Reliable B1 User manual

Model B1 Accelerator
Features
• Quickens the operation of dry pipe valves.
• Can potentially increase the number of automatic sprin-
klers controlled by one dry pipe valve.
• Equalizes rapidly as dry system is being filled with air to
required pressure.
• Adjusts without operation for small fluctuations in system
air pressure.
• Dependable in operation, compact and light-weight con-
struction.
• Accelo-Check prevents water and debris from entering
critical areas, minimizing the need of removing cover
plates, etc. to reset or clean internal mechanisms.
• Tested and approved for use with Reliable dry pipe and
preaction systems.
• UL Listed, FM Approved
Product Description
The Reliable Model B1 Accelerator with integral Accelo-Check
(anti-flooding device) is used to speed up the operation of
both dry pipe valves (in dry-type automatic sprinkler systems)
and deluge valves (in preaction sprinkler systems). Both
of these systems utilize pressurized air or nitrogen in the
piping, instead of water, to prevent freezing or to prevent the
accidental release of water.
The accelerated operation of the dry pipe valve permits
an increase in both the number of sprinklers that can be
controlled by one dry pipe valve and the volume of the dry
system that can be installed.
Approvals
1. Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
2. Underwriters’ laboratories of Canada for up to 1500 gal.
(5678 liters) systems.
3. Approved by Factory Mutual Research Corporation
4. Loss Prevention Council
Accelerator Operation
The Model B1 Accelerator is a normally-closed valve with ½”
NPT inlet and outlet ports, that is highly sensitive to the rate of
air pressure change in a dry pipe sprinkler system. This device
retains normal dry system air pressure in the top chamber even
though pressure in the system may be dropping as a direct
result from one or more sprinklers opening.
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Fig. 1 illustrates a cross-section of the Model B1 Accelerator
in the “closed” position while being pressurized. Upon initial
setup, the Accelerator is filled by air from the dry pipe system
via a ½” NPT connection. Air passes through its filter assembly
(item #18) and passageway E to the device’s middle chamber.
This air pressure also lifts the diaphragm assembly (Items #5
through #8) off of the push rod (item #10) thereby opening up
passageway G. The air then completely fills the top chamber to
the match the system pressure. When filled, the diaphragm as-
sembly rests on the end of the push rod closing passageway G
to all but very small amounts of air movement, thereby allowing
slow changes in pressure between the top and middle cham-
bers due to temperature change or small leaks.
Upon a significant air-pressure decay of the sprinkler system
piping (such as sprinkler activation), the retained air pressure
in the Accelerator top chamber exerts a net-downward force
across the diaphragm assembly and pushrod (items 5-8 & 10).
This forces the poppet (item #15) to open thereby allowing sys-
tem air pressure to pass out of the Accelerator ½” outlet port
and into the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve (or to
atmosphere depending on the type of system to which it is in-
stalled). This in turn will activate the dry pipe valve. Simultane-
ously, pressurized air also passes through the Accelerator and
closes the integral Accelo-Check (items #11, #19 through #25)
by pressurizing cavity H, thereby preventing water and water-
borne debris from entering the internal restriction area in pas-
sageway E. This increases the reliability of the Accelerator and
reduces the maintenance which would otherwise be required to
clean it after each operation.
Model B1 Accelerator
with Integral Accelo-Check
Bulletin 323 May 2019

Model B1 Accelerator Internal Components Figure 1
Bulletin 323
May 2019
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Installation
The Reliable Model B1 Accelerator is quickly attached to var-
ious valves and systems manufactured by Reliable. Table 1
lists the appropriate part numbers as well as technical bulletins
which include installation details.
When installed into the basic trim of a Reliable Model D Dry
Pipe Valve, the Accelerator ½” outlet port should be directly
connected to the intermediate chamber of the dry pipe valve.
In this application, the Model B1 Accelerator directly assists the
clapper of the dry pipe valve to open.
For installations into all other Reliable-manufactured dry sys-
tems such as Models DDX, DDX-LP & EX, the Accelerator
½”outlet port should be vented to the atmosphere. These types
of systems do not utilize differential-type clappers that require
additional air pressure to operate. Instead, these systems uti-
lize a pneumatic actuator to seal a push rod chamber and me-
chanically latch a valve closed. In this instance, the Model B1
Accelerator speeds up the purging of the air side of the Model
LP Actuator which in turn vents the push-rod chamber pressure
of the main fire control valve causing its clapper to open and fill
the system piping with water.
Note: The Model B1 Accelerator may be capable of hastening
the operation of non-Reliable manufactured valves, however, it
has only been tested and approved with Reliable valves.
System Requirements
NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) 13 titled “Installation
of Sprinkler Systems”, specifies that Accelerators (quick-open-
ing devices) are required on dry systems having capacities of
more than 500 gallons. However, exceptions permit the omis-
sion of quick-opening devices for larger systems when water
can be delivered to the inspector’s test connection in less than
60 seconds.
