GW Sprinkler M5 User manual

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
1
GW Model M5
Low Pressure Water Mist Fire Protection
Local Application Fire Protection System for
Category A machinery spaces and other spaces
with similar high-risk applications.
GW Sprinkler A/S
Kastanievej 15 DK5620 Glamsbjerg - Denmark
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [email protected]

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
2
Table of Content:
1 The System & The Applications
1.1 Principle requirements for the system (MSC.1 / Circ.1387).
1.2 System operation.
1.3 Arrangement of nozzles and water supply.
1.4 System Components
1.5 Protection of applications in category A machinery spaces, and applications of similar risk in
other spaces.
1.6 System Performance
1.7 Low water pressure, low water flows, wide installation heights, low electric power
requirements
1.8 Fire hazards and fuels
1.9 Water as extinguishing agent.
1.10 Key System Components.
2 Nozzle Design and Installation Requirements
2.1 Nozzle design, and installation of nozzles.
2.2 Nozzle installation in machinery spaces.
2.3 Obstructions between applications and pendent installed nozzles.
2.4 Additional nozzles.
2.5 Horizontal installed nozzles.
2.5.1 Nozzles installed horizontally to spray in parallel with the application surfaces
2.5.2 Nozzles installed horizontally to spray direct on the application surfaces
3 System Design
3.1 Overall system design
3.1.1 Guidelines and recommendations
3.1.2 Activation times
3.1.3 Hydraulic calculated systems
3.1.4 Power supplies
3.1.5 Water Supplies
3.1.6 System activation
3.1.7 Design of pipe installation
3.1.8 System support
4 System Control Valve Unit
4.1 GW Control Units in general
4.1.1 Sizes and hydraulic connections
4.1.2 Sizes and friction losses
4.1.3 Components and materials
4.1.4 Electric connection
4.1.4.1 Monitoring system
4.1.4.2 Impulse Solenoid Valve
4.2 The performance of GW Control Unit
4.2.1 Control Unit in standby model
4.2.2 Activation of the local application system
4.2.3 Closing and returning the control unit back to standby model after activation
4.2.3.1 Control Unit activated on solenoid valve, or manual released valve
4.2.3.2 Control Unit activated from sprinkler detector
4.2.4 Pre-Action Activation Trim
4.3 Installation and Tests of Control Units
4.3.1 Installation position
4.3.2 Hydraulic installation
4.3.3 Electric installation
4.3.4 Installing & designing hydraulic activation system
4.3.5 Test of monitoring circuits
4.3.6 Functional tests of control unit
4.3.7 Spares which should be available on site

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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4.4 Maintenance and tests of Control Units
4.5 Checklist for faults
5 Hydraulic Activation System
5.1 By-Pass valve to avoid water access to dry nozzle pipes when setting system in standby
5.2 Acceptable friction loss for hydraulic activation system
5.3 Hydraulic manual activation
5.4 GW Manual Release Control Boxes
5.5 Hydraulic activation system pipes
5.6 Heat activated sprinkler detectors
5.7 Electrical methods of activation
5.7.1 Solenoid valve activation
5.7.2 Electric operated sprinkler heat detectors
6 Ordering System Components from GW Sprinkler A/S
6.1 Ordering GW Model M5 Water Mist Nozzles
6.2 Ordering GW Control Units
6.2.1 Ordering spare parts for Control Units
6.3 Ordering components for Hydraulic Activation Systems
6.3.1 Sprinkler detectors
6.3.2 Pre-Action Electrically released system
6.3.3 Control Boxes
6.4 Manual Activation Switches
Appendix & Figures
Figures: A1 Nozzle System
A2 Local Application System.
B1 Maximal obstruction seen from Nozzle
B2 Obstructions seen from the application surface, which require additional
nozzles
B3 & B4 Obstructed horizontal spray
C1 & C2 Nominal design parameters for horizontal spray.
D1 Water supply system w. pressure tank.
D2 Water supply system w. jockey pump.
E2 Control Unit
E3 Water Flow in Electric Activated Control Unit (Pre-action activation)
E4 Connections for switches on control unit.
E5 Water Flow in Control Unit. (Electric & Hydraulic)
F1, F2 Ordering Table
Data-sheets: 140209 Impulse solenoid valve
140178 Pressure Switch
140187 GW M5 - water mist nozzle
140158 GW PyroStop valves
14590 GW-DD1 QR heat detectors
14457 GW-DD1 QR-El / heat sprinkler detectors
140080 GW Control Boxes
14628 Heat Collector, Sprinkler Detector Guards etc.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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1. The system & the applications.
