Fire Sprinkler International 2014
Alternative Sprinkler System
Designs for Storage Protection
Kerry M. Bell
Principal Engineer
Fire Sprinkler and Pump Equipment
UL LLC
20 May 2014
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Overview
• Historical development of new sprinkler
technology for use in accordance with the
NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems
• Discussion on the new Chapter 21 in the
2013 Edition of NFPA 13 that provides the
opportunity for more cost efficient storage
sprinkler system designs to be developed.
• Information and data from large scale fire
testing that highlights the importance of
having appropriate large scale fire test data
to evaluate/validate the ability of the sprinkler
to provide the desired level of protection for a
storage facility.
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2
NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology
• For decades, NFPA 13 has encouraged the
development of new sprinkler technology.
• 1973 Edition of NFPA 13
4-1.1.3 Special Sprinklers may be installed
with larger protection areas or distances
between sprinklers than are specified in
Sections 4-2 and 4-5 when such installations
are made in accordance with approvals or
listings of a nationally recognized testing
laboratory.
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3
NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology
• Over the years, this text has been revised to
provide additional guidance and clarity related to
the development of new sprinkler technology as
illustrated in the 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 as
follows:
8.4.8 Special Sprinklers.
8.4.8.1* Special sprinklers that are intended for the
protection of specific hazards or construction features
shall be permitted where such devices have been
evaluated and listed for performance under the following
conditions:
(1) Fire tests related to the intended hazard
(2) Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to wetting
of floors and walls
(3) Distribution of the spray pattern with respect to
obstructions
(4) Evaluation of the thermal sensitivity of the sprinkler
(5) Performance under horizontal or sloped ceilings
(6) Area of design
(7) Allowable clearance to ceilings
Text Source: NFPA 13 2013
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4
NFPA 13 and New Sprinkler Technology
Non-Storage Sprinkler Technology
• Extended coverage light hazard sprinklers
• Extended coverage ordinary hazard sprinklers
• Attic sprinklers
• Combustible concealed space sprinklers
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Ceiling Sprinkler Types Currently Referenced in NFPA 13 for
Use in Storage Applications at Discharge Densities of
Greater than 13.9 mm/min (0.34 gpm/sq. ft.)
No.
Nominal
K-factor
Initial
Style
Availability
Type
Protection
1
160(11.2)
Pendent
Early 1990s
CMDA
Fire Control
2
160(11.2)
Upright
Early 1990s
CMDA
Fire Control
3
200(14.0)
Pendent
1996
CMDA
Fire Control
4
240(16.8)
Pendent
1997
CMDA
Fire Control
5
240(16.8)
Upright
1997
CMDA
Fire Control
6
360(25.2)
EC Pendent
2006
CMDA
Fire Control
7
360(25.2)
EC Upright
2001
CMDA
Fire Control
8
160(11.2)
Upright
1981
9
240(16.8)
Upright
1997
CMSA
Fire Control
10
280(19.6)
Pendent
2008
CMSA
Fire Control
11
360(25.2)
EC Pendent
2010
CMSA
Fire Control
12
360(25.2)
EC Upright
2011
CMSA
Fire Control
CMSA (Large Drop) Fire Control
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Ceiling Sprinkler Types Currently Referenced in NFPA 13 for
Use in Storage Applications at Discharge Densities of
Greater than 13.9 mm/min (0.34 gpm/sq. ft.)
No.
Nominal
K-factor
Initial
Style
Availability
Type
Protection
13
200(14.0)
Pendent
1987
ESFR
Fire Suppression
14
200(14.0)
Upright
1999
ESFR
Fire Suppression
15
240(16.8)
Pendent
2000
ESFR
Fire Suppression
16
240(16.8)
Upright
2002
ESFR
Fire Suppression
17
320(22.4)
Pendent
2001
ESFR
Fire Suppression
18
360(25.2)
Pendent
1998
ESFR
Fire Suppression
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
General
21.1.1 Sprinklers intended to protect storage fire
risks shall be permitted to be installed using water
supply design criteria that are different from the
design criteria specified for the sprinklers
described in Chapters 12 through 19 when
specifically listed for such use within the limitations
described in this chapter.
Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
21.1.6 A series of large-scale fire tests involving
challenging test scenarios that address the range of
variables associated with the intended application of
the sprinkler shall be conducted to evaluate the
ability of the sprinkler to protect storage fire risks
that are representative of those described in the
manufacturer’s installation and design parameter
instructions and referenced in the listing.
Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
For a sprinkler system design to be covered under
Chapter 21, it must be validated through large-scale fire
testing--typically 3 or 4 large scale fire tests.
Test parameters that are to be considered during the test
series include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Ignition location
Maximum storage height
Sprinkler spacing
Sprinkler temperature rating
Ceiling height
Clearance from storage to ceiling
Sprinkler distance below ceiling
Minimum operating pressure of sprinkler
Highest commodity hazard
Storage arrangement type
Aisle width
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
Sprinkler System Design Based Upon Test Results
If all four tests yield acceptable results then the design is based on:
• Worst-case test result during test series increased by 50% (safety
factor), and
• Minimum of 12 sprinklers for standard coverage type sprinklers
[Nominal area = ~111 m2 (~1200 ft2)]
• Minimum of 8 sprinklers for EC sprinklers on 3.7 m x 3.7 m (12 ft
x 12 ft) spacing [Nominal area = ~111 m2 (~1200 ft2)]
• Minimum of 6 sprinklers for EC sprinklers on 4.3 m x 4.3 m (14 ft
x 14 ft) spacing [Nominal area = ~111 m2 (~1200 ft2)]
• The resulting demand area shall not be less than 71 m2 (768 ft²).
Text source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
Additional Installation and Design Criteria
Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
Additional Installation and Design Criteria
• Minimum obstruction criteria is based upon based upon
the number of sprinklers included in the sprinkler design
and correlates to existing criteria in NFPA 13 for CMDA,
CMSA, Extended Coverage and ESFR sprinklers.
• A smaller number of sprinklers in the design results in
more stringent obstruction criteria to reduce the potential
for excessive sprinkler operations during a fire.
• As an option to the prescribed obstruction criteria
described in Chapter 21, large scale fire testing with
obstructions can be conducted to validate alternative
obstruction criteria for a specific sprinkler.
Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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New Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 - 2013
21.1.7 The manufacturer’s installation and
design parameter instructions for these
sprinklers shall specify in a standardized
manner the end-use limitations and sprinkler
system design criteria including at least the
following:
(1) Commodity or commodities to be protected
(2) Storage arrangements allowed
(3) Installation guidelines including obstruction
and ceiling construction limitations
(4) Maximum ceiling and storage heights with
associated minimum operating pressures and
number of sprinklers required to be included in
the hydraulic calculation
(5) Hose stream allowance and duration
Text Source: NFPA 13 – 2013
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Comparison of Sprinkler Design Requirements in
Chapters 12- 19 vs. Chapter 21 of NFPA 13 -2013
Chapters 12 – 19
Sprinkler Type
No. of Design
Sprinklers
Hose Allowance,
L/min (gpm)
Duration, min.
CMDA*
20 or more
1900 (500)
120 or more
EC-CMDA*
11 or more
1900 (500)
120 or more
CMSA
15 or more
1900 (500)
90 or more
ESFR
12
950 (250)
60
*Ceiling-only sprinkler options
Lowest Demand Permitted in Chapter 21
Sprinkler Type
No. of Design
Sprinklers
Hose Allowance,
L/min (gpm)
Duration, min.
CMSA & ESFR
12
950 (250)
60
EC (3.7 m x 3.7 m)
8
950 (250)
60
EC (4.3 m x 4.3 m)
6
950 (250)
60
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Sprinklers Currently Referenced in Chapter 21 of
NFPA 13 -2013
Sprinkler
Type
ECCMSA
Nominal
K-factor,
lpm/ bar1/2
(gpm/psig 0.5)
Commodity
Storage
Maximum
Storage and
Ceiling Height,
m (ft.)
360 (25.2)
Pendent and
Upright
Palletized, solid
pile and open
rack storage of
commodities up
to cartoned,
unexpanded
Group A plastic
9.1/10.7
(30/35)
Coverage Area,
m by m
(ft. by ft.)