• Reliable’s Accelerator is UL Listed for system volumes to
1500 gallons. This capability is also approved by FM.
• System pneumatic pressure must be maintained at a mini-
mum of 15 psi in order for the Accelerator to operate.
It must be cautioned that accelerator operation and water de-
livery at the inspectors test connection does not occur at the
same time. There is a delay while the air is being expelled
through the inspectors test connection ahead of the water. This
time delay depends on the piping configuration system size,
available water supply and other factors which are beyond the
control of the accelerator.
Figure 2 provides an approximate graph of actual Accelera-
tor operating time versus system size when one sprinkler head
opens. The time of operation of the Accelerator is relatively
unaffected by inlet pressures so the graph applies for all nor-
mal dry system pressures from 25 psi to 50 psi (1.7 bar to 3.4
bar). As described above, water delivery time will significantly
exceed the accelerator operating times shown in Figure 2.
Model B-1 Accelerator Operating Time Figure 2
Accelerator Compatibility Table A
Valve System Type Technical Bulletin Accelerator Part Numbers Trim Kit Part Number
Model D Dry Pipe 350 6301000300 6516000002
Model EX Dry Pipe 359 6516000013 (Included)
Model DDX-LP Dry Pipe 338 6501200019 (Included)
Model DDX Type F Double Interlock
Preaction 751 6501200019 (Included)
Model DDX Type PL Double Interlock
Preaction 752 6501200019 (Included)
Bulletin 323
May 2019
Page 3 of 7
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Resetting Procedure For Model LDX, DDX, EX
Dry Systems & Model DDX Type F Preaction
Systems
Note: These steps must be followed each and every time the
system has operated or is tested.
1. Isolate the Accelerator by closing the inlet valve.
2. Close the air and water supply valves to the deluge valve.
Drain and reset the system in accordance with the manu-
facturers instructions.
3. Close the main water supply control valve and open the
system main drain. This step serves to prevent accidental
operation of the system while resetting the Accelerator.
4. Remove the 1/4” body drain plug from the lower section of
the Accelerator.
5. Remove the 1/4” top chamber drain plug. If water is pres-
ent in the top chamber, disassemble the Accelerator, clean
and dry the top and middle chambers and diaphragm as-
sembly using a clean lint free cloth. Reassemble the Ac-
celerator. Replace the top chamber drain plug using new
thread sealant.
6. Carefully remove the Accelo-Check Body, and gently lift the
Accelo-Check Diaphragm Assembly to verify venting of the
middle chamber. Carefully reinstall these parts.
7. Partially open the Accelerator inlet valve, gently purging
any water which may be in the trim lines. Close the inlet
valve and replace the 1/4” body drain plug on the lower
section of the Accelerator.
8. Pressurize the Accelerator by opening the inlet valve. The
top chamber pressure of the Accelerator should equal the
system pressure.
9. Slightly open the main water supply control valve. Close the
main drain valve when water flows, then fully open the main
supply valve. The system is now ready for service.
Caution
The presence of water in the Accelerator may cause premature
operation. Therefore, it is imperative that after system operation,
the Accelerator be inspected for any signs of water and that the
Accelerator trim lines are purged prior to completing the Ac-
celerator reset procedure. In addition, after system set–up, the
prime water level must not exceed the dry pipe valve’s prime
level (if applicable).
Recommended Periodic Inspections
The following inspections should be performed on the Model B1
Accelerator on a weekly basis.
1. Check that the correct system air pressure is being main-
tained
2. Verify that Accelerator top chamber pressure and system
air pressure are equal.
3. Verify that the valves located on both the Accelerator’s inlet
and outlet lines are in the open position. A valve located
on the Accelerator outlet port should only be present if the
Accelerator is connected into a dry pipe valve intermedi-
ate chamber. Otherwise, the Accelerator outlet port should
vent to the atmosphere.
4. Check that the prime water level is correct (if applicable).
Test
The following Accelerator tests should be performed semi–
annually or whenever the Accelerator has been disassembled.
A) Accelerator test without operating the dry pipe valve.
1. Isolate the Accelerator by closing the valves located on
its inlet and/or outlet ports.
2. Loosen the 1/4” (lower) body drain plug in order to de-
cay the pressure at the inlet of the Accelerator. This will
simulate a system decay as when one or more sprin-
klers open. The Accelerator should operate.
3. Reset the Accelerator following the instructions de-
scribed in the “Resetting Procedure” sections of this
bulletin.
B) Sensitivity Test (Model D Dry Pipe Valves only)
1. Close the main water supply control valve.
2. Bleed the system air pressure at a rate of 1 psi per min-
ute.
3. After ten minutes (the air pressure should have de-
cayed 10 psi) the Accelerator should not have tripped.
4. Restore the system air pressure and reopen the main
water supply control valve.
Resetting Procedure For Model D Dry Pipe
Valve Systems (refer to Fig. 1)
Note: These steps must be followed each and every time the
system has operated or is tested.