1.1 Principal requirements for the system
(as outlined in MSC.1/Circ.1387 Annex : Revised Guidelines for the approval of fixed
water based local application fire-fighting systems for use in category A machinery
spaces):
Fixed water-based local application fire-fighting systems should provide localized fire suppression in areas,
as specified in SOLAS regulation II-2/10.5, for category A machinery spaces, without the necessity of engine
shut-down, personnel evacuation, shutting down of forced ventilation fans, sealing of the space – or activities
that could lead to loss of electrical power and/or reduction of manoeuvrability.
1.2 System operation
.1 The system should be capable of manual release.
.2 The activation of the system should not require engine shutdown, closing fuel oil tank outlet
valves, evacuation of personnel or sealing of the space, which could lead to loss of electrical power
or reduction of maneouvrability. This is not intended to place requirements on the electrical
equipment in the protected area when the system is discharging freshwater.
.3 The operation controls should be located at easily accessible positions inside and outside the
protected space. The controls inside the space should not be liable to be cut off by a fire in the
protected areas.
.4 Pressure source components of the system should be located outside the protected areas.
.5 Where automatically operated fire-fighting systems are installed:
.1 a warning notice should be displayed outside each entry point stating the type of
medium used and the possibility of automatic release;
.2 the detection system should ensure rapid operation while consideration should
also be given to preventing accidental release. The area of coverage of the detection
system sections should correspond to the area of coverage of the extinguishing
system sections. The following arrangements are acceptable:
.1 set-up of two approved flame detectors; or
.2 set-up of one approved flame detector and one approved smoke
detector. Other arrangements can be accepted by the Administration.
However, use of heat detectors should in general be avoided for
these systems;
.3 the discharge of water should be controlled by the detection system. The detection
system should provide an alarm upon activation of any single detector and discharge
if two or more detectors activate. The Administration may accept other arrangements;
and
.4 visual and audible indication of the activated section should be provided in the
engine control room and the navigation bridge or continuously manned central control
station. Audible alarms may use a single tone.
.6 Operating instructions for the system should be displayed at each operating position.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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.7 Appropriate operational measures or interlocks should be provided if the engine-room is fitted
with a fixed high-expansion foam or aerosol fire-fighting system, to prevent the local application
system from interfering with the effectiveness of these systems.
1.3 Arrangement of nozzles and water supply
.1 The system should be capable of fire suppression based on testing conducted in accordance
with the appendix to these Guidelines. Any installation of nozzles on board should reflect the
arrangement successfully tested in accordance with the appendix to these Guidelines. If a specific
arrangement of the nozzles is foreseen on board, deviating from the one tested, it can be accepted
provided such arrangement additionally passes fire tests based on the scenarios of these
Guidelines.
.2 The location, type and characteristics of the nozzles should be within the limits tested in
accordance with the appendix to these Guidelines. Nozzle positioning should take into account
obstructions to the spray of the fire-fighting system. The use of a single row of nozzles or single
nozzles may be accepted for installation where this gives adequate protection according to
paragraph 3.4.2.4 of the appendix.
.3 The piping system should be sized in accordance with a hydraulic calculation technique such as
the Hazen-Williams hydraulic calculation technique* and the Darcy-Weisbach hydraulic calculation
technique, to ensure availability of flows and pressures required for correct performance of the
system.
.4 The system may be grouped into separate sections within a protected space. The capacity and
design of the system should be based on the section demanding the greatest volume of water. In
any case the minimum capacity should be adequate for a single section protecting the largest
single engine, diesel generator or piece of machinery. In multi-engine installations, at least two
sections should be arranged.
.5 Nozzles and piping should not prevent access to engine or machinery for routine maintenance.
In ships fitted with overhead hoists or other moving equipment, nozzles and piping should not be
located to prevent operation of such equipment.
1.4 System components
.1 The system should be available for immediate use and capable of continuously supplying water-
based medium for at least 20 min in order to suppress or extinguish the fire and to prepare for the
discharge of the main fixed fire-extinguishing system within that period of time.
.2 The system and its components should be suitably designed to withstand ambient temperature
changes, vibration, humidity, shock, impact, clogging and corrosion normally encountered in
machinery spaces. Components within the protected spaces should be designed to withstand the
elevated temperatures which could occur during a fire. Components should be tested in
accordance with the listed sections of appendix A of MSC/Circ.1165, as amended by
MSC.1/Circ.1269, as modified below:
* Where the Hazen-Williams Method is used, the following values of the friction factor "C" for different pipe types
which may be considered should apply:
Pipe type C
Black or galvanized mild steel 100, Copper and copper alloys 150, Stainless steel 150
.3 The system and its components should be designed and installed based on international
standards acceptable to the Organization*, and manufactured and tested in accordance with the
appropriate elements of the appendix to these Guidelines.
