A specific permanent pipe system called a “water spray system“ that is connected to a dependable pressurised water supply source and has water spray nozzles on it for use on the area or equipment that needs to be protected. By connecting to an automatic detection and alarm system, the system can be operated automatically, manually, or both.
Water spray systems are typically used to protect openings in fire walls and floors as well as flammable liquid and gas storage tanks, pipes, pumping equipment, electrical equipment including transformers, oil switches, spinning electrical machinery, etc. from fire.
The water supply is linked to the pipe system through an autonomously operated Deluge Valve, which starts the water flow. Automatic detecting devices that are mounted alongside water spray nozzles are used to trigger automatic actuation. There are two different kinds of systems: high- and medium-speed systems.
Types of Water Spray System:
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Medium Velocity Water Spray Systems (MVWSS)
These are employed for water-miscible liquid fire extinguishment as well as fire protection in areas where low-temperature flammable liquids (FP ≤ 65 degrees C) provide a fire risk (polar solvents, alcohols etc.) a minimal installation because it is economical, serves as a safety measure, and makes location identification simple.
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High Velocity Water Spray Systems (HVWSS)
These are used to put out flames in combustible materials like heavy oils and other flammable liquids with flashpoints higher than 65 degrees Celsius (E.g. Transformer Fires, Lube Oil Tanks, Etc).
Components of the System:
- Fire Fighting Pumps & Accessories.
- Piping
- Nozzles
- Deluge Valve
- Sprinkler / Detectors / Compressor
- Wiring & Instrumentations
- Maintenance Valves
Operational Information
Water Spray System:
The protection provided by the high/medium velocity water spray system functions similarly to a deluge system. A deluge system’s system control valve, or deluge valve, is used to quickly apply water in a spray system.
Deluge valve is a hydraulically powered, quick-release diaphragm valve. It contains three chambers that are separated from one another by a seat seal and clapper that are actuated by a diaphragm. In the “SET” position, water pressure is carried from the system supply side to the top chamber via an external bypass check valve and restriction orifice, where it operates across the diaphragm-operated clapper to retain the seat against the inlet supply pressure due to differential pressure design.
When a fire is detected, an opening actuation device vents the upper chamber to the atmosphere through the outlet port (s). Since the restricted input port prevents the top chamber pressure from being replenished, it can only instantly reach less than half the supply pressure. The upward force of the supply pressure lifts the clapper, allowing water to enter the system’s piping network and alarm devices.
As a result, the fire can be put out by the water spraying out of the projectors at a high or medium velocity. The fire alarm is typically activated by a water motor-operated gong (as in the case of sprinkler systems). An electrical alert might also be offered on occasion.
The water spray systems need to be isolated in order to allow for routine maintenance and testing. All cut-off valves should typically be locked open.