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1.0 SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
The Viking ESFR “Pre-Primed Single Interlocked Preaction” Cold Storage System is a
fixed fire protection system designed for installation in refrigerated or cold warehouse
storage applications. This system is also appropriate for unheated storage applications
in areas subject to freezing. This is a pre-primed preaction system with electric release
that utilizes a deluge valve with conventional and electric release trims. The riser
consists of two Viking Model F-1 Easy RiserTM Swing Check Valves, one with special
cold trim and the second with by-pass trim to isolate the antifreeze in the system from
the water supply. The sprinkler system piping is filled with low-pressure propylene glycol
and water solution to supervise and pre-charge the discharge system and eliminate air
pockets for more efficient system performance. The additional Easy RiserTM Check Valve
is installed above the main check valve and is required to prevent thermal transfer of
cold antifreeze from the freezer area onto the clapper surface of the primary check valve
and minimize frost on the riser assembly. The pressure in the system is maintained by
the CS-1 tank and pressure pump system that controls and maintains the desired
solution pressure above the primary check valve. The detection system shall be capable
of operation prior to or equal to an ESFR Sprinkler having an RTI (Response Time
Index) of 50 or less. No linear detection shall be allowed. This limits the system to low
temp spot heat, beam smoke or air sample type smoke system or equal.
Upon operation of the detection system the deluge valve opens prior to sprinkler
operation and pressurizes the sprinkler piping to the desired discharge pressure. Upon
operation of the sprinkler(s), the pressurized propylene glycol/water solution is
distributed from the sprinkler. Water from the supply system pushes out the propylene
glycol/water solution at a very rapid rate due to the sprinkler orifice size and design
pressures. The limited system volume ensures that 100% water will flow from the
sprinklers at an appropriate stage of fire development.
The CS-1 Tank and Pump System is designed to maintain supervisory system static
pressure in the sprinkler piping using antifreeze and water premix. As the system
operates, an alarm pressure switch is used to send a signal to the CS-1 system control
to shut off the flow of antifreeze from the reservoir. Upon operation of the detection
system, the deluge valve opens and pressurizes the system to desired starting
discharge pressure. An alarm is activated due to water flow from the alarm pressure
switch on the preaction trim. When the ESFR Sprinkler(s) operate the system is already
pressurized and will discharge the antifreeze solution followed by water. Typically, only
those sprinklers above or adjacent to the fire operate, minimizing water damage and
contamination. Other antifreeze systems within the warehouse would not typically be
activated.
In the event of a broken sprinkler or sprinkler pipe without a fire condition, the deluge
valve will hold back the water supply and only antifreeze will be drained from the
sprinkler or broken pipe. This will prevent large amounts of water from being discharged
and possible contamination of the antifreeze left in the system that could cause
undesired freezing in the piping. A pressure supervisory switch on the antifreeze system
located at the primary Easy RiserTM Check Valve adjacent to the deluge valve will
provide an alarm of low-pressure condition. The antifreeze supply from the CS-1 pump
must be manually shut off in this condition at the riser supply point.