阅读说明：本技术 用于对包括在高度达五十五英尺的天花板下方存储在货架装置中的商品在内的高危险性商品进行抑制式防火的自动火灾喷洒器、系统和方法 (Automatic fire sprinklers, systems and methods for contained fire protection of high-risk merchandise, including merchandise stored in racking devices below a ceiling at a height of up to fifty-five f) 是由 马丁·H·沃克曼 斯科特·T·弗兰森 詹姆斯·E·戈林沃 贾森·托马斯·沃森 于 2019-08-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：对在最大天花板高度达55英尺(55ft.)的天花板下方的达五十英尺(50ft.)的货架存储件提供仅天花板式抑制防火的系统和方法,其中,货架存储件包括盒装未膨胀塑料商品和较小危险性的商品比方说例如1类、2类、3类、4类和/或它们的组合。系统和方法提供了液压和系统参数,这些液压和系统参数包括基于五个至不多于十二个液压式最远程喷洒器的液压设计区域,这些液压式最远程喷洒器以八英尺至十英尺(8ft.至10ft.)的优选的喷洒器至喷洒器间隔间隔开,这些液压式最远程喷洒器联接至与灭火流体的共同交叉的主供应管道连接的两个或四个分支管线。(Systems and methods are provided for ceiling-only fire suppression for shelf storage of up to fifty feet (50ft.) below a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height of up to 55 feet (55ft.), wherein the shelf storage includes boxed unexpanded plastic merchandise and less hazardous merchandise such as, for example, category 1, category 2, category 3, category 4, and/or combinations thereof. The systems and methods provide hydraulic and system parameters including a hydraulic design area based on five to no more than twelve hydraulic furthest-moving sprinklers spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight to ten feet (8ft. to 10ft.) coupled to two or four branch lines connected with a common intersecting main supply conduit of fire suppression fluid.)

1. A suppression mode ceiling-only storage volume occupancy fire protection system comprising:

a grid of hanging fire protection sprinklers defining a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing in a range of 8 feet to 12 feet (8ft. to 12ft.), each hanging sprinkler adapted to suppress a fire in a stored commodity, each sprinkler comprising:

a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet and a passageway arranged along a sprinkler axis between the inlet and the outlet, and having 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]The nominal K factor of (a);

a closure assembly comprising a plug;

a thermally responsive trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly proximate the outlet of the sprinkler body, the trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and

a deflector coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet; and

a piping network comprising at least one main pipe and a plurality of spaced branch lines interconnecting and positioning the suspension sprinkler grids below a ceiling having a ceiling height, the piping network being filled with a fire extinguishing fluid and positioning the sprinkler grids relative to a source of fire extinguishing fluid, wherein the number of hydraulically most remote sprinklers in the sprinkler grids defines a hydraulic design area of the system, the piping network delivering a minimum flow pressure to each sprinkler in the hydraulic design area to provide containment protection for a high stack storage comprising at least one commodity stored below the ceiling including any of class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic commodities and combinations thereof, the at least one item of merchandise has a maximum storage height, the storage having the configuration of shelf storage, the shelf storage being any one of single row shelf storage, double row shelf storage, and multiple rows of shelf storage;

wherein the number of the hydraulically most remote sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is five to no more than twelve (5 to 12), and the ceiling has a ceiling height of up to a maximum of fifty-five feet (55ft.) and the at least one commodity has a maximum storage height of fifty feet (50 ft.).

2. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the minimum flow pressure of each suspended sprinkler in the hydraulic design area comprises a minimum flow pressure of less than one hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi.).

3. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the minimum flow pressure of each suspended sprinkler in the hydraulic design area provides a minimum flow rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) from the hydraulic design area, wherein the minimum flow rate comprises less than 3000 GPM.

4. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage footprint fire protection system of claim 3, wherein the minimum flow pressure of each hanging sprinkler in the hydraulic design area provides a minimum flow rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) from the hydraulic design area, wherein the minimum flow rate comprises less than 2500 GPM.

5. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 4, wherein the minimum flow pressure of each suspended sprinkler in the hydraulic design area provides a minimum flow rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) from the hydraulic design area, wherein the minimum flow rate comprises about 2250 GPM.

6. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 4, wherein the minimum flow pressure of each suspended sprinkler in the hydraulic design area provides a minimum flow rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) from the hydraulic design area, wherein the minimum flow rate comprises about 2000 GPM.

7. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage footprint fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the deflector has a perimeter portion and a central portion, wherein the perimeter portion comprises a plurality of spaced-apart tines defining slots between adjacent tines, each slot having a first width at the perimeter of the deflector and a circular arc portion between the first width and the central portion, an end of each tine positioned on a circle concentric with the sprinkler axis, a first set of tines positioned on a first circle having a first diameter, and a second set of tines positioned on a second circle having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

8. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the fire suppression distribution pattern provided by each sprinkler is sufficient to provide an ADD greater than the RDD.

9. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is ten to no more than twelve (10 to 12).

10. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 9, wherein the hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area include a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line, a second set of sprinklers on a second branch line, a third set of sprinklers on a third branch line, and a fourth set of sprinklers on a fourth branch line, the first, second, third, and fourth branch lines being separate branch lines of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

11. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 10, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is twelve (12); and wherein the first set of sprinklers on the first branch line comprises three sprinklers, the second set of three sprinklers on the second line comprises three sprinklers, the third set of sprinklers on the third branch line comprises three sprinklers, and the fourth set of sprinklers on the fourth branch line comprises three sprinklers.

12. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is nine (9).

13. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 12, wherein the hydraulically remotest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area comprise a first set of three sprinklers on a first branch line, a second set of three sprinklers on a second line, a third set of three sprinklers on a third branch line, the first, second, and third branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced apart branch lines.

14. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 1, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is five to no more than nine (5-9) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

15. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 14, wherein the hydraulically remotest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area comprise a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line, a second set of sprinklers on a second line, and a third set of sprinklers on a third branch line, the first, second, and third branch lines being separate branch lines of the plurality of spaced branch lines.

16. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 14, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is no more than eight (8).

17. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 16, wherein the hydraulically remotest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area comprise at least a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers on a second line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

18. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 17, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is eight (8).

19. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 18, wherein the hydraulically remotest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area comprise a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers on a second branch line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

20. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 19, wherein the hydraulically most remote sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area further comprise a third group of sprinklers of a third branch line, and the first, second, and third branch lines are separate branch lines of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

21. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 14, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is six (6).

22. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 21, wherein the hydraulically remotest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area comprise at least a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers on a second branch line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

23. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 14, wherein the number of hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is five (5).

24. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 23, wherein the number of hydraulic furthest sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area includes at least a first set of sprinklers on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers on a second branch line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced-apart branch lines.

25. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the sprinkler body has 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]The nominal K factor of (a).

26. Root of herbaceous plantThe suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of any one of claims 1-24, wherein said sprinkler body has 28.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]The nominal K factor of (a).

27. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the sprinkler body has 33.6[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]The nominal K factor of (a).

28. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein each sprinkler is an ESFR sprinkler and the thermally responsive trigger assembly of each sprinkler includes a strut bar arrangement having a fusible link.

29. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage space occupancy fire protection system of claim 28, wherein the fusible links of the sprinklers have consistent operability, wherein RTI ranges from 19(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]To 36(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]。

30. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the minimum flow pressure is eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi.).

31. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1 to 30, wherein the sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing ranging from eight feet to twelve feet (8ft. to l2ft.) comprises eight feet (8ft.) of sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing.

32. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the director of each sprinkler in the grid of suspended sprinklers is positioned up to fourteen inches (14 ") below the ceiling.

33. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 32, wherein the director of each sprinkler in the suspended sprinkler grid is positioned up to eighteen inches (18 ") below the ceiling.

34. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of any one of claims 1-33, wherein the shelf storage has an aisle width of no more than 8ft.

35. A suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein said aisle width is in the range of 4ft.

36. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 35, wherein the aisle width is 6ft.

37. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of claim 35, wherein the aisle width is 4ft.

38. The suppression mode ceiling-only storage volume occupancy fire protection system of any one of claims 1-37, wherein the thermally responsive trigger assembly is configured as a frangible glass bulb.

