Topic 7 Fire Fighting System PDF

Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology Department of Architectural Engineering First Semester 2024/2025 Electrical and Mechanical Systems AE 475 Dr. Muna M. Alibrahim  Topic 7 Fire Fighting System Fire is a devastating force that can c...

Hijjawi Faculty for Engineering Technology Department of Architectural Engineering First Semester 2024/2025 Electrical and Mechanical Systems AE 475 Dr. Muna M. Alibrahim  Topic 7 Fire Fighting System Fire is a devastating force that can cause significant damage to property and endanger lives. What Is Fire Fighting System? A system designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires swiftly and efficiently. Also, preventing losses from fires, protecting lives, and preserving property.  THE MAIN COMPONENTS OF A FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM 1- Fire detection systems (smoke detectors, heat detectors) 2- Fire suppression systems (sprinklers, gaseous suppression systems) 3- Fire extinguishers 4- Emergency lighting and exit sign 5- Fire alarm systems 6- Fire doors and Fire-rated Partitions 7- Fire safety signage 8- Fire Hose Reels and Standpipes and Fire pump Fire Detection Systems: Fire detection systems are designed to identify the presence of fire or smoke in a building. They typically include smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors, and fire alarm control panels. Smoke detectors: use optical or ionization sensors to detect smoke particles in the air, triggering an alarm when smoke is detected. Heat detectors: activate alarms when a predetermined temperature threshold is exceeded, indicating the presence of fire. Flame detectors: use sensors to detect the presence of flames and activate alarms accordingly. Fire alarm control panels: receive signals from detectors and activate audible and visual alarms to alert occupants to evacuate. Fire Suppression Systems: Fire suppression systems are designed to extinguish or control fires once they are detected. There are several types of fire suppression systems, including: Sprinkler Systems: Sprinkler systems consist of a network of pipes with sprinkler heads strategically placed throughout the building. When heat from a fire activates a sprinkler head, water is released to suppress the fire. Gaseous Suppression Systems: These systems use inert gases or chemical agents to extinguish fires by displacing oxygen or inhibiting the chemical reactions that sustain combustion. Foam Systems: Foam systems combine foam concentrate with water to create a foam blanket that suppresses flammable liquid fires by smothering the flames and cooling the fuel surface. Fire Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are portable devices used to extinguish small fires or control fires in their early stages. They come in various types, including water extinguishers, dry chemical extinguishers, CO2 extinguishers, and foam extinguishers, each suitable for different types of fires. Emergency Lighting and Exit Signs: Emergency lighting and exit signs are essential for guiding occupants to safety during a fire emergency. They provide illumination along escape routes, such as corridors, stairwells, and exits, ensuring visibility even in low-light conditions or during power outages. Fire Alarm System: The fire alarm system serves as the central control unit for the fire detection and alarm components of the fire fighting system. It receives signals from detectors and activates audible and visual alarms to alert occupants and emergency responders to the presence of a fire. Fire Doors and Fire-rated Partitions: Fire doors and fire-rated partitions are designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. They are constructed of fire-resistant materials and are equipped with self-closing mechanisms to seal off compartments and contain fires. Fire Safety Signage and Instructions Fire safety signage, such as evacuation route signs, fire assembly point signs, and fire extinguisher location signs, provide vital information to occupants during a fire emergency. Clear instructions and signage help facilitate safe and orderly evacuation procedures. Fire Hose Reels and Standpipes and Fire pump Fire hose reels and standpipes provide a ready source of water for firefighting purposes. They are typically installed in strategic locations throughout the building, allowing firefighters to access water quickly and efficiently to combat fires.  TYPES OF FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS There are two types of fire protection systems: active and passive. ACTIVE & PASSIVE The main difference between active and passive fire protection systems is that active systems are designed to put out fires, while passive ones are designed to prevent them from starting in the first place. ACTIVE FIRE PROTECTION Active fire protection systems include sprinklers, which spray water on a fire as soon as it starts; heat detectors, which detect the rise in temperature caused by a fire and alert the appropriate people; and smoke detectors, which do much the same thing as heat detectors but rely on rising smoke levels instead of rising temperatures. These systems will only activate when there’s actually a fire going on, they don’t do anything if there isn’t one. There are many types of active fire protection, each with their own purpose: 1- Sprinkler systems: Sprinklers are the most common type of active fire protection and are typically found in public and commercial buildings. These systems are designed to prevent fire from spreading by releasing water into a room and/or building area. 2- Fire alarms: A fire alarm is an electronic or mechanical device that alerts people to the presence of smoke or fire, giving them time to escape safely. Fire alarms can be found in homes and offices alike. 