.4 The electrical components of the pressure source for the system should have a minimum rating
of IPX4** if located in the protected space. Systems requiring an external power source need only
be supplied by the main power source.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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.5 The water supply for local application systems may be fed from the supply to a water-based
main fire-fighting system, providing that adequate water quantity and pressure are available to
operate both systems for the required period of time. Local application systems may form a
section(s) of a water-based main fire-extinguishing system provided that all requirements of
SOLAS regulation II-2/10.5, these Guidelines, and MSC/Circ.1165, as amended by
MSC.1/Circ.1237 and MSC.1/Circ.1269, are met, and the systems are capable of being isolated
from the other sections of the main system.
.6 A means for testing the operation of the system for assuring the required pressure and flow
should be provided.
.7 Spare parts and operating and maintenance instructions for the system should be provided as
recommended by the manufacturer.
.8 A fitting should be installed on the discharge piping of open head systems to permit blowing air
through the system during testing to check for possible obstructions.
* Pending the development of international standards acceptable to the Organization national standards as
prescribed by the Administration should be applied.
** X means the characteristic numeral used to mark the degree of protection against access to hazardous parts
and ingress of solid foreign objects, which could be 0.1 to 6.
1.5 Protection of applications in category A machinery spaces, and applications of similar
risk in other spaces.
With the GW Model M series, GW Sprinkler offers a series of Low Pressure Water Mist systems, for fixed
installation, for fire protection of Category A machinery spaces, and other spaces with applications of similar
high fire risks.
The GW Model M series contain GW Model M5 Local Application System, which is described in this manual,
(Manual no. 846) and GW Model M5/M2 Full Flooding System which are described in GW Manual No. 894.
The GW Model M5 Local Application System is tested and approved in accordance with the requirements of
IMO MSC.1/Circ. 913. The GW Model M5/M2 Full Flooding System has been tested in accordance with IMO
MSC 668/728 for protection of Category A Class 3 machinery spaces, and Factory Mutual Standard No.860
for the protection of Machinery Spaces with Volumes Exceeding 260m3
The GW Model M5/M2 Full Flooding system is water based main fire extinguishing system for engine rooms.
It may be combined with the GW Model M5 Local Application System, so that the two fire fighting systems
share the same pump and nozzle pipe system.
The GW Model M5 Local Application System is installed for protection of "hot spots" in maritime category A
machinery spaces in accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1387, and land based spaces of similar high fire risks.
The GW Model M5/M2 MisterySpray system is installed as the main fire extinguishing system.
This manual No. 846 describes the function and design, which together with the applicable IMO Circulars
MSC.1/Circ. 1387, and SOLAS are necessary for designing local application installations for engine rooms.
1.6 System performance.
The GW Model M5 Local Application Fire Protection System is designed to accommodate the requirements
of the International Maritime Organisation for water based local application protection in category A
machinery spaces, as described in MSC.1/Circ. 1387. The local application fire protection systems are
additional systems to the main fire fighting systems installed in the engine rooms.
In accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1387, Local Application Protection Systems shall be installed to provide the
possibility for immediate localised fire fighting directly on high-risk applications. The system should be

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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installed in such a way that the activation of a nozzle zone does not affect the performances of the
applications in the engine rooms. It should be possible to activate local application systems without having to
evacuate persons from the space.
A Local Application Fire Protection System limits the damages, it cools and it allows additional manual fire
fighting to take place, and hereby provides time to activate the main fire fighting system of the engine room if
that should become necessary.
Local application fire protection systems are only for indoor fire fighting. Strong draft in the protected area
should be avoided/prevented, when systems are activated.
1.7 Low water pressures. Low water flows. Wide installation heights. Low electric power
requirements.
The GW Model M5 Water Mist Nozzle has a hydraulic k-value of 5 (l/min \bar). The GW Model M5 Local
Application Fire Protection System controls fires with low-pressure water mist system. 90% of the water
sprayed from the GW Model M5 nozzles is distributed in water droplets, which are smaller than 250 µm in
diameter. The system has passed the IMO MSC.1/Circ.913 (acceptable to MSC.1/Circ 1387) fire test
requirements with an array of only four nozzles.
This allows, in accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1387, applications to be locally fire protected with GW Model M5
nozzles installed only above the periphery and within the foot print of the protected area. Attention should be
made to obstructions between the nozzles and the application surfaces (chapter 2.3).