1. Isolate the Accelerator by closing the inlet and outlet
valves.
2. Close the air supply and main water supply valves to the
dry pipe valve. Drain and fully reset the dry pipe valve in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions.
3. Close the main water supply control valve and open the
system main drain. This step serves to prevent accidental
operation of the system while resetting the Accelerator.
4. Remove the 1/2” drain plugs on the inlet and outlet piping.
5. Remove the 1/4” body drain plug from the lower section of
the Accelerator.
6. Remove the 1/4” top chamber drain plug. If water is
present in the top chamber, disassemble the Accelerator,
clean and dry the top and middle chambers and dia-
phragm assembly using a clean lint free cloth. Reassem-
ble the Accelerator. Replace the top chamber drain plug
using new thread sealant.
7. Carefully remove the Accelo-Check Body and gently lift
the Accelo-Check Diaphragm Assembly to verify venting
of the middle chamber. Carefully reinstall these parts.
8. Partially open the Accelerator inlet valve, gently purging
any water which may be in the trim lines. Close the inlet
valve.
9. Replace the 1/2” drain plugs on the inlet and outlet piping.
10. Partially open Valve A and gently purge the Accelerator.
Close Valve A and replace the 1/4” body drain plug on the
lower section of the Accelerator.
11. Open the Accelerator outlet valve.
12. Pressurize the Accelerator by opening the inlet valve.
When properly set, the top chamber pressure of the Ac-
celerator should equal the system pressure.
13. Slightly open the main water supply control valve. Slowly
close the main drain valve when water flows, then fully
open the main supply valve. The system is now ready for
service.
Bulletin 323
May 2019
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Maintenance & Trouble Shooting (refer to Fig. 1)
The following table provides a simplified, trouble-shooting guide which indicates the necessary corrective maintenance for the
more common problems, which may occur.
Symptom Probable Cause Correction
Air flows rapidly
through the
Accelerator and
into the outlet port
when resetting.
The Push-Rod is in the held down position by
contamination, the Push-Rod is bent or the Push-Rod
guide is too tight.
Clean or replace as needed.
Minor air flow or
leakage through
the Accelerator.
1. Contamination in the poppet area.
2. The Poppet “O”-Ring has blown off the Poppet,
or is cut.
3. The Accelo-Check diaphragm has a hole or
rip allowing air to reach the outlet through
passageway (F).
4. Leakage past the Push-Rod Guide “O”-Ring.
5. The Push Rod or Push-Rod Guides damaged
causing leakage.
1. Clean.
2. Install new “O”-Ring.
3. Replace.
4. Replace.
5. Replace.
No or low air pressure
in the top chamber
(gauge pressure
does not increase,
and no air pressure
in the outlet).
1. Filter assembly is clogged.
2. Restriction area (Passageway G) is clogged or
the filter on the diaphragm nut is clogged.
1. Replace
2. Replace.
Accelerator will not trip
during a system test.
1. The top chamber air pressure is bleeding back to
the system too fast through restriction area.
2. The top chamber air pressure is bleeding back to
the system through the ripped diaphragm.
3. External leak in top chamber.
4. Filter assembly restricted.
1. Clean the top of the Push-Rod and mating
surface in diaphragm nut, or replace.
2. Replace
3. Check the gauge and the drain plug for
tightness-use new PTFE tape on the plug
after each resetting.
4. Replace.
Accelerator floods with
water.
1. Inspect check valve for leakage when system is
filled with water.
2. The Accelo-Check “O”-Ring is missing or cut.
3. Leakage past the Push-Rod Guide “O”-Ring.
4. Push rod or Push-Rod Guide is
damaged allowing leakage.
5. Condensate from the compressor
has not been drained.
1. Wipe off the clapper facing and seat
clean.
2. Replace if necessary.
3. Replace.
4. Replace.
5. Drain water from compressor and air
supply line.
Accelerator operates
prematurely.
1. Water or dirt in the restriction area.
2. Air is not bleeding back through the restriction
area to compensate for minor pressure
fluctuations.
3. Dry pipe valve is operating prematurely - not the
accelerator.
4. On-Off is setting of the compressor’s pressure
switch allowing the system pressure to decay
too far.
1. Clean top of the Push-Rod and mating
surface-perform sensitivity test.
2. Replace Push-Rod and / or diaphragm
nut. In “Test” section of this Technical
Bulletin - perform sensitivity test.
3. Review the correct pressure settings from
the corresponding system’s technical
bulletin.
4. Readjust the differential of pressure
switch to minimum (6-8 psi) when using
an accelerator.
Bulletin 323
May 2019
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Bulletin 323 May 2019
Page 6 of 7
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Model B1 Accelerator on Model D 4” & 6” Dry Pipe Systems Figure 3

P/N 9999970157
Model B1 Accelerator on Model EX Systems Figure 4 Model B1 Accelerator on Model DDX Systems Figure 5
Bulletin 323 May 2019
Page 7 of 7
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