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Integrated Fire Protection System
Mechanical Section - Dry-pipe Vacuum Sprinkler System - Electric Release
FM-060M-0-112B
1.4 System Operation
1.4.1 In the SET condition
System water supply pressure enters the priming chamber
of the deluge valve (A1) through the priming line which
includes a normally open priming valve (B1), strainer (B2),
restricted orifice (B3) and spring loaded check valve (B4).
Water supply pressure is trapped in the priming chamber
of the deluge valve (A1) by spring loaded check
valve (B4), normally closed solenoid valve (F1), manual
emergency release valve (B10) and PORV (B9)
(pressure operated relied valve). The pressure in the
priming chamber holds the deluge valve clapper closed,
keeping the outlet chamber and vacuum sprinklers piping
dry.
1.4.2 In a fire condition
When the FLX-PC®alarm condition is satisfied, the
release control panel activates an alarm and energizes the
normally closed solenoid valve (F1) to open.
Pressure from the priming chamber of the deluge
valve (A1) is released to the open drain manifold faster
than it is supplied through the restricted orifice (B3). The
deluge valve clapper opens to allow water to flow into the
piping network and alarm devices, causing water flow
alarms connected to the alarm pressure switch (C1) and
the optional water motor alarm (C2) to activate. When a
vacuum sprinkler head opens, water will flow from the
vacuum sprinklers piping network.
When the deluge valve (A1) operates, the sensing end of
the PORV (B9) (pressure operated relief valve) is
pressurized, causing it to open, draining the priming
chamber, preventing the deluge valve from resetting, even
if the open releasing devices close. The vacuum pump will
be automatically disabled. The deluge valve can only be
reset after the system is taken out of service, and the
outlet chamber of the deluge valve and associated trim
piping is depressurized and drained.
1.4.3 Manual operation
Anytime the handle of the manual emergency release
valve (B10) is triggered, pressure is released from the
priming chamber of the deluge valve (A1) causing deluge
valve to open. Alarm devices (C1 and C2) will operate.
When a vacuum sprinkler opens, water will flow through
the piping network.
1.4.4 Vacuum loss condition
If a vacuum sprinkler opens or any time vacuum is lost in
piping network, the FLX-PC® (G18) will display LOW
PRESSURE followed by ALARM PRESSURE, and the release
control panel will receive supervisory and alarm signals.
Pressure is then released from the priming chamber of the
deluge valve (A1) causing deluge valve to open. Alarm
devices (C1 and C2) will operate.When a vacuum
sprinkler opens, water will flow through the piping network.
1.5 Emergency instructions
To take system out of service
WARNING ! Placing a control valve or detection system out
of service may eliminate the fire protection capabilities of
the system. Prior to proceeding, notify all local
AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION. Consideration should
be given to employ a fire patrol in the affected areas.
After a fire, verify that the fire is OUT and that placing the
system out of service has been authorized by the
appropriate local AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION.
Vacuum sprinklers piping that have been subjected to a
fire must be returned to service as soon as possible. The
entire system must be inspected for damage, and repaired
or replaced as necessary.
1. CLOSE main water supply valve (D1).
2. Silence alarms (refer to section E CONTROLS for
additional details).
Note: Electric alarms controlled by a pressure switch
installed at the ¾"-NPT (20mm) connection (C2) for a non-
interruptible alarm signal cannot be shut-off until the
deluge valve (A1) is reset or taken out of service.
3. OPEN main drain valve (D3), system drain valve (G10)
and alarm line drain valve (B7).
4. CLOSE priming valve (B1).
5. Replace any vacuum sprinkler that have opened, been
damaged or exposed to fire conditions.
6. Perform all maintenance procedures recommended in
paragraph 1.8 MAINTENANCE in the current section,
describing individual components of the system that has
operated.
7. Return the system to service as soon as possible as
outlined in paragraph 1.6 PLACING THE SYSTEM BACK IN
SERVICE AFTER OPERATION of the current section.
Note: When a system has been removed from service and
is subject to freezing or will be out of service for an
extended period of time, all water must be removed from
the priming chamber, trim piping, water supply piping and
any other trapped areas.
