Deluge valve sprinkler systems

The Deluge system is designed to protect high hazard areas containing a severe fuel
hazard with a high heat release rate by bringing a large number of open sprayers into
action simultaneously in the event of a fire. 

The most common approach of detecting a fire is the use of a sprinkler detection line
permanently charged by air. In the event of a fire, the sprinkler detector heads directly
affected by the fire will operate. The immediate drop in air pressure within the detector
line releases the pressure against the Deluge valve diaphragm unit causing the Deluge
Valve to open and discharge water through all the open water spray nozzles to rapidly
control and extinguish the fire.

The fire fighting properties of the Deluge valve system can be considerable enhanced
with the introduction of foam solution into the systems water supply. Enhanced foam
Deluge systems are ideal for the protection of hazards such as the storage and handling of
flammable liquids in aircraft hangars, oil refineries and chemical plants etc.

A typical Deluge valve system comprises of a control valve, a sprinkler operated

detection system and a dedicated water supply system. For small or confined high hazard
risk areas, Multiple Controls can be used instead of sprinklers.  The Multiple Control is a
distribution valve containing its own detection element. When this element is triggered, it
supplies water to a small number of nozzles located within its zone of protection.   They
are available in 20, 25, 32 40 or 50mm sizes.

The size of the Deluge valve, its flow rate, the system water supply pressure and type of
detection system are all determined by the size and type of fire risk involved.