Fire water pipeline: check, requirements

In the composition of residential, public and industrial buildings fire extinguishing systems are provided. One of the most effective means of this kind is the water supply channel, which is used for the intended purpose at specific points in the facility. Through the water lines, the liquid is sent to the pumping stations and then to the direct diffusers. To ensure that the firewater works its tasks for a long time, while maintaining the optimal load, it should be regularly tested and maintained.

Construction of water supply system

The fire water supply system is not only the channels for supplying and supplying water. This is a whole infrastructure of devices, accessories and devices that are not always directly associated with servicing the water carrier. Nevertheless, practically all fire water supply systems are formed on the basis of steel pipes or their parts connected by welding. An obligatory component of the pipeline is the crane as well - forged iron is used as an optimal material for this part, or bronze is used as a last resort. The crane is designed for connection with fire hoses, if it is a mobile fire extinguishing system.

As already mentioned, one of the technological points of maintenance of the water channel is a pump. This may be a pressurized pumping station capable of servicing several stationary sprinklers and mobile water supply channels at the same time. Also, the control and shut-off valves, switches, tanks, detectors, etc. are included in the water supply. The configuration of the arrangement of these devices can vary depending on which scheme the fire water pipeline is directly implementing in the structure of a particular facility. So, there are external and internal ways of placing communication.

Fire outdoor water supply

The external method of installing and operating a fire water pipe is optimal if it is a matter of extinguishing large construction sites using special technical means. In particular, most systems of this type are oriented to the maintenance of buildings with a volume of up to 1000 m3. With regard to specific types of facilities, the outdoor fire water pipeline is used for almost all production facilities of classes B, D and D. It is also allowed to extinguish hangars, terminals, warehouses.

The water flow rate in this case is about 10 l / s. This is an average value, because theoretically the maximum value can reach and 35 l / s. However, in the case of residential and public facilities, there are restrictions on the demands on water supply networks and distribution lines. Preliminary calculated and the level of head, from which will be delivered water. For example, the recommended value when using low pressure is 10 m. As the number of storeys increases, the force can increase at a rate of - 4 m per floor. Despite attractive performance indicators, outdoor firefighting is not always effective in combating internal sources of ignition. Accordingly, in such situations, internal water supply lines are more often used.

Fire internal water supply

The standards for the organization of internal fire water supply are defined in the relevant section of SNiP under the number 2.04.01-85. This water pipe provides fire fighting in industrial and public buildings regardless of their categories. The height of the water supply can be 50 m, and the volume can reach 50 thousand m ³ . For residential buildings, the internal fire water supply, on average, delivers water at a rate of 1.5 l / s - provided that the diameters of the hoses and trunks are adjusted to 38 mm.

It is due to the narrow jet such systems can ensure the supply of media to great heights. For the same reason, it is inappropriate to use low-rise buildings in fire protection. Most often, such structures are introduced into the infrastructure of hospitals, schools, universities, assembly halls, industrial premises.

The main task of the internal fire water supply system is to prevent the spread of fire at specific points. Therefore, if in the case of outdoor water main purpose is to supply mobile lines with hoses, the inner complexes are oriented to stationary sprinklers integrated into the ceilings of the premises. These can be deluge and sprinkler nozzles with a different nozzle design, focused on the dispersion of droplets or fog. Such devices differ in structural complexity, but their advantage is the possibility of operation in an automatic mode.

Fluid Testing

In the process of testing the system for water loss, it is estimated how much the pressures on the main trunk correspond to the standard pressure. This check allows you to insure against overloads on the line and prevent accidents. Fluid tests are conducted twice a year. The time for testing is chosen based on the period in which the most active water consumption at the site is observed. For example, in the summer season. At the same time, communications should be checked at the minimum pressure in the main central line. This will allow us to evaluate the possibilities of the channel operation under the least favorable conditions.

In addition to pressure, testing the fire water pipe also allows you to detect the height level of the compact jet segment, the amount of water consumption and the pressure at the valve. But it is not necessary to do separate measurements in most cases, since these indicators are interrelated. For example, the pressure on the main trunk will correspond to the same value in the crane. And at least the data on the flow and height of the jet will be laid down in the standard.

The very test for fluid loss is carried out sequentially on the fire cock, which has the greatest distance from the pumping station. If there is a load on the line from several cranes, each of them must be activated. Including connected cranes and communications connected to the riser with which the fire water supply is connected. Requirements in this case note that the pressure should be measured only on the main supply tap. Alternatively, for the sake of convenience, you can control the most high-altitude fire truck crane system.

Measuring devices for testing

Pressure is the main measurement parameter, so the manometer will also become the main tool in the test. Usually, measuring inserts with manometers are used for such purposes. The endings of the inserts are provided in advance by special coupling heads.

As for the placement of the device, the position between the fire hose and the valve will be optimal. The instrument is mounted directly on the inset. If there is no possibility of direct connection, then a flexible meter hose can be used, which also allows transferring the pressure level to the gauge scale.

