apps tyco ec-25 storage sprinkler 1-13

James Golinveaux

Kevin Maughan

Jeff Barkley

Applications of the Tyco Model EC-25 Storage Sprinkler

Copyright © 2012 Tyco Fire Protection Products. All rights reserved.

The products and specifications published herein are for general evaluation and reference purposes only and are subject to change by Tyco Fire Protection Products without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please visit www.tyco-fire.com. The infor-mation provided in this application paper should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice concerning specific appli-cations. ALTHOUGH TYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS HAS ENDEAVORED TO ENSURE ITS ACCURACY, ALL INFORMATION HEREIN IS PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. Without limiting the foregoing, Tyco Fire Protection Products does not warrant the accu-racy, adequacy or completeness of any such information. All users of the information provided herein assume the risk of use or reliance on such information and Tyco Fire Protection Products shall not be liable for any damages for such use including, but not limited to, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages.

Applications of the TYCO Model EC-25 Storage Sprinkler


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Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Simple Bay Example with Full Coverage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Simple Bay Example at Reduced Coverage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Short Grid Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

FM Global - Lowest Hydraulic Demand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

About the Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12


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IntroductionAs with any new technology, understanding appropriate applications is the key to successful implementation . The TYCO Model EC-25 Sprinkler is the most powerful control-mode sprinkler ever developed . In addition to better fire protection, it provides unsurpassed economic advantages Simply stated, the increased perfor-mance of this technology sets historical precedence; it performs above the “magic” 100 ft2 (9,3 m2) maximum spacing limitations imposed for Extra Hazard and Storage occupancies since the development of the spray sprinkler in the early 1950s . Through tested performance, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler’s 100 ft2 (9,3 m2) minimum and the 196 ft2 (18,2 m2) maximum sprinkler spacing provide a superior level of fire protection by eliminating sprinkler skip-ping and controlling the number of operating sprinklers . Additionally, the safety factor of the discharge from the initial sprinkler in a fire event is considerable . With a K-factor of 25 .2 GPM/psi1/2 (362,9 LPM/bar1/2), the first sprinkler with an average static water supply of 70 psi (4,83 bar) will discharge approximately 210 GPM (795 LPM) or slightly over a 1 .0 GPM/ft2 (40,7 mm/min) for a coverage area of 196 ft2 (18,2 m2) per sprinkler . In contrast, a sprinkler with a K-factor of 8 .0 GPM/psi1/2 (115,2 LPM/bar1/2) will only discharge 67 GPM (253,6 LPM) or only a 0 .67 GPM/ft2 (27,2 mm/min) over a coverage area of 100 ft2 (9,3 m2) per sprinkler .

BenefitsKey benefits of the Model EC-25 Sprinkler include lower installed cost and better fire protection when com-pared to standard coverage sprinkler systems . These benefits are provided by:•Fewer opened sprinklers and fewer consumed pallets than K-8 .0 (115), K-11 .2 (160), and K-16 .8 (240)

standard coverage sprinklers as shown in full-scale fire tests performed at UL •Fewer branch lines and fewer sprinklers as a result of the extended coverage area•Lower operating pressures in accordance with the S x L Spacing Rules defined by NFPA 13, Section 8 .5 .2•Lowest hydraulic system demand provided in NFPA 13 2013 Edition, Chapter 21 “Alternative Sprinkler

System Designs for Chapters 12 through 20” and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 8-9, July 2011 Revision, and Engineering Bulletin 06-11


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Simple Bay Example with Full Coverage AreaFor a 40,000 ft2 (3716,1 m2) building with 200 ft (61,0 m) long bays where the bays are greater than 25 ft (7,6 m) and up to 28 ft (8,5 m) wide, the number of branch lines can be reduced from three, when using a standard spray sprinkler, to two using Model EC-25 Sprinklers as shown in Figure 1 .

With this bay spacing, the full coverage area of 196 ft2 (18,2 m2) can be achieved . With greater than 25 ft (7,6 m) to 28 ft (8,5 m) bays, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler is spaced at 14 ft (4,3 m) intervals along each branch line . A total of 15 sprinklers per branch line and 30 sprinklers per bay are needed . Assuming a required density of 0 .60 GPM/ft2 (24,4 mm/min), the pressure at the sprinkler is 21 .7 psi (1,50 bar) with a coverage area of 196 ft2 (18,2m2) per Model EC-25 Sprinkler . In comparison, if utilizing standard coverage sprinklers, 3 branch lines are required with 19 sprinklers per branch line for a total of 57 sprinklers per bay . Refer to Table 1 for further comparisons .

