- Sketch a line diagram of an automatic sprinkler system, labelling the MAIN components.(10)
A line diagram of an automatic sprinkler system
Let’s illustrate a line diagram of a typical automatic sprinkler system, highlighting its main components:
Main Components:
- Water Supply:
- This is the source of water for the system, usually connected to the municipal water supply or a dedicated fire water tank.
- Main Control Valve:
- This valve controls the flow of water into the entire sprinkler system. It is typically a gate valve or butterfly valve, located near the water supply connection.
- Alarm Valve:
- This specialized valve serves two crucial functions:
- It allows water to flow into the system only when a sprinkler head is activated, preventing unnecessary water flow and potential damage.
- It triggers an alarm when water flows through it, alerting occupants of a fire and initiating further actions like notifying the fire brigade.
- Cross Main:
- This is the main horizontal pipe that distributes water from the alarm valve to various sections or zones of the building or ship.
- Branch Lines:
- These are smaller pipes that branch off from the cross main, extending to different areas within each zone.
- Sprinkler Heads:
- These are the final components of the system, located at specific intervals along the branch lines. Each sprinkler head is equipped with a heat-sensitive element (like a glass bulb) that activates at a predetermined temperature, releasing water to suppress the fire in its vicinity.
Additional Components (not shown in the simplified diagram):
- Waterflow Detector: A device installed in the main pipe that detects water flow and triggers an alarm, similar to the alarm valve.
- Pressure Switches: These monitor water pressure in the system and trigger alarms if pressure drops below a certain level, indicating a potential problem or water usage.
- Test and Drain Valves: Valves used for testing the system and draining water for maintenance or repairs.
- Fire Department Connection: An external connection for the fire brigade to supplement the water supply if needed.
Remember, this is a simplified line diagram. Actual sprinkler systems can be more complex, with additional components like fire pumps, jockey pumps, check valves, and various control and monitoring devices, depending on the size and complexity of the installation.