The power required for a water mist system (E) is a function the efficiency factor () times the water pressure
(P) times the water flow (Q): E =  x P x Q
From this formula it is obvious that low-pressure (P), results in low power requirements.
Nozzle installation
heights above fire risk
(metres)
Minimum water pressure
on Nozzles
(Bar)
Maximum spacing
between pendent
installed nozzles above
applications
(Metres)
Minimum water density
on applications.
(mm/m per min)
0.5m to 8m 3.5 bar 3m 1.0
>8m to 14.5m 9 bar 3m 1.7
Table 1.1 Installation parameters for GW M5 nozzles in local application systems in accordance with
MSC.1/Circ. 1387.
The wide tolerances in installation heights makes the GW Model M5 Local Application System suitable for
installation in almost all types of engine rooms, in almost all types of ships. The high installation height allows
that nozzles are installed above hoists and other moving equipment in the engine rooms. It also allows
people to work on the applications without having to dismount the local fire fighting system.
Local Application Systems may, in accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1387, be directly connected to the main
switchboard, or to the water supply of a main fire fighting system. The requirements to power and water
supply is that the systems are cable of supplying water for minimum 20 minutes to the application zone,
which requires the highest water flow. (For applications, installed close to each other, the requirement may
be to supply water to two applications.)
The little power requirements of the system, and the little water-flow requirements of the system sets low
requirements to the power supply, and the flow supply. GW Model M5 Local Application Systems may
therefore often be installed in ships without having to install additional power supply, or pump supplies.
1.8 Fire hazards and fuels:
GW Model M5 Local Application System has been tested in accordance with the requirements of IMO
MSC.1/Circ. 913 (acceptable to MSC.1/Circ. 1387) for the protection of local applications. The test fires in
this scenario are designed by the International Maritime Organisation. The fires are chosen to represent fires
in high-risk applications, where the dominant fire load consists of heated heavy fuel, diesel fuel and
lubrication oils under pressure.
The "hot spots" to be protected are described in SOLAS. These applications are typically: engine tops, boiler
fronts, oil separators, fuel heaters etc.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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1.9 Water as extinguishing agent:
The extinguishing agent of the GW Model M5 Local Application System is water without any extinguishing
enhancing agents. This makes the GW Model M5 Local Application System an environmental friendly fire
fighting system for maritime engine rooms.
The GW Model M5 water mist nozzles distribute 90% of the total amount of water in droplet with diameters
less than 0.250mm. (Dv90 = 250m). The unique distribution of drop size makes it possible to fight fires from
0.5m to 14.5m above the fire risk, with very small water densities.
The water, which is supplied to the nozzles, must be free of impurities. Fresh water and seawater may be
used as extinguishing agents. It is important that the systems are designed for the water quality, which is
used in the system.
Seawater is corrosive, and seawater may leave impurities on internal surfaces of pipes and components. It is
therefore important that pipes and components are firmly rinsed (flushed) with fresh water after having been
exposed to seawater.
1.10 Key system components:
The GW Model M5 System contains two key system components. Both manufactured by GW Sprinkler.
1: The GW Model M5 Water Mist Nozzles: The nozzles atomise water to a water mist with a
distinct droplet size pattern, and which distributes the water mist to the place on fire.
2: The GW Control Units: The control unit satisfy the requirements in MSC.1/Circ. 1387 to
control and monitoring of systems, and provides the requested features of:
 Control of water to the nozzle application zones.
 Isolation of nozzle zones.
 Activation of nozzle zones.
 Filtration of water to nozzle zones.
 Functional tests.
 Activation alarms.
 Nozzle zone drain facilities.
 Monitoring.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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2 Nozzle system and system installation requirements.
2.1 GW M5 Water Mist Nozzle design and nozzle installation:
The GW model M5 Nozzle is a key component in the GW model M5 Local Application Systems.
Key parameters
Specific for GW Model M5 Nozzles
Nozzle connection
½"
BSPT Thread
Nozzle materials
System with fresh water priming
Systems for sea-water
SnNi plated Brass, w. SS 316 deflectors &
filter
SS 316 nozzles
Nozzle protection Transport/blow-off nozzle cap.
Caps should stay on nozzles when being
installed in pipe work. Caps should stay on
nozzles installed in spaces where objects
may risk touching nozzles. Stainless steel
Caps will blow off from water pressure in
pipe system, at system release.