3.7 by 3.7
(12 by 12)
and
4.3 by 4.3
(14 by 14)
Note: NFPA 13 provides detailed information on the allowed coverage areas, number of design
sprinklers, minimum design pressures, hose stream allowances and water supply duration for both
the pendent and upright EC-CMSA sprinklers referenced in Chapter 21.
• Sprinklers are permitted to be listed (certified) in accordance with Chapter 21
without the design criteria specifically referenced in this chapter.
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Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m
(35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling
Test Parameters
Test 1
Double Row
Rack
9.1 (30)
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Double Row
Double Row
Double Row
Storage Type
Rack
Rack
Rack
Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)
10.7 (35)
9.1 (30)
6.1 (20)
Minimum
distance from
Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
sprinkler deflector
to commodity
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm
Within 30.5 (12)
specified by
specified by
specified by
(in)
manufacturer
manufacturer
manufacturer
Sprinkler Temperature Rating
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig) Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design
Between two on Between two on
Ignition location
Under one
Between 4
same branch line same branch line
Test Duration, min
30
30
30
30
Test 1 – Investigates ability of sprinkler to effectively attack a fire originating in a location
beneath a sprinkler.
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Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m
(35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling
Test Parameters
Test 1
Double Row
Rack
9.1 (30)
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Double Row
Double Row
Double Row
Storage Type
Rack
Rack
Rack
Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)
10.7 (35)
9.1 (30)
6.1 (20)
Minimum
distance from
Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
sprinkler deflector
to commodity
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm
Within 30.5 (12)
specified by
specified by
specified by
(in)
manufacturer
manufacturer
manufacturer
Sprinkler Temperature Rating
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig) Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design
Between two on Between two on
Ignition location
Under one
Between 4
same branch line same branch line
Test Duration, min
30
30
30
30
Test 2 – Investigates ability of sprinkler to effectively attack a fire originating between four
sprinklers with the highest storage height and smallest sprinkler clearance to top of
commodity clearance which generally creates the greatest HRR from the fire prior to
sprinkler operation.
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Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m
(35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling
Test Parameters
Test 1
Double Row
Rack
9.1 (30)
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Double Row
Double Row
Double Row
Storage Type
Rack
Rack
Rack
Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)
10.7 (35)
9.1 (30)
6.1 (20)
Minimum
distance from
Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
sprinkler deflector
to commodity
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm
Within 30.5 (12)
specified by
specified by
specified by
(in)
manufacturer
manufacturer
manufacturer
Sprinkler Temperature Rating
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig) Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design
Between two on Between two on
Ignition location
Under one
Between 4
same branch line same branch line
Test Duration, min
30
30
30
30
Test 3 – Investigates ability of the sprinkler to attack a fire originating in an an area between
two sprinklers where the sprinkler discharge is impacted by the sprinkler frame arms and
obstructed by the supply pipe if it is an upright style sprinkler.
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19
Example of Fire Test Series for Sprinkler Protecting 10.7 m
(35 ft) Rack Storage Under a 12.2 m (40 ft) Ceiling
Test Parameters
Test 1
Double Row
Rack
9.1 (30)
Test 2
Test 3
Test 4
Double Row
Double Row
Double Row
Storage Type
Rack
Rack
Rack
Nominal Storage Height, m (ft)
10.7 (35)
9.1 (30)
6.1 (20)
Minimum
distance from
Nominal Ceiling Height, m (ft)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
12.2 (40)
sprinkler deflector
to commodity
Maximum
Maximum
Maximum
Nominal Deflector Distance to Ceiling, cm
Within 30.5 (12)
specified by
specified by
specified by
(in)
manufacturer
manufacturer
manufacturer
Sprinkler Temperature Rating
Minimum
Maximum
Minimum
Minimum
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
3 by 3
Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
(10 by 10)
Nominal Discharge Pressure, kPa (psig) Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design Minimum design
Between two on Between two on
Ignition location
Under one
Between 4
same branch line same branch line
Test Duration, min
30
30
30
30
Test 4 – Investigates ability of the sprinkler to attack a fire with a large clearance between
the sprinkler deflector and top of storage.
