandards and advice contained inguidance notes is taking on an evenmore important role. Fire safety profes-sionals and facilities managers alike areseeking assurances that the productsand systems being designed, manufac-tured, installed, commissioned andmaintained are “as described”, and fit for the purpose for which they areintended.

By their very nature, standards are

created to provide end-users with aguide as to what performance isrequired under defined circumstances,what is recommended, or what level ofperformance or protection needs to beachieved. However, it is increasinglybeing recognised that third part certifi-cation is essential if users are to haveconfidence that a product reaches thestandards it purports to attain. Thereality of the situation is that, whileproducts that are not third partyapproved may well be designed andbuilt to the required standards, there isno way in which this can be verified. Inmy opinion, achieving a third partyapproval is vital.

In Europe, we have CE marking. Butwhat does CE marking really imply?The letters CE on a product are themanufacturer’s claim that the productmeets the requirements of all of the relevant European Directives. So,

the marking on a product is supposedto indicate to governments that the product can be sold legally andmove freely throughout the EuropeanUnion and the Free Trade Area. It alsooffers the manufacturer’s assurancethat the product meets designatedminimum safety standards and,therefore, a minimum quality standard,and that it can be relied upon to pro-mote public health and safety. Fromthe manufacturer’s perspective, CEmarking also enhances the product’scredibility, in the hope of leading toincreased sales and greater customersatisfaction.

All well and good, but it must beremembered that we, and our Europeancustomers are relying on the manu-facturer’s honesty. CE marking is amanufacturers claim; it is not certifiedby a third party. Hence the addedimportance of insisting on products orservices that also comply with theappropriate British Standard or otherqualified certifying authority, and bethird party certified.

Since the revised edition of BritishStandard 5839 Part 1 in 2002 (amend-ed 2004) – Fire detection and alarmsystems for buildings; code of practicefor system design, installation andservicing – there has been growingawareness of the need for suchstandards in world markets. This isparticularly so, now that so many firedetection and alarm products andsystems are manufactured “offshore”.Additionally, we sometimes tend tooverlook the fact that the marketplacefor such products and systems is nowworldwide, and that to compete inthese markets, it is essential to complywith the host country’s standards,where they exist.

By their very nature, standards are created to provide end-userswith a guide as to whatperformance is required underdefined circumstances, what isrecommended, or what level ofperformance or protection needsto be achieved.

Setting theBy Fred Tingle

THE NEAR IMMINENT ARRIVAL of the British Government’s RRFSO[Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order], with its emphasis on risk assessmentrather than prescribed fire safety measures, is focusing attention on the needfor third party certification throughout the industry. Here, Fred Tingle,Chairman of the Institute of Fire Prevention Officers’ Technical Committee,takes a close look at the issues involved.

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:24 PM Page 18

Many countries readily accept Britishand EN standards as a satisfactoryqualifying standard, but this is not thecase throughout the world. Manufac-turers marketing globally are only tooaware that products aimed at a worldmarket may well demand modificationsto their specification for that productto be acceptable.

There are, of course, situations thatcannot be totally covered by the rele-vant country’s standards and markings,although the product may well performsatisfactorily. For example, when a newand innovative technical developmentcomes along, it will mainly dependupon the number of manufacturers ofsimilar products as to whether it isdeemed necessary for a standard to becreated. The creation of a standard isby no means a simple or inexpensivetask. It takes an enormous amount oftime to get agreement on the appro-priate level that the standard shouldindicate as acceptable, and it is of nouse to create a standard that is impos-sible for the manufacturers concernedor other agencies to achieve, while atthe same time creating a meaningfulquality standard.

Most, although by no means all, ofthese comments apply to products and

systems. However, equally important isthe question of the installationdesigner, installer and maintainercompetency. After all, there is little value in specifying even thirdparty certified equipment if bestpractice is not delivered by thoseresponsible for the application of those products and systems. It is inter-esting to note that research indicatesthat the majority of false alarms areinstallation or building managementrelated rather that being due to faultyequipment!

Clearly, we need to be workingtowards better and more reliablemeasures of acceptable competency.While training and experience are vital,

surely there is also a need for indepen-dent accreditation that is not reliantupon the individual company’s com-mitment or professional integrity. Anumber of the leading trade associa-tions are taking a praiseworthy lead on this issue, some of which, equallycommendably, are also third partyendorsed.


19

Fred Tingle retired as Gwent’sSenior Fire Safety Officer in 1993after 31 years in the fire service. AFellow and Vice Chairman of theInstitute of Fire Prevention Officers,he is a member of its ExecutiveCouncil. He also runs his own firesafety consultancy, Fire HazardTechnology.

The IFPO, which incor-porates the Institute ofFire Safety Officers,represents fire safety

officers working in the private andpublic sectors. Its aims include theadvancement of fire safety educa-tion; the maintenance of high pro-fessional standards among members,and to advise, inform and educatemembers in all aspects of the firesafety industry. Further information isavailable on the Institute’s website atwww.fire.org.uk/IFPO/

When a new and innovativetechnical development comesalong, it will mainly depend uponthe number of manufacturers ofsimilar products as to whether it isdeemed necessary for a standardto be created.

he StandardIt is interesting to note thatresearch indicates that the majorityof false alarms are installation orbuilding management relatedrather that being due to faultyequipment!

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:24 PM Page 19

RAE Systems w/p 8/10/06 2:25 PM Page 1

With the introduction of thetwo Directives and the newstandard for functional safety

(see figure “The Sensitron Hexagon”),all these subjects will be able to refer toa specific source. Thus, this decisionshall no longer be optional, butbinding and shall include disciplinaryprovisions and sanctions.

The most important factors thatneed to be taken into consideration forthe selection of the most appropriategas detection system will be dealt sepa-rately in an abstract divided into 4parts, each one examined individually.

1. Directive 94/9/EC, introduced onJuly 1st and known as ATEX 100a(from the French acronym ATmospheresEXplosives), establishes the ESR (Essen-tial Safety Requirements), specifiesprovisions for the manufacture ofequipment depending on the degree ofthe hazard of the area, outlines theprocedures which have to be followed

to certify the equipment, identifies thenotifying bodies authorized to certifythis kind of equipment and illustratesthe procedures which have to befollowed to monitor the manufactureof equipment suitable for the above-mentioned areas.

The Directive also specifies the PER-FORMANCE that this equipment shouldexhibit to be regarded as SAFETYDEVICES, regardless of whether theyare fixed or portable: a factor that isoften neglected and not implementedby local bodies. In other words, adevice with an ATEX certified housingdoes not have the necessary require-ments to be certified as a gas detector.In accordance with the Directive, adevice can be classified as such only ifit is certified in accordance with theperformance criteria defined in theDirective and more specifically in stan-dard EN 61779-1 and subsequentamendments. Manufacturers who failto comply with this standard, installers

who install, and users who use deviceswhich are not certified with thisstandard, will not comply with theDirective, because devices that areregarded “gas detectors (Safety Device)”are not simply devices fitted in a ATEXcertified housing.

The Directive ATEX 100a will beexamined in greater detail in part 2 ofthe above-mentioned abstract.

2. Directive 1999/92/EC, also knownas Directive ATEX 118a, will come intoforce on July 1st 2006.

While Directive 94/9 focuses onproducts and was addressed mainly tomanufacturers of gas detection systems,this Directives applies in particular tothe installers and users of said systems,because it specifies the minimumrequirements which need to be met toenhance the safety and protection ofthe health of workers exposed to therisk of atmospheres classified as poten-tially explosive.

The Directive explicitly lists theduties of “Employers” in terms of clas-sification of the area and the actionsthat have to be implemented to preventand/or foresee adequate protectivemeasures against explosion hazards.


21

EEx d and EEx n gas detectors

DECISIONS BASED ON COMPLIANCE WITH STANDARDSUNTIL RECENTLY, MANUFACTURERS OF gas detection systems, installers,general contractors and “end-users” could rely on only a few referencestandards for the manufacture and installation of fixed gas detection systems,which were not mandatory and were sometimes unclear and incomplete.

By Dr G. Frigo

FixedGasDetectionSystems

FixedGasDetectionSystems

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:25 PM Page 21

This Directive follows Directive89/391/EEC, whose purpose was toimplement, document and updateexplosion hazards. In Italy, D.L. (LawDecree) 233/2003, which came intoforce on 10.09.2003 and integrates the general duties specified in D.L.(Law Decree) 626/94, specifies thatemployers have to perform specificassessments and also prepare specificdocuments detailing the measuresimplemented to prevent said hazards.The law decree also specifies sanctionsfor the failure to comply with theserequirements.

All working sites used for the firsttime after July 1st 2003 must immedi-ately comply with the Directive, whileexisting ones shall have to do so byJune 30th 2006.

A more detailed analysis of theduties of the employers and of theclassification of these areas is providedin point 3 of the above mentionedabstract.

3. The first part of the documentexamines the basic concepts of gasdetection, with topics that range fromthe specific nature of gases, the con-cept of explosiveness, the MinimumIgnition Energy (MIE) and toxicity.

These concepts are essential tounderstand that process followed bylaw issuing bodies to create and issuethe two above-mentioned directivesand other European Standards (EN), towhich CENELEC 31 and 31-9 Commit-tees have greatly contributed.

The incorrect interpretation or thelack of information on these basicrequirements, which include concepts

like specific density that is important todetermine the correct location ofdetectors, or the selection of improperdetection principles for a specific gasmay have a negative impact, even if thedetector has been manufactured andtested according to the standards.

4. The last part of the document, part4, which is equally important, examinesthe new European Standard EN 50402which has been approved in the lastfew days and which examines the con-

cepts of “Functional Safety”, i.e. thereliability of a gas detection system.

Although it is important to verifythat the gas detector is manufacturedin accordance with the explosion andelectrical requirements of the area inwhich it will be installed, correctlyclassify the area on the basis of specificcriteria, assess risks and correctly installthe detectors, it is equally important toassess and classify the equipment orgas detection system also in terms offunctionality or probability of failure.

Standard EN 50402 (which is a stan-dard, not a directive) classifies systemsin several levels that enables users toensure that the reliability of the gasdetection system complies with thereliability of other systems alreadyinstalled in the production area.

More specifically standard EN 50402– “Electrical Apparatus for the detec-tion and measurement of combustibleor toxic gases or vapors or of oxygen.Requirements on the functional safetyof fixed gas detection systems” –defines the functional modules andillustrates the combinations that can beused for safety purposes.

The document also examines the


2222

The Sensitron Hexagon

Fixed Gas DetectionSystemsFixed Gas DetectionSystems

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:26 PM Page 22

C

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CM

MY

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CMY

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APFUncertaintyFire.ai 10/6/2005 12:50:57 PMAPFUncertaintyFire.ai 10/6/2005 12:50:57 PM

evolution of the process which has ledto the unification of general standardsinto a single draft and explains how to classify traditional gas detectionsystems in accordance with the newstandard.

