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In this part of the full fire fighting and fire protection series, we will see about, Types of Standpipe systems.
A fire standpipe system consists of a water line with valves at the top and bottom. There are normally two types of valve systems, "open" and "closed". A closed valve system keeps the water pressure constant throughout the length of the pipe. An open valve system lets air flow freely through the pipes. Fire sprinklers work best with a closed valve system. In this type of system, the water pressure is controlled by adjusting the valves at the top and the bottom of the pipe. If a pipe gets clogged, the operator adjusts the valves to let water out of the pipe until the blockage clears. Open valve systems allow excess water to drain down the pipes while keeping the pressure level consistent.
The advantage of using the closed valve system over the open valve system is that it prevents water from escaping down the pipes if a pipe gets clogged. These fires are difficult to extinguish because they have high temperatures and low oxygen levels due to the lack of airflow. Water exiting a pipe without any air movement could cause problems with flashover. Flashover occurs when a column of water vapor reaches the point where the air temperature exceeds the critical point (100 degrees Celsius). At this point, the water ignites and becomes superheated steam which then produces a powerful jet of flame that travels rapidly along the length of the pipe until it breaks free. When there is no ventilation, the heat builds up inside the pipe causing the water to boil off and the fuel supply to run low. Because of these dangers, firefighters use a closed valve system to stop the runaway reaction.
As mentioned above, the Closed Valve System provides several advantages. A fire will not spread because the pressure is kept constant around the area that is being protected. As long as there isn't a major break in the pipe, there's enough water to keep the fire under control. However, if the pipe is broken, water flows out faster than it comes in, reducing the volume of water in the system. The closed valve system doesn't create much backpressure, so if the pipe is blocked, the water still exits the pipe.
This method uses an equal amount of water per unit time to provide adequate cooling. Since the water is always flowing, the equipment won't get hot enough to damage its components. Also, since there is continuous circulation, there is less chance that the fire will burn out of control.
Since this method relies on gravity, its efficiency decreases when the pipe height increases. Also, since the pipe is enclosed, it is harder to monitor the fire. The closed valve system gives firefighters a way to safely fight fires without risking their lives. While some people may argue that the closed valve system is dangerous, it actually saves lives.
Types of Standpipe Systems.
1. Automatic Wet Standpipe System
1Automatic wet standpipe system (AWSS) is useful for extinguishing fires in confined spaces where access may be restricted due to obstacles or equipment. In these situations, the use of handheld portable extinguishers would not be effective. These systems are particularly useful when dealing with fires involving flammable liquids. One system includes a pipe system that directs water down onto the fire. The system automatically connects to a supply of water and automatically turns off once the fire is extinguished.
AAWS are often referred to as automatic wet pipe systems. When compared to manual wet pipe systems, they tend to have simpler designs, fewer parts, and less labor-intensive assembly. This type of system is best suited for small volumes of water flow at low pressure.
The primary components of an AWSS are a fire hose coupler, valves, a water supply, and a manifold. Fire hoses are connected to the manifold and then routed throughout the facility. The valves regulate the flow of water from the manifold to the fire hose. This system requires no human intervention after installation; however, regular maintenance is recommended to ensure proper operation. An AWSS should be inspected regularly to check for any leaks in the piping.
The automatic wet standpipe system in fire fighting is an ideal solution for extinguishing fires in confined spaces where access may be difficult.
2. Automatic Dry StandPipe System
In case of fires, it is always desirable to have the best option of water supply systems to fight the fires in the quickest possible time. There are many types of sprinkler systems available in the market today. But not everyone can afford them due to their high costs. In addition, they require constant maintenance and supervision. Therefore, people look for alternative solutions. One of these alternatives is the dry standpipe system (DSP) which offers the same efficiency and cost-effectiveness as conventional water sprinkler systems. Moreover, DSPs do not need any maintenance at all. It is a simple device that consists of two pipes connected with each other. One pipe contains water while the other pipe serves as a vent. If a fire breaks out, then the water vapor from the first pipe flows towards the second pipe and gets discharged into the atmosphere. A typical dry standpipe system includes three parts namely; the water tank, the pump and the dry vent. In order to make the DSP work properly, it should be installed correctly.