39. A method of providing a ceiling-only storage volume occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode, the method comprising:

installing a grid of suspended sprinklers in a piping network, the sprinklers defining a range within two feet from a ceilingSprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight feet to twelve feet (8ft. to 12ft.), each sprinkler comprising: a sprinkler body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet and a passage arranged between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, the bore being defined at 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]A nominal K factor within the range; a closure assembly comprising a plug; a thermally rated trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly near the outlet of the sprinkler body, the trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and a deflector coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet; and

connecting the piping network to a source of fire suppression fluid, wherein hydraulic remote sprinklers in the sprinkler grid define a hydraulic design area of the system, the piping network configured to supply each sprinkler in the hydraulic design area with a minimum flow pressure of less than one hundred per square inch (100psi.) to provide containment protection for a high-pile storage comprising at least one commodity including any of class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic commodity and combinations thereof stored below a ceiling having a ceiling height, the commodity having a maximum storage height, the storage having a configuration of at least a rack storage, the rack storage being any of a single row of rack storage, a double row of rack storage, and a multiple row of rack storage, the ceiling having a maximum ceiling height of fifty-five feet (55ft.), and the stored items have a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (50 ft.).

40. The method of claim 39, wherein said connecting defines said hydraulic design area with five to no more than nine (5 to 9) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein the connection defines the hydraulic design area with at least a first set of sprinklers located on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers located on a second branch line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced apart branch lines.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein the connection further defines the hydraulic design area with a third branch line, and the first, second, and third branch lines are separate branch lines of the plurality of spaced apart branch lines.

43. The method of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the connection defines the hydraulic design area with nine (9) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

44. The method of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the connection defines the hydraulic design area with eight (8) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

45. The method of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the connection defines the hydraulic design area with six (6) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

46. The method of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the connection defines the hydraulic design area with five (5) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

47. The method of any one of claims 39 to 46, wherein said connecting comprises said conduit being configured to supply each sprinkler in said hydraulic design area with said minimum flow pressure of eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi.).

48. The method of any one of claims 39 to 47, wherein said installing defines said sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing as eight feet (8 ft.).

49. The method of any one of claims 39 to 48, wherein the connecting defines each hanging sprinkler in the hydraulic design area to provide a minimum flow rate in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) as any one of: (i) less than 3000 GPM; (ii) less than 2500 GPM; (iii) about 2250 GPM; or (iv) about 2000 GPM.

50. A method of providing a ceiling-only storage volume occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode, the method comprising:

installing a grid of overhead sprinklers in a piping network, the sprinklers defining a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing ranging from eight feet to twelve feet (8ft. to 12ft.) within two feet from a fifty-five foot (55ft.) ceiling, each sprinkler comprising: a sprinkler body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet and a passage arranged between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, the bore being defined at 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]A nominal K factor within the range; a closure assembly comprising a plug; a thermally rated trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly near the outlet of the sprinkler body, the trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and a deflector coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet; and

coupling the piping network to a source of fire suppression fluid, wherein hydraulic remote sprinklers in the sprinkler grid define a hydraulic design area of the system, the piping network configured to supply the hydraulic design area with a minimum flow rate of less than 2500 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) to provide containment protection for a high-pile storage, the high-pile storage including at least one commodity that is any one of a class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic commodity stored below a ceiling having a ceiling height, the commodity having a maximum storage height, the storage having a configuration of at least a rack storage, the rack storage being any one of a single row of rack storage, a double row of rack storage, and a multiple row of rack storage, and the ceiling having a maximum ceiling height of up to fifty-five feet (55ft.), and the storage commodity has a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (50 ft.).

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising defining the hydraulic design area of the system with five to no more than twelve (5 to 12) hydraulic remote sprinklers in a piping network.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein said defining said hydraulic design area of said system with five to no more than twelve (5 to 12) hydraulic remote sprinklers in a piping network further comprises defining said hydraulic design area of said system with nine (9) hydraulic remote sprinklers in a piping network.

53. The method of any one of claims 50-52, wherein said installing the hanging sprinkler grid further comprises providing a grid defining 28.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]A pore of nominal K factor (v).

54. The method of any one of claims 50 to 53, wherein the connecting comprises providing a minimum flow pressure of less than one hundred per square inch (100 psi.).

55. A method of supplying a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode, the method comprising:

obtaining a plurality of hanging sprinklers, each sprinkler comprising: a sprinkler body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet and a passageway disposed between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, the bore defined at 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]Subject in the range of (1)Weighing a K factor; a closure assembly comprising a plug; a thermally rated trigger assembly to support the closure assembly near the outlet of the sprinkler body, the trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and a deflector coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet; and

providing the plurality of sprinklers to install the plurality of sprinklers into a sprinkler grid relative to a source of fire-fighting fluid, wherein hydraulic remote sprinklers in the sprinkler grid define a hydraulic design area of the system of five to no more than ten (5 to 10) sprinklers to provide contained fire protection to a high-pile storage comprising at least one commodity stored under a ceiling having a ceiling height as one of a class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic commodity having a maximum storage height of up to 50 feet (50ft.) and combinations thereof, the storage having a configuration of at least a shelf storage, the shelf storage being any one of a single row of shelf storage, a double row of shelf storage, and a multiple row of shelf storage, wherein, the ceiling height is at least five (5) feet greater than the maximum storage height and up to a maximum ceiling height of fifty-five feet (55 ft.).

56. The method of claim 55, wherein said providing includes defining said hydraulic design area with five to no more than nine (5 to 9) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

57. The method of claim 56, wherein the providing comprises defining the hydraulic design area with at least a first set of sprinklers located on a first branch line and a second set of sprinklers located on a second branch line, the first and second branch lines being separate ones of the plurality of spaced apart branch lines.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the providing includes defining the hydraulic design area with a third branch line, and the first, second, and third branch lines are separate branch lines of the plurality of spaced apart branch lines.

59. The method of any one of claims 55-58, wherein the providing comprises defining the hydraulic design area with nine (9) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

60. The method of any one of claims 55-58, wherein the providing comprises defining the hydraulic design area with eight (8) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

61. The method of any one of claims 55-58, wherein the providing comprises defining the hydraulic design area with six (6) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

62. The method of any one of claims 55-58, wherein the providing comprises defining the hydraulic design area with five (5) hydraulic remote sprinklers.

63. The method of any one of claims 55-62, wherein the providing comprises providing the plurality of sprinklers to connect the plurality of sprinklers to a piping network configured to supply each sprinkler in the hydraulic design area with a minimum flow pressure of eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi.).

64. The method of any one of claims 55 to 63, wherein said providing comprises providing said plurality of sprinklers to install said plurality of sprinklers to define said sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing as eight feet (8 ft.).

65. The method of any one of claims 55 to 64, wherein the providing comprises providing the plurality of sprinklers to install the plurality of sprinklers to define each hanging sprinkler in the hydraulic design area to provide a minimum flow in Gallons Per Minute (GPM) as any one of: (i) less than 3000 GPM; (ii) less than 2500 GPM; (iii) about 2250 GPM; or (iv) about 2000 GPM.

66. A method of supplying a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode, the method comprising:

obtaining a plurality of suppression sprinklers; and

the plurality of sprinklers are provided for ceiling-only installation of the plurality of sprinklers relative to a source of fire-extinguishing fluid to define a hydraulic design area consisting of nine (9) hydraulic remote sprinklers in the protection of high-accumulation storage.

67. A ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system and method according to the suppression mode shown and described herein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to sprinklers for use in automated fire protection systems for storage buildings, warehouses, and the like.

