Fire Solutions Group Newsletter
James Andy Lynch
Vision Solutions AR - Augmented Reality Content Management Platform
The Fire Solutions Group (FSG) is focused on providing the expertise, fire testing, training, and equipment to suit the fire protection needs of small and large facilities alike. It is with this goal in mind that we will be producing a newsletter to share our recent testing and development work, new products, and upcoming events. Below is an example of the information we will be sharing in future newsletters. We hope you find it useful and it you would like to join the mailing list follow the link below.
CPVC Testing for Use in Concealed Confined Space with Open Joist
Recently we were asked to evaluate the performance of CPVC piping in a concealed space with open joist. A high rise of wood construction was undergoing renovations. CPVC pipe was specified in the confined space located above residential condos on each floor. The use of CPVC prevented the complete removal of the ceiling, allowing the installer to cut holes and feed the pipe and sprinkler heads into the space. Upon opening the ceiling space, it was noted that the voids between the joist were not filled as required by the sprinkler listing. The ceiling would have to be removed, to fill the void space or use steel pipe. We began our research by evaluating the fire standards and previous fire testing involving open joists.
Modeling
Based on the results of our research, CFD fire modeling was performed. The CFD results demonstrated that the activation of the sprinklers would occur in a timely manner. This confirmed our research findings, that the heat generated would travel to the sprinkler head causing activation prior to the failure of the CPVC piping.
Fire Testing
With the modeling completed, the open joist fire scenarios were tested at Underwriter Laboratories (UL) to the concealed space standard for fire sprinklers. The testing showed the CPVC piping would survive allowing the sprinklers to active and suppress the fire.
Outcome
The project was able to save the client over $900,000 in renovation costs by validating the use of the CPVC piping with concealed space sprinklers and preventing the removal of the ceiling.
New Product News
The Laser Methane Mini II offers a significant advantage over conventional detection methods by detecting Methane & Natural Gas leaks from a distance or through a window. The ability to remotely detect increases the speed of the search and offers a wider area of coverage due to sweeping of the beam. This is accomplished while keeping personal out of the gas cloud and danger. The meter has a rapid warm-up (less than 60 seconds), self-calibration, is portable and lightweight. The wide temperature range allows its use in cold & hot weather
Principle of measurement – Laser Methane detection is based on utilization of laser absorption spectrophotometer of methane gas. The system detects natural gas leaks by emitting a laser at particular wavelengths and analyzing the light reflected back from the ground to determine how much was absorbed by the methane in the natural gas. The measured gas volume is expressed by the methane column density (ppm-m): methane density (ppm) multiplied by the thickness (m).
Difficult to reach areas – Accumulated gas clouds in commercial and industrial facilities are commonplace. The Laser Methane mini allows for detection removing the need for ladders, scaffolding or aerial platforms, or immersion into the gas with point source measurement devices.
Additional technology features
- Can detect faster than conventional method (Detection speed 0.1 sec)
- Remote Detection – By simply pointing the laser beam towards the suspected leak or along the survey line.
- Can detect through the window. Measurement of room filled with methane from outside.
- Only sensitive to methane so no false reports.
Typical applications include
- Emergency response
- Industrial and commercial property surveys
- Gas processing plants
- Landfill monitoring
- Distribution pipeline surveys
- Transmission pipeline surveys
Kind regards,
James Andy Lynch, Managing Partner
Contact
General inquiries:
+1 (312) 351-5919
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Vision Solutions AR - Augmented Reality Content Management Platform
7 年Love too, but usually the manufacturers will handle it themselves if the market is big enough. If a home builder wanted to do it I would certainly help out.
President at Victory Fire Protection, Inc.
7 年Andy, maybe you can do some preliminary testing with a manufacturer of CPVC pipe and fittings for an exposed listing in NFPA 13D unfinished basements with OPEN WOOD FLOOR Trusses.