Directive Atex 100a establishes thatall European countries must carry outtype tests on:

● Gas detection systems with measur-ing functions aimed at preventingexplosions, as per EN 61779-1 andsubsequent amendments

● The requirements which need to befollowed to measure oxygen, as perstandard EN 50104

● Gas detectors that have to be usedto measure toxic gases, as per stan-dard EN 45544-1 and subsequentamendments

All these measurement standardsdefine standard performance require-ments, but do not provide informationon functional safety in the event offailure or on the requirements thathave to be met to guarantee continuityof operation in the event of failure.

Currently used gas detection systemshave a complex modular structure, arecontrolled by microprocessors and areused for the most diverse applicationswith varying levels of safety. Thecomplex range of measurements thathave to be performed to ensurefunctional safety are now disciplined bythis standard.

The general standard that disciplinesthe “functional safety of electronicsystems” is standard.

EN 61508, which defines specific

performance requirements dependingon the level of safety (from SIL 1 to SIL4, Safety Integrity Levels).This standard,which is constituted by 7 sections, isvery large, but also rather generic. Inmost cases, the standard provides onlytheoretic guidelines or recommends theuse of complex mathematical calcula-tions to estimate potential risks.

All this is very challenging from thescientific point of view, but not verypractical.

The second European standard thatdisciplines the functional safety ofelectronic control systems is standardEN 954-1, which specifies the genericrequirements of the Machinery Direc-tive in function of the categories of risk(from Cat 1 to Cat. 4). By definition,these categories are explicitly “not hier-archic in terms of requirements”, butcan be integrated in a hierarchicsystem. The definitions of standard EN954-1 are much more pragmatic and inmany cases much more practical thanthose of standard EN 61508.

The scope of standard EN 50402 isthat of unifying (combining) theconcepts and of defining the require-ments for a family of products, or inother words of specifically adaptinggeneric requirements to gas detectionsystems.

The basic approach of this newstandard is to supply a unique descrip-tion of gas detection systems, whichmay be constituted by different hard-ware components, depending on man-ufacturers. Gas detection systems arespecifically divided into functionalmodules. The standard specifies, foreach module, detailed requirements,

dividing them by levels which rangefrom SIL-C 1 to SIL-C 4 (SafetyIntegrity Level Capability).

Depending on manufacturing char-acteristics, functional modules maybelong to different hardware com-ponents. The standard describes thefollowing functional units:

● Gas sampling (4 different modules)● Sensor● Signal transmission (2 distinct

modules)● Input to control units (5 distinct

modules)● Processing of signals in the control

unit (5 distinct modules)● Outputs from control unit (5 distinct

modules)

Risks (Fault tolerance) are estimatedby comparing the percentage of safetyrelevant faults with the total faults,taking into accountant the redundancylevel defined in standard EN 61508.Risks are divided into risks related tosimple modules (faults with non pre-dictable characteristics) and complexmodules (like microprocessors).

Fault probabilities have been formu-lated taking into account previousexperience with gas detection systemsand the practical applications of stan-dard EN 954-1 within the ambit of theMachinery Directive.

The integration of gas detection sys-tems in a global safety system offersthe possibility of carrying out a largernumber of risk analyses (ATEX 118a)and of managing risks more effectively.In future, there will be an increasingnumber of application specific gasdetection systems based on the SIL-Cclassification

Sensitron srl, which has always devel-oped innovative gas detection systemsand promoted manufacturing processesfocused on quality and the compliancewith standard, shall be happy to pro-vide the abstracts of parts 1-4 quotedin this documents to anyone havinginterest therein.


2424

Dr G. Frigowww.sensitron.it

Cei-CenelecSC31-9,

CT 216 expert

Fixed Gas DetectionSystemsFixed Gas DetectionSystems

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:26 PM Page 24


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Fire is essential to human survival.However, an unwanted fire is adestructive event, causing mil-

lions of dollars in damage in additionto pain and suffering. Laws against set-ting or causing fires go as far back asHammurabi and Leviticus (circa 1780BC).1 For centuries, fire prevention wassimply keeping things that burn awayfrom flames. However, over 800 yearsago in 1189, Henry Fitz-Ailwyn, thefirst Lord Mayor of London, issued aregulation prescribing fire safety fea-tures for buildings which included arequirement for stone party walls to be3-feet thick and 16-feet high and for

combustible construction to be coveredwith slate or burnt tile.1

AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLERS

A critical advancement in building fireprotection was the emergence of fixedfire suppression in buildings. Efforts toincorporate fire suppression in build-ings began in the nineteenth centurywith the advent of perforated-pipe sys-tems. In 1806, John Carey of Englandconceived of the idea of a heat-activat-ed device, which would distribute waterthrough a system of perforated pipesinstalled within the building or area tobe protected. Carey’s concept wasdeveloped further by Major Stewart ofLondon’s 1st Engineer Volunteers whointroduced the first automatic sprinklerin 1864.2

During the same time period HenryParmelee, a piano manufacturer fromProvidence, Rhode Island, was alsodeveloping this concept to protect hispiano factory. These systems weremanually activated by the opening of acontrol valve and distributed water over the entire area covered by the sys-tem. Subsequently, manually activated


27

A HistoricalView ofBuilding FireProtectionSystemsTHE HISTORY OF FIRE protection in buildings dates back thousands of years. Asingle article cannot fully explore the many aspects of its evolution. However, anumber of events, people and inventions have been significant in the evolutionof fire protection in buildings. These are discussed in this article as central tothe acceptance and advancement of fire protection systems, particularlyautomatic fire sprinkler systems. Although fire protection in buildings includesvarious types of systems, this article will largely focus on the evolution ofsprinkler systems. Sprinklers are generally regarded by fire protectionengineers, insurance companies and property owners as the most effectiveprotection for both property protection and life safety. They have an establishedrecord of efficiency and reliability in controlling and extinguishing fires.

By Robert J. Wheeler, P.E.Hughes Associates, Inc.

A HistoricalView ofBuilding FireProtectionSystems

Sprinkler Head by Reliable Sprinkler Inc.

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:27 PM Page 27

perforated-pipe systems were installedin a number of manufacturing plantsin New England. Although these sys-tems were an improvement over manu-al suppression, by the end of theAmerican Civil War concerns over thereliability of these systems, which dis-charged water over the entire protectedarea rather than just in the vicinity ofthe fire, began to emerge.

THE PIONEERS

Although Major Stewart introduced thefirst sprinkler in 1864, credit for estab-lishing the sprinkler’s practical applica-tion and current base of acceptabilitythroughout the world is credited toHenry Parmelee and Frederick Grinnell.Attempts were made to develop auto-matically actuated systems whichwould limit discharge over the area ofthe fire thereby reducing water dam-age. In 1874 Henry Parmelee wasawarded the first patent for an auto-matic sprinkler system. Although theperforated-pipe system was patentedby American Philip W. Pratt of Abing-ton, MA in 1872, Parmelee is creditedwith creating the first commerciallysuccessful closed sprinkler. FrederickGrinnell patented his first automaticsprinkler in 1875 which used a moresensitive solder element in the fusiblelink and provided an improved responsetime. Refinements in automatic sprin-kler designs led to their increased usein the United States and Europe. By1884 ten companies had automaticsprinkler approvals, and the use ofautomatic sprinklers in buildings beganto spread to Europe (1884) and Canada(1889).1

In order to be successful, an inven-

tion must not only meet a need, itmust also be economical. GeorgeParmelee, Henry’s brother, recognizedthat the cost of installing automaticsprinklers would have to be offset byreduced insurance premiums in order toentice property owners to bear the costof their installation. George traveled toEurope in 1881-1882 and, through aseries of fire tests, demonstrated theeffectiveness of automatic sprinklers.He also educated the insurance compa-nies on the value of automatic sprin-klers in reducing property losses.2 Thismarks one of the initial efforts atdemonstrating the benefit/cost ofincorporating a fire suppression systemin building design.

During the same time period, SirWilliam Mather, a member of the RoyalCommission on Technical Education,traveled to America in 1883 to gatherdesign, installation and performancedata on sprinkler systems. While visiting

the United States he met FrederickGrinnell. Grinnell, who had an associa-tion with Parmelee, manufactured theParmelee sprinkler and also designedand installed systems using them. Amechanical genius, Grinnell successfullyimproved upon the Parmelee inventionand created the “Grinnell” sprinkler.Shortly after Sir Mather’s visit to theU.S., the British Tariff Insurance Com-panies decided to give official recogni-tion to the Grinnell sprinkler and grantrebates for its installation.2 This actionprovided significant momentum for theuse of the sprinkler system.

Around 1880 the Factory MutualInsurance Companies began to encour-age policyholders in the U.S. to installautomatic sprinklers and offered premi-um concessions. Factory Mutual alsobegan to test and approve automaticsprinklers.1 The use of schedule ratingsfor determination of insurance premi-ums also promoted the use of auto-matic sprinklers since the lack ofcertain fire protection systems wascharged as a deficiency under theschedule with the result being higherpremiums.1 In addition, around 1884the insurance industry included cover-age for non-fire water damage, i.e.,accidental discharge, from automaticsprinkler systems. This action furtherencouraged their use.

EARLY STANDARDS

On October 22, 1885 British engineerJohn Wormald copyrighted and pub-lished the first code of Sprinkler Ruleswhich was adopted by the British Tariff


2828

Pic courtesy of Tyco Safety Products

A Historical Viewof Building FireProtection Systems


P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:27 PM Page 28


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Insurance Companies.2 Not only didthese rules form the groundwork forsimilar rules subsequently established inAmerica, they were also adopted by Aus-tralia in 1939. The National Fire Protec-tion Association (NFPA) was formed in1896. Membership consisted of stockinsurance companies that were interest-ed in improving their surveillance ofrisks. The first NFPA project was to for-mulate standards relating to automaticsprinklers. The initial edition of thisstandard, which utilized the pipe sched-ules developed by Freeman, was used forapproximately ten years. Many systemsoriginally designed and installed usingthis standard remain in service today.1

Despite the advancement of sprinklersystem technology in the 1800’s,hydraulic calculations had not yet been developed. Therefore all sprinkler

systems were based on pipe-scheduletree-systems with no more than sixsprinklers placed on a branch line.1

Around 1905 observations of fires andloss experiences determined that thesize and severity of fires was a functionof the combustible materials in thearea, both in terms of types of materi-als and arrangement. It was also notedthat sprinklers on more than onebranch line were usually involved. As aresult, the original pipe schedules usedfor sprinkler installation were revised.The revised schedules set a limit on thenumber of sprinklers per branch line inaddition to the total number of sprin-klers on a given diameter of pipe col-lectively throughout the system.1 Theserevised pipe schedules remained in useuntil the middle of the twentieth cen-tury. Subsequent improvements to

sprinklers in regard to effectiveness,cost reduction and increased longevityresulted in low-maintenance and effec-tive fire protection systems. By 1911approximately 100,000 buildings in theU.S. were protected by automaticsprinkler systems.1

PARALLEL DEVELOPMENTS IN DETECTION AND ALARM

An important parallel development inbuilding fire protection was that of firedetection and alarm technologies.Alarm systems were developed begin-ning around the middle of the nine-teenth century. In 1847 New York Citybegan construction of a municipalalarm system, followed shortly there-after by Boston in 1851. In 1882 anearly heat detector, consisting of aglass tube filled with alcohol, wasdeveloped in Germany by Haase.1 Thefirst electric fire detector in commercialuse was developed by William B.Watkins. Watkins also developed thefirst remotely monitored fire alarm sys-tem using heat detectors in the early1870’s. The first residential fire detectorappeared in 1921. Today, residentialsmoke detectors are commonplace lifesafety devices. Detection systems arealso commonly used for special sup-pression system activation such asgaseous systems and pre-action anddeluge sprinkler systems.

