I specifically installed a wet system in my lab and some of it is
above my scanning electron microscope (SEM), FTIR, GCMS and other
very expensive lab equipment in case they are a possible fire
cause. (We did have one of the electrical connections in the SEM
fail, it was caught by lab personnel before it could spread.) The
risk of damage by maintenance people, power problems or an earthquake
to this delicate equipment is much higher than a sprinkler
leak. Unfortunately, I do not have the statistics to prove these statements.
Michael
At 06:10 AM 6/23/2008, you wrote:
We've had similar discussions about this type of topic before.
Even if they had a gaseous system, they would most likely be required to
provide sprinklers anyway due to requirements of NFPA and other codes.
If they were apprehensive about the issue they should have expressed
that much sooner. Waiting until its all installed is a bit late to be
considering the issue. But it might be easier and cheaper to convert
the sprinkler system to a pre-action system. At least the option should
be investigated. Of course there may be system issues that prevent
that.
I would also try to find out if there are other water carrying pipes
above the ceiling over this equipment, things like water lines, roof
drains, waste drains, condensate drains, any HVAC equipment, etc. All
these can drip or condensate and can leak with a greater likelihood than
the sprinkler systems. Testing of these type of systems is often not as
strict or comprehensive as the testing sprinkler lines have to endure.
If they are worried about water they need to investigate ALL water
carrying systems that could be installed above their equipment.
If they are worried about the psycho janitor swinging the mop handle and
breaking a head, then offer to install cages or use the institutional
style heads if possible.
They would probably be more likely to be hit by lightning than have a
sprinkler accidentally discharge.
Craig L. Prahl, CET
Fire Protection Group
Mechanical Department
CH2MHILL
Lockwood Greene
1500 International Drive
PO Box 491, Spartanburg, SC 29304-0491
Direct - 864.599.4102
Fax - 864.599.8439
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.ch2m.com
-----Original Message-----
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Haji,
Jaber M
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2008 8:45 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: worried about Sprinklers leakage
Newly constructed research and development lab facility is protected by
a wet type sprinkler system, one of the lab scientist is worried about
the accidental release of the automatic sprinkler heads on top or in
the vicinity of the high tech., expensive analytical instruments such
as NMR, FTMS, autospec GC/MS and ESEM , which present a potential risk
of damage to these instruments in case these sprinklers kick off during
actual emergency or broken by mistake by a maintenance personnel or a
lab personnel. He suggests gas suppression instead. I explained to him
that accidental leakage of wet type sprinkler system is very minimal.
The question is what the probability of activation and how much will it
cost to replace the existing system with a gas suppression system. Your
recommendations/insights are highly appreciated.
Jaber Al-Haji
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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Michael M. Fitz, P.E., C.F.I.
MDE Inc.
700 South Industrial Way
Seattle, WA 98108
Main 206-622-2007
Direct 206-957-2140
Fax 206-622-2248
Home Office 360-427-2751
Cell 206-321-1804
www.mde.com
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