Nozzle k-factor (water) 5 (kg/min bar)
Droplet size. (Dv90) 250 m
Smallest water passage Filter: 1mm, Orifices: 2mm
Water pressures 3.5 bar - 16 bar
Vertical installation heights above fire
risks / minimum water pressure on
pendent nozzles:
Installation height Water pressure
0.5m - 8m 3.5 - 10 (bar)
8m - 14.5m 9 - 10 (bar)
Nozzle spacing for vertical installed
nozzles
Maximum 3m between nozzles
Minimum Water flows and waters
densities for pendent installed Nozzles. Installation
height over
the fire risk
(m)
Minimum
water flow
from each
nozzle
(l/min.)
Minimum
water density
on
application
food-print
(mm/min)
0.5m - 8m 9.4 (l/min) 1.0 (mm/min)
8m - 14.5m 15 (l/min) 1.7 (mm/min)
Maximum obstructions between
pendent installed nozzles and fire risk
(obstructions larger than 0.5m wide.)
Before additional nozzle should be
installed.
The object seen from single nozzle must
not obstruct more then 20 of the spray
The object seen from the fire risk must not
obstruct more than 20.
(see also chapter 2, 3)
Horizontal installed nozzles Chapter 2, 3
Nozzle pipes GW Recommend the use of stainless steel
pipes for nozzle pipes. Systems shall be
hydraulic calculated.
Table 2: GW-M5 Nozzle design and nozzle characteristics.
2.2 Nozzle installation in machinery spaces:
Nozzles and pipe system should be installed by people, who have the necessary skills and understanding of
installing water mist sprinkler systems. The installers should know this manual, and they should be aware of
the risks of system mal-function, if the instructions and precautions listed in this manual are not followed.
Nozzles should be installed in such a way that installation heights, nozzle distances and water pressures, as
listed in table 2, are satisfied.

GW Manual No. 846
M5 / Local Application Fire Protection of Category A Engine Rooms– IMO / MSC.1/Circ. 1387
Dated: 04-06-2014
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Nozzle pipe work should be hydraulic calculated to ensure that the water pressure satisfy the recommended
water pressure on all nozzles in an activated nozzle zone.
Nozzle pipe system should be made in materials, which are corrosion proof to the extinguishing agent, and
which do not cause galvanic corrosion between pipes and components, or pipes and pipe supports. GW
Sprinkler recommends the use of stainless steel for nozzle pipes.
Nozzle pipe support must be designed to withstand vibrations and movement, which might occur on ships at
sea.
Nozzle pipes and other pipe-works should be designed and installed in such a way, that the pipe works do
not interfere with the normal use and maintenance, which take place in the space.
Nozzle pipe-systems should be designed in such a way that nozzles only are installed only so that there is
no risk of damaging the pipe system, or the nozzles.
Nozzle pipes should, when possible, be installed above hoists and other moving equipment.
Nozzle pipe-work should be installed away from door openings and hatches, and other areas where nozzle
pipes or nozzles may limit the free movement of personal in the engine room.
Nozzle pipe-work should be installed away from machinery and areas where maintenance often takes place,
or where there is a risk that the nozzle spray might be obstructed.
Nozzle pipes and nozzles should be installed in such a way that it is not necessary to dismount pipes or
nozzles to be able to maintain or repair machinery or application in the engine room.
Before installing the nozzles. it should be checked that the female nozzle fittings are positioned in such a
way that the nozzles will be correctly positioned. This is easily done with a ½" BSP threaded pipe temporarily
screwed into the fitting to indicate the nozzle direction.
Nozzles should only be installed in the pipe work, after that the full pipe-work has been installed and fully
secured, and after all internal water-ways have been rinsed for impurities, and dried with compressed air.
Nozzles should be installed using a nozzle spanner for the M-series nozzles. The transport cap should be
left on while installing the nozzles, not to risk damaging the nozzles. Nozzles should be tightened to the pipe
system ½" female BSP thread applying a torque of 4 Nm  1Nm.
If a nozzle deflector pin is bent, off centre to the orifice hole, or knocked up against the orifice hole, the
nozzle will not distribute the water correctly. Such damaged nozzles should be replaced with new.
When installing nozzles and pipes, it is important only to apply thread sealant on the male parts, and to
ensure that there are no sealant surfaces internally in the pipe system. This is important to avoid orifices
from clogging.
Threaded female parts should be firmly cleaned before assembled with male parts, to avoid any impurities in
the pipe.
2.3 Obstructions Between Applications and Pendent Installed Nozzles
Caution should be taken to avoid obstructions between nozzles and the fire risks.
Additional nozzles should be installed if obstructions are wider than 0.5m, and shields an angle wider than
20, when seen from a nozzle, or when seen from the fire risk. (Fig. B1 & B2)
If the obstruction is located between two nozzles the shielded angle from a single nozzle may be 40.