In 1909, Mr. Edward Hope Kirkby, anAustralian inventor introduced the firstautomatic clockwork fire brigade alarmtransmitter which transmitted a signalto the nearest fire station when abuilding’s sprinkler system activated.Australia was the first country to intro-duce the automatic fire alarm transmit-ter.3 Combining an automatic alarmsystem with an automatic water sup-pression system may have been thesingle most important fire protectionengineering concept of the late nine-teenth century and was a significantfactor in helping automatic sprinklersgain wide acceptance.1

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN BUILDINGS

A number of building and industrialprocessing changes occurred in the firsthalf of the twentieth century thatdirectly affected the continuing evolu-tion of sprinklers.1 They included thefollowing:


3030

A water-mist nozzle undergoes “K” factor testing to determine flow characteristics



P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:28 PM Page 30

1. Steel and concrete replaced wood asthe dominant material for construc-tion. Therefore the need to dischargewater to the underside of the roof,as was the case with old-stylesprinklers, became less important.

2. Greater floor-to-ceiling heightsresulted in a longer distance thatwater from a discharging sprinklerhad to travel to reach the fire. Moreheat was absorbed during thisdescent which resulted in a higherevaporation rate and less waterremaining to reach the fire.

3. Changing storage technologies, suchas rack storage, presented morechallenging fire scenarios.

EXPANDED ROLE FOR AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS

Until the late twentieth century sprin-klers were primarily used for propertyprotection in commercial applications.However, the record in sprinkleredbuildings demonstrated that they hadvalue as a life safety system as well,thereby expanding the role of automat-ic sprinklers in buildings. Today sprin-klers are acknowledged for their lifesafety benefit as well as for propertyprotection.

The lack of sprinklers in residentialoccupancies such as single familydwellings has been due mainly to sev-eral issues. First, the quantity of waterusually available was much less than incommercial properties, therefore stan-dard spray sprinklers could not be useddue to their pressure requirements.Second, materials found in residentialoccupancies generally tend to liberate

more toxic products of combustionwhen burned and standard spray sprin-klers could not react quickly enough toprovide adequate egress time for occu-pants. And finally, sprinkler systemswere not yet affordable in residences.Advancements in sprinkler system tech-nology have addressed these as well asother technical issues, resulting in thedevelopment of relatively lower costsprinkler systems for dwellings. Butdespite many advantages, the use of

these residential sprinklers has not metexpectations. Even when an adequatewater supply is available their use islimited. Resistance to residential sprin-klers is similar to that experienced withthe introduction of old-style sprinklersin the late nineteenth and early twenti-eth century: indifference, fear of waterdamage and affordability. Today theiruse is largely limited to those jurisdic-tions where they are mandated.

OTHER FIRE SUPPRESSION TECHNOLOGIES

In the early twentieth century, carbondioxide was becoming an importantindustrial gas used in industries such assoda manufacturing, dry ice and inertmanufacturing processes. As the use andproduction of carbon dioxide grew itscost dropped and it became a readilyavailable, cost-effective extinguishingagent. The first widespread use of car-bon dioxide was in small hand-heldextinguishers. The manual use of carbondioxide eventually created an interest inusing it in automatic extinguishing sys-tems; the first use of which was for theprotection of fur vaults. First addressed


31

Pic courtesy of Marioff Hi-Fog

Resistance to residential sprinklersis similar to that experienced withthe introduction of old-stylesprinklers in the late nineteenthand early twentieth century:indifference, fear of water damageand affordability.

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:28 PM Page 31

by J. C. Hesson in 1953, developing an understanding of CO2flow characteristics in piping was one of the most importantand difficult fire protection engineering challenges of thetwentieth century. Hesson proposed a method for calculatingthe pressure drop for high-pressure carbon dioxide in pipes.Hesson and others (1957) subsequently developed moresophisticated methods which were demonstrated to work forlow-pressure systems by a series of tests. This developmentallowed the low-pressure carbon dioxide storage units to belocated remotely from the hazard to be protected.

Halogenated extinguishing agents also appeared at thistime with considerable research taking place between 1945and 1955. However, concerns over their toxicity and their

decomposition products as well as the fact that carbon diox-ide was much less expensive slowed their use in suppressionsystems. By the middle of the 1960’s however, the growth ofcomputer and telecommunications equipment led to a resur-gence of interest in the use of Halons as extinguishingagents. There was considerable resistance to the use of water-based systems such as sprinkler systems in these spaces; atthe same time, the use of carbon dioxide was undesirable dueto the human occupancy of the protected spaces. The use ofHalon extinguishing agents continued grew until the middleof the 1970’s when the first indications of their ozone deple-tion effect began to be noticed. In 1987 the Montreal Accordsignificantly reduced the use of most CFCs as well as com-pounds containing bromine. The production of Halon 1211and 1301 was discontinued in 1994. Predictably, the cost ofHalon increased. As a result, the search for alternative agentshas intensified and continues today.

Water mist systems were first studied as fire suppressionsystems in the early 1950’s. Early studies indicated that thefine particle size of these systems were more effective inabsorbing heat than were the larger water droplets ofstandard spray sprinklers. It was also confirmed that oxygendisplacement by the steam generated and the cooling effectof the water mist were dominant mechanisms of extinguish-ment, especially with flammable and combustible liquid poolfires.1 Once again, the economics of this technology and theavailability of alternative agents hampered its implementa-tion: automatic sprinkler systems utilizing standard spraysprinklers, large-drop sprinklers and Halon were providingadequate and more economical protection. With thereduction in the use of Halon systems in the 1990’s the useof fine water mist systems as an alternative extinguishingagent gained increased interest. These systems were the lastmajor suppression system development in the twentiethcentury.1

This brief summary of the history and development of firesuppression components for building fire protection has merelytouched upon the topic. The development of fire protection forbuildings evolved with changes that occurred in the public andprivate sectors: changes in population from rural to urbanliving; changes in materials of the built environment; theindustrial revolution; the growth of computing and telecom-munications industry and relatively recent concerns of theenvironmental impact of some suppression agents, to name afew. Although great progress has been made with respect toprotecting people and property, losses from fire remain aconcern and much work remains. And, we can expect thatother technological advances will contribute to and influencefuture advancements in building fire protection.

REFERENCES1. History of Fire Protection Engineering, J. Kenneth Richardson, P. Eng, Editor2. The Story of the Introduction to England of the AutomaticSprinkler, John Wormald, December 1923http://www.armstrongpriestley.co.uk/resources/historyOfSprinklers.htm3. From early inventions to modern Standards, Barry Lee OAM,Brian Kirkby and David Michelhttp://www.kirkby.homestead.com/Page05.html


3232

The Ideal Pump for High Pressure Water Mist SystemsNessie® pumps from Danfoss provide the water pressurerequired for high pressure water mist applications due to theircompact design and homogeneous spraying generation.

Pump advantages:• Low-weight and small-sized• High efficiency• Direct PTO/engine

connection• Stainless steel• Homogeneous spray

generation• No maintenance

Beside pumps we offer specialized ready-to-use custom-made Power-Packs as well as Valves and Jets.

For further information please contact:

Danfoss A/SDK-6430 Nordborg, Denmark

Tel.: +45 7488 3181 • Fax: +45 7445 3831

E-mail: [email protected] 3055

G1

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:28 PM Page 32

Since unveiling Hygood i3 inert gasfire suppression system for totalflooding applications, Tyco Fire and

Security has been inundated with inter-est from a wide range of market sectors,notably the telecommunications andpetrochemical industries. It boasts a hostof environmental credentials: it is non-toxic, non-corrosive and odour-free, aswell as being zero ozone depleting andhaving zero global warming potential.

Designed to protect computer suites,archive stores, power generation facili-ties, offshore oil and gas productionfacilities and gas turbines, i3 has livedup to the claims that it is effective forvirtually all combustible material andflammable liquid fires.

Among its many benefits, i3 is fastacting and has a low life-cycle cost; it is electrically non-conductive and hasno breakdown products or residue, sothere is no risk of damage to sensitiveequipment, plus i3 has zero impact onthe environment. Significantly, wherespace is at a premium, i3 has a smaller footprint than traditional lower-pressure inert gas technology. It really

does “tick all the boxes”.Hygood i3 is a pure 50:50 mixture of

Argon and Nitrogen and so is likely toappeal to organisations where specify-ing a non-chemical suppressant is ofparamount importance, or where envi-ronmental concerns are high on thecorporate agenda. The blended gaseshave a similar density to air, so themixture retains its concentration whendischarged for far longer than the now outlawed Halon 1301 chemicalsuppressant.

Andrew Shiner, Director of Marketingfor Europe, the Middle East and Africafor Tyco Fire and Security’s Fire Sup-pression Group, commented: “The gasesused in Hygood i3 already circulatenaturally in the atmosphere, so i3neither adds to the environment nortakes anything away, and so has nodetrimental environmental impactwhatsoever.”

It extinguishes a fire on discharge byreducing the ambient concentrationlevel of oxygen to between 10 percentand 14 percent. This is below the con-centration level necessary to support

combustion, but sufficient to supportlife for a short period. Hence, i3 is idealfor use in occupied rooms or enclosures.Its appeal for use in occupied spaces isfurther enhanced by its being an invisi-ble gas that does not obscure vision.

Hygood i3 is stored in high-pressuresteel containers with an operating pres-sure of 300 bar. Installations compriseone or more containers connected to asystem of pipe work and rapid-discharge nozzles; fully engineeredsolutions designed using i3 flowcalculation software. Cylinders can bestored remote from the area beingprotected and a bank of cylinders canbe used to safeguard more than a singleroom or enclosure.

This latest addition to Tyco Fire andSecurity’s fire safety offering confirmsthe company’s status as a full solutionsprovider. Its unveiling followed shortlyafter the launch of the company’sSapphire fluid-based system that usesnew, sustainable, long-term technologythat satisfies all of current and foresee-able regulations; a system that has aninsignificant global warming potential,the lowest level of design concentrationand the highest safety margin of any viable Halon 1301 or chemicalalternative.


33

P R O D U C T P R O F I L E

Further details on i3 can be foundat www.macron-safety.com, or

are obtainable by email [email protected],

by telephone on +44 (0) 1493417600, or by fax on +44 (0) 1493 417700

TYCO’S NEW INERT GAS SUPPRESSIONSYSTEM “TICKS THE BOXES”

P. 18-33 8/10/06 2:29 PM Page 33

The fire-extinguishing agent SACLON 2 ECO is a mixture of colourless gases, that were skilfully mixed with a detossifying agent with scent of pine. The tanks are provided with rapid flux valves and the turned brass discharge nozzles are opportunely gauged for a rapid gas efflux in order to obtain the total discharge of the fire-extinguishing agent in a maximum time of 8/10 seconds. The action on fire of SACLON 2 ECO is to reduce in few seconds the oxigen percentage under the 14%, threshold under which fire can not survive. Thanks to its specific features it does not damage bronzes, plaster casts, pictures, clothes, tapestries and works of art, as it has no colour, no smell and it is not corrosive. Thank to its composition, SACLON 2 ECO does not belong to the substances forbidden by the law nr. 549/93 and by the CEE REGULATION 3952/92, so it is actually a product considered "clean" and without limits of use or expiry. The use of the detossifying agent and the reduced discharge time lead to a rapid reduction of the environmental oxigen, with the guarantee of very rapid extinction time and restricting the damages caused by the fire they give rise to a sinergistic effect, with a reduced formation of decomposition products caused by high temperatures and allowing the evacuation of personnel in the area.