Depending on the task of the test, the test of a fire-fighting water supply can include the measurement of other parameters. For example, temperatures. But for this it is necessary to use either combined pressure gauges with a thermometer function, or industrial bimetallic devices with a remote sensing sensor.

Checking system elements

In addition to checking the metrological and operational indicators of the water supply fire infrastructure, the technical condition of its components is also tested. The main object of verification is the fire barrel. They are not always tested in the framework of the test for water loss, so a separate survey justifies itself.

The absence of ruptures, deformations and defects on the surfaces of the trunk is the main criteria by which an internal fire water pipeline is assessed in this part. The requirements for both external and internal systems initially prescribe that in the case of hand stems the output diameters should be in the range of 13-19 mm. The average allowable value is 16 mm.

Sleeves are also checked for consistency and size. In particular, the length of the sleeve can be 10, 15 or 20 m. As for diameters, they vary from 51 to 66 mm. The specific size of the barrel and hose is selected based on the type of object served and the requirements for fire extinguishing tactics.

By the way, checking the internal fire water pipe also applies to the analysis of the quality of the sprinklers, having their own design features. Performers assess their leak tightness, the quality of water supply, the integrity of the element base and the quality of the connections. Almost every system provides for the presence of reservoirs with water, which can be called reserve sources. Tanks of this type are checked for leaks and quality of connection with water line communications.

Evaluation and execution of inspection results

In each case, the positive parameters will be different, since it can be an individual water supply project. As a basic criterion, the pressure index is considered. Its value in accordance with the regulatory proportions will be superimposed on the optimal values that appear in the design decision. In any case, a positive check of the fire water pipe will be such only if the integrity of the equipment and its compliance with specific technical parameters - length, diameter, etc.

After fixing the results of the audit, a special document is drawn up. In particular, the test-taker writes a protocol, in which data are recorded on the results of a test of the potential for fluid loss. This document includes information on the pressure at the stem and valve. Together with this, an act of fire water pipe is issued, which indicates the time and place of testing, as well as information about the building and the equipment to be serviced. Details are also given of the characteristics of the tested communications - for example, the type of trunk, the material of the hose, the size of the crane, etc. Both documents must ultimately be signed by all members of the commission who participated in the verification process.

Security Requirements

In the process of testing, the participants in the inspection must comply with the safety rules. First and foremost, to the tests themselves are allowed to persons who have received appropriate instruction in the handling of fire water supply tools. Each participant must have special clothes with a water-repellent coating. The characteristics of its tissues must correspond to the loads with which the surveyed water supply works.

Typically, such events are held at special sites, but in some cases, when it is necessary to assess the performance of the system as a whole, verification is inevitably carried out at the site of operation of the equipment. In such situations, for example, the tests on water loss can be carried out only at the moments when the supply of the jet does not pose a threat to passing people and transport.

Inside the building, fire safety of the water supply system should also be ensured if the interaction infrastructure of the source, pump and sprinkler is checked. Since a comprehensive inspection may involve a series of collapsible manipulations, you should prepare in advance a full set of tools and accessories suitable for a particular type of water fittings.

Maintenance requirements

The technical condition, if the infrastructure is used regularly, should be checked at least twice a year. Tubes, risers, reinforcement elements, connecting fittings, sleeves with barrels, fire cabinets and other devices and devices are subjected to inspection. If necessary, maintenance personnel perform repairs, change worn parts, update lubricating fluids in the motor pump filling and make structural changes.

It should be borne in mind that the condition of the water pipe can negatively affect not only the effectiveness of the fire extinguishing function, but also the safety of the building itself or the premises to which it is attached. For example, under a high pressure load, even without the threat of fire, the pipe contour can be arbitrarily pulled out of the flimsy connection, causing material damage to the property.

At the same time, maintenance of the fire water supply system also affects the efficiency of the line as such. Workers assess the quality of the pumping station and the stability of water supply from the main source. If necessary, they also make adjustments to the pressure and performance parameters of the equipment so that they are optimally matched to fire safety requirements for the current period.

Conclusion

A pledge of successful verification and effective operation of fire water supply is ensured even at the design and installation stage. Specialists determine the rationality of laying contours for various schemes, take into account the potential of hydrants, pumping stations and water supply lines. If the conscientious work was performed at these stages, it is more likely that the fire water pipeline will demonstrate compliance with the standards for water yield and technical requirements.

In the future, the quality of operation of the water supply infrastructure will depend on other factors. For example, how much are protected the same hydrants in the winter. No less acute are the issues with the place for transport. Near public buildings and production facilities are mandatory for parking for fire trucks. At least, access roads and roads to the nearest sources of water supply should be prepared regardless of the time of the year.

It will not be superfluous to provide for the nuances of energy supply. As a rule, pumping stations with automatic control operate from mains, so the presence of a backup generator will allow you to insure yourself in case of an emergency stop of the current supply from the central line.