3- Fire extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are portable devices that can be used to quickly put out small fires before they spread out of control. The type of extinguisher you need depends on the type of fire you’re dealing with and where it’s happening (for example, if you have an electrical fire, you’ll need a different kind than if it’s wood or paper). PASSIVE FIRE PROTECTION (the silent defender) Passive fire protection systems include door closures that automatically close when they sense smoke or other dangerous gases; automatic shut-off valves on gas lines; smoke curtains that prevent smoke from entering an area through small openings like doors and windows; and emergency lighting systems that provide light even when power is out so people can still find their way around safely during an evacuation or blackout period. Fire protection systems are designed to work 24 hours a day and when a raging fire comes roaring, the systems should have the power to control the fire and prevent it from spreading. The effectiveness of passive fire protection tools can only be evaluated after a fire assessment of structural damage and collateral damage. Example #1 One tool being promoted for educational and healthcare structures are fire rated glazing materials which allow natural daylight to go through building spaces of medical labs, stairways, corridors, etc. instead of using artificial lighting. Example #2 Fire retardants are another form of passive protection against fires. These chemicals can restrain spread of fire and save lives and properties. You can apply the latest kind of retardants to your curtains, draperies, carpeting, dining and living room furniture and fixtures, or equipments and others as extra precaution in addition to your smoke alarms or sprinklers.  Types of Fire Fighting Systems: Material Fire fighting systems can vary based on the nature of the building, its occupancy, and the fire risks involved. Here are some common types of fire fighting systems: 1. Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems 2. Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems 3. Deluge Sprinkler Systems 4. Carbon Dioxide Systems 1 Wet Pipe Sprinkler Systems Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common fire fighting systems used in buildings. These systems are designed to keep water filled at all times. When they detect a fire, the sprinkler heads open and release water onto the fire to control or extinguish it. Wet pipe sprinkler systems are best for areas that don't need freeze protection. 2 Dry Pipe Sprinkler Systems People use dry pipe sprinkler systems in areas where freezing temperatures can cause pipes to burst. Instead of water, these systems fill with pressurized air or nitrogen. When a fire triggers a sprinkler head, it releases the air or nitrogen, allowing water to flow and extinguish the fire. 3 Deluge Sprinkler Systems People typically use deluge sprinkler systems in high-hazard areas, such as chemical storage facilities or power plants. Unlike other sprinkler systems, these systems simultaneously activate all sprinkler heads when they detect a fire. Deluge systems use high volumes of water to quickly suppress fires in these high-risk environments. 4 Carbon Dioxide Systems People commonly use carbon dioxide systems in areas with sensitive equipment, such as server rooms or electrical substations. These systems quickly flood the area with carbon dioxide gas, suffocating the fire by displacing oxygen. People must only use carbon dioxide systems in unoccupied areas due to the gas's potential harm to humans.  Operation of Fire Fighting Systems The designers of firefighting systems aim to automatically respond to fire events. When the system detects a fire, it swiftly initiates the necessary actions to suppress it. The operation of a fire fighting system typically involves the following steps: 1. Detection 2. Alarm and Notification 3. Fire Suppression 4. Monitoring and Control 1. Detection Fire detection systems continuously monitor for signs of fire, including smoke, heat, or flames. Once a threshold is exceeded, the system sends a signal to activate the fire fighting system. 2. Alarm and Notification Upon fire detection, the fire alarm system triggers audible and visual alarms, alerting occupants to evacuate the premises immediately. Simultaneously, the alarm notifies the building management or a central monitoring station about the fire event. 3. Fire Suppression Depending on the type of system, fire suppression mechanisms are then activated. Sprinkler systems release water, foam, or gas while fire extinguishers are accessible for manual use. 4. Monitoring and Control During a fire event, firefighting systems continuously monitor the situation, ensuring they control and suppress the fire effectively. Central control panels provide real-time information about the fire's location, status, and any abnormalities.  Importance of Fire Fighting Systems 1. Life Safety: The primary function of fire fighting systems is to protect human life by detecting fires early, allowing for rapid evacuation and response. These systems can mean the difference between life and death in many fire situations. 2. Property Protection: Automatic fire suppression systems can minimize damage to property by controlling or extinguishing fires before they grow out of control. This can significantly reduce losses due to fire damage. 3. Compliance with Regulations: Building codes and fire safety regulations mandate the installation of fire fighting systems in commercial, industrial, and residential buildings. Compliance with these laws helps ensure a higher standard of fire safety and minimizes liability. 4. Minimizing Business Disruption: By quickly extinguishing fires, these systems help businesses avoid prolonged closures, maintain operations, and reduce downtime. 5. Insurance Benefits: Many insurance providers offer reduced premiums to buildings equipped with modern fire fighting systems. The presence of these systems can also facilitate faster claim processing in the event of a fire.