The pyre in pinewood, made in accordance to the UNI 10877 regulation, after being set on fire for three minutes and being let burning for three more minutes, is brought into the test-room in which there are the instruments for the survey of the data related to temperature and the percentage of oxigen in the various heights.

High pressure brass nozzles, appropriately gauged, guarantee the saturation of the environment in the

maximum time of about 8/10 seconds.

The extinction took place and in the area the combustion's smokes and the extinguishing agent's rests are now circulating.

The area should be abundantly aired.

The area is rapidly becoming saturated with SACLON 2 ECO and the fire on the wooden pyre is stiffling because of the reduction of oxigen.

When the door opens you can see cleary the wooden pyre completely extinguished and without embers from the combustion.

TECHNOLOGY AND SAFETY - COMPLETELY HFC

[email protected] - www.sacep.it

Sacep dps 8/10/06 2:29 PM Page 2

SACEP TRADING s.r.l. - Estintori e Impianti fissi

Stabilimento e Ufficio: Viale Vicenza, 152/R

36061 Bassano del Grappa - Vicenza - Italia

Tel. +39 0424 502026 - Fax +39 0424 504053

[email protected] - www.sacep.it

SACLON 2 ECO AUTOMATIC FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

The product SACLON 2 ECO is a mixture obtained by chemical products absolutely ecological and not corrosive, that obtained the homologation of the Italian Ministry of the Interior and the preventive approval of the Ministry of the Environment and the Health Institution, whose documentation is in the archives in the Ministry of the Interior.SACLON 2 ECO, for its own composition, does not have any limit of expiry or use, it does not harm the hozone and it does not belong to the range of products whose utilization is forbidden for the hozone, as it has

ODP=0 GWP=0,26 ALT=16The product belongs to the fire-extinguishing agents included in the E.P.A. REGULATIONS (United States Environmental Protection Agency) and NFPA 2001, and thanks to its particular features it is suitable for the use for portable fire-extinguishers and in trolley fire-extinguishers. The product passed brilliantly the test by the laboratory recognized by the Italian Ministry of the Interior as a total flooding fire-extinguishing agent to use in fixed automatical extinguishing systems, in accordance to the REGULATION UNI 10877/1 "GAS FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS". The great results obtained by the product during the test, as rapidity in the reduction of the oxigen level that leads to rapidity in the extinction, both for A class (fires from solid material) and for B class (fires from liquid material), make it become a first quality fire-extinguishing agent. The certification in accordance to the EUROPEAN STANDARD UNI 10877/1, that adds to the american one previously in force NFPA 2001, shows that the product is particularly suitable for the use in fixed fire-extinguishing systems of small, medium and big dimensions, in areas normally occupied by personnel, with the eventual limitations expected for the substitutes of Halon as total flooding agents, in centres for the elaboration of data and on apparatus under tension.

SAFETY

ECOLOGY

NOT CORROSIVE

REGULATION UNI 10877/1

MAXIMUM TIME 8/10 SECONDS

Sacep dps 8/10/06 2:29 PM Page 3

The technology of MCT’s is gener-ally known among experts asthey are used wherever also

watertightness, gastightness and resis-tance to explosion pressure are requiredbesides the certified fire protection. Forany such applications the MCT’s sup-plied by bst-firestop.com proved theirworth for decades in production plantsof chemical industries, medical centers,sewage works, power plants, telecomstations, railway constructions, militaryunits, oil rigs, ships and many other.But now there’s the revolutionarydevelopment of bst’s Quick Fix TCM(Tolerance Cable Module Technology).By combining “Quick Basic” with asmall number of “Quick Adapters”these cable modules can be adjusted toany given cable diameter and they

absorb diameter tolerances of up to5mm by their special design. Thesefacts as well as other details offer thebelow mentioned advantages to theuser:

● Only 6 basic modules seal cables ofdiameters between 5 and 99mm!

● Simple planning and easy to selectand order!

● Room saving storage and less weightto carry!

● Quickest and simple adaption tocable diameters!

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● Multi Insert Modules and Multi FillerBlocks reduce assembly time by upto 80%!

The Quick Fix TCM technology bybst-firestop.com was subjected to vari-ous tests and is approved for a greatnumber of applications demanding fireprotection, resistance to pressure aswell as resistance to ageing, high andlow temperatures, chemicals, etc. Bymeans of an elaborate and free soft-ware bst MCT’s can be easily designedand documented. The application ismuch facilitated by the said featuresand assembly times are reduced by upto 80%.

This revolutionary new developmentmade bst-firestop.com the global tech-nology leader. SOME LIKE IT HOT –WE DON’T!


3636


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P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:30 PM Page 36


37

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With a wide range of Xenonstrobes; VXB low-current LEDbeacons and COMBI sounder-beacons available ex-stock; as wellas intrinsically safe, flameproof, addressable and soon to belaunched 12v range; Cranford Controls is able to offer you thesolution you need whatever the application. All our products areavailable with a wide range of colours and options.

VXB and VCOMBI products share the same mounting base optionsas the Vantage sounder range and so can be retro-fitted to complywith the DDA.

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P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:30 PM Page 37

Unfortunately, fires are not at allunusual events in high-riskinstallations, such as petro-

chemical and chemical plants. They arealso usually far more severe than themore common cellulosic fires thatoccur in buildings. Apart from lifesafety, one of the most importantissues that any operator must consideris the protection of the asset itself.

It is generally acknowledged that themost effective method of protecting astructure or a storage vessel against theeffects of a fire is by passive meansutilising coatings, cladding, or pre-formed arrangements of materials thatare capable of retarding the passage of heat into a structure during fireexposure.

These passive fire protection (PFP)materials can be applied to steel andconcrete equipment structures and piperacks, as well as storage vessels and

their supports, in order to maintaintheir stability and integrity whenexposed to high intensity fires.

With onshore installations, a numberof different fire scenarios can occursimultaneously and if no passive fireprotection measures have been taken,the effects of a serious fire can becatastrophic. A fire might start with theignition of a flammable substance leak-ing from a flange or a pump anddevelop rapidly as it is fed by thesupply of additional fuel as the leakcontinues. As the temperature of aloaded steel supporting structureincreases, its strength weakens to thepoint at which it will collapse. In thecase of a pressurised storage vessel, theweakening of the vessel wall can resultin a BLEVE (Boiling Liquid ExpandingVapour Explosion) as the vessel’s inter-nal pressure exceeds the strength of itsweakened steel shell.

From the scenario described, it fol-lows that any applied PFP should havethe ability to perform under both POOLFIRE and JET FIRE conditions whereflame temperatures can reach tempera-tures of 1100°C and 1500°C respectivelywith heat fluxes up to 350Kw/m2.

When concrete is exposed to suchfires, pressure within the matrix increasesas the moisture rapidly turns into steam.When the pressure exceeds its strength,explosive spalling occurs, exposingunderlying layers of concrete to the fire.As the process continues, rapid deterior-ation of the structure takes place,exposing the steel reinforcement. Majorrepairs are then often required, resultingin long shutdown periods and loss ofrevenue for the operator whilst theconcrete is reinstated.

The application of a fire protectivecoating will limit the rise in tempera-ture of a structure or a vessel to belowits critical temperature in the event of afire and will also prevent rapid heatingof a concrete structure, reducing therisk of the spalling phenomenon.

PFP MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS

There are many types of PFP materialson the market and their performance inreal fires will vary due to the way inwhich each material performs its fireprotection function. Selection of themost suitable material must take theparticular risk into account and wouldusually involve some, or all of thefollowing points:

● Fire performance● Strength● Durability● Low added weight● System integrity● Non-corrosive● Non-hazardous● Ease of installation● Cost effectiveness


3838

Pic courtesy of Cafco Int.

PFPs – Proven

CAFCO INTERNATIONAL EXPLAINS HOW costly storage tank equipment andsurrounding structures can be fire protected, as well as financially protected,using a variety of passive fire protection materials.

By Mr E. Walker

PFPs – Proven P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:30 PM Page 38

All PFP’s function by limiting thetemperature of a structure, or vessel, tobelow its critical temperature over aspecific period of fire exposure. Themost common types applied in high-risk installations are:

INORGANIC COATINGS

These are the most widely used coat-ings with many millions of squaremetres applied on structures and vesselsthroughout the world. The materialsare usually based on cement with alightweight insulating aggregate ofexfoliated vermiculite that providesexceptional dimensional stability underhydrocarbon fire exposure conditions.

The exfoliated vermiculite insulatesthe vessel and has the capacity torelieve the stresses created by both hotand cold thermal shock when the coat-ing is subjected simultaneously to fireand hose stream impingement.

A major advantage of this type ofcoating is its ability to provide a pre-dictable level of protection beyond thispoint. This was demonstrated in amajor incident in a refinery complex inthe UK, where the fire continued foralmost seven hours with no loss of thestructures or vessel supports, eventhough design fire rating was specifiedfor two hours exposure.

Evidence exists to show that vermi-culite cements can perform equally aswell in multiple fires where no repairsor reinstatements have been carriedout. This can significantly reduce plant

shutdowns after minor fire incidents,with minimal loss of revenue for theoperator. Many incidents have occurredin installations in the UK and through-out the world over many years.

Vermiculite cements are non-corrosive to the substrate or surfaces ofa vessel and since they are non-combustible, do not produce any toxicfumes during their exposure to fire.They can therefore be used where lifesafety is a primary consideration. Sincevermiculite cements are inorganic, they

do not degrade with time and examplesof structures and vessels protectedmore than 40 years ago still exist, withlittle evidence of damage or corrosionto the underlying substrate.

The only perceived weakness of ver-miculite cements is their susceptibilityto mechanical damage because of theirperceived low density compared to thatof concrete. In fact , their strength anddurability is adequate for most applica-tions including off-site application topre-assembled modules and single steelsections prior to their transport to site.

Cafco’s vermiculite based FendoliteMII reduces the rate of temperature risein vessels and within concrete andtherefore prevents explosive spallingfrom occurring. It is used by a majorrefinery operator in the UK to protectprimary concrete structures against fire.

ORGANIC COATINGS

Organic coatings are thin compared tovermiculite cements and are generallyconsidered to be more durable as far asresistance to mechanical damage is


39


Asset Protection

Vermiculite cements are non-corrosive to the substrate orsurfaces of a vessel and since theyare non-combustible, do notproduce any toxic fumes duringtheir exposure to fire.