Background

The design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler protection systems depends on several factors including: an area to be protected, an occupant or item to be protected in the area to be protected, a manner of addressing a fire. One area of particular interest is the automatic fire protection system for protecting storage arrangements of the type: pallet storage, solid bulk storage, shelf storage, large box storage or shelf storage, and more particularly for protecting such storage over twelve feet in height, i.e. high stack storage. Fire protection systems for rack storage typically include a grid-like arrangement of spaced apart automatic fire protection sprinklers, i.e., ceiling level sprinklers, mounted above the rack storage and below the ceiling of the storage footprint, which are connected by a network of pipes to a source of fire extinguishing fluid to distribute the fluid upon activation in response to a fire. The shelf storage system may be configured with ceiling-only horizontal sprinklers, i.e., "ceiling-only" systems, or alternatively may include ceiling-horizontal sprinklers and surface sprinklers installed in the shelf, i.e., "in-shelf" sprinklers, or sprinklers installed along the aisle surfaces of the storage area. As used herein, "ceiling-only" fire protection refers to providing water or other fire suppressant only from ceiling horizontal sprinklers, and thus does not include in-shelf sprinklers.

Fire protection devices typically comply with industry-recognized fire protection code requirements and are subject to approval by an "authority to judge" (AHJ) to ensure compliance with applicable codes and requirements. For example, one applicable standard is "NFPA 13 from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): installation standard for sprinkler system "(2016) (" NFPA 13 "). NFPA 13 provides minimum requirements for the design and installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems based on the area to be protected, the expected hazard, and the type of protective performance to be provided. Another industry-accepted installation standard focusing on both safety and property loss is FM Global property loss prevention data tables 8-9 (6/2015, 1/2018 provisional revision) and (3/2010, 7/2018 provisional revision) (collectively "FM 8-9") from FM Global factory co-insurance company. FM8-9 provides FM installation guidelines to protect class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, and plastic goods held in a solid stack storage arrangement, a palletized storage arrangement, a partition storage arrangement, a large bin storage arrangement, or a shelf storage arrangement.

NFPA 13 is based on the way in which systems and system's automatic fire sprinklers are designed to handle a fire to define the performance of a shelf storage fire protection system. For example, the system and sprinklers of the system can be configured to handle a fire by "fire control" as defined according to NFPA 13, by "limiting the size of the fire by means of water distribution to reduce the heat release rate and pre-wetting adjacent combustibles while controlling the ceiling gas temperature to avoid structural damage. "to perform" fire control ". The system and sprinklers can also be alternatively configured to achieve a "fire suppression" performance defined according to NFPA 13 as "drastically reducing the rate of heat release of the fire and preventing regeneration of the fire by means of applying water directly and sufficiently through the fire plume to the burning fuel surface". The FM8-9 installation guide is designed to provide dampening in shelf storage protection. As used herein, a "suppression mode" system or sprinkler is defined as a system or component that: these systems or components drastically reduce the rate of heat release from the fire and prevent the regeneration of the fire by applying water or other fire extinguishing agent directly and sufficiently through the fire plume to the burning fuel surface.

Thus, to meet the requirements for a ceiling-only rack storage suppression system, ceiling-level sprinklers should be proven capable of suppressing a fire of known size with a minimum number of sprinkler operations positioned at a desired ceiling-level installation height above the rack storage. Identification and qualification of fire sprinklers capable of such suppression can be accomplished by appropriate water distribution and/or full-scale fire testing. As used herein, "suitable for suppression" means that the sprinkler has been shown to meet a full-scale fire test to exhibit suppression performance, to meet an appropriate water distribution test for suppression, and/or that the sprinkler is classified as having satisfactory suppression performance requirements by an appropriate test means. Through such testing, the system design and installation standards for the sprinkler being tested, which are used in accordance with applicable installation codes and standards, can also be determined. The design criteria may include: (i) a maximum ceiling height that can provide ceiling-only protection; (ii) the type of hazard category and storage arrangement that can be protected at maximum ceiling height; (iii) the maximum height of the storage to be protected; (iv) (iv) a range of spacing between sprinklers installed at maximum ceiling height, and/or (v) hydraulic design requirements for installing sprinklers at maximum height.

Thus, there are several design considerations in the use and installation of ceiling level sprinklers for shelf storage protection, according to both NFPA and FM installation guidelines. These considerations include: the type of hazard or "category" of the stored goods, the storage arrangement, the maximum or maximum ceiling height, and the characteristics of the sprinkler to be used. Including the isolation of materials according to their flammability class according to industry recognized commodity hazard classification of FM8-9 guidelines. For example, FM8-9 lists the following categories of goods in order from lowest risk to highest risk: class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, boxed unexpanded plastic, boxed expanded plastic, non-boxed unexpanded plastic and non-boxed expanded plastic. Therefore, non-boxed unexpanded and expanded plastic commodities represent the two most challenging fire hazards ("high-risk"), with non-boxed expanded plastic commodities representing the most challenging fire scenario. According to NFPA 13 guidelines, plastic goods are classified under group a, group B, group IV, or group C, group III plastics, where group a plastics are the most flammable or hazardous plastics. Group a plastics are classified as boxed (unexpanded or expanded) and non-boxed (unexpanded or expanded), respectively. The shelf storage may have various merchandise arrangements including: a single row arrangement, a double row arrangement, or a multiple row arrangement. In addition, the rack arrangement may be defined by the flue space and the width of the aisle between the arranged rows. In addition to the classification of goods or hazards, the shelf storage fire protection system standard according to the guidelines is defined by the maximum ceiling height of the occupied space and the maximum height of the storage.

Based on various design considerations, installation standards provide an indicated number of operating or design sprinklers that provide a given minimum sprinkler operating pressure for a maximum height of the storage to be protected and/or a maximum height of the ceiling of the occupied space. The design sprinklers are a defined number of "hydraulic furthest sprinklers". As used herein, hydraulic furthest apart sprinklers are those sprinklers that experience the greatest fluid pressure loss relative to the fluid supply source when the sprinkler is supplied with the minimum fluid flow operating pressure for the sprinkler. According to guidelines, the "design area" of the system is defined by the spacing of the indicated number of designed sprinklers multiplied by the spacing or coverage requirements of the sprinklers. Because the design area is defined by the designated hydraulic furthest sprinkler, the design area is the "hydraulic furthest area" of the system. As used herein, a hydraulic furthest away zone refers to a zone where hydraulic calculations must be made to demonstrate whether all sprinklers within a design zone are activated, piping and supply can provide a desired operating pressure and/or fluid flow.

For example, one type of sprinkler used as a ceiling horizontal shelf storage protection sprinkler is an early suppression quick response (ESFR) sprinkler. The NFPA guidelines generally specify that the ESFR sprinkler design area for shelf storage in excess of 25 feet is defined by twelve (12) hydraulically most remote sprinklers, including four sprinklers on each of three fluid supply branch lines. ESFR sprinklers are designed for quick start. As the name suggests, the theory behind ESFR is to deliver sufficient water during the early stages of fire development in order to suppress the fire. Thus, for the purpose of early suppression, ESFR sprinklers must rapidly produce a sufficient amount of water that can penetrate the plume of fire and thus be delivered to the core of the fire.

To the extent that suppression performance is to be certified for a fire sprinkler system, the system and the equipment of the system, including the fire sprinklers of the system, are generally certified for suppression performance to AHJ. To facilitate the AHJ certification process, the fire protection equipment may be "column named," as defined by NFPA 13, meaning that the equipment is included in a list of organizations that are acceptable to AHJ, and that the list of organizations indicates that the equipment "meets the appropriate specified criteria or has been tested and proven to be suitable for a particular purpose. One such organization of lists includes Underwriters Laboratories Inc. The UL1767 standard for a safe early suppression quick response sprinkler from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. ("UL 1767") (2013, 4 th edition, 2015 revised) provides water distribution and fire test standards to establish that the sprinkler is suitable for early suppression quick response performance according to applicable installation guidelines.

FM certified storage sprayers are subjected to FM certification from FM appliances LLC "certification standard for quick response storage sprayers for fire protection-class number 2008" (2 months 2018) ("FM 2008"). According to FM 2008, FM certified storage sprinklers are tested to determine the suitability of ceiling level storage protection for a particular use, i.e., to provide suppression performance. As with UL1767, FM 2008 provides water distribution and fire test standards to establish that a given sprinkler is suitable for ceiling level suppression performance for storage protection according to applicable installation guidelines.