Versus

>25’-0” to 28’-0”(7,62 to 8,53 m)

7’-0”(2,13 m)

14’-0”(4,27 m)

14’-0”(4,27 m

)14’-0”

(4,27 m)

10’-8 1/2”(3,26 m

)10’-8 1/2”(3,26 m

)10’-8 1/2”(3,26 m

)

4’-8”(1,42 m)

4’-8”(1,42 m)

9’-4”(2,84 m)

9’-4”(2,84 m)

7’-0”(2,13 m)

>25’-0” to 28’-0”(7,62 to 8,53 m)

Extended Coverage196 ft2 (18,2 m2)2 Branch Lines

Standard Coverage100 ft2 (9,3 m2)3 Branch Lines

Bay Bay

Figure 1: Simple Bay Example of Branch Line Spacing in Bays more than 25 ft to 28 ft (7,62 to 8,52 m) at full coverage area of 196 ft2 (18,2m2)


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Simple Bay Example at Reduced Coverage AreaNow consider for the same 40,000 ft2 (3716,1 m2) building with 190 ft (57,9 m) long bays are spaced with a width greater than 28 ft (8,5 m) up to 30 ft (9,1 m), the flexibility of the Model EC-25 Sprinklers allows the use of a smaller protection area of 144 ft2 (13,4 m2) at 15 ft (4,6 m) spacing between branch lines .When using a coverage area up to 144 ft2 (13,4 m2), the Model EC-25 Sprinklers may be spaced up to 15 ft (4,6 m) in one direction . Figure 2 uses this 15 ft (4,6 m) allowance between branch lines . With this smaller protection area, the extended coverage sprinklers are spaced at 9 ft 7 in (2,9 m) along each branch line for a total of 20 sprinklers per branch line and 40 sprinklers per bay .Again, in comparison, if utilizing standard coverage sprinklers, 3 branch lines are required with 19 sprin-klers per branch line for a total of 57 sprinklers per bay . This spacing results in a total of 399 standard cover-age sprinklers per 40,000 ft2 (3716,1 m2) system as compared to 280 Model EC-25 Sprinklers with less than maximum Model EC-25 Sprinkler spacing . The required pressure of the Model EC-25 Sprinkler has been reduced to 11 .7 psi (0,81 bar) as compared to the standard coverage sprinkler pressure requirement of 28 .7 psi (1,98 bar) when utilizing an K-11 .2 (160) sprinkler . Refer Table 2 for side by side comparison .

Table 1: Summary of Simple Bay Example with Optimum Bay Width

Model EC-25 Extended Coverage

Sprinkler

Standard Coverage Sprinkler

Comments

Number of Branch Lines per Bay

2 3

Possible branch-line savings per bay can be a major factor in reducing

material and labor cost of installation.

Greater than 25 ft (7,6 m) to 28 ft (8,5 m) bays are optimal

Number of Sprinklers per Bay

30 57

47% less sprinklers

Total Sprinklers 210 399

Minimum Pressure at Sprinkler

21.7 psi at 196 ft2

(1,50 bar at 18,2 m2)

28.7 psi at 100 ft2

(1,98 bar at 9,3 m2)

Less required pressure at almost double the spacing of an

11.2 (160) K-factor Standard Coverage Sprinkler


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Table 2: Summary of Simple Bay Example with Non-Optimum Bay Width


Sprinkler

Standard Coverage Sprinkler

Number of Branch Lines Per Bay 2 3

Number of Sprinklers Per Bay 40 57

Total Sprinklers 280 399

Minimum Pressure at Sprinkler 11.7 psi (0,81 bar) 28.7 psi (1,98 bar)

Versus

>28’-0” to 30’-0”(8,53 to 9,14 m)

7’-6”(2,29 m)

15’-0”(4,57 m)

9’-7”(2,93 m

)9’-7”

(2,93 m)

10’-0”(3,05 m

)10’-0”

(3,05 m)

10’-0”(3,05 m

)

5’-0”(1,52 m)

5’-0”(1,52 m)

10’-0”(3,05 m)

10’-0”(3,05 m)

