2.6.4 Latching Solenoid with Local Manual Control
2.6.4.1 Latching Solenoid
Latching Solenoid w/ supervision (Part Number: UFI 50026-A) is used to open a Schrader valve on the top plug adaptor of the cylinder valve. The application provides a solution with a fast response and a high latching force to be used with the Unique Fire Clean Agent Fire Suppression System. It is UL listed and tested in accordance to UL 508. When the latching solenoid is removed from the cylinder assembly, the release control panel will show audible and visual indication of the system impairment. Refer to Figure 2-27 for the Latching Solenoid wiring diagram.
It was determined that the latching solenoid with an optional local manual control is used as an alternative solution for the application when a pin actuation can be visible during system test with the latching solenoid removed from the top plug adapter. The actuator is held in the latched position without power until a signal from the agent release control panel cuts off the permanent magnet. When released, the latching solenoid opens the cylinder valve, allowing the extinguishing medium to discharge from the cylinder into the system. The fast response time allows the clean agent from the system to be released in the event of a fire. The latching solenoid is designed with an emergency release local manual control to manually force the pin to depress the cylinder valve to release the extinguishing medium when required.
2.6.4.2 Latching Solenoid Local Manual Control
The Latching Solenoid Local Manual Control (Part Number: UFI 61033-2) features a local lever driven push rod that depresses a Schrader valve through the latching solenoid when fitted onto the top of the solenoid, thereby venting the pressure from the top of the piston in the cylinder valve, allowing the piston to slide upward and commence cylinder discharge. The Local Manual Control can be mounted directly to a top plug adapter, which is the top piece of the cylinder valve.
2.7 Agent Distribution Devices
2.7.1 Pipe, Pipe Fittings, and Pipe Supports
Pipe, pipe fittings, and pipe supports shall be in accordance to the latest edition of NFPA 2001 available from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA-02269. Also, see the ANSI B 31.1, Power Piping Code.
2.7.1.1 Pipe Requirements
Pipe shall be a minimum of Schedule 40 steel pipe. Black or galvanized steel pipe shall follow the ASTM A-53, the ASTM A-106, or the ANSI B36.10. (refer to page 41)
2.7.1.2 Pipe Fittings
Pipe joints shall be Class 300 lb malleable iron only (ASTM A-197) and have a minimum working pressure of 620 psi (43 bars). The temperature ratings of the fittings must not be exceeded. Teflon tape must be applied on male threads only for screwed fittings (excluding the first two threads closest to the end of the pipe). All threaded joints must be in accordance to the ANSI B-20.1. Class 300 lb ductile iron or higher (ASTM A-395) or steel (ASTM A-234) is acceptable. The method of joining all pipes must be in accordance to the latest requirements listed in the NFPA 2001. Acceptable fittings include screwed, flanged, welded, and Victaulic.
All reductions in pipe size must be made by using concentric reducer fittings after the tee. Reducing bushings are not acceptable. All tees shall exit in the horizontal plane. See Tee orientation in Figure 3- 36 for details.
NOTE: Machined groove or roll grooved Victaulic fittings are to be used.
2.7.1.3 Pipe Supports
Pipe supports must be installed with allowance for expansion and contraction. They must be rated to support the dead weight of the pipes and the thrust forces of the HFC-227ea discharge. The piping for fire-extinguishing system shall be installed in accordance to proper commercial practices and securely supported by the UL Listed hangers. Refer to the ANSI B-31.1 Codes for bracing requirements.
2.7.2 Nozzles
Discharge nozzles are made of aluminium with female pipe threads. Nozzles are available in 1/2”, 3/4”, 1”, 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, and 2” sizes. These nozzles are available in two configurations, 180° sidewall and 360° central discharge patterns. Eight ports are used on both types of nozzles (Figure 2-29). All nozzles are rated for a minimum height of 1 ft and a maximum hazard height of 16 ft. If hazards exceed 16 ft in height, a second tier of nozzles must be used. See Figure 3-39 and Figure 3-40 for details.
Any combination of types of nozzles could be used in a single area. When multiple nozzles are employed, the coverage for each nozzle must not exceed its maximum length and area of coverage. See Figure 3-37 for details. (refer to page 42)
2.7.2.1 Nozzle Selection
180o Sidewall: Typically to be installed adjacent to the center of one wall of one enclosure. Its discharge path will be across the enclosure. At no time shall the area coverage be exceeded. The use of two 180˚ nozzles may be installed at the center of the enclosure. See Figure 3-37 for details.
