Fire Protection Systems
SFPE Great Plains Chapter Meeting
Date: October 21st, 2020
Speaker: Joe Donato
Business Development Special Hazards and
Detection Systems
Presentation Information:
SFPE
Vacuum Technology
October 21, 2020
Duration: 60 Minutes
[Link]
Presenters: Joe Donato
Viking Corporation
Date: 5150 Beltway Drive
Caledonia, Michigan 49316
Speaker: jdonato@[Link]
© Viking Group, Inc. (2014)
Agenda
➢Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems.
➢Preaction Sprinkler Systems.
➢Single Interlock Preaction.
➢Double Interlock Preaction.
➢Negative Pressure Based (Vacuum) Systems.
➢Applications for Negative Pressure Based Systems.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
➢ Used in areas where the Temperature cannot be maintained at or above 40° F
➢ Consists of water being held back by air or nitrogen pressure until a sprinkler operates.
➢ Dry Valves use a surface area differential, which allows a smaller amount of air pressure
to hold back a larger water pressure.
➢ Sometimes dry pipe systems require a Water Delivery time.
➢ Dry Systems require an increase in the design area as compared to Wet Systems.
➢ Small Auxiliary Dry Systems
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Water Delivery Time
➢ System Size 500 gallon capacity or less shall be
permitted w/o a quick opening device and shall not be
required to meet any specific water delivery
requirement to the inspector test connection.
➢ System Size over 500 gallon capacity up to 750 gallon
shall be permitted with a quick opening device and
shall not be required to meet any specific water
delivery requirement to the inspector test connection.
If a water delivery time is required,
what are my options?
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Water Delivery Time
➢ Dwelling Unit Protection – 15 seconds (no exceptions).
➢ NFPA 13 limits water delivery time to the most
remote sprinkler from 40 to 60 seconds depending on
hazards in non-residential environments.
➢ System size can be calculated for water delivery.
Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems
Small Auxiliary Dry Systems
➢ Downstream of Wet System Riser
Pre-Action Systems
Pre-action systems are fixed fire
protection systems with closed
sprinkler heads.
The water supply is held back
by a deluge valve, which is
controlled by a release system.
When the release system operates,
the deluge valve opens and water
discharges from all open outlets
connected to the sprinkler piping.
Pre-Action Systems
The “Pre” part of pre-action
means that the release or the
detection system is required
to operate prior to the sprinklers
on the sprinkler piping.
The idea of pre-action is that the
detection operates prior to the
sprinkler system, allowing the water
in the supply to be at or near the open
sprinkler when the system operates.
Some pre-action systems only operate
after the sprinkler opens, meaning the
delay in water application would be the
as a dry pipe system.
Pre-Action Systems
Pre-action systems are generally
installed where there is a fear of
water entering the sprinkler system
or entering the space where the
sprinklers are located.
Applications where pre-action systems are
installed:
Freezers
Coolers
Flammable liquid storage (areas subject to
Freezing)
Airports
Computer Rooms
Rare Book Storage
Historical Records
Historical Buildings
Gymnasium Floors
Record Storage Areas
Pre-Action Systems
Single Interlock Pre-Action System
“Single” – Only (1) specific action has to
happen to open the Deluge Valve.
Activation of Detection opens Release
Air Pressure in piping is for Supervisory
purposes only!
There is no minimum required air pressure
for a Single Interlock System.
Not all Single Interlock Pre-action Systems
require the Supervisory Air Pressure.
Pre-Action Systems
Double Interlock Pre-Action System
“Double” – (2) specific actions have to
happen to open the Deluge Valve
Activation of Detection and loss of air
pressure in the system piping open the
release(s)
Minimum 7 psi Air Pressure in piping
network
30 psi/ 50 psi Air Pressure recommended
Possible Accelerator Installation
Negative Pressure Based Systems
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Vacuum Fire Protection System is a complete FM approved integrated system that
offers unique features and benefits such as corrosion mitigation. Considered an equal
to systems utilizing FM approved nitrogen systems.
Fully assembled, factory tested and ready to be connected to the water supply and
piping network, system includes all control valves, a vacuum pump, release control
panel and the unique FireFlex FLX-PC (Patent Pending) Vacuum Pressure Controller
which constitutes the heart of the system.