Installation, listing and/or certification guidelines and standards require consideration of several characteristics of the sprinkler for application and compliance. The characteristics of the sprinkler include: the orifice size or nominal K factor of the sprinkler, the installation orientation (hanging or standing), the thermal sensitivity or Response Time Index (RTI) rating of the sprinkler, the details of the sprinkler's deflector, and the spacing or coverage of the sprinklers. Typically, automatic fire protection sprinklers include a solid metal body connected to a source of pressurized water, and some type of deflector spaced from the outlet for distributing the fluid discharged from the body over the protected area in a defined spray distribution. The discharge or flow characteristics of the sprinkler body consisting ofThe internal geometry of the sprinkler including the internal passage, inlet and outlet (orifice) of the sprinkler. As is known in the art, the K factor of a sprinkler is defined as K-Q/P^1/2Where Q represents the flow rate of water from the outlet of the internal passageway through the sprinkler body (in gallons per minute GPM) and P represents the pressure of water or fire suppression fluid supplied into the inlet end of the internal passageway through the sprinkler body (in pounds per square inch (psi)).

The spray pattern or distribution of fire suppression fluid from the sprinkler defines the performance of the sprinkler. Several factors affect the water distribution pattern of the sprinkler, including, for example, the shape of the sprinkler frame, the orifice size or discharge coefficient (K-factor) of the sprinkler, and the geometry of the deflector. The guide is generally spaced from the outlet of the body. The geometry of the deflector is particularly important because the deflector is an essential component of the sprinkler and largely determines the size, shape, uniformity and droplet size of the spray pattern.

Controlling the fluid discharge from the sprinkler body is a fusible or thermally responsive trigger assembly that secures a seal to the central bore. When the temperature around the sprinkler rises to a preselected value indicative of a fire, the trigger assembly releases the seal and water flow begins through the sprinkler. Heat sensitive pass through of trigger assembly and sprinkler in (m-s)^1/2The measured response time index ("RTI") is measured or characterized. According to FM 2008 standard, 80(m-s)^1/2[145-635(ft.*s)^1/2]To 350(m-s)^1/2[145-635(ft.*s)^1/2]Define a "standard response sprinkler" and is equal to or less than 50(m-s)^1/2[90(ft.*s)^1/2]Define a "fast response sprinkler". According to this standard, a "fast response sprinkler" with a nominal K factor of 14 or greater has a value of 19(m-s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]To 36(m-s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]The RTI of (1). According to UL1767, the early suppression type rapid response sprinklers have a mass of no more than 36(m-s)^1/2[65(ft.*s)^1/2]The RTI of (1).

There are generally two types of thermally responsive trigger assemblies: brittle and not brittle. Frangible trigger assemblies typically include a fluid-filled frangible glass bulb that breaks when it reaches its rated temperature. A non-frangible trigger assembly, in which the components of the assembly separate when the solder reaches its rated temperature to melt, may include a fusible link or a welded mechanical device. One type of fusible link arrangement includes a post and rod or a plurality of pin arrangements held together by a fusible link to support the seal assembly within the discharge orifice of the sprinkler. Examples of these fusible link arrangements are shown and described in U.S. patent nos. 8,353,357 and 7,766,252 and U.S. patent application publication nos. 2011/0121100 and 2005/0224238. The strut and rod are retained in the assembly direction by a fusible link that transfers the compressive force of the load member acting on the strut-rod arrangement to the seal assembly. In the presence of a sufficient level of heat or fire, when the solder material melts and the links separate, the rods and strut members collapse and the sprinkler is actuated to begin discharging fluid with the seal released.

As ceiling heights increase and/or storage hazard extends to higher levels, fire protection from ceiling-only level sprinklers becomes more difficult to achieve, and therefore, installation guidelines have limitations on "ceiling-only" storage fire protection. At higher elevations, there are a number of variables that can alter the desired system performance, such as, for example, water supply, orifice size, and guide details. For example, FM8-9 and NFPA 13 limit ceiling-only suppression performance fire protection system design guidelines to a maximum ceiling height of forty-five feet (45ft.) in protecting commercial products classified as category 4 and boxed unexpanded plastic. Furthermore, for suspended sprinklers located below ceiling heights in excess of 30ft., FM8-9 guidelines limit the linear sprinkler spacing of sprinklers to a range of 8 feet to a maximum of 14 feet (14ft.) depending on the responsiveness of the sprinklers. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art understands that certain conditions according to installation guidelines do not provide predictability in the context of increasingly challenging conditions, such as increased height or more challenging goods.

For storage occupancy with ceiling heights in excess of 45ft, installation guidelines require system modifications, such as, for example, (i) installing a lower "false ceiling" which effectively reduces storage capacity under the ceiling, or (ii) using "in-shelf" sprinklers, which eliminates "ceiling-only" protection. The use of in-shelf sprinklers presents its own logistical constraints and/or operational drawbacks, such as, for example, (i) changes or modifications to the shelf to install in-shelf sprinklers may require modifications to the sprinkler system; (ii) moving the shelf to install the sprinklers in the shelf may require modification of the sprinkler system; and/or (iii) there is a risk of damage occurring to the sprinklers in the shelves when loading or unloading the storage compartment, particularly when using forklifts.

There are also known commercially available sprinklers that provide a suppression mode of ceiling-only protection of ceiling height in excess of 45ft, by specific installation standards not available in general installation guidelines. For example, one known system is a rack storage that runs down 43ft at a maximum ceiling height of 48ft. The following commercially available sprinklers and systems are described in technical data sheet table No. f _010715 revision 18.1: specific application fast Early Suppression Fast Response (ESFR)28.0K factor VK514 hanging sprinklers from the Nettingweijing company of Hastings, Michigan. By 2019, month 1, it is believed that FM has shown that ceiling-only system designs for single row shelf storage and double row shelf storage protecting class I to class IV and box-packed unexpanded plastic are certified, which are suitable as open frames with a channel width of at least 6ft at a maximum ceiling height of up to 50ft. These designs used the following sprinklers: (i) quick release K25.2 hanging storage sprinklers; or (ii) a quick release K22.4 hanging storage sprinkler. The following examples of commercially available K25.2 and K22.4 sprinklers are described in the technical data sheet table No. f _ 0100100102 (19.04.19 revision 19.1) and the technical data sheet table No. f _081612(18.10.11 revision 18.2), respectively: ESFR suspension sprayer VK510(K25.2) and ESFR suspension sprayer VK506(K22.4), each of which is from Vijing, Hemstins, Michigan.

With the concern of business and building owners for increased storage capacity with vertically higher ceiling heights and storage heights, there remains a need to identify and provide ceiling-only, fire suppression sprinkler systems for high-risk shelf storage at the following heights: the height exceeds the height available under known commercial systems and current installation standards. Due to limitations in current commercial systems and industry guidelines, there remains a need for a ceiling-only fire protection system for shelf storage with the following high-risk items: these high-risk commodities are under ceiling heights of over 45 feet, and more particularly under maximum ceiling heights of 50ft. and over 50ft. However, such systems have not been implemented to date in view of the various parameters to be selected from the water source, sprinkler orifice size and sprinkler guide configuration.

Disclosure of Invention

A preferred system and method for inhibited mode fire protection of high stack storage at storage heights in excess of 45ft is provided that does not require in-shelf sprinklers. More specifically, the preferred system preferably provides a ceiling-only storage accommodation fire protection system (a suppression-mode fire-only storage accommodation fire protection system) that provides a suppression mode of fire protection for high-risk merchandise in a shelf storage arrangement. More particularly, preferred embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may provide ceiling-only fire suppression protection for the following high-accumulation storage: the high stack storage may include fifty feet (50 feet) of shelf storage having boxed unexpanded plastic goods and less hazardous goods such as, for example, class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, and/or combinations thereof, located below a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height of up to 55 feet (55 ft.). Thus, the preferred systems and methods provide fire protection in a ceiling-only, fire-suppression mode to protect high-risk merchandise at heights previously not commercially available or available according to known industry installation standards.