Asset ProtectionP. 36-53 8/10/06 2:31 PM Page 39

concerned. They fall into one of thefollowing groups:

Intumescent masticsIntumescents are coatings that, whensubjected to fire exposure, expand toform an insulating char with a lowthermal conductivity and act as a ther-mal barrier between the fire and thesubstrate. During this reaction, toxicfumes and smoke are released at tem-peratures above 300°C, which makesthem unsuitable for use in enclosedareas such as accommodation modulesand temporary safe refuges, where lifesafety is a major consideration.

Intumescent coatings have excellentadhesion to steel substrates and high

impact resistance making them suitablefor use in areas such as drilling mod-ules and off-site applications, whereregular mechanical impact is likely.

They can be prefabricated into panelsto form fire rated divisions and castonto pre-formed metal chassis in orderto provide protection to equipmentsuch as emergency shut down valves(ESDV’s) and actuators, allowing thesafe shut down of a plant or processduring the early stages of a fire andpreventing escalation of the incident.

Ablative coatingsThis type of organic coating graduallyerodes under fire exposure due to theabsorbed heat energy input that

changes the virgin solid coating into agas composite. This action preventsheat absorption into the substrate towhich it is applied.

Like intumescents they are resistantto mechanical damage, but the appli-cation procedure is complex, whichcontributes to relatively high applica-tion costs. The microporous char is alsosusceptible to damage from hosestream application during fire exposure.

Subliming compoundsThe active ingredient in this type ofcoating absorbs heat as it changesdirectly from the solid to a gas phase(sublimation). As in the case of ablativecoatings, intumescents are incorporatedto provide an additional insulatinglayer.

The degree of protection provided bysubliming compounds is a function ofthe temperature of sublimation foreach particular compound, the thick-ness of the coating material, the heatcapacity of the substrate and thedegree and time of fire exposure.

SUMMARY

By their very nature, all organic coat-ings are consumed by the action of fireand therefore once exposed for theirprescribed period, provide no furtherprotection to the structure. This can bea major disadvantage during fires oflong durations.

However, the benefits offered by theprovision of adequate passive fireprotection is recognised by all majoroperators and features in their individ-ual Engineering and Safety Standards.All proprietary products and systemsmust undergo independent fire testingto acceptable Standards such as BS 476 Part 20 “Appendix” D – Hydro-carbon Curve in the UK, or UL 1709 in the USA, both of which utilise ahydrocarbon time/temperature curverepresenting burning hydrocarbons.


4040

Although the various types of PFPcoatings perform a similar function,selection of a suitable materialshould take account of the overalldesign requirements and it is notunusual to select a combination ofdifferent coatings and/or systemson the same installation.



P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:31 PM Page 40

We are -areyou?

Fulleon Limited, Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AW, UKT:+44 (0)1633 628 500 F:+44 (0)1633 866 346www.fulleon.com

In the majority of EU countries, from July 1st 2005, The Construction Products Directive (EU - 89/106/CE ) requiresthat fire alarm sounders must be certified as compliant to EN54-3. A specific “CE” mark and licence number on the

product indicates compliance, which should not be confused with “CE” marks for other directives such as EMC.Fulleon has invested extensively in achieving CPD Compliance for its products to ensure our customers are compliant;

Are you and your suppliers ready ?

If not we can help, call our CPD Helpline on +44 (0) 1633 628 513

Fulleon w/p 8/10/06 2:31 PM Page 1

This October Ameron has launchedthe brand new water borne thinfilm intumescent coating Steel-

guard FM 585. This newly formulatedproduct is developed for the passive fireprotection of structural steel and tar-geted the 60 minute fire resistancemarket.

Steelguard FM 585 is in the realsense of the word a thin film intumes-cent coating. Recommended dry film

thickness is in the range 0.23 mm to0.7 mm for 3 sided exposed steel beamsand 0.37 mm to 1.25 mm for 4 sidedexposed columns. Fire tested to BS 476Pt 20 and 21 and assessed for AmeronBV by the Warrington Fire Research tothe ASFP Code of Practise.

The good news for the IntumescentCoating Industry is that all sizes 3-sidedbeams can be fire protected with onecoat of Steelguard FM585. This isbecause the product is tested on 3 sidedbeams is from A/V = 40 to A/V = 330.

The A/V ratio (formerly Hp/A) is theperimeter distance of the steel exposedto the fire in meters divided by thecross sectional area in meters squared.The thickness of an intumescent coat-ing for a particular steel section size isdetermined by the section dimension,type and orientation.

The recommended application tech-nique for the Steelguard FM 585 is byairless spray and its application charac-teristics are found to be excellent inthat it has good atomisation and film

forming quality. In addition to this theapplied Steelguard FM 585 shows anoutstanding appearance. It is verysmooth and flat giving the ideal basefor a highly decorative architecturalfinish.

The Steelguard FM 585 may be fin-ished in a range of topcoats. These areavailable in all BS 4800 and RALcolours. Ameron offers water based andsolvent based topcoats. Steelguard FM585 may even be topcoated with a 2pack polyurethane finish for additionalabrasion resistance.

Ameron recommends Steelguard FM585 for internal dry heated areas in abuilding, defined as a C1 environmentin accordance with ISO 12944 Part 2.When fully dry, water borne intumes-cent coatings may be exposed to theweather for limited periods before thebuilding is closed in but prolongedexposure to water must be avoidedunless a protective topcoat is applied.

In the UK the Steel ConstructionInstitute (SCI), Advisory Desk 269 guid-ance document to has to be used tocalculate the thickness modificationfactor for cellular beams. Because Steel-guard FM 585 has such low thicknessfor A/V = 330 at 0.7 mm on 3 sidedbeams the effect of the correction fac-tors on the thickness is reduced. It isexpected that the Steelguard FM 585product will make a major contributionto the use of cellular beams in the UKconstruction industry.


4242



Ameron BVMr. Ian Stewart

Phone: +(44) 1623 511 000Email: [email protected]

or visit our website:www.ameron-bv.com

Pic courtesy of Ameron BV

AMERON BV PERFORMANCE COATINGS &FINISHES LAUNCH NEW WATER BORNE

INTUMESENT COATING – STEELGUARD FM 585

Pic courtesy of Ameron BV

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:31 PM Page 42

The survey was international inscope, and included building col-lapses due to fire in structures

with four, or more, stories that hadoccurred between 1970 and the 2002time frame of the survey. Both totaland partial collapses were included inthe survey. Since no database existsthat systematically identifies buildingcollapses due to fire (including theNFIRS system), the survey was neces-sarily exploratory. The survey method-ology included a review of both newssources and the technical literature, aswell as interviews with a wide range ofindividuals knowledgeable in structuralfire protection. A total of 22 fires wereidentified that caused either partial ortotal collapse of a multi-story struc-ture. The adequacy and code compli-ance of the original structural and fireresistant design of the identified build-ings was beyond the scope of the pro-

ject, and was not assessed. While thistotal number of fire events may appearlow (average of one/year), these fireevents are high consequence occur-rences with respect to potential for lossof life, injuries and economic costs.

This survey of structural buildingcollapses due to fire causes was spon-sored in 2002 by the National Instituteof Standards and Technology (NIST) aspart of a larger project under the direc-

tion of its Program Manager, WilliamGrosshandler. The complete Iwankiwand Beitel, (2002) report is availablefrom NIST.

SURVEY RESULTS

For the purposes of this NIST survey,multi-story buildings were defined asthose having four or more stories. Non-building structures, such as tunnels,bridges, observation or transmissiontowers, were not included. Eitherpartial or total failure of the structuralframing, members, and/or connectionswas considered to have constituted acollapse, and it was necessary for a fireto have been the direct cause of thisfailure.


43

Figure 1. Katrantzos Department Buildingin Athens, Greece after 1980 fire

THERE HAVE BEEN, AND REMAIN, continuing concerns about the adequacyof structural fire protection in the wake of the 9/11 tragedies. As significant asthese events were, they were also clearly not representative of the normalaccidental impact of fire on building structures. To assess the extent and natureof structural collapses due to fire in taller buildings, a review of existinginformation about fire incidents resulting in structural collapse was collectedand reviewed.

Either partial or total failure of thestructural framing, members, and/orconnections was considered to haveconstituted a collapse, and it wasnecessary for a fire to have been thedirect cause of this failure.

Historical Surveyof Multi-StoryBuildingCollapses Due to Fire

By J. J. Beitel, Senior Scientist,and N. R. Iwankiw,

Senior Engineer,Hughes Associates, Inc.

Historical Surveyof Multi-StoryBuildingCollapses Due to Fire

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:32 PM Page 43

A total of 22 such cases were identi-fied through 2002 after extensivesearches of the literature, News, andother contacts, with the Sept. 11th dis-asters in New York and Washington, DCcounting as 5 of these incidents (WorldTrade Center (WTC) 1, 2, 5 and 7, andthe Pentagon). The cases had occurrednot just in the US and North America,but also internationally. This NIST sur-vey data demonstrated that buildingsof all types of construction and occu-pancies, in the US, North America, andabroad, are susceptible to fires, particu-larly older buildings and those thatmay be undergoing construction, reno-vations or repairs. The total enormousfatalities were dominated by the Sept.11th WTC disasters, which were uniquein that they were precipitated by terror-ist attacks that substantially damagedthe buildings’ structural framing anddestroyed its fire protection systemsprior to the fires.

The NIST survey of 22 fire-inducedbuilding collapses from 1970-2002identified a variety of conditions, mate-rials, locations, and buildings. Fifteencases were from the US, two fromCanada, and five from Europe, Russiaand South America. The numbers offire collapse events can be categorizedby building material as follows:

● Concrete: 7 (1 in Pentagon 9-11event)

● Structural steel: 6 (4 in 9-11 WTCevents)

● Brick/masonry: 5● Unknown: 2● Wood: 2

Three of the these events were fromthe 1970’s, another 3 from the 1980’s,

four from the 1990’s, and twelve for2000 and beyond. This temporal distri-bution is skewed towards more recentoccurrences, as expected, both due tothe magnitude of the WTC (counted as 4 events) and Pentagon (1 event)disasters of 9-11 and the news mediasearches.

The collapse distribution by buildingstory height was as follows:

● 4-8 stories: 13● 9-20: 3● 21 or more: 6

Almost 60% of the cases are in the4-8 stories range, with the remainderaffecting much taller buildings. Sixcollapses occurred in buildings over 20stories, and 3 of these were the WTCsteel-framed buildings (1,2 and 7).

At least four of these fire collapseshad occurred during construction or

renovations of some kind, when theusual expected architectural, structuraland fire protection functions were stillincomplete or temporarily disrupted,and/or potential new fire sources wereintroduced, such as electrical and gasline repairs, welding, and the presenceof other flammable supplies and/orequipment. Partial collapses (14 events)were the most frequent occurrences,and the WTC disasters (listed as 4 sepa-rate events, with 3 full collapses) domi-nated the full collapse event total of 8cases. Office and residential were theprimary types of occupancy in these 22 buildings, as would be expected in multi-story construction, with the occupancy distribution being asfollows:

● Office: 9● Residential: 8● Commercial: 3● Combined commercial/residential: 2

The 9-11 events are quite thoroughlydocumented in the FEMA 403, (2002)and ASCE-SEI Pentagon (2003) Reports,with further NIST investigations on theWTC ongoing, and will not be furthercovered herein. Rather, some otherinteresting and more obscure cases offire-induced collapses will be described.