Negative Pressure Based Systems
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Negative Pressure Based Systems
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
VFR-400 Control Panel Vacuum Pump Junction Box
RCDS Key
Maintenance Switch
FLX-PC
Mechanical Trim
Activation Line
F1 Deluge Valve
Alarm Line
Vacuum Pump Assembly
Priming Line
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Orientation:
➢ Left
➢ Sprinkler system trim piping
➢ Used for valve setup
➢ Essential for system activation
➢ Right
➢ Vacuum pump trim piping
➢ Essential for system activation
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Outlet Chamber
Prime Chamber
Inlet Chamber
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Main Features:
Corrosion Inhibition
Corrosion is a major topic as fire protection systems efficiency may be heavily
impacted by corrosion damages
• FM photography of corrosion • Extracts from FM Report on Corrosion
Damages
Negative Pressure-based System
Corrosion Inhibition
Sprinkler systems involved in obstructed-pipe fires
(reported to FM global 1982-2001)
13%
59% 28%
Wet systems
Open head systems
Dry pipe systems
Losses
60
million
U$
130
million 51
U$ million
U$
Plywood mill (59,7 million u$ loss)
An obstructed sprinkler system allowed the fire to burn freely
Negative Pressure-based System
Corrosion in Sprinkler Pipes
Air + Water/Moisture + Piping = Corrosion
Piping
Corrosion is inhibited by removing water/moisture & oxygen
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Main Features:
Ice Plug Prevention
➢ Condensation leads to ice plugs in freezers
➢ Moisture develops as warm air cools down
➢ Moisture is constantly injected in the piping network
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Configurations:
➢ Dry-pipe Vacuum
The system will operate when a sprinkler operates and water will flow through the open sprinkler.
No detection is required or used.
➢ Vacuum Non-interlock Preaction
The system will operate when a sprinkler operates and water will flow through the open sprinkler.
OR
The system will operate when the Fire Alarm detection is activated and the piping network will be filled with water. No
water will flow until the sprinkler is activated.
Note: Both Dry-Pipe Vacuum and Vacuum Non-interlock Preaction are offered with a Failsafe Option
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Configurations:
➢ Vacuum Single-interlock Preaction
The system will operate when the Fire Alarm detection is activated and the piping network will be filled with water.
No water will flow until the sprinkler is activated.
If a sprinkler operates without the Fire Alarm detection, only a Supervisory signal (Low vacuum) will be activated.
The system will not activate.
Note: Cross zoned Fire Alarm detection is available with this configuration.
➢ Vacuum Double-Interlock Preaction
The system will operate when Fire Alarm detection is activated AND a sprinkler activates. Water will then flow
through the open sprinkler.
The system will NOT operate when the Fire Alarm detection is activated; only an alarm signal will be activated.
If a sprinkler activates without the Fire Alarm detection, only an Alarm signal will be activated and the system will
not operate.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Configurations:
➢ System Valve Sizes
All systems use the same components and are available in sizes from 3’’ to 8’’
➢ Water Pressure
The Integrated Vacuum Fire Protection systems have been approved and tested for water inlet pressures ranging from 20
psi to 175 psi.
➢ Mechanical Options
The only options that are available with the Vacuum Fire Protection systems is the Semi-flanged and Full-flanged
configurations.
Note: The Shut-off valve and sight glass is not an option it comes standard with the system
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
FLX-PC
➢ The FLX-PC® control unit is equipped with a microcontroller based
circuit that uses a piezoelectric type pressure sensor to analyze the
pressure in real time in a piping network.
➢ It includes a LCD type display with 2 lines of 16 characters that
displays the status of the system.
➢ A single push-button on the side is used to perform the various
commands.
➢ The FLX-PC® unit is powered by the release control panel and
consumes very little energy.
➢ Various pre-established parameters allow to conduct supervisory
and fire protection system release via connections to the release
control panel.
➢ The FLX-PC® unit allows the control of the start-stop cycle of the
vacuum pump according to pre-established parameters.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
FLX-PC
System Pressure
Pump Hour Meter Pump Operation Time
(time between two starts) (time the pump is on)
Negative Pressure Based Systems
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Vacuum Pump Assembly
➢ The vacuum is created using a (1.5 HP, 220V/50-60Hz/7 Amps) water ring
seal vacuum pump controlled by the FLX-PC
➢ The vacuum pump used in the system allows for very quick start-ups. The
required time to establish maximum supervisory vacuum level in the piping
network is less than 4 minutes for a 1000 gallon system thus saving start-up
and maintenance time in the field
➢ Quiet running and requiring minimal maintenance vacuum pumps offer
significant advantages compared to air compressors
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Vacuum Pump Assembly
INLET
OUTLET
REGULATOR 3-50 PSI
REGULATOR 50-175 PSI
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Control Panel
➢ The Viking VFR-400 is a cULus Listed, FM approved
and meets UL 864-9 requirements.