Description
An automatic dry standpipe system is basically a water storage system that automatically releases water at set rates when the building’s sprinkler system activates. It consists of two parts: (i) a piping network of pipes that carry water from the storage tank to the sprinklers; and (ii) a control valve installed in each pipe segment. When the sprinkler system is activated, high pressure flows to the control valves causing them to open, releasing water to the sprinkler heads until the supply of stored water is depleted.
Benefits
This type of system reduces the need to physically turn off the water supply valves manually. This means less work for firefighters, less risk of damage to the structure, and more time spent on rescue operations.
Advantages & Disadvantages
Advantages
- Easy to install.
- Less expensive than manual systems.
- Efficient in terms of water usage.
- Does not require additional training or expertise.
Disadvantages
- A larger initial investment in hardware.
- Can create false alarms if the flow rate is not properly calculated.
- May not be suitable for sprinklers with long run times.
3. Semi-Automatic Dry Standpipe System
The semi-automatic dry standpipe system is designed to allow firefighters quick access to water in case of emergency situations. In the event of a major fire, firefighters would enter a hose line and turn on the water supply to the dry standpipe. The water flows out of the top and down the side of the standpipe until it reaches the bottom where it drains. Water then fills the tank located under the standpipe, which is connected to a pump that transfers the water at the rate that it is being consumed. After use, the system automatically shuts off, draining any residual water back into the ground.
A semi-automatic dry standpipe system is suitable for use in fire fighting. According to the characteristics of smoke and flame, the water flow rate is controlled automatically. If necessary, the operator can adjust the water flow rate manually.
The Semi-automatic dry standpipe system is a type of watering system that has two parts, namely the reservoir (standpipe) and the sprinkler head. Both the reservoir and the sprinkler head are connected via pipes. When water is supplied to the reservoir, the water flows through the pipe connecting the reservoir to the sprinkler head. If there is no water supply, then the sprinkler head remains dry and does not spray any water outwards. A pump can be included in the structure to provide water pressure if necessary.
4. Manual Wet Standpipe System
Wet Standpipes are pipes connected to the water supply line that runs vertically across a room. There are two types of standpipes; wet and dry. In a wet standpipe system, a reservoir called a sump sump, located at the base of each standpipe collects condensate (rainwater) running down the wall and roof. At regular intervals, the sump pump automatically pumps the collected water back up into the standpipes. A dry standpipe system does not have any sump sumps or reservoirs, instead relying on gravity alone.
How do they work?
In a wet standpipe system, the water runs down the wall and roof of the room and drips onto the floor. On the underside of the floor, some of the water drains away and then seeps down into the ground. If allowed to accumulate under the house, this could lead to problems including damp rot, mold build-up, and termites. To avoid these issues, it is recommended that a sump pump be installed. A sump pump uses electrical power to drain the water out of the standpipe system. The electric pump is powered by a battery or solar panel, which eliminates the need for mains electricity.
Pros/Cons
Pros:
Less expensive than forced air systems
Can reduce humidity levels indoors leading to less mold and mildew
Eliminates the need to ventilate the building
Reduces the amount of condensation on the inside of windows and doors
Cons:
Wet stands require significant maintenance since the pumps must be emptied at least once per week
Requires electrical wiring
It May cause flooding if the malfunction of the pump
Manual Wet Standpipes are used to prevent fires in dry pipe systems. Dry pipe systems use pressurized air to transfer water from tanks to sprinkler heads for automatic watering. When using pressurized air to move water, moisture evaporates and may accumulate in pipes. This moisture build-up can cause ignition problems if not properly managed. To prevent fires, manual standpipes are installed where sprinklers would normally run. This ensures that no pressurized air is present to create a potential ignition point. Manually operated standpipes require electricity and should never be used as a backup power supply for any system.
- Types of Manual Wet Standpipes -
There are two types of manually operated wet standpipes:
- Mechanical - Requires mechanical movement to open and close the valve; e.g., lever handle
- Electrical - Uses electrical energy to open and close the valves; e.g., solenoid valve
- How do they work?
