OVERVIEW
Deluge System
A deluge fire suppression system is a specialized fire protection system designed to rapidly release large amounts of water or other extinguishing agents over a wide area. Unlike traditional sprinkler systems, which activate one sprinkler head at a time, deluge systems open all nozzles simultaneously, delivering a high volume of water to the protected area. It is a fixed fire protection system designed to protect against severe fuel hazards. A large number of sprinklers simultaneously act to bring any undesirable fire event under control. The deluge system, which consists of open sprinkler heads and unpressurized dry pipes, is directly connected to a water supply. When the deluge valve is activated, water is released to all of the open sprinkler heads at once.
Deluge systems can also release other fire-suppressing substances such as dry powder, foam, chemicals, or inert gases. Until the deluge valve is activated by an electric, pneumatic, hydraulic, or manual release system, the system piping is empty and dry; once activated, the deluge system floods the area with pressured water or other fire extinguishing substance. Deluge systems are typically used in high-hazard areas where fire may spread rapidly.
The main purposes behind using deluge systems are any one or combination of the following:
- Extinguishment of fire
- Control of burning
- Exposure protection
- Prevention of fire
Key Components of a Deluge System
As deluge systems are used in special hazard installations, they must work quickly to protect the entire area. A deluge system is a type of water-based fire suppression system that is designed for high-hazard areas where rapid fire spread is expected. Characterized by open sprinkler heads connected to a water supply, the deluge system is activated by a fire alarm signal or heat detection system. When triggered, the system releases large amounts of water, flooding the area to extinguish flames and control the fire’s spread. A deluge system comprises of three main components: deluge spray nozzles and lines, deluge valve set, and deluge system water supply.
- Water Supply: The backbone of any deluge system, the water supply must be reliable and adequately pressurized to ensure prompt discharge during emergencies.
- Deluge Valve: This vital component controls the flow of water into the system. Upon activation, the valve opens to allow water to surge through the pipes and out of the open sprinkler heads.
- Open Sprinkler Heads: Unlike standard automatic sprinklers that only activate when sensing heat, open sprinkler heads work in unison as soon as the system is activated, creating a uniform water curtain.
- Fire Alarm System: Integrally linked to the deluge system, the fire alarm detects smoke or heat and sends a signal to activate the deluge valve, promptly deploying the water.
- Pipelines and Fittings: These conduct water from the supply to the exit points (sprinkler heads) and must be designed to handle high water volumes and pressures.
The working of a deluge system consists of the following four steps:
A fire detection (Smoke/Heat/Ultraviolet/Infrared/Optical flame Detector) systemdetects the fire and sends the signal to the fire alarm panel to activate the deluge valve.
Immediately the deluge valve opens which is connected to a water supply.
Water flows into the piping system and starts discharging from all nozzles and open sprinklers.
After use, the deluge valve can be easily reset to normal operating condition by draining the water remaining inside the pipe and valve body.
The main purposes behind using deluge systems are any one or combination of the following:
- Extinguishment of fire
- Control of burning
- Exposure protection
- Prevention of fire
As deluge systems are used in special hazard installations, they must work quickly to protect the entire area. A deluge system comprises of three main components: deluge spray nozzles and lines, deluge valve set, and deluge system water supply. The working of a deluge system consists of the following four steps:
A fire detection (Smoke/Heat/Ultraviolet/Infrared/Optical flame Detector) systemdetects the fire and sends the signal to the fire alarm panel to activate the deluge valve.
Immediately the deluge valve opens which is connected to a water supply.
Water flows into the piping system and starts discharging from all nozzles and open sprinklers.
After use, the deluge valve can be easily reset to normal operating condition by draining the water remaining inside the pipe and valve body.
Deluge System in Dubai, UAE
At Wermany, Our team of certified technicians ensures every deluge system is tailored to meet Dubai’s safety standards, including DCD compliance. From initial assessment to installation and regular maintenance, we provide top-tier service to keep your business and assets protected.
Variations
Types of Deluge Systems
Pneumatic release deluge system
This type of Deluge system uses a small airline with sprinkler heads on it as the detection line. In the event of a fire, the sprinkler heads on the small detection airline are activated which will deplete the air in the line allowing the pneumatic actuator on the Deluge Valve to open releasing prime water from the top of the valve and allow water to be delivered to the hazard.
Hydraulic release deluge system
This type of Deluge system uses a pilot line of closed sprinklers containing pressurized water, supplied through the upstream side of the deluge valve, through a restricted orifice. All the release lines are connected to a common release line. Due to release of any one of the release devices, the water pressure in the top chamber of the deluge valve reaches 50% of the supply pressure, the deluge valve opens.
Electrical release deluge system
when an alarm is set off via a detector, pull station, etc., it will energize a solenoid valve releasing the prime water off of the top of the valve and allowing the Deluge Valve to trip and deliver water to the hazard.
Manually-Operated Release System
Manually operated release systems are usually integrated into one of the other types of release systems. NFPA 13 requires the manual release device to be a stand-alone arrangement to ensure operation, regardless of the potential failure of the associated detection system. Normally a system will incorporate a manual release at the valve, exits, operator station, or other convenient locations to operate the system during a fire emergency.
- They can easily control rapidly spreading fire.
- Very quick responses as all sprinklers are open.
- Their operation can be made fully automatic.
- Deluge system being a dry system, no risk of frozen pipes
- They can also be used in conjunction with foam concentrate for better controlling certain types of fire.
- Water disperses over a large area for efficient fire extinguishing.
- Less expensive than other methods.
- Flammable liquid handling systems.
- Flammable liquid storage, chemical storage areas.
- Hydrocarbon processing plants.
- Refineries/ Fuel Processing Plants.
- Oil extraction plants.
- Separation, distillation plants.
- Large aircraft hangars.
- Crude tanks and vessels.
- Power Plants.
- Data Storage units.
- Paint Shops