EXPERT RESPONSE
This is an interesting question which can be evaluated in a number of ways.
In my opinion, the predominant fire protection systems in a high value
asset environment are dry pipe, pre-action sprinklers, OR clean agent /
gaseous systems. The use of wet pipe systems in a data center facility
does occur, but I would say in most cases, was installed many years ago
when the technology for use of either clean agents or pre-action sprinklers
was not nearly as reliable as it is today. Specifically, the use of smoke
detection plays a key role in both types of systems.
Smoke detection technology today is both exponentially more reliable and
more economical than it was just 10-15 years ago. When smoke detection
works properly and smoke is detected, a dry pipe pre-action system
essentially becomes a wet pipe system.
The decision to use any given system mentioned generally comes down to an
evaluation of risk versus cost.
Generically speaking, its reasonable to say that:
A) Wet sprinklers involve the highest level of facility risk due to
response from heat only (not smoke) and because of the risk associated with
water in the piping 100% of the time. Wet pipe sprinklers will generally
be the most economical system of the three.
B) Dry pipe, pre-action sprinklers involve a moderate level of risk
because it is still a water based system, and still does not initiate
discharge until heat at each head is well beyond what would cause damage to
equipment. Maintenance required is a bit more and the systems are
generally more complex. Risk is mitigated to some extent because of the
multiple actions required BEFORE water is actually discharged, thus
minimizing potential accidental discharges or maintenance mishaps.
Pre-action systems are more costly than wet pipe systems but slightly more
economical than clean agent systems.
C) Clean agent systems involve the lowest level of risk to the facility
due to their quick response activation upon SMOKE detection (not heat
detection) which can be magnitudes more sensitive than heat detection. The
agent itself also causes no damage or clean up in the facility. The cost
of clean agent systems will be slightly more than pre-action systems.
|