Two large department store fires inAthens, Greece in 1980 are documentedin the paper by Papaioannoa, Kyriakos,1986. These fires began at 3 am onDec. 19, 1980, with arson beingsuspected as the cause. The Katrantzos


4444

Figure 2. CESP 2 Core Collapse in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Historical Survey ofMulti-Story BuildingCollapses Due to Fire

Historical Survey ofMulti-Story BuildingCollapses Due to Fire

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:32 PM Page 44

Sport Department Store was an 8-story reinforced concretebuilding. Its fire started at the 7th floor and rapidly spreadthroughout the building, due to lack of vertical or horizontalcompartmentation and the absence of sprinklers. Collectedevidence indicated that the fire temperatures reached 1000°Cover the 2-3 hour fire duration, and the firefighters concen-trated on containing the fire spread to the adjacent buildings.Upon termination of these fires, it was discovered that amajor part of the 5-8 th floors had collapsed. Various otherfloor and column failures throughout the Katrantzos Buildingwere also observed, see Figure 1. The cause of these failureswas considered to be restraint of the differential thermalexpansion of the structure that overloaded its specificelements or connections.

On May 21, 1987, Sao Paulo had one of the biggest firesin Brazil, which precipitated a substantial partial collapse ofthe central core of the tall CESP Building 2. (Berto, AntonioFernando and Tomina, Jose Carlos, 1988) This was a 21-storyoffice building, headquarters of the Sao Paulo Power Com-pany (CESP), after whom the building was named. Buildings 1and 2 of this office complex were both of reinforced concreteframing, with ribbed slab floors. According to this Berto andTomina (1988) paper, these two buildings had several uniqueinternal features and contents. Both buildings still retainedtheir original wood forms used for pouring the concrete floorslabs, which were never removed. Low-height plywood parti-tion walls were also used in the interiors. Approximately twohours after the beginning of the fire in CESP 2, its structuralcore area throughout the full building height collapsed. Thiscollapse was attributed to the thermal expansion of the hori-zontal concrete T-beam frames under the elevated fire tem-peratures, which led to the fracture of the vertical framingelements and their connections in the middle of the building,and the consequent progressive loss of gravity load-carryingcapacity. (see Figure 2)

A fire-initiated full collapse of a textile factory occurred inAlexandria, Egypt on July 19, 2000 (BBC News, 2000). This6-story building was built of reinforced concrete, and its firestarted at about 9 am in the storage room at the groundfloor. Fire extinguishers were non-functional, and the firespread quickly before the firefighters could arrive. An electri-cal short-circuit accelerated the fire spread. At about 6 pm, 9hours after the start of the fire, when the blaze seeminglywas under control and subsiding, the building suddenlycollapsed, killing 27 people. Figure 3 shows a photograph ofthis collapse.


45

The cause of these failureswas considered to berestraint of the differentialthermal expansion of thestructure that overloadedits specific elements orconnections.

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:32 PM Page 45

CONCLUSIONS

Past experience and this 2002 NISTcollapse survey confirm that fires, andthe related damage, deaths, casualtiesand any collapses are essentially rareand random events, whose effectsdepend highly on the time, nature andcircumstances of the fire occurrence.Thus, fires represent a hazard to allbuilding types, materials, and occupan-cies. Likewise, the added fire-fightingdifficulty in all taller buildings must berecognized, given the longer timesneeded to escape or access the higher

floors. Many of thepast major fires in tallbuildings fortunatelyoccurred in theevenings or week-ends, when the officebuildings were almostvacant, hence, mini-mizing their potentialdangers to humanlife. Automatic sprin-kler systems are avery effective means

to suppress a fire, but if the system isbeing repaired, or is non-existent ornon-functional for other reasons, thethreat of fire growth increases.

Another important finding of thisstudy was the lack of readily available,and well-documented, information onpartial or total structural collapse dueto fire. Unless the fire event was signif-icant for other reasons, i.e., loss of life,very little information was available. Itis recommended that a centralizeddatabase be developed, whereby struc-tural damage and collapse can beinvestigated and systematically reportedin the future. The current lack ofsystematic information on fire-induced

collapses seriously limits the profes-sion’s understanding of the scope andnature of the real structural fire protec-tion problem.

REFERENCES

ASCE-SEI (2003), The Pentagon BuildingPerformance Report, ASCE, Reston, VA,January, 2003

BBC News (2000), “Factory Fire Kills 15 inEgypt”, World: Asia-Pacific, July 20, 2000

Berto, Antonio Fernando and Tomina, JoseCarlos (1988), “Lessons From the Fire in theCESP Administration Headquarters”, IPTBuilding Technologies, 1988, Sao Paulo,Brazil

FEMA 403 (2002), World Trade CenterBuilding Performance Study: Data Collection,Preliminary Observations, and Recommen-dations, Federal Emergency ManagementAgency, Washington, DC, May, 2002

Iwankiw, N. and Beitel, J. (2002), “Analysisof Needs and Existing Capabilities for Full-Scale Fire Resistance Testing”, HughesAssociates, Report NIST GCR 02-843,December, 2002

Papaioannoa, Kyriakos, (1986), “The Con-flagration of Two Large Department Storesin the Centre of Athens”, Fire and Materials,Vol. 10, 1986, pg. 171-177, John Wiley andSons, Ltd.


4646

Figure 3. Collapsed Textile Factory inAlexandria, Egypt

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:32 PM Page 46

Heat exchangers are an importantcomponent in diesel engine dri-ven fire pump systems. They are

used to cool the fire pump enginewater and are a superior alternative toan air cooled system.

Heat exchangers have two fluidcircuits – one of a hot and one of acooler fluid. The cooler fluid cools the

hotter fluid by heat transfer throughthe metal tubes inside the heatexchanger. In a fire pump engine themains water supply flows through thetubes in the heat exchanger and coolsthe engine water that flows over thetubes.

It is important to cool the enginewater to prevent the engine from over-

heating which could result in failure ofthe fire pump engine. An air cooledsystem using a radiator would not beable to achieve the cooling capabilitiesof the heat exchanger as fire pumps areoften located in a small room wherethere is a lack of air flow and the airmay be hot due to a fire. Therefore theair would not be able to cool theengine water sufficiently.

Bowman, a manufacturer of heatexchangers for a variety of industriessince 1919, has recently found that thefire pump market has been a growingmarket for its heat exchangers. ‘Tradi-tionally the main markets for our heatexchangers have been the hydraulic,marine and power industries butincreasingly fire pumps are of growingimportance for us’ said Roger Bowman,the managing director. ‘Our units arepopular due to the combined heatexchanger and header tank whichmakes installation easy and removesthe need to buy a separate header tank.Due to this design and the excellentproduct quality we are now selling heatexchangers to several fire pump manu-facturers in UK, Europe and furtherafield’. Bowman manufactures a largerange of header tank heat exchangerssuitable for engines from 40kW (54HP)to 1400kW (1876HP).


47



E. J. Bowman (Birmingham) Ltd.

Chester StreetBirmingham B6 4AP

United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)121 359 5401Fax: +44 (0)121 359 7495


Website: www.ejbowman.co.uk

E. J. BOWMAN LTD.

The importance of heat exchangersin diesel engine driven fire pumps

‘Our units are popular due to the combinedheat exchanger and header tank whichmakes installation easy and removes theneed to buy a separate header tank. Due tothis design and the excellent product qualitywe are now selling heat exchangers toseveral fire pump manufacturers in UK,Europe and further afield.’

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:33 PM Page 47


4848

www.c-tec.co.uk01942 322744 01942 829867 [email protected]

Introducing C-TEC’s first ever networkableanalogue addressable fire panel, the XFP

Compatible with Apollo's XP95 and Hochiki'sESP protocols, up to eight XFP main panels(any variant) can be interconnected onto atwo-wire RS485 network with up to four XFPrepeaters per main.

Fully compliant with EN54 parts 2 and 4, thisnew range of feature-rich panels offers highperformance at a very competitive price.

r a n g e

XFP 32 Zone

XFP 16 Zone

www.c-tec.co.uk01942 322744 01942 829867 [email protected]

For more information, contact our sales desk on 01942 322744For more information, contact our sales desk on 01942 322744

Metron EledyneSwingbridge Road, Grantham, Lincs NG31 7XT, England

Tel: ++44 (0)1476 590600 Fax: ++44 (0)1476 591600

E-mail:[email protected] Web: www.firepumpcontrols.co.uk

Diesel Engine ControllersIn a wide range of applications including Fire Pump,Industrial Pump and Gen-set.

Electric Motor ControllersFor all applications using direct on line, star delta, autotransformer and variable frequency drive starting methods.Up to 11kV. All produced to various worldwide standardsincluding LPC, UL and FM.

Power Distribution EquipmentIncluding HV and LV panel boards, sub-distribution, switchboards, battery tripping units and packaged sub-stations.

After Sales ServiceWe offer a complete after sales service including:

CommissioningMaintenance ContractsOn-site RepairsSpare Parts

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:33 PM Page 48

Carbon Dioxide is the world’s mostused industrial gas with usesranging from food preservation

to fire protection. Interestingly, in arecent breakthrough it shows promiseas a benign solvent in replacing volatileorganic solvents such as chlorinatedhydrocarbons and chlorofluorocarbonsin the manufacture of pharmaceuticals.High pressure carbon dioxide cylinderscontain typically, in fire protection use,no more than 45kg but its thousandsof uses around the globe require stor-age en-mass, customarily in its lowpressure form. The largest of these bulkstorage containers can contain over200,000kg.

LOW PRESSURE BULK SYSTEMS

With the advent of carbon dioxideusage in fire protection in the 1920s,the Kidde high pressure cylinderbecame the benchmark mode of storage.Although a standard 100lb cylinder canprotect a maximum volume of 50.4m2

the economical Kidde cylinder of theday made manifolded cylinder bankscost effective thus protecting largervolumes. Also, being relatively small the


49

Pic courtesy of Pyrozone

THE TERM “LOW PRESSURE” may seem a misnomer because low pressurecontainers are still about 20 times atmospheric pressure, or about 10 times thepressure in your car tires. It is low however, compared to the pressure of aquantity of carbon dioxide in a cylinder allowed to be at whatever pressure itwants and it turns out that cylinder pressure is in proportion to ambienttemperature. Such cylinders are known as “high pressure” cylinders. Toachieve “low pressure” storage the containers are refrigerated since the lowerthe temperature, the lower the pressure. It has been common practice with lowpressure containers to hold the carbon dioxide at about minus 18°C. Thislower pressure allows thinner walled containers.

Why low pressurecarbon dioxide

has become the world’s mostflexible gaseous

extinguishing agent


By Jim Allison

Why low pressurecarbon dioxide

has become the world’s mostflexible gaseous

extinguishing agent

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:33 PM Page 49

cylinders are very flexible in locatingwithin a building.