7’-6”(2,29 m)

>28’-0” to 30’-0”(8,53 to 9,14 m)

Extended Coverage144 ft2 (13,38 m2)2 Branch Lines

Standard Coverage100 ft2 (9,3 m2)3 Branch Lines

Bay Bay

Figure 2: Simple Example of Branch Line Spacing in Bays > 28 to 30 ft (8,5 to 9,1 m) at reduced 144 ft2 (13,4 m2) coverage area


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Short Grid ExampleFigures 3 and 4 can be used to demonstrate branch line savings without major modifications to pipe size due to the low operating pressures of the Model EC-25 Sprinkler . Figure 3 shows a representative grid system designed for standard spray sprinklers . This system consists of a 6 in (150 mm) primary main and riser as well as a 4 in (100 mm) secondary main . There are 24, 2 in (50 mm) branch lines .

150'(45,7 m)

230'(70,1 m)

6" (150 mm)PRIMARY

MAIN

6" (150 mm)RISER AND

SUPPLYMAIN

4" (100 mm)SECONDARY

MAIN

2" (50 mm)BRANCH

LINES

Figure 3: Layout K-11.2 (160) and K-16.8 (240) Standard Spray Sprinklers


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Figure 4 shows a grid system designed with the extended coverage Model EC-25 Sprinkler for the same sys-tem size as shown in Figure 3 . This system consists of a 6 in (150 mm) primary main and riser as well as a 6 in (150 mm) secondary main . There are 17, 2 in (50 mm) branch lines .

Table 3 compares the material required for the sprinkler systems shown in Figures 3 and 4 in a building with 27 ft (8,2 m) high ceilings with up to 20 ft (6,1 m) of Group A Plastic Commodities storage .

150'(45,7 m)

224'(68,3 m)

6" (150 mm)PRIMARY

MAIN

6" (150 mm)RISER AND

SUPPLYMAIN

6" (150 mm)SECONDARY

MAIN

2" (50 mm)BRANCH

LINES

Figure 4: Actual Layout TYCO K-25.2 (360) Model EC-25 Sprinkler Showing fewer required branch lines

Table 3: Comparison of K=11.2 (160), K=16.8 (240), and Model EC-25 Sprinklers

MaterialModel EC-25

Extended Coverage Sprinkler

K-11.2 (160) Standard Sprinkler


Total Branch Line2550 ft at 2 in NPS

(777,2 m at 50 mm)

3600 ft at 2 in NPS

(1097,3 m at 50 mm)

3600 ft at 2 in NPS

(1097,3 m at 50 mm)

Total Primary Main224 ft at 6 in NPS

(68,3 m at 150 mm)

230 ft at 6 in NPS

(70,1 m at 150 mm)

230 ft at 6 in NPS

(70,1 m at 150 mm)

Total Secondary Main224 ft at 6 in NPS

(68,3 m at 150 mm)

230 ft at 4 in NPS

(70,1 m at 100 mm)

230 ft at 4 in NPS

(70,1 m at 100 mm)

Total Feed Main20 ft at 6 in

(6,1 m at 150 mm)

20 ft at 6 in

(6,1 m at 150 mm)

20 ft at 6 in

(6,1 m at 150 mm)

Riser±27 ft at 6 in

(8,2 m at 150 mm)

±27 ft at 6 in

(8,2 m at 150 mm)

±27 ft at 6 in

(8,2 m at 150 mm)


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In the example described in Figures 3 and 4, even though the Model EC-25 Sprinkler installation requires up-sizing the secondary main from 224 ft (68,3 m) of 4 in (100 mm) pipe to 6 in (150 mm) pipe, there is an elimination of 1,050 ft (320 m) of 2 in (50mm) pipe required for the branch lines and the labor required to install 7 additional branch lines required for standard coverage sprinklers . A density of 0 .60 GPM/ft2 (24,4 mm/min) was used to calculate the system demand and pressure . For the building, the supply at the base of the riser is the following:

•Static – 82 psi (5,65 bar)•Residual – 71 psi (4,90 bar)•Flow – 2123 GPM (8036,4 LPM)

If operating pressure is a constraint, under NFPA 13 the Model EC-25 Sprinkler offers the flexibility of reduc-ing the coverage area using the S x L Spacing Rules and reducing the pressure necessary to deliver the required water demand using the density/area method . For example, Model EC-25 Sprinklers provide the advantage of extremely low operating pressures at 100 ft2 (9,3 m2) while acting as standard coverage sprinklers delivering 0 .67 GPM/ft2 (27,29 mm/min) density at only 7 psi (0,48 bar) .

