The Fire Protection Research Foundation (FPRF) is the research wing of the National Fire Protection Association. Its role is to “plan, manage and communicate research in support of the NFPA mission.” The FPRF has a few new studies underway that we think bear paying attention to going forward.
Example of a Cloud Ceiling
The first, “Sprinkler Protection for Cloud Ceilings – Phase 2”, concerns the potential interference that recently introduced “cloud ceilings” pose for the efficiency of sprinkler systems in buildings. Cloud ceilings should not be confused with (much more ubiquitous) drop ceilings; rather they are decorative panels suspended from ceilings to achieve a functional or architectural effect in a commercial or industrial interior and can range from small overhead units to close-to-full-room-area arrangements with small gaps at the perimeter wall location. (Here’s an example, and here’s another.) These workplace décor elements have been gaining in popularity so quickly that they have caught fire-prevention authorities temporarily off guard.
Cloud Ceiling in a Commercial Setting
In Phase 1 of the study, the FPRF reported that NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, does not provide definitive guidance on automatic sprinkler installation requirements for these types of ceiling improvements. Indeed, recent proposals to amend NFPA 13 have failed because predictive models of the effects of cloud ceilings in fire situations are as yet not fully clear.
In Phase 2 of the study, the researchers write that their objective is to “obtain an understanding of how cloud ceiling panels impact sprinkler actuation.” They added: “The major focus of the project is small clouds with a specific objective to determine the maximum gap between walls and clouds to enable elimination of sprinklers at the structural ceiling level.”
The second project, “Evaluation of Water Additives for Fire Control and Vapor Mitigation – Phase 2”, is a follow-up trying to “provide a repeatable and reproducible evaluation methodology of the performance characteristics of water additives used in fixed fire suppression systems for fire control and vapor mitigation.” There are now several substances that manufacturers claim can be added to the water supply firefighters use in Class B applications involving 2- and 3-dimensional liquid fuel fires, such as those found in power plants and similar facilities. Some of these boast of superior fire suppression capabilities through emulsification or encapsulation. Unfortunately, these additives have not been properly tested by competent, independent agencies.
The first phase of this project reviewed the literature, identified key performance characteristics, reviewed candidate test agents, and provided the details of “a test plan for subsequent implementation as a future phase of this overall effort.” In Phase 2, the researchers aim to “provide a repeatable and reproducible evaluation methodology of the performance characteristics of water additives used in fixed fire protection systems for fire control and vapor mitigation, as compared to a baseline of water-only performance for Class B applications.”
ESFR Sprinkler Head
The third project, “Obstructions and ESFR Sprinklers – Phase 1”, is trying to come up with a “a tool that can be used for providing reliable analysis of the impact of obstructions on ESFR sprinklers based on existing data and develop a technical basis to the NFPA 13 technical committees for new requirements and guidance.” (As you probably know, ESFR sprinklers are Early Suppression/Fast Response ceiling-mounted sprinklers that can be used in large spaces in place of in-rack sprinkler systems.) According to the FPRF, “the discharge pattern of ESFR sprinklers is different from standard-spray sprinklers, obstructions near the sprinkler heads can greatly affect the distribution of water.”
The goal of this first phase is to create methodology to provide “reliable analysis of the impact of obstructions on ESFR sprinklers based on existing data and develop [a] technical basis to the NFPA 13 Technical Committees for new requirements and guidance.”
The results of these studies will be published by the FPRF on the NFPA website soon. We look forward to learning more from them about these important topics.
Resources:
http://www.nfpa.org/research/