360˚ Central: Typically to be installed at the center of the enclosure. Its discharge path will be across the enclosure. At no time shall the area coverage be exceeded. See Figure 3-37 for details.
NOTE: For both types of nozzles the maximum hazard elevation is 16 ft when one level of nozzles is used. For hazards above 16 ft, the additional height is to be covered by the next level of nozzles. See Figure 3-39 and Figure 3-40 for details.
2.7.2.2 Nozzle Numbering System
The part number of discharge nozzles consists of 3 letters followed by 10 digits (Figure 2-30). The UFI prefix is standard for Unique Fire. The first 5 digits denote the NPT pipe size of the nozzle. The next digit denotes the discharge pattern (“2” represents the 180o sidewall nozzle while “3” represents the 360o central nozzle). The last 4 digits is the orifice drill size. A sample list of part numbers is given in Table 2-8. refer to page 43
2.7.3 Flexible Hoses
Flexible hoses (flex hoses) are used to connect the agent storage containers to the manifold in multiple cylinders arrangement. Flex hoses are 18” long and constructed of high pressure hydraulic rubber in the 1” and 1-1/2” sizes or stainless steel corrugated inner core with stainless steel braided in the 2-1/2”, 3” and 4” sizes. See Figure 2-31 for details. All sizes except for the 3” and 4” flex hose are fitted with male NPT threads on both ends. The 3” and 4” version has a grooved fitting on both ends.
The recommended assembly configuration is to install a union elbow to the discharge outlet of the cylinder valve. Then, install the flex hose between the union elbow and a check valve, with the check valve connected to the appropriate fitting in the manifold.
The 650 lb, 800 lb and 1000 lb cylinders can be provided with a 3” flex hose or a flex hose & check valve assembly for manifold. The 800 lb, 1000 lb and 1200 lb cylinders can be provided with a 4” flex hose or a flex hose & check valve assembly for manifold. The 3” and 4” check valves without hoses are available upon request. The flex hose & check valve assembly is used when the multiple cylinders are connected to the manifold.
NOTE: The 1”, 1-1/2”, and 2-1/2” flex hoses are to be installed straight up into the check valve only. No bends of the flex hose are to be used in the installation. The 3” and 4” flex hose may be mounted horizontally or vertically.
2.7.4 Shuttle Valves
The shuttle valve is used to connect two cylinders to a common discharge pipe in a main-reserve configuration. The shuttle valve contains a shuttle check, which closes off the pipe to the empty cylinder (main) to allow the discharge from the reserve cylinder to flow through the discharge piping. The shuttle valve is available in 1”size for the 20 lb, 35 lb, 70 lb and 100 lb cylinders and 1-1/2”size for the 100 lb, 150 lb and 250 lb cylinders. See Figure 2-32 for details.
2.7.5 Check Valves
Check Valves are used when two or more agent storage cylinders are manifold together with one common discharge piping configuration. Their purpose is to prevent the loss of agent in the event that any of the agent storage cylinders are not connected to the manifold at the time of system discharge and to prevent the back flow of agent into other cylinders attached to the manifold.
All components of the Check Valves are constructed from brass for durability and protection against corrosion. The metal to metal sealing area of the disc and seat is precision lapped, providing a very tight shut-off of both gas and liquid. The Check Valves must be installed in the vertical position only with check disc on top. Figure 2-33 shows the configuration and dimensional details of the Check Valves.
2.7.6 Selector Valve w/ Pneumatic Actuator Assembly
Unique Fire’s Selector Valve Assembly consists of a Pneumatic Actuator and a Selector Valve.
Selector valves are used for protection of multiple hazards from one central storage bank of clean agent. The assembly features a pneumatic operated selector valve which is used to direct the flow of extinguishing agent under system pressure to the hazard area requiring fire suppression.
Selector Valve Specifications:
1. Available in stainless steel or carbon steel
2. 100% air test under water @ 80psi to 100psi
3. Working Pressure: 1000psi/800psi
4. Temperature Range: -20˚F to 450˚F