One preferred embodiment of a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system of the suppression mode includes a grid of suspended fire sprinklers defining a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing in a range of 8 feet to 12 feet (8ft. to 12ft.), wherein each suspended sprinkler is adapted to suppress a fire in the stored commodity. Each sprinkler preferably comprises: a sprinkler body having an inlet and an outlet and a passageway disposed between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, and having a 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]The nominal K factor of (a); a closure assembly including a plug; a thermally responsive trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly adjacent the outlet of the sprinkler body, the trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and a guide coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet. The preferred system also includes a piping network having at least one main pipe and a plurality of spaced branch lines interconnecting the suspension sprinkler grids and positioning the suspension sprinkler grids below a ceiling having a ceiling height. The piping network delivers a minimum flow pressure to each sprinkler in the hydraulic design area to provide contained protection to a high-stack storage, the high-stack storage including at least one commodity stored under the ceiling including any one of a class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic commodity and combinations thereof, the at least one commodity having a maximum storage height, and the rack storage being configured as any one of a single row of rack storage, a double row of rack storage, and a multiple row of rack storage. The hydraulic remote-most sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area are five to no more than twelve (5 to 12), and the ceiling has a ceiling height of up to fifty-five feet (55ft.) and the at least one commodity has a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (50 ft.).

The design criteria of the preferred systems and methods described herein provide uniquely identified hydraulic and system parameters for the following systems: the system is capable of providing ceiling-only suppression mode protection for high-pile, high-risk merchandise including high-pile, high-risk merchandise in a rack storage arrangement stored up to fifty feet below a fifty-five foot ceiling. The design criteria are preferably defined by three variables: (i) a water source; (ii) (ii) hole size and (iii) details of the sprinkler's deflector. The preferred system and method includes a hydraulic design area for designing sprinklers based on: the design sprinklers are five to no more than twelve, spaced at a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight feet to ten feet (8ft. to 10ft.), and arranged to have a preferred minimum flow pressure of eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi.). The number of design sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area is preferably equally divided onto two or more branch lines connected to a common intersecting main supply pipe of fire suppression fluid. Alternatively or additionally, the number of branch lines of the hydraulic design area may be in the range of two branch lines to four branch lines.

The sprinklers used in the preferred system and method have discharge characteristics defined by a nominal K-factor, preferably at 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]And more preferably 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]Within the range of (1). Thus, for a preferred hydraulic design area, a standard and preferred five to twelve (5 to 12) hydraulic remote sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area of the system, the total required minimum flow or hydraulic demand for the system is preferably less than 3000 Gallons Per Minute (GPM), more preferably less than 2500GPM, and even more preferably about 2000GPM

The sprinklers of the preferred system and method distribute fire suppression fluid when properly hydraulically supplied to achieve suppression performance. Preferred spargers for use in the system include those having a particle size of 28.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]And a thermally responsive trigger assembly including a strut rod arrangement having an RIT 19(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]To 36(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]A preferred fusible link within the scope of (1). Preferred sprinklers include a fluid distribution guide having features to distribute the supplied fluid in a desired manner. In a preferred embodiment of the sprinkler, the preferred fluid distribution guide comprises a perimeter centered on the central sprinkler axis, wherein the perimeter is defined by a first circle centered on the central axis and a different second circle also centered on the central axis, the second circle being different from the first circle. The first circle has a first diameter and the second circle has a second diameter smaller than the first diameter.

One preferred method of providing a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode includes installing a preferred hanging sprinkler grid in a piping network, wherein the sprinklers define a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing ranging from 8 feet to 12 feet (8ft. to 12ft.) within two feet from the ceiling. Each preferred sprinkler includes: a sprinkler body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet and a passageway disposed between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, wherein the bore is defined at 11[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 50[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]More preferably in the range of 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]A nominal K factor within the range of (a); a closure assembly including a plug; and a thermally rated trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly adjacent the outlet of the sprinkler body; a guide coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet. The preferred Response Time Index (RTI) of the flip-flop assembly is 50 or less. The preferred method preferably comprises connecting the piping network to a source of fire fighting fluid, wherein the hydraulic remote sprinklers in the sprinkler grid define a hydraulic design area of the system. The piping network is configured to supply each sprinkler in the hydraulic design area with a minimum flow pressure of less than one hundred per square inch (100psi.) and/or a minimum flow rate of less than 2500 Gallons Per Minute (GPM) to provide containment protection for high pile storage, at least one commodity including storageAny of class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic goods and combinations thereof below a ceiling having a ceiling height. The items of merchandise have a maximum storage height and a configuration of at least any one of single row shelf storage, double row shelf storage, and multi-row shelf storage, wherein the ceiling has a maximum ceiling height of up to fifty-five feet (55ft.) and the stored items of merchandise have a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (50 ft.).

Other preferred embodiments provide methods of supplying a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system in a suppressed mode. One embodiment includes obtaining a plurality of preferred hanging sprinklers and providing the sprinklers to install the plurality of sprinklers in a suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy fire protection system that can protect high-stack storage including class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box non-expanded plastic shelf storage. Obtaining the preferred sprayer may include any one of manufacturing the preferred sprayer or obtaining the preferred sprayer, and providing includes any one of selling the preferred sprayer, specifying the preferred sprayer, or supplying the preferred sprayer. The preferred method more specifically includes obtaining a plurality of preferred hanging sprinklers comprising: a sprinkler body having a bore with an inlet and an outlet and a passageway disposed between the inlet and the outlet along a sprinkler axis, wherein the bore is defined at 11[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 50[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]More preferably in the range of 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]A nominal K factor within the range of (a); a closure assembly including a plug; a thermally rated trigger assembly supporting the closure assembly proximate the outlet of the sprinkler body, wherein the trigger assembly has a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50 or less; and a guide coupled to the body and spaced apart from the outlet. The preferred method further includes providing a plurality of sprinklers to install the plurality of sprinklers in a sprinkler grid relative to a source of fire-fighting fluid, wherein liquid in the sprinkler gridThe pressurized remote sprinklers define a hydraulic design area comprised of five to no more than ten (5-10) sprinklers to provide fire-suppression protection for at least one item of one of a class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic item and combinations thereof, the at least one item having a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (50ft.) and a configuration of at least one of a single row of shelf storage, a double row of shelf storage, and a multiple row of shelf storage. Sprinklers can be provided to install sprinklers below a ceiling at a maximum ceiling height that is at least five (5) feet greater than the maximum storage height and up to fifty-five feet (55 ft.).

Another preferred method of supplying a suppression mode ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system includes obtaining a plurality of preferred suppression sprinklers; and providing the plurality of sprinklers for ceiling-only installation of the plurality of sprinklers relative to a source of fire-extinguishing fluid to define a hydraulic design area consisting of nine (9) hydraulic remote sprinklers in the protection of high-accumulation storage.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. It should be understood that the preferred embodiments are examples of the invention provided by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a storage piece fire protection system.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative side view of a storage arrangement protected by the storage fire protection system of FIG. 1.

Fig. 2A is an illustrative end view of the storage element arrangement of fig. 2.

Fig. 3-3B are schematic diagrams of various preferred embodiments of hydraulic design zones used in the system of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a perspective illustration of a preferred sprinkler for use in the system of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the sprinkler of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5 is a preferred fluid director for use in the sprinkler of fig. 4.

Fig. 6, 6A and 6B are schematic views of a full-scale fire testing configuration for sprinklers used in the system of fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of an array of collection pans used to test the sprinklers used in the system of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Shown in fig. 1 is an illustrative schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a fire protection sprinkler system 10, the fire protection sprinkler system 10 for protecting a storage occupancy space 12 having only ceiling horizontal sprinklers ("ceiling-only") to distribute fire suppression fluid to address a fire in the occupancy space. More specifically, the system 10 is preferably a suppressed mode ceiling storage only occupancy space fire protection system that provides fire protection for high-stack storage that may include high-risk merchandise in a shelf storage arrangement as schematically shown in fig. 2 and 2A. Accordingly, preferred embodiments of the systems and methods described herein may provide suppressed fire protection for boxed unexpanded plastic commodities as defined by industry-recognized standards such as FM 8-1 and NFPA 13, as well as for less hazardous commodities such as, for example, class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4, and/or combinations thereof. As further shown in fig. 2 and 2A, preferred embodiments of the system and method may provide ceiling-only suppression performance protection below a ceiling CLG having a maximum ceiling height H of up to fifty-five feet above a floor FLR for rack storage having a maximum storage height SH of up to fifty feet. It is believed that the present invention provides fire protection using ceiling level only suppression sprinklers to protect high-risk commodities at heights not previously commercially available or provided under known industry standards. Fig. 2 and 2A illustratively show a double row racking arrangement including a metal racking structure having flue space and open racks covered by stored goods. Although a double row shelf arrangement is shown, it should be understood that the preferred system described herein may be configured to protect a single row shelf storage arrangement, a double row shelf storage arrangement, or a multiple row shelf storage arrangement in addition to protecting a non-shelf arrangement such as, for example, palletized storage, solid stack storage, shelf storage, or large bin storage.