Table 4: Comparison of Pressure and Flow for K-11.2 (160), K-16.8 (240), and Model EC-25 Sprinklers


Sprinkler



System Demand76.42 psi at 1361.2 GPM (5,27 bar at 5152,7 LPM)

69.26 psi at 1239.4 GPM (4,78 bar at 4691,6 LPM)

54.36 psi at 1278.6 GPM (3,75 bar at 4840,0 LPM)

Available Pressure at System Demand

77.2 psi (5,32 bar)

77.9 psi (5,37 bar)

77.7 psi (5,36 bar)


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Lowest Hydraulic DemandWhile ESFR Sprinklers have become the standard in ceiling-only storage protection over the last several years, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler now has the lowest system demand when used in accordance with NFPA 13 2013 Edition, Chapter 21 “Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Chapters 12 through 20” and specified in FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 8-9, July 2011 Revision, and Engineering Notice 06-11 . The Model EC-25 Sprinkler only requires a 6 sprinkler design for ceilings of 30 ft (9,0 m) or less as compared to ESFR sprinklers that require a 12 sprinkler design . Reducing the sprinklers in the design by half translates into a significant saving in hydraulic demand for the system while almost doubling the sprinkler’s coverage area resulting in fewer branch lines and sprinklers .

Table 8: Design Hydraulic Requirement Including Hose for Class 1 to 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Commodities for Ceiling Height of 30 feet (9,0 meters) in Open Frame Rack Storage Arrangements

Model EC-25ESFR

K-14 (200)ESFR

K-17 (240)ESFR

K-22 (320)ESFR

K-25 (360)

Number of Sprinklers

6 12

Pressure

FM & NFPA 13 FM & NFPA 13 FM & NFPA 13 FM & NFPA 13 FM NFPA 13

30 psi (2,07 bar)

50 psi (3,45 bar)

35 psi (2,41 bar)

25 psi (1,72 bar)

20 psi (1,38 bar)

15 psi (1,0 bar)

Hose Allowance

250 GPM at spacing ≤ 14 ft

(950 LPM at spacing ≤ 4,3 m)



Hydraulic Requirement

Including Hose














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The Model EC-25 Sprinkler requires an 8 sprinkler design for ceilings of 35 ft (10,5 m) compared to ESFR sprinklers, which require 12 sprinklers . This one-third reduction of sprinklers required in the design translates into a significant saving in hydraulic demand for the system while requiring fewer branch lines and sprinklers .

Table 9- Design Hydraulic Requirement Including Hose for Class 1 to 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Commodities for Ceiling Height of 35 feet (10,5 meters) in Open Frame Rack Storage Arrangements

Model EC-25

ESFR K-14 (200)

ESFR K-17 (240)

ESFR K-22 (320)

ESFR K-25 (360)

Number of Sprinklers

8 12

Pressure

FM & NFPA 13 FM & NFPA 13 FM NFPA 13 FM & NFPA 13 FM NFPA 13

40 psi (2,76 bar)

75 psi (5,17 bar)

50 psi (3,45 bar)

52 psi (3,6 bar)

35 psi (2,41 bar)

30 psi (2,07 bar)

20 psi (1,4 bar)

Hose Allowance





500 GPM at spacing > 12 to 14 ft

(1.900 LPM at spacing

> 3,7 to 4,3 m)

N/A

Hydraulic Requirement

Including Hose

1525 GPM spacing ≤ 12 ft

(5769 LPM spacing ≤ 3,7 m)













1775 GPM at spacing > 12 to 14 ft

(6719 LPM at spacing

> 3,7 to 4,3 m)

N/A

The Model EC-25 Sprinkler provides similar savings for Class 1 to 4 and Cartoned Unexpanded Plastic Commodities in Solid-Piled, Palletized, Shelf, or Bin-Box storage arrangements .For storage buildings, the average ceiling height is the range of 27 to 34 ft (8 .2 to 10 .4 m) . Therefore, for most buildings, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler provides a new level of performance that requires less water over a larger coverage area with fewer branch lines, fewer sprinklers, and often lower pressures than ESFR sprinklers in common use today .