A natural progression to bulk tankswas inevitable however, when it cameto protecting multiple risks requiringmultiple tonnes of extinguishing agent.A single tank was used with sufficientcarbon dioxide to protect all risks witha reserve supply as well, if necessary. Amulti-branched pipe work systemextended from the tank to each pro-tected area with a directional valve tocontrol the flow along each branch.

SPECIFIC BENEFITS OF LOW PRESSURE BULK SYSTEMS

The benefits have proved to be numerous.

● 28% less carbon dioxide is needed inLocal Application systems. Lowpressure storage contains a higherpercentage in liquid form, which is required for this specializedapplication.

● The low pressure tank can be refilledin-situ whereas cylinders need to bedisconnected and removed, thenreinstalled after filling.

● The labour involved in installingmanifolded cylinder banks is obviatedand the maintenance of a singlebulk tank versus a large bank ofmanifolded high pressure cylinders issubstantially reduced

● Equivalent low pressure storage canrequire only half the floor areabecause the storage geometry ismore efficient and the density of lowpressure carbon dioxide is greater.

EMERGENCE OF MINI-BULK

The hole discovered in the Ozone Layerand the ensuing Montreal Protocolwere the harbinger of a new paradigmin gaseous fire protection. The demiseof the extinguishing agent Halon, in itsforms of the day, was imminent. All thecards were up in the air. One thing wasclear. There would be a resurgence inthe use of carbon dioxide.

While international efforts werefocused on finding a magical chemicalthat could do what Halon did, twocompanies redefined carbon dioxide.Ansul Preferred, from the US andPyrozone Manufacturing P/L fromAustralia introduced the “Mini-bulk”concept to the market in the early1990s. Patent application dates wouldsuggest that Pyrozone was the firstwith this innovative approach.

Mini-bulk systems are based on lowpressure carbon dioxide storage andprovide modular ranges in capacities ofabout 155kg to 700kg. Mini-bulk tanksare manifolded together to provide the necessary capacity whereas thetraditional bulk tank is selected withcapacity to do the job (you need48,500kg here’s a 50,000kg tank).

PHILOSOPHICALLY DIFFERENT TO “TRADITIONAL SYSTEMS”

The traditional bulk tank’s strength is:

● On-site refilling● Easily protect many areas

It’s weakness:

● Limited flexibility with positioning

The traditional high pressure cylin-der’s strength is:

● High flexibility with moving andlocating in a building

It’s weakness:

● Unwieldy in large numbers● Service intensive● Contents monitoring costly

The highly innovative mini-bulkconcept combines the benefits ofthese two traditional storage methodswithout their weaknesses. To this, theAustralian Pyrozone technology hasincorporated electronic contents moni-toring, adding no extra cost to astandard unit and providing 24/7surveillance (read: “peace of mind”)that sufficient agent is present to dothe job.

A SPECIFIC BENEFIT IN HALON REPLACEMENT

Low pressure carbon dioxide has thelowest operating pressure of anygaseous extinguishing agent. Apart


5050



P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:33 PM Page 50

from reducing leak potential it providesa specific benefit in the ability to reuseexisting halon pipe work in a retrofitsituation. The 10 second dischargerequired for halon compared to thelonger carbon dioxide discharge usuallymeans there is sufficient pipe workcapacity in a changeover to carbondioxide. This is not the case for most10 sec discharge agents. For the EndUser this results in less business disrup-tion and much lower costs.

A UNIQUE ABILITY

If you are protecting many risksthrough directional valves from acentral bank then it will often not benecessary to have in storage the sum ofall risks’ requirements. This can reducecosts significantly. It can still be possi-ble however for each risk to havereserve protection on-line. Low pressurecarbon dioxide provides unprecedentedflexibility to do this, even with widelyvarying risk sizes, through a “timed dis-charge” facility. This is unavailable withany other gaseous extinguishing agent,even high pressure carbon dioxide!

This flexibility can be capitalizedupon further by incorporating into thecarbon dioxide central storage bank, theprotection of risks whose location putsthem beyond the reach of other systems.

DISTANCE

The protection of distant risks has to beapproached with great care. “Anyone

who has attempted it will be awarethat the smaller the risk, the closer itneeds to be to the storage bank”. Aninherent difficulty where highly com-pressible fluids are rapidly discharged isfreezing of fluid within the dischargelines. There are also basic requirementssuch as design concentration and rate-of-discharge specified in Fire ProtectionStandards that need to be achieved.The time delay between opening thevalves and when liquid carbon dioxidestarts to flow from the nozzles in theprotected area is a factor in this.

The greatest distance to a risk knownto have been achieved by a low pressure

carbon dioxide system, and still meetingrate-of-discharge requirements, is 450m.The protected area of over 4,500m2 wasclassed a deep-seated electrical risk. Theability to do this meant that all 12 riskswithin the building were able to beprotected from a central bank, enablinggreat savings to be made with nocompromise in protection.

The design of such a system requiredthermodynamic modeling to ensurethere was enough energy in the carbondioxide and the steel encasing it toprevent too great a pressure drop. Aninnovative technique was employed inthe discharge. Valves were openedallowing the carbon dioxide to flowout, fill the pipe and commence todischarge into the protected area. Atthis point other mini-bulk units still atfull pressure were opened, thus boost-ing pressure in the pipe and helpingsustain the discharge. At the end of thedischarge the pipe work was examinedand no freezing of the carbon dioxidehad occurred.


51

CO2 storage from Pyrozone


FUTUREMini-bulk low pressure carbondioxide has redefined traditionalhigh and low pressure carbondioxide systems. It continues tostretch the boundaries with capabil-ities beyond any other gaseousagent. Used judiciously and care-fully it will continue to save livesand livelihoods.

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:33 PM Page 51

The first major change that hitsthe reader of the document isthat Approved Document B has

been split into two proposed volumes,namely ‘Dwellings’ and ‘Buildings otherthan Dwellings’. This change wasintended to make the guidance moreaccessible for smaller firms thatspecialise in domestic work. Due to theamount of technical information that iscommon to both, however, neithervolume is particularly small.

On opening either volume the reader will notice that the proposedchanges and the reasoning behindthem have been highlighted by the useof a different colour for amended textand for strikeout, where the change is adeletion. Text boxes have been used to identify the reasoning behindsignificant changes.

The Government is proposing tointroduce a new general Regulationinto the Building Regulations, whichwill apply to non-domestic properties.This will require that sufficient infor-mation should be provided for persons

to operate, maintain and use the build-ing in relative safety before a comple-tion certificate can be issued. Inpractice, this is likely to mean that theBuilding Control Body will need to sat-isfy themselves that the developer haspassed on relevant fire safety informa-tion to the owner/user of the building.The Government sees this as particular-ly important given the increasing use ofbuilding designs which rely, at least inpart, on fire safety management strate-gies. This change should result inpotential cost savings as the drawingtogether of this information at theconstruction stage should reduce futurecosts of sourcing and assessing thisinformation at a later date. It shouldalso assist owners/occupiers in the pro-duction of their risk assessment underthe terms of the Regulatory Reform(Fire safety) Order, which is expected tocome into force around 1 April 2006.

The Government does not propose tomake any changes to the requirementsof Part B of Schedule 1 to the BuildingRegulations 2000. However, the consul-

tation document questionnaire askswhether readers wish to revise func-tional requirement B3 (Internal FireSpread (Structure)) or to introduce anew requirement B6, so as to addressmore explicitly the issue of fixed fire-fighting equipment (e.g. sprinklers).

The proposed changes to the guid-ance in Approved Document B fall intofour main categories:

● Responses to changes in construc-tion practice or to fire experiencesthat indicate that present guidancemay not give sufficient protection

● Updating to take account ofchanges to British Standards andother technical references (such asthe recent publication of BS 9251 onresidential sprinklers)

● Updating to take account ofchanges to associated legislation

● Deregulatory measures that clarifyan area that experience has shown issubject to misunderstanding, or tolessen a particular provision in theexisting guidance that is now con-sidered to be onerous.

The most significant changes theGovernment intends to make include:

● Amend the provisions for smokeventilation of common access areasin apartment buildings

● Provide for an additional smokealarm in apartment buildings anddwelling houses

● Provide for a suitable system ofsmoke alarms where a domesticextension is proposed


5252

Fire Safety Guidance fo– Consultation Do

IN LATE JULY, THE Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) issued theconsultation documents for Approved Document B – Fire Safety, with a closingdate for comment of 18 November 2005. Approved Document B providespractical guidance on meeting the requirements of the Building Regulations forEngland and Wales. The consultation documents are available from theODPM website (www.odpm.gov.uk) under the Consultation Papers section.

By Graham Ellicott, Chief Executive,

Association for SpecialistFire Protection (ASFP)

The Government is proposing tointroduce a new generalRegulation into the BuildingRegulations, which will apply tonon-domestic properties.

Fire Safety Guidance fo– Consultation Do

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:34 PM Page 52

● Provide for cavity barriers indwellings and non-dwellings

● Introduce provisions for measures oninclusive design

● Introduce a national maximumunsprinklered compartment size forwarehouses (and potentially repealthe relevant parts of Local Acts)

● Design compartment walls to takeaccount of deflections during a fire.

In addition, the Government isminded to introduce the following pro-visions, but is explicitly seeking furtherinformation on the potential impacts,particularly the costs and benefits ofthese proposals, before deciding on theway forward:

● Provide for sprinkler protection inhigh rise apartments and residentialcare homes

● Provide for fire protection of corridorsin, typically ‘self-storage’, warehouses

● Amend provisions for firefightingshafts

● Provide additional dry rising mainsin certain tall buildings

● Discounting stairs in tall buildingswith phased evacuation procedures

● Remove the separate guidance onloft conversions in dwelling houses

● Remove provision for self-closingdevices within apartments anddwelling houses (except doors intogarages and those opening ontocommon escape routes).

It is proposed that Approved Docu-ment B will, in future, cross-refer tothe Department for Education andSkills document “BB100 Designing and Managing Against the Risk of Fires in Schools”. This was issued forconsultation on 1 August 2005 with aclosing date for comments of 31October 2005.

In the Approved Document B consul-tation documents there are a number ofproposed amendments which will pro-vide alternatives to existing provisions.For example, the potential to providesprinkler protection instead of analternative escape route where currentlyprovided in both houses (typically 4storeys and above) and multi-storeyapartments. These new options areclaimed to provide greater design free-dom and thus will promote innovationand may, in some cases, produce a cost

saving compared to current guidance.The Association for Specialist Fire

Protection (ASFP) was especiallyencouraged to see the followingproposed wording in the consultationdocument with regard to third partyaccreditation schemes for the installa-tion of fire protection systems:

‘Schemes such as those mentionedabove may be accepted by BuildingControl Bodies as evidence of compli-ance. The Building Control Body will,however, wish to establish, in advanceof the work that the scheme is adequatefor the purposes of the BuildingRegulations.’


53

The ASFP was also heartened tosee that its publications ‘EnsuringBest Practice for Passive Fire Pro-tection in Buildings’ and ‘FireStopping and Penetrations Seals forthe Construction Industry’ havebeen newly referenced in the con-sultation documents, thus joining“Fire Protection for Structural Steelin Buildings” which has beenincluded in Approved Document Bfor a number of years. All ASFPpublications are freely available asdownloads from its website,www.asfp.org.uk

for England and Wales Documents Issued

In the Approved Document Bconsultation documents there are a number of proposedamendments which will providealternatives to existing provisions.