In the illustrated embodiment, system 10 includes a grid of fire protection sprinklers 20 coupled to piping network 13, piping network 13 including one or more main pipes 14 with a plurality of spaced branch lines 15 extending from the one or more main pipes 14. The main conduit 14 is connected to a source of fire fighting fluid FS, such as a main water supply conduit. The sprinklers 20 are coupled to the branch lines and are spaced apart from each other and positioned relative to the fluid source. Further, the piping network positions the sprinklers 20 below the ceiling CLG, preferably positioning the sprinklers 20 within two feet from the ceiling. The sprinkler 20 is preferably of the hanging type, wherein the flow director of the sprinkler 20 is positioned to be disposed at a preferred distance of up to eighteen inches (18in.) below the ceiling CLG, and even more preferably at a distance of no more than fourteen inches (14in.) below the ceiling 22. The sprinklers 20 are preferably spaced apart from one another at a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing in the range of eight feet to twelve feet (8ft. to 12ft.) wide.

Referring to fig. 1, in any type of grid-like fire protection system, a set of design sprinklers are provided, with their sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing defining a hydraulic design area 16 of the system 10. To put the system into service, the design sprinklers of the hydraulic design area are the following sprinklers: these sprinklers are hydraulically displayed to the AHJ, which are provided with at least a minimum flow pressure to produce a minimum fluid flow for effectively addressing a fire with a desired level of protection, i.e., suppression protection. Thus, the sprinklers of the preferred system must be capable of providing the desired suppression protection, and more preferably, suppression protection. As described herein, the preferred embodiment of the sprinkler 20 has demonstrated this capability through proper water distribution and fire testing.

In the preferred system 10 and preferred method of system 10 for suppression mode protection, the preferred sprinklers are installed in a grid-like arrangement and coupled to a fluid source to achieve the preferred hydraulic design. Hydraulic remotely designed sprinklers are each supplied with a minimum flow pressure of fire suppression fluid, such as water, of less than one hundred pounds per square inch (100 psi.). In some preferred embodiments, the minimum flow pressure provided to the design sprinkler is eighty pounds per square inch (80 psi.). Shown schematically in fig. 3-3B is a preferred embodiment of the hydraulic design area 16 of the system 10 defined by a preferred number of design sprinklers 22, the design sprinklers 22 being hydraulically positioned furthest from the fluid source FS. The number of design sprinklers is preferably in the range of five to twelve (5 to 12) and preferably less than twelve design sprinklers 22 for each preferred hydraulic design area 16. The design sprinklers are preferably arranged or identified in groups coupled with two or more branch pipes 15.

For example, as seen in fig. 3 is a first preferred embodiment of the hydraulic design area l6a, provided with ten and preferably no more than twelve (10 to 12) hydraulic furthest apart sprinklers. The hydraulic remote sprinklers of the design area 16a are preferably divided into three groups 22a, 22b, 22c coupled with three branch lines 15a, 15b, 15 c. Alternatively, the hydraulic remote sprinklers of the design area 16 a' are preferably divided into four groups 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d coupled with four branch lines 15a, 15b, 15c, 15 d. Preferably, the number of design sprinklers is divided equally between the branch lines. Alternatively, in the event that the design sprinklers cannot be grouped equally, the largest group of sprinklers is preferably positioned on the furthest hydraulic branch line.

Shown in fig. 3A is an alternative embodiment of the hydraulic design area 16b, in which there are five to at least ten hydraulic remote design sprinklers. In the one preferred embodiment shown, there are a total of nine (9) design sprinklers, preferably divided into three groups 22a, 22b, 22c, and coupled to the three branch lines 15a, 15b, 15 c. In an alternative embodiment of the hydraulic design area 16 b', the design area is defined by no more than eight (8) hydraulic remote sprinklers, preferably divided into unequal groups positioned on three spaced apart branch lines l5a, l5b, l5 c.

In another alternative embodiment, the hydraulically designed sprinklers are positioned only on two spaced apart branch lines. For example, as shown in fig. 3B is an alternative embodiment of the hydraulic design area 16c, in which there are eight (8) hydraulic remote sprinklers, preferably divided into two equal groups positioned on two spaced apart branch lines 15a, 15B. In an alternative embodiment of the hydraulic design area 16 c', the design area is defined by preferably six (6) hydraulic remote sprinklers, which are preferably divided into equal groups positioned on the two branch lines l5a, l5 b. The preferred ceiling-only system described herein provides shelf-storage-inhibited fire protection with a hydraulic design area defined by as few as five hydraulic remote design sprinklers, with the hydraulic design area defined by as few as five maximum hydraulic remote design sprinklers. Shown in fig. 3B is a preferred hydraulic design area 16d with no more than five design sprinklers, which are divided into two groups 22a, 22B, preferably arranged on only two branch lines 15a, 15B.

An illustrative embodiment of a suppression fire protection sprinkler 20 for use in system 10 is shown in fig. 4 and 4A. The sprinkler 20 is preferably implemented as an automatic sprinkler having a body 24, the body 24 having an internal passageway, the body 24 having a fluid inlet 26 and an outlet 28, the fluid inlet 26 and outlet 28 being spaced apart from one another and axially aligned along a sprinkler axis a-a to define a sprinkler bore and discharge characteristics of the sprinkler. Generally, the discharge characteristics of the sprinkler body define the following preferred nominal K-factors: the nominal K factor is 11[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 50[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]And more preferably from 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]And areEven more particularly 14.0[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]、16.8[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、19.6[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、22.4[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、25.2[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、28.0[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、33.6[GPM/(psi)^1/2]Or 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]Any one of them. The preferred embodiment of the sprinkler and sprinkler body for use in the system 10 defines the following nominal K-factor: the range of this nominal K factor is 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]To 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]And even more preferably still 25.2[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]、28.0[GPM/(psi)^1/2]、33.6[GPM/(psi)^1/2]Or 36.4[ GPM/(psi)^1/2]Any of the above.

A closure assembly 30 and a thermally responsive or heat sensitive trigger 32 keep the outlet 28 sealed in the unactuated state of the sprinkler. Trigger 32 may be configured as a frangible glass bulb or fusible link device. Actuation, operation or thermal response of the sprinkler to a fire or sufficient level of heat is preferably faster than a standard response, e.g., a quick response or an early quick response, wherein the preferred Response Time Index (RTI) is 50(m s)^1/2[100(ft.*s)^1/2]Or smaller, preferably not more than 36(m s)^1/2[65(ft.*s)^1/2]And even more preferably from 19 to 36(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]. Thus, as understood from the FM standard, the sprinkler 20 is preferably a quick response storage sprinkler. The thermally responsive trigger of the sprinkler is preferably rated thermally in the range of 155 ° F to 210 ° F, and more preferably in the range of 164 ° F to 205 ° F, and is preferably rated thermally at 165 ° F.