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SummaryIn summary, the TYCO Model EC-25 Storage Sprinkler provides lower installed cost and better fire protec-tion when compared to standard coverage sprinkler systems because of these key benefits:

•BetterFireProtectionIn fire tests that compared the Model EC-25 Extended Coverage Sprinkler with K-8 .0 (115), K-11 .2 (160), and K-16 .8 (240) standard coverage sprinklers, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler opened fewer sprinklers and consumed fewer pallets .

•FewerBranchLinesThe Model EC-25 Sprinkler provides significant flexibility in optimizing the number of branch lines in a bay supporting distances from 8 ft (2,4 m) to 14 ft (4,3 m) with a coverage area up to 196 ft2 (18,2 m2) . Spacing to the 15 ft (4,6 m) maximum is only allowed with a coverage area of 144 ft2 (13,4 m2) .

•FewerSprinklersThe same extended coverage that reduces the number of branch lines also reduces the number of sprin-klers on the branch lines .

•LowerOperatingPressures Using the NPFA 13 S x L Spacing Rules, the Model EC-25 Sprinkler can cover smaller areas while oper-ating at lower pressures, delivering 0 .67 GPM/ft (27,2 mm/min) at 100 ft2 (9,3 m2) spacing with an oper-ating pressure of only 7 psi (0 .48 bar) .

•LowestHydraulicSystemDemand The Model EC-25 Sprinkler provides a minimal water requirement, combined with extended coverage spacing, for ceiling heights of 35 ft (10,5 m) or less as provided in NFPA 13 2013 Edition, Chapter 21 “Alternative Sprinkler System Designs for Chapters 12 through 20” and FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 8-9, July 2011 Revision, and Engineering Notice 06-11 .

To learn more about how you can use the TYCO Model EC-25 Sprinkler to reduce your installed system costs and provide better fire protection, contact your local Tyco Representative .


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About the AuthorsJames E. GolinveauxSenior Fellow, Water Fire Suppression, Tyco Fire Protection ProductsWith 30 years of experience in the fire protection industry including both contracting and manufacturing, Mr . Golinveaux is currently Sr . Fellow of Water Suppression Products for Tyco Fire Protection Products . His present role applies his experience globally in the fire protection industry to develop advancements in water-based fire protection devices and systems . He sits on the Board of Trustees for the Fire Protection Research Foundation, as well as multiple other Boards and Councils including the Factory Mutual Advisory, AFSA, NFSA, International Fire Sprinkler Association, and the Fire Sprinkler Association of Brazil . He is also a member of the NFPA 13, 88A, 101, and 5000 Technical Committees . He has consistently served as a subject matter expert for the past two editions of the NFPA Fire Protection Handbook and the NFPA 13 Handbook .

Kevin MaughanManager of Technical Services, Water Fire Suppression, Tyco Fire Protection ProductsMr . Maughan has been deeply involved in the fire protection industry for 29 years, with 13 years in the con-tracting side of the business and the remainder of his career in the manufacturing and R & D side of the busi-ness . Since 2004, he has served as Manager of Technical Services for Tyco Fire Protection Products . Currently, Mr . Maughan serves as a Principle NFPA Committee Member for NFPA 14, NFPA 24, and NFPA 80A .

Jeff BarkleyProduct Manager, Water Fire Suppression, Tyco Fire Protection ProductsWith over 20 years of product management and marketing experience in a variety of industries, Mr . Barkley is Product Manager for the Water Storage product line at Tyco Fire Protection Products, located at the Cranston Technology Center in Rhode Island . In this role, Mr . Barkley is involved with research, development, and support of existing and new products to protect high piled storage facilities such as warehouses and distribu-tion centers . Mr . Barkley has authored a number of technical papers in automatic test equipment, electronic design automation, and fire protection .


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WORLDWIDE HEADQUARTERSTyco Fire Protection Products

1400 Pennbrook Parkway

Lansdale, PA 19446

800-523-6512 / 215-362-0700

CRANSTON TECHNOLOGY CENTERTyco Fire Protection Products

1467 Elmwood Avenue

Cranston, RI 02910

Technical Services

800-381-9312 / 1-401-781-8220

www.tyco-fire.com October 2011www.tyco-fire.com November 2012

apps tyco ec-25 storage sprinkler 1-13

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