1. Deluge Water Spray System:
· An automated water spray system where the water distribution piping is equipped with open spray nozzles for discharging over a protection area or equipment.
· Deluge water Spray systems designed according to NFPA 15, API 2030, IP 19 guidelines and local regulations.
· The main objectives are any one or combination of the following :
o Extinguishment of fire
o Control of burning
o Exposure protection
o Prevention of fire
Typical Application rates for Deluge Water Spray System: (API 2030):
2. Factors determining the requirement of Deluge Water Spray System:
· Spray System for Process Pumps:
o When pumps handle hydrocarbon liquids (flammable or combustible) at temperatures above its flash point.
o Located Close to equipment that can be quickly damaged by pump fire.
o Where protection of pumps is impractical by monitors/hydrants and potential of fire escalation is possible.
· Spray System for Pipe racks:
o To be evaluated based on potential of pool fires or severe exposures below the pipe rack.
· Spray System for Vessels & Columns :
o High pressure vessels (>10 barg) handling flammable / combustible liquids with inventory above 5 tons and also based on project philosophy.
o Vessels handling flammable / combustible liquids and located in a congested area.
· Spray System (cooling) for Atmospheric Storage Tanks:
o API 2001 recommends protection of the portion of shell and roof not in contact with the liquid content of tank. (@4.1 lpm/m2)
o Sectionalization of the spray rings should be done for optimization of water quantity.
Example of a Water Spray System Installation
Fig: Example of a Water Spray System Installation
3. Type of Deluge Valves:
· Type of Deluge Valves (based on operation):
o Complete On/off deluge Valve: These are deluge valves which open fully upon activation and closed fully upon resetting.
o Variable Pressure Control Deluge Valve: Preset constant Valve downstream side pressure is maintained irrespective of the upstream pressure.
· Type of Activation of Deluge Valves :
o Hydraulic Activation : By means of hydraulic Quartzoid bulb detection
o Electrical Activation : By means of F&G detection system
o Electro-Pneumatic Activation : By means of pneumatic Quartzoid bulb and/or F&G detection system
Deluge Valve (Body)
Internal Deluge Valve Construction