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20
Why is it Important to Conduct Large Scale
Fire Testing Using Multiple Ignition Locations?
Due to the unique discharge characteristics of each sprinkler
design, the weakest level of protection with respect to location
of fire origin relative to the sprinkler can vary depending on the
sprinkler’s construction characteristics:
• The water discharge characteristics throughout a sprinkler’s
coverage area are not uniform.
• The overlap of water spray from adjacent sprinklers varies
within the sprinkler coverage area.
• Water discharged from a sprinkler is obstructed by the
sprinkler frame as well as the piping for upright style
sprinklers.
• Response time of the sprinkler can vary depending upon
ignition location.
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21
Actual Delivered Density (ADD) Testing -- A Dynamic
Water Distribution Test for Storage Type Sprinklers
ADD testing is a useful tool to
investigate a sprinkler’s discharge
characteristics; however, this testing is
conducted with open sprinklers which
does not investigate the potential for
sprinkler skipping to occur.
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22
NFPA 13-2013 Revisions Based
Upon Large Scale Fire Test Data
• For nominal K=200 (14.0) Pendent ESFR
sprinklers, 2013 Edition of NFPA 13 was
revised to limit the use of these sprinklers in
new installations to a maximum ceiling height
of 10.7m (35 ft) rather than the previously
referenced 12.2 m (40 ft) ceilings.
• Larger K-factor ESFR sprinklers can still be
used for ceiling heights of 12.2 m (40 ft.) and
13.7 m (45 ft).
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Fire Test Results of Nominal K=200 (14) ESFR
Pendent Sprinkler 6.1 m (20 ft) Clearance
FIRE TEST NUMBER
Test 1
Test 2
Comparison
of UL
and
FM
Storage
vs.
NonTEST PARAMETERS
Type
Double Row Rack
Double Row Rack
Storage Storage
Sprinklers
Cartoned,
Commodity Type
Nominal Storage Height, m(ft)
Nominal Ceiling Height, m(ft)
Aisle Width, m(ft)
Ignition Location
Temperature Rating, °C(°F)
Deflector to Ceiling, cm (in)
Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 200
lpm/ bar1/2 (gpm/psig 0.5)
Nominal Discharge Pressure, bar (psig)
Sprinkler Spacing, m (ft)
Unexpanded Group A
Plastic
6.1 (20)
12.2 (40)
1.2 (4)
Offset Between 2
74 (165)
36 (14)
200 (14)
5.2 (75)
3 by 3 (10 by 10)
TEST RESULTS
First Sprinkler Operation, min:sec
1:28
Last Sprinkler Operation, min:sec
6:06
Number of Operated Sprinklers
17
Maximum I Minute Average Steel Temperature
81 (178)
Above Ignition, °C(°F)
Fire Spread Across the Aisle
Yes
Cartoned, Unexpanded
Group A Plastic
6.1 (20)
12.2 (40)
1.2 (4)
Offset Between 2
74 (165)
36 (14)
200 (14)
6.9 (100) for first 4
operated sprinklers, 5.2
(75) when more than four
sprinklers have operated
3 by 3 (10 by 10)
0:55
6:20
18
83 (181)
Yes
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Illustration of Sprinkler Skipping – Nominal K=200(14.0)
ESFR Sprinkler with Cartoned, Unexpanded Group A
Plastic Commodity and a 12.2 m(40 ft) Ceiling Height
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Illustration of Sprinkler Skipping – Test 3 from FPRF Exposed
Expanded Group A Plastics Project Using ESFR Sprinklers
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Summary
• Since the 1970’s, NFPA 13 has included text that
encourages the development of new sprinkler technology.
• The new Chapter 21 of NFPA 13-2013 provides another
opportunity to develop more cost efficient sprinkler protection
for storage facilities.
• It is important for the Chapter 21 sprinkler system design
criteria to be properly validated with large scale fire testing
that takes into account multiple ignition locations and the
potential for sprinkler skipping to occur.
• For sprinkler system designs not referenced in NFPA 13,
users, designers and approval authorities can request to
review the large scale fire test data that supports a sprinkler
system design covered by Chapter 21 of NFPA 13.
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27