Experimental Study on the Characteristics of Sprinkler Discharge Obstructions in Upper Logistic Rails

Experimental Study on the Characteristics of Sprinkler Discharge Obstructions in Upper Logistic Rails

In the early stage of a fire, sprinklers system of water-based fire-extinguishing systems, which are harmless to the human body, are the most widely used for fire control and suppression in manufacturing factories. The logistic carrier transport in modern manufacturing companies has been almost fully automated and sprinklers are installed around them all over the world. In the presence of an obstruction, a base plate around the upper logistic rail secures the separation distance from the obstacle of more than three times the width of the obstacle, as required by fire regulations (National Fire Technical Code 103 and National Fire Protection Association 13). However, if this cannot be achieved, the fire sprinkler should be more than 600 mm from the base plate, and the opening ratio of the base plate should be less than 70% in an upper logistic rail. This requires sprinklers to be positioned away from obstructions at a minimum of three times the maximum dimension of the obstruction. This study analyzed the sprinkler discharge obstruction from the base plate around the upper logistic rail using the UL standard for sprinkler water spray for the logistic rail area of manufacturing factories. The results can contribute to mitigating fire risks and safety problems.