Report of In-Rack Sprinkler Comparison Fire Tests.
Report of In-Rack Sprinkler Comparison Fire Tests.
(6213 K)
Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated
NC1838-97NK31099; 36 p. May 22, 1998.
Sponsor:
HSB Industrial Risk Insurers, Hartford, CT
Keywords:
sprinklers; sprinkler systems; fire tests; pallet
storage; ignition; oxygen consumption; heat release
rate; test facilities; instruments; scenarios
Abstract:
Eight fire tests were conducted to evaluate and compare
the level of protection provided by 1/2 in. nominal
orifice in-rack sprinklers operating at a flowing
pressure of 30 psi and 17/32 in. nominal orifice in-rack
sprinklers flowing at 30 gpm. The fire tests were
conducted in a double row rack storage array with
in-rack sprinklers. Ignition was accomplished with two
half cotton cellulose ignitors positioned 18 in. from
the aisle. The in-rack sprinklers for Fire Test Nos. 4
and 6 were standard response 1/2 in. nominal orifice 165
deg F temperature rated sprinklers positioned in the
longitudinal flue at the center of the bay on one level.
The sprinkler was arranged to operate at a flowing
pressure of 30 psi. The in-rack sprinkler for Fire Test
Nos. 1 and 7 were standard response 1/2 in. nominal
orifice 165 deg F temperature rated sprinklers
positioned in the longitudinal flue at the rack uprights
on one level. The sprinkler was arranged to operate at a
flowing pressure of 30 psi. The in-rack sprinklers for
Fire Test Nos. 3 and 5 were the standard response 17/32
in. nominal orifice 165 deg F temperature rated
sprinklers positioned in the longitudinal flue at the
center of the bay on one level. The sprinkler was
arranged to operate at a flow of 30 gpm. The in-rack
sprinkler for Fire Test Nos. 2 and 8 were the standard
response 17/32 in. nominal orifice 165 deg F temperature
rated sprinklers positioned in the longitudinal flue at
the rack uprights on one level. The sprinklers were
arranged to operate at a flow of 30 gpm per sprinkler.
The tests were conducted under an oxygen consumption
calorimeter to measure the heat release rates. A Table
E-1 provides the testing parameters and results
obtained. A complete description of the testing is
presented in the following report.
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