The Automatisation of
Extinguishing Installations
A sprinkler extinguishing installation serves the automatic fire fighting and, therefore, the protection from fire hazards for persons, buildings and assets. In reaction to heat, the sprinkler nozzle automatically opens the pressure filled pipe system. The release of pressure caused by the opening of the nozzles, is sensored by the alarm valve station, which in reaction triggers the sprinkler pump. The extinguishing water is pumped to the opened sprinklers where it is sprayed under pressure over the source of the fire.
In order to assure the optimal operation of a sprinkler installation, regular checks and inspections according to sets of rules as to the regulations and technical standards of each individual unit is required. The checks and inspections have to be entered in an operation manual. So far this has required a high demand of time of the maintenance staff.
The G&S Sprinkleranlagen (sprinkler-systems) has developed the automatisation system Mastercontrol, it assumes the required checks and inspections as per set rules and regulations and technical standards. The results are recorded by a printer installed in the system.
By partially opening the alarm test valve the alarm pressure switches, the alarm by water driven bells, as well as the strobe lights, can be tested. The flow detectors are activated and monitored by remote controlled pumps.
The regular checks of performance and efficiency of the sprinkler-pumps via the registration of pressure and the quantity of flow is done automatically as well, this includes the comparison with the flow diagram of the producer. Deviations which announce the possibility of an emerging defect are recognized and signalled immediately.
The operation of the complete installation is managed via the touch-screen of the automatisation system the G&S Mastercontrol, in the sprinkler-central-control (switchboard). Extensive manual handling at the location is not required. Mistakes in handling are avoided and time consuming monthly test-runs are reduced to a minimum of the usually required time.
Besides making work for the staff, handling the installations, much easier and excluding operational errors, a considerable reduction of time and energy for the monthly maintenance, also reduces the operational costs. The extra cost for the automatisation of an installation is covered after only few years.
Suitable areas for automatisation:
- large sprinkler installations
- wet pipe sprinkler systems
- dry pipe sprinkler systems
- pre-action systems and accelerated dry pipe systems
Advantages of automatisation:
- easy handling via touch screen
- reduction of operational cost
- automatic documentation of test-runs
- complete and error-free test-runs
- quick return of investment