➢ Onboard menu-driven programming.
➢ Available for use with either 120VAC – 60Hz or
220/240 VAC-50Hz
➢ Compatible with multiple initiating devices such as:
linear heat detection, smoke and heat detectors,
waterflow indicators as well as manual pull stations.
➢ Releasing Circuit Disconnect Switch (RCDS) included
required for maintenace in the NFPA 72-2010 Edition
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Sprinklers for Vacuum System
Sprinklers must be approved and
tested for use under vacuum condition
Compatible Sprinkler
Laser etched
identification on deflector
Compatible Sprinklers
Approved Sprinklers for use with Vacuum Technology
• VK1001 5.6K Standard Response Upright
• VK2001 8K Standard Response Upright
• VK3001 5.6K Quick Response Upright
• VK3501 8.0K Quick response Upright
• VK598 25K Standard Response Upright
Releasing Circuit Disconnect
SEISMIC - OPTIONAL FEATURE
OSHPD PRE-APPROVED
SEISMIC CONSTRUCTION
TOTALPAC®3 has been shake-table tested by OSHPD to the worse earthquake found,
ensuring normal system operation after an earthquake, with no falling parts, thus
maximizing safety.
QUALIFICATIONS
The TOTALPAC®3 seismic construction is tested and qualified in accordance with:
- International Builing Code, 2009 Edition
- California Building Code, 2007 Edition
- ASCE Standard 7, 2005 Edition
- OSHPD CAN-21708A.5, Rev. 3
- ICC-ES AC-156
Releasing Circuit Disconnect
NEW STANDARD FEATURE
Releasing Circuit Disconnect Switch
NFPA 72, 2010 Edition
23.13.5 Releasing service fire alarm systems used for fire suppression–releasing service shall be
provided with a disconnect switch to allow the system to be tested without actuating the fire
suppression systems.
[Link] Operation of a disconnect switch or a disable function shall cause a supervisory signal at
the releasing service fire alarm control unit.
[Link] The disconnect shall be a physical switch and not be accomplished by using software.
A.23.13.7 Automatic fire suppression systems referred to in
23.13.7 include, but are not limited to, preaction and deluge sprinkler systems, carbon dioxide
systems, Halon systems, and dry chemical systems.
Releasing Circuit Disconnect
NEW STANDARD FEATURE
Releasing Circuit Disconnect Switch
AIR COMPRESSOR OR
JUNCTIONS BOX
EXCESS PRESSURE PUMP
(behind control panel)
ISOLATING SWITCH
TB201 5
TB1 TB101
N L S
SW5
AC IN 24VDC RS485 AUX SUP 1 SUP 2 ZONE 1 ZONE 2 ZONE 3 ZONE 4
CONNECTOR NON-RESETTABLE POWER SUPERVISORY VALVE HEAT / SMOKE HEAT / SMOKE WATER FLOW MANUAL
LOW AIR TAMPER DETECTORS DETECTORS SWITCH STATION
24VDC
RESETTABLE
RED OUTPUT LED STEADY: ABORT
ZONE 1 OUTPUT 1 VFR-400
ZONE 2 OUTPUT 2
ZONE 3 OUTPUT 3
ZONE 4 OUTPUT 4
PROGRAM
MODE
RUN
MODE
UNLATCH TO ROTATE
AC POWER SUP1 / ABORT
RUN
POWER TBL
SYSTEM TBL
SUPV TBL
SUPERVISORY 2
COMMON ALARM
ALARM SILENCE
SCROLL-UP
BUZZER SILENCE
THE CONTROL PANEL
PROGRAM GROUND STEADY: DISCHARGED
FAULT FLASHING: PRE-
DISCHARGE SET SCROLL-DOWN
BUZZER SILENCE
SELECT SIGNAL SILENCE
CONTROL PANEL
FUNCTION SYSTEM RESET
VIEWING ANGLE
(shown with door open)
GENERAL WATER FLOW RELEASE SUPERVISORY
NON-POWER LIMITED
SUPERVISED
BATT
ALARM BELL CIRCUIT BELL
OUTPUT 1 OUTPUT 2 OUTPUT 3 OUTPUT 4
COM
TROUBLE
NO NC COM
ALARM
NO NC COM
SUPV
NO
WTRFLW
COM NO UNLATCH TO OPEN
TB102 TB103
THE RIGHT DOOR
RELEASING CIRCUIT
(or rotate the control panel)
SYSTEM NORMAL
SYSTEM DISABLED
DISABLE SWITCH
SYSTEM DISABLE SWITCH
FM-061H-1-144A
12VDC BATTERY SET
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Design
C Factor
C value of 120 can be used for design purposes when corrosion mitigation measures are able to be fully
implemented.