It is proposed that ApprovedDocument B will, in future, cross-refer to the Department forEducation and Skills document“BB100 Designing and ManagingAgainst the Risk of Fires in Schools”.

for England and Wales Documents Issued

P. 36-53 8/10/06 2:34 PM Page 53


5454

BOSCH EXTENDS REACH OF PRAESIDEO P/ASYSTEM WITH NEW CAT-5-CONNECTED CALLSTATION

● Call station connection overstandard CAT-5 cabling

● Complete fail-safe supervisionand IEC60849-compliant

Bosch Security Systems is en-hancing its acclaimed PraesideoPublic Address and EmergencyEvacuation System with a newRemote Call Station and CallStation Interface that use CAT-5(Category 5) cabling.

The use of CAT-5 cabling, theindustry standard for datacommunications in computer

and IP networks, gives the Praesideo system even more flexibilityin system design. The new Remote Call Stations can be locatedup to one kilometer away from the Call Station Interface. Otheradvantages of using CAT-5 cabling are that it does not add tothe Praesideo’s system bus length and it makes call stationinstallation easier.

The new Remote Call Station – the LBB4438/00 – can bepowered either by the Call Station Interface or from a localpower supply if a large number of keypads are to be used atlong distance. The LBB4438/00 can be extended with up to 16keypads each with eight configurable keys. The Call StationInterface is also new and is specially designed to accept theCAT-5 digital audio and control data connection with theRemote Call Station, and to connect to the Praesideo’s opticalfiber network. Both the LBB4438/00 Remote Call Station andthe LBB4437/00 Call Station Interface are fully supervised andcomply with IEC60849, the European standard for voice alarmsystems. A new Remote Call Station Kit – the LBB4439/00 – willalso become available.

The LBB4438/00 otherwise has the same functionality as theexisting Basic Call Station. Among key features are support offail-safe mode, high-quality digital audio and the fact that it isconfigurable via the Praesideo network controller through a webbrowser interface.

Bosch’s Praesideo is one of the most advanced and compre-hensive public address and emergency evacuation systemsavailable. It is IEC60849 certified by the independent and inter-nationally recognised TUV Product Service GmbH testingauthority in Germany. Praesideo uses an optical fiber networkconfiguration that allows optimal freedom in system design. Thisflexible system architecture permits any type of equipment to belocated wherever required in a building. In addition, multiplesystems can be easily connected and controlled over TCP/IPusing optical or standard UTP copper cabling. Distributed signalprocessing enables the central system unit – the networkcontroller – to concentrate on functions such as supervision,routing announcements, background music and pre-recordedmessages.

The addition of the new Remote Call Station, interface andcall Station Kit to the Praesideo system fulfils the requirement forpublic address and emergency evacuation installations in mediumto large buildings or complexes where multiple call stations needto be located at some distance from the main system.

See www.boschsecurity.com for further information.

D-TEC’S VSD INSTALLED IN OMAN AIRCRAFTHANGAR

D-Tec has supplied Oman’s Royal Hangar at Seeb InternationalAirport with a VSD [Video Smoke Detection] system comprising16 low light CCD cameras. The airport was planning to installflame and linear heat cables in the 210-metre by 110-metre by27-metre high hangar until it learned of VSD’s accuracy and fastresponse.

Built to house A380 Airbus’ and Boeing 747’s, the hangar hasbeen specially designed to have no internal support columns.Discussions about the best way to protect the building from firewent on for some time, however, after a presentation from BSS-ME, D-Tec’s Middle East distributor, VSD was judged to bethe best choice. In 20 tests it detected smoke that appearedabove the planes’ wings within 90 seconds, proving that it doesnot wait for smoke to rise to the roof, as is the case with mostsmoke recognition and heat detection systems.

Malcolm Gatenby of BSS-ME said: “We are extremely pleasedthat the airport chose to protect the hangar with VSD, as thecameras, which monitor an area of 80 metres in length at anangle of 40 degrees, successfully identify smoke quicker thanany other type of detector previously considered.”

Seeb International Airport is the largest of the six in theSultanate of Oman and annually carries 2.4 million passengersto 66 destinations worldwide. Located 30 kilometres outside ofthe capital city of Muscat, the airport is currently being enlargedand improved.

ONE STOP SHOP FOR FIRE ALARM ACCESSORIESThis month Cranford Controls are launching a new 12v sounderstrobes and beacons to compliment their existing 24v range.These will allow users to maintain a consistent image through-out both their fire and security systems.

The new low-current Vantage Combi sounder beacons offerexcellent performance in terms of light output for a very reason-able operating current, and are the ideal solution in situationswhere the DDA calls for additional visual indication.

The Vantage, COMBI and VXB Beacon ranges, all have univer-sal mounting bases and are fully lockable to comply with thelatest requirements of BS5839 and EN-54. The Vantage sounderrange is also available with full EN54-3 and CPD approval inboth red and white casings.

Brand new to their product portfolio is the CPT series of Call-Points and accessories. These call points are designed to beEN54-11 compliant and each unit can be used with either abreak glass or re-settable element.

They are now also able to offer the IS range of intrinsically

Product Update ● Product Update ● Product Update

For further information, please contact:Raymond Weijts, Bosch Security Systems B.V.,

Tel.: +31 (0)40 273 5535, Fax: +31 (0)40 278 6668


Further details on D-Tec and VSD, which was awarded TheQueen’s Award for Innovation in 2003, can be found at

www.dtec-fire.com. Copies of the company’s salesliterature are available on +44 (0) 870 458 1517, by fax on+44 (0) 870 458 1518, or via email at [email protected]

P. 54-55 Product Update 8/10/06 2:35 PM Page 54


55

safe sounders, strobes & sounder strobes which give exceptionalperformance for a very reasonable cost. Together with approvedbarriers and enclosures, as well as flameproof range of sounders& strobes, offering a full solution for signalling requirements insafe areas.

The power supply is critical to the reliability of any system.Cranford’s range includes the EN54-4 approved PSU’s, which aresecond to none where maximum performance and functionalityare required.

Check out the website for the latest news and comprehensivedata on all their products.

SPP RECEIVE CHINESE APPROVALSPP Pumps have addedthe prestigious approvalfrom China National FireEquipment to theiralready extensive rangeof fire pump approvals.

SPP Fire pumps com-ply with the demandingrequirements of UL andFM approval standards,and are also approved for

markets such as Europe, North America, Far East and the MiddleEast.

Despite SPP’s existing approvals Chinese National FireEquipment demanded to witness rigorous tests on both pumpsand assembled packages and a team of people from SPP werededicated to this project.

Fire Pump approvals are of course essential for the peace ofmind of those that build, operate or use buildings. The approvaldemonstrates that an independent assessment has been made ofthe Fire Pump Manufacturer’s packages and processes and thatthey conform to industry standards.

In many cases the need for these standards are interpreted as“adequate to get an operating license” whereas the realintention is to ensure that there is no avoidable loss of life orproperty should a fire start.

Approval of the fire pump package including the pump andits matched control system sits right at the heart of a systemthat must perform when it is called upon to do so.

Maybe everyone booking a hotel should first, as is often thepractice in the United States, check whether the building is fireprotected and just as important that the system is approved,tested and maintained system.

Other approvals held by SPP include FM, UL, LPCB, APSAD,CNBOP, ZUS and PSB. These will be found in most types ofinstallation around the world including office buildings,hospitals, airports, manufacturing facilities, warehouses, powerstations and many more. Applications include sprinkler, hydrant,deluge and monitor systems and water curtains.

SPP Pumps has been working with consultants, contractors,installers and end-users for more than a century to achieve themost cost effective fire system pumping solutions. It is nowonder that since SPP Pumps was formed in 1875, it has built areputation for quality and value that has made it unquestionablythe leading supplier of Approved Fire Protection PumpingPackages throughout the world.

That is why SPP fire pumps are designed specifically for thevery particular needs of fire protection and are approved by most

of the major fire protection bodies around the world. You will findSPP fire pumps in many major airports, oil & gas installations, inmany of the tallest and most prestigious buildings around theworld and in the channel tunnel between the UK and France. Infact, you will find SPP fire pump products wherever people andproperty need to be protected from the devastation of fire.

By selecting an approved SPP Fire Pump as part of anapproved system and maintained in accordance with standardssuch as NFPA 25, you can sleep easy knowing that you havechosen the best you can get.

SPP know from discussions with China National Fire Equip-ment that safety considerations are uppermost in their minds andtheir intention is to expect the highest standards of fire protec-tion when it comes to protection of the lives of inhabitants andvisitors and property in the rapidly developing cities in China.

KLAXON’S RANGE NOW CATERSCOMPREHENSIVELY FOR THE FIRE MARKET

Klaxon Signals, a world-leading manufacturer of audible andvisual signalling technology for fire alarm systems, has made anumber of additions to its Fire and Life Safety range, ensuringthe company can now cater comprehensively for all majorapplications and key segments within the fire market.

Among the developments has been the introduction of acompletely new sub-range of products known as Sonos, whichcomprises electronic sounders, sounder beacons, beacons, basesounders and compact sounders. The Sonos range incorporatesnew sounder and beacon technology, such as the ‘twist andclick’ first fix installation method. All relevant products withinthe range are compliant with EN54.

In addition to products such as sirens, bells, call points andfire alarms, the company also manufactures security sounders,hazardous area, intrinsically safe and explosion-proof products.All acknowledge DDA guidelines and are compliant with therelevant standards.

Kristian Johnson, Klaxon’s Marketing Manager, remarked,“Thanks to continuing developments over the last 18 months,we are now in a position to offer our customers in the firemarket a complete collection of complementary products.”

Product Update ● Product Update ● Product Update

For further information, please contact:Cranford ControlsTel: 01420 592444Fax: 01420 592445

Website: www.cranfordcontrols.com

For further information, please contact:Klaxon Signals Limited

Tel: +44 (0)161 287 5555Fax: +44 (0)161 287 5511


For further information, please contact:SPP Pumps LimitedTel: 01189 323123Fax: 01189 323302

Website: www.spppumps.com

P. 54-55 Product Update 8/10/06 2:35 PM Page 55


5656

3M PERFORMANCE MATERIALS DIVISION . . . . . . . .OBC

AMERON INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

ANGUS FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

ANSUL INC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC

BST BRANDSCHUTZTECHNIK DOPFL . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

B.W.TECHNOLOGIES LTD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

CHEMETRON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

CONTROL LOGIC SRL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

CRANFORD CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

C-TEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

DANFOSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

DR. STHAMER HAMBURG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

FULLEON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41

GST INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC

METRON ELEDYNE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

NO CLIMB PRODUCTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

NOHMI BOSAI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

OGGIONI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

PILKINGTON DEUTSCHLAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

RAE SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

RIGAMONTI GHISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

SACEP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 & 35

SAFETY TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL . . . . . . . . . . .45

SECURITON AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

SENSITRON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

TYCO SAFETY PRODUCTS – MACRON SAFETY SYSTEMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

TYCO SAFETY PRODUCTS – SKUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

VIMPEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

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