- Mechanical type - Requires manual operation to open and close the standpipe spigot
- Electrical type - Uses an electric motor to open and close the spigots
- Use and maintenance -
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends the following guidelines for proper installation and inspection of manually operated wet standpipe systems:
* Ensure the standpipe is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism to prevent damage to plumbing components if the system fails. You should also install a shutoff valve at the bottom of the tank.
* Keep out of reach of children and pets. Never fill directly on top of the tank.
* Check each standpipe annually to ensure it is working correctly. If the standpipe does not operate smoothly, check the connections between the standpipe and the tank. Make sure the tank is full before operating the standpipe.
5. Manual Dry StandPipe System
A manual dry standpipe system is a type of fire suppression system that does not require electricity or gas. In this particular case, the term “manual” means that no electrical power is supplied to the equipment. This type of system is designed to be used as either a single-point source or a multi-point source. As mentioned before, a single-point source is simply a standpipe located at a single location where water flows from the sprinkler head and then drains away. Multi-point stands pipes are similar to a single-point source, however, they consist of several standpipes that are set off from each other. This allows water to flow throughout the entire area of coverage. Water pressure is controlled by adjusting the height of the standpipe. One way to adjust the height is by using a valve that controls the depth of the standpipe. Another way is to use a flexible hose that goes from each standpipe to the sprinkler heads. You can also install a sprinkler head directly below each standpipe and connect each hose to a shutoff valve. This allows the user to easily turn the water off if there is any sign of a fire.
Definition
A standpipe system is a water collection device that consists of at least two pipes connected in series where water flows down from the top pipe to the bottom pipe, and then back up again. A standpipe can serve various purposes. It is useful for irrigation, watering crops, cleaning toilets, and many other tasks. In agriculture, standpipes are often called dry stands. Dry stands are also known as “dry-stand” systems, “dry-well” systems, or “wet-well” systems.
A standpipe is defined as any piping that allows for the flow of liquids without using liquid pumps, whereas a dry well is defined as a water tank that does not have a pump installed inside it.
Benefits of Manually Operated Standpipe Systems
Manual standpipe systems are commonly used for agricultural applications. These systems are simple, inexpensive, and require low maintenance. Manual standpipe systems allow farmers to install and maintain their own irrigation equipment. Farmers who use them may choose to purchase or build their own tools or design their own pipes. Farmers who use these systems may find them useful for irrigating gardens, fruit trees, greenhouses, orchards, and vineyards. Farmers may also use these systems to collect rainwater runoff. Rainwater runoff collected in a standpipe system is free from pollutants, bacteria, odors, and chemicals.
Because they do not need electricity, they are suitable for remote farms, ranches, and small communities. They can also be used in developing countries, which lack power supplies. If electricity is available, however, standpipe systems may provide less reliable results than electrified systems.
Disadvantages of Manual Standpipe Systems
Manually operated standpipe systems are prone to leaks and blockage. Leaks occur if a pipe becomes damaged or develops cracks over time. Blockages occur if debris gets caught in the pipes and prevents them from delivering water. Farmers should be aware that manual standpipe systems are difficult to clean. Dirt and debris clog the pipes and make them work inefficiently. Farmers should clean the pipes regularly to prevent blockages.
The pipes can become slippery due to algae and mildew buildup. Farmers should keep the pipes clear of algae and mildew, or risk damaging their machinery.
Standpipes are not designed to collect hard-to-reach water or water from deep underground. The water in manually operated standpipes is restricted to shallow depths. Farmers should ensure that they are installing their standpipes correctly before running their water.
Dry standpipes are connected to a water supply line (typically either a garden hose or a fire hydrant) and they have a valve at each end. Dry stand pipes were originally designed to be used in emergency situations where there was not enough time to install pipes to carry water to your home. However, these days they're commonly seen in homes and businesses. To use them, you simply open both valves, turn on the water tap, then close off both valves. There's no need to worry about air inside the pipe; since air can't flow through water, the two fluids don't mix.
However, there are some things to consider before using dry standpipes. First, if you're not familiar with plumbing, there may be times when it would be easier to hire a professional plumber that knows what they're doing. Second, keep in mind that dry stand pipes are not good for long-term usage; over time, the rubber gaskets tend to break down and leak. Finally, make sure you change out those gaskets once every year.
Access all the previous parts of this full fire fighting series by clicking the links provided below:
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