Corrosion mitigation measures:
• Pipe pitched as outlined in FM Data Sheet 2-0 or NFPA standards
• Cut-grooved or similar sprinkler pipe used
• Use of rigid grooved couplings and gap seal type coupling gaskets
• Water removal within the riser above the valve is provided (standard characteristic in the
FireFlex/Vactec integrated vacuum systems).
Note:
For corrosion mitigation measures, it is important to be sure that water is not keep in the piping
network during its normal operation or supervisory mode. For example, with roll grooved pipe, there will
always be some water retained in the piping network between two roll grooves. With cut grooves, rigid
couplings and gap seal gaskets, water will drain naturally to the low points.
For installations where these mitigation steps cannot be fully implemented, galvanized pipe would be
needed for a C value of 120 otherwise a C value of 100 would be recommended for design purposes.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Design
Standard Hydraulic Calculations
You must perform your Hydraulic calculations using your standard Hydraulic calculations
software. The results of your calculations will be used as inputs for the Vacuum System
Calculator.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Design
Calculation Software
FireFlex provides a Vacuum System Calculator free of charge to help calculate the time to fill the entire volum
of piping in the prescribed time. A water delivery time software can also be used to perform these calculation
Calculator Input
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
System Design
The calculator output indicates the minimum flow requirement to meet your time requirement and also the
maximum possible flow (for this calculator) for the maximum pressure that you entered. With the maximum
possible flow information, the calculator provides the estimated time to fill the piping network with that
specific flow.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Applications
The corrosion mitigation properties of the Vacuum technology make this technology suitable
for all applications where piping corrosion or pipe clogging is a concern.
Large parking garages where corrosion is often a concern.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Applications
Storage applications where not heating the building can significantly reduce operational costs.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Applications
Freezer protection is also a suitable application, where no ice plugs are formed in the
piping network. The vacuum pump removes residual water in the riser each time it
operates to maintain the proper vacuum level. No condensation problems occur, and no
special additional equipment is required.
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Technology Fire Protection Systems
Reference Installations
Negative Pressure-based System
Vacuum Fire Protection Systems
Summary – Main Features
➢ Inhibits corrosion by removing oxygen and moisture
➢ Inhibiting atmosphere quickly created as you start the system
➢ Automatically removes residual water preventing ice plug formations
➢ Roughness factor of C=120 on dry systems using black pipe possible
➢ Ensures quick filling time thru FLX-PC Controller
➢ Real-time Vacuum Pressure monitoring
➢ Free calculation software to estimate filling time
Sprinkler Assistance
Sprinkler Selector
Viking Mobile App
Virtual Technical Support
Viking's new "Valve & System Support" smart phone app. The mobile app is now
publicly available in both the Apple (iOS) and Google Play (Android) app stores.
"Virtual Technical Support" for wet, dry pipe systems, deluge and preaction systems
➢ Access product and technical information, including 21 new "Product Maintenance and Repair
Videos."
➢ Follow detailed, step-by-step troubleshooting for a wide variety of service and maintenance
topics.
➢ Identify replacement parts for wet and dry valves, and then place a request to order parts.
➢ Watch additional videos and animations for Model G and Model F dry pipe systems.
[Link]
iPhone and Android App
Viking Mobile App Resource
iPhone and Android App
Viking Mobile App for Product Information
iPhone and Android App
Viking Mobile App for Valve Repair Videos
iPhone and Android App
Viking Mobile App for Valve Trouble Shooting
Thank You!
Refer to the latest Viking Sprinkler “Quick Reference Guides” for up to date product information