The preferably thermally responsive or thermally responsive trigger assembly 32 is preferably disposed between the body 24 and the deflector 40 such that the closure assembly 30 maintains the outlet 28 sealed in the unactuated state of the sprinkler. As shown in fig. 4A, the closure assembly 30 preferably includes a plug disposed in the outlet 28. The thermally responsive trigger assembly 32 preferably includes a post 33, a rod 34, wherein a preferably fusible temperature reactive link 35 couples the post 32, and the rod 34 in an actuatable position between the body 24 and the guide 40Together to support the closure assembly 30 within the outlet 28. The thermally responsive trigger assembly 32 transfers the compressive force of a load member 36, such as, for example, a threaded screw member, acting on the strut assembly to the closure assembly 30. The preferred thermally responsive link 35 is preferably configured to provide consistent operability not available in previous fusible links. As used herein, "consistent operability" refers to configuring the fusible link to have an RTI within a preferred standard deviation of preferred values, such as, for example, an average value within a preferred RTI range. A preferred RTI range may be, for example, the entire range characterizing the flip-flop, e.g., 19(m-s)^1/2To 36(m-s)^1/2Or any subrange thereof. More specifically, the preferred fusible link is configured to provide the following actual RTI values: the actual RTI value falls within a standard deviation of 6 to 7 for the preferred RTI mean, more preferably within a standard deviation of less than 6 for the preferred RTI mean, and more preferably within a standard deviation of 2 to 3 for the preferred RTI mean. By providing the sprinklers with a preferably fusible link having consistent operability, multiple sprinklers can be provided with small differences in heat sensitivity and/or operating characteristics between sprinklers.

Generally, the preferred fusible link 35 comprises a first plate member and a second plate member joined to each other by solder bonding. Each plate member is preferably formed of beryllium nickel, such as for example UNS-N03360 beryllium nickel. Alternatively, the plates may be formed of aluminum, steel or copper or, for example, any other metallic material. The solder preferably applied is eutectic solder to define a preferred nominal temperature of 165 ° F (74 ℃) or 205 ° F (96 ℃), or alternatively off-eutectic solder is applied to define a preferred nominal temperature of 161 ° F (72 ℃). To ensure the preferred adhesion of the finishing coating to the weld plate, the surface of the weld element is subjected to a surface treatment or preparation sufficient to sufficiently adhere the protective or finishing coating. The preferred embodiment of link assembly 35 comprises one or more finishing coatings made of enamel. U.S. provisional application No.62/745,800 is incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of illustrating and describing the preferred embodiment of the fusible link 35 and the assembly of the fusible link 35.

Referring again to fig. 4 and 4A, a preferred embodiment of the suppression sprayer 20 comprises 28.0 GPM/(psi)^1/2]Nominal K factor of, by 50(m x s)^1/2[100(ft.*s)^1/2]Or less RTI-defined thermal sensitivity, and a guide 40. A preferred sprinkler is shown and described in U.S. patent application No.62/745,800, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The sprinkler 20 is preferably configured to be mounted in a hanging type orientation, wherein the fluid distribution guide 40 is coupled to the body 24 of the sprinkler 20 and is spaced a fixed distance from the outlet 28 by a pair of frame arms 29. The distribution of fluid discharged from the sprinkler body defines a preferred spray pattern and coverage of the sprinkler, which defines a preferred sprinkler spacing of the sprinkler. As previously described, the sprinklers of system 10 preferably define a preferred sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight feet to twelve feet (8ft. to 12ft.), and more preferably define a sprinkler-to-sprinkler spacing of eight feet to ten feet (8ft. to 10 ft.). The preferred sprinkler fluid distribution guide 40 is shown centered along the sprinkler axis a-a in fig. 5. The preferred guide 40 has a perimeter 42 and a central portion 44, wherein the guide includes a plurality of spaced apart tines defining a plurality of opposing slot pairs 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d and 46e between adjacent tines. Each slot has a first width at the perimeter 42 of the guide and a radiused portion between the first width and the central portion 44 of the guide. The spaced apart end ends of each tine define a perimeter 42. Perimeter 42 preferably includes a first perimeter 42a on a first circle concentric with the sprinkler axis defining a first diameter D1. Perimeter 42 includes a second perimeter portion 42b on a second circle concentric with the sprinkler axis defining a second diameter D2 that is smaller than first diameter D1. Thus, there are at least a plurality of first tines positioned on or terminating at a first circle and there are at least a plurality of second tines positioned on or terminating at a second circle. In particular, for at least one pair of opposing slots 46e, the tines on one side of the slot terminate withThe first circle and the tines on the other side of the slot terminate at the second circle. In preferred embodiments, these diameters define a preferred ratio of the first diameter to the second diameter in the range of 1.1:1 to 1.2: 1. In alternative embodiments, the tines may terminate in or define different perimeter geometries, such as different first and second rectangles, to provide a perimeter of varying width.

The five different pairs of opposing slots 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d, and 46e differ in their location and geometry, including their radial length and width. The first set of opposing slot pairs 46a includes first opposing pairs terminating at a first circle and aligned along a first bisecting plane P1. The second set of opposing slot pairs 46b includes first opposing pairs terminating in a second circle and aligned along a second bisecting plane P2. In the sprinkler assembly, the second set of opposing slot pairs 46b and the second bisecting plane P2 are preferably aligned with the frame arm 25. The third set of slots 46c is preferably disposed between the first set of opposing slot pairs 46a and the second set of opposing slot pairs 46b, and is preferably equiangularly disposed between the first set of opposing slot pairs 46a and the second set of opposing slot pairs 46 b. Thus, the third set of slots 46c preferably includes two pairs of opposing slots arranged at a 45 degree angle between the first bisecting plane and the second bisecting plane. In another preferred aspect, a fourth set of opposing slot pairs 42d is preferably disposed between the first set of slots 42a and the third set of slots 42 c. A fifth set of opposing slot pairs 46e is preferably disposed between the second set of slots 42b and the third set of slots 42 c.

As shown, the shortest slot is the second opposing pair 46b, with the longest opposing pair being the fourth opposing pair 46 d. When the length of the grooves of the respective groove groups is defined, the arc portion of each groove is tangent to a concentric circle circumscribed about the center C. Each of the second and third sets of slots 46b, 46c is tangent to a circle having a first radius R1 about the center of the guide, the first radius R1 being the largest for all slot sets, and the fifth set of slots 46e is tangent to a circle having a second radius R2 about the center of the guide, the second radius R2 being the smallest for all slot sets. The circular arc portions of the first and fourth grooves are preferably tangent to different circles having respective radii R3 and R4 located between the largest and smallest concentric circles. The end widths of the three slot sets 46a, 46c and 46d are the same at the perimeter of the guide. Each of the second groove group 46b and the fifth groove group 46e is different from each other and from the other three groove groups.

Other variations in the slot features or variations in combinations of similar slot features may define alternative embodiments of the guide that are adapted to provide a similarly dampened spray pattern for use in the system 10. For example, all groove groups may have the same groove width at the perimeter, with the second group of grooves 46b being the longest grooves and the fifth group of grooves being the shortest. To vary the length of the slots, concentric circles may define alternative radii from the center of the guide, with one or more circular arc slot portions extending tangentially to the concentric circles.

As described above, the total fluid flow from the sprinkler is a function of the discharge coefficient and the fluid pressure provided to the sprinkler. The fluid flow from the sprinklers in combination with the spray pattern defined by the deflector 40 can define the performance of a preferred ceiling level sprinkler over a range of heights and commercial products. The inventors have discovered a preferred range of fluid pressures for operating the preferred sprinkler 20 to produce a suppression performance in terms of handling the fire scale indicating a high-risk commercial fire at a vertical distance of from fifty-five feet. Thus, the inventors have discovered that the sprinklers used in system 10 are combined with minimum operating pressure operation to protect high-risk merchandise in shelf storage located below the ceiling at heights of up to fifty-five feet (55ft.) or less. Preferred fluid pressures are less than 100psi, preferably in the range of 35psi. to 100psi, more preferably in the range of 50psi. to 100psi, even more preferably in the range of 60psi. to 100psi, even more preferably still in the range of 75psi. to 100psi, and more preferably 80psi. For the design sprinklers and design areas of the above-described ceiling-only system provided within the preferred ranges, the minimum volumetric fluid flow from the sprinklers defines the preferred hydraulic requirements of the ceiling-only system to provide suppression protection below the maximum ceiling height of 55 feet (55 ft.). Thus, for the preferred five to twelve (5 to 12) hydraulic remote sprinklers defining the hydraulic design area of the system, the total required minimum flow rate is preferably less than 3000 Gallons Per Minute (GPM), more preferably less than 2500GPM, and even more preferably still about 2000 GPM.

Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler are capable of suppression. The preferred embodiment that has been subjected to a full-scale fire test is conducted in a worst-case scenario in which the preferred system is to be used. Shown in fig. 6, 6A and 6B are illustrative schematic views of a fire testing configuration for use in three full-scale fire tests. Mounted below a ceiling fifty-five feet (55ft.) above the ground at linear sprinkler spacing of one of 8ft.x 8ft. spacing or 10ft.x 10ft. spacing are thirty-six (36) preferred K28.0, suppressor-type suspended sprinkler grids. The sprinklers are supplied with fluid pressure, preferably 80psi, through an annular piping system of branch lines 2-1/2 inches in diameter to provide a preferred discharge flow rate of 250GPM from any sprinkler being actuated. The sprinklers are positioned below the ceiling with the sprinklers' guides located at a ceiling-to-guide distance ranging from 1ft.

Positioned below the sprayer grid is a test article of boxed unexpanded plastic article, preferably embodied as a measured single wall corrugated box of nominal 21in.x 21in, which holds 125 empty 16 ounce crystalline polystyrene cups in separate compartments within the box. Each pallet load is supported by a bi-directional 42 in.42 in.5 in. The main array of industrial racks 100 is arranged as a double row rack arrangement with test items stored at a height of forty-five to fifty feet (45ft. to 50ft.) having rack members 36 inches wide. The double row main rack array 100 includes 48ft across 9 to 10 tiers. For fire testing, the geometric center of the main array 100 is centered between four central sprinklers, or alternatively between two central sprinklers.

Two target arrays 100a, 100b of stored merchandise having a height of forty-five to fifty feet (45ft. -50ft.) are arranged to each side of main array 100 to define an aisle width of four to eight feet (4ft. -8 ft.). Each target array 100a, 100b is a single row measuring 4ft across 9 layers to 10 layers. The destination arrays 100a, 100b are spaced around the main array to define aisle widths in the range of 4ft. to 8ft. Three to four fire tests were conducted with a single fire located on the floor and ignited at the floor. In each test, the fire was located at a preferred offset distance of two feet east (2ft.) from the center of mass of the main array of double row racks. In one test, the test fire was positioned between two sprinklers, in another test, the test fire was positioned between four sprinklers, and in the remaining tests, the test fire was positioned below a single sprinkler.

For each test after the test fire was ignited, the total number of sprinkler activations was counted and the time of each sprinkler activation was recorded. In addition, a maximum 1 minute average gas temperature above the ignition site and a maximum 1 minute average steel temperature above the ignition site were determined using appropriate sensors. At the end of each fire test, damage to the main and target arrays, if any, is assessed. From the test results, the performance of the sprinkler in a worst case scenario is determined.

In each of the fire tests, no more than five sprinklers were operated. The maximum 1 minute average gas temperature above the ignition site does not exceed 1000 ° F, and the maximum 1 minute average steel temperature above the ignition site remains below 200 ° F. In each trial, the remaining fire was contained to the main array and did not spread to the ends of the main array. Thus, in each of the fire tests, a fire never crosses an aisle and affects the target array. Based on the test results, the preferred test sprinklers can have sufficient containment performance when supplied with a minimum fluid pressure of 80psi to protect boxed unexpanded plastic or secondary hazards in a 50 foot storage height shelf storage device located below a maximum ceiling height of 55ft. The test results thus support the preferred hydraulic design criteria for ceiling-only protection previously described and shown in fig. 3, 3A and 3B. In particular, ceiling-only systems using the preferred sprinklers can provide suppression performance based on at least five design sprinklers provided with a minimum fluid pressure of 80psi. Furthermore, by applying a safety factor of no greater than 2.4, the desired dampening performance can be achieved with no more than twelve (12) sprinklers.

Preferred embodiments of the sprinkler are subjected to an Actual Delivery Density (ADD) test. Shown in fig. 7 is a forty-two collection pan configuration with two or more preferred sprayers mounted above the collection pan and coupled to a fluid source. A series of tests were conducted in which water was distributed from the one or more sprinklers into a collection pan. From the collected volume, the actual delivery density ADD is determined for each disc. The collection trays are grouped together according to their tray locations and aggregated density values. The catch trays are grouped as follows: (i) four central groups of discs (201, 202, 205, 206); (203, 204, 207, 208); (209, 210, 213, 214); (211, 212, 215, 216); (ii) four chimney trays (217, 218, 219, 220) centered between the four central core trays; (iii) eleven north pre-wetting trays (221, 222, 225, 226); (223, 224, 227, 228); (237, 238, 239); and (iii) eleven south pre-wet pans (221, 222, 225, 226); (231, 232, 235, 236); (240, 241, 242). In one embodiment, the central core is centered under two sprinklers spaced ten feet (10ft.) apart. In another embodiment, the central core is centered under four sprinklers, wherein two sprinklers are ten feet apart on a first pipeline and two sprinklers are ten feet apart on a second pipeline that is ten feet apart from the first pipeline. Additional details of the ADD assay are described below. The ADD test was conducted in the absence of a fire and also in the presence of a fire of known scale. To compare ADD, known burning fuel packs can be ignited below the catch tray for which the required discharge density RDD is known in terms of suppressing fires. If the ADD from a thermally actuated sprinkler quickly extinguishes a fire, it can be concluded that the ADD has exceeded the RDD of the fire in order to verify that the sprinkler has suppression performance.

In one preferred construction, the collection pan is positioned six feet below the ceiling with the two open sprinklers positioned such that the deflector is about 17 inches below the ceiling. Water is delivered to the sprinkler at 80psi and discharged from the open sprinkler for 8 to 15 minutes with no fuel packets burning. Three test runs were performed. ADD results are summarized below:

test 1

Test 2

Test 3

In another preferred construction, the collection pan is positioned six feet below the ceiling with the four open sprinklers positioned such that the deflector is about 17 inches below the ceiling. Water is delivered to the sprinkler at 80psi and discharged from the open sprinkler for 8 to 15 minutes with no fuel packets burning. Two test runs were performed. ADD results are summarized below:

test 4

Test 5

Test 6

In another preferred construction, the collection pan is positioned six feet below the ceiling with two sprinklers positioned such that the deflector is about 17 inches below the ceiling and a 2600kW heptane fire is ignited below the collection pan. Water is delivered to the sprinkler at 80psi and discharged from the thermally actuated sprinkler for 8 to 12 minutes. Three test runs were performed. ADD results are summarized below:

test 7

Test 8

Test 9

In another ADD test conducted with burning fuel, the catch tray was positioned six feet below the ceiling with four sprinklers positioned such that the deflectors were about 17 inches below the ceiling and a 3000kW heptane fire was ignited below the catch tray. Water is delivered to the sprinkler at 80psi and discharged from the thermally actuated sprinkler for 7 to 15 minutes. Four test runs were performed. ADD results are summarized below:

test 10

Test 11

Test 12

Test No. 13

In each of the distribution tests in which the test fire was present, the fire was extinguished for a test duration in the range of 5 minutes to 10 minutes. It was therefore concluded that the test sprinklers clearly provided an ADD greater than the Required Delivery Density (RDD) required to suppress the test fire.

Having determined and validated a preferred sprinkler, its minimum operating pressure and associated hydraulic design criteria to protect high pile, high risk merchandise located below the highest ceiling height of up to fifty-five feet (55ft.), a method of obtaining and providing a sprinkler for ceiling and storing high risk merchandise below 55ft. Obtaining the preferred sprayer may include any one of manufacturing the preferred sprayer or obtaining the preferred sprayer; and the providing may include any of selling, specifying, or supplying a preferred sprinkler. For example, one preferred method of supplying a ceiling-only storage occupancy space fire protection system in a suppression mode includes obtaining a plurality of hanging sprinklers. Each sprinkler preferably comprises: a sprinkler body defined as in 28.0 and 36.4A nominal K factor of either; a closure assembly and a thermally rated trigger assembly, the thermally rated trigger assembly having a Response Time Index (RTI) of 50(m s)^1/2[100(ft.*s)^1/2]Or less, preferably not more than 36(m s)^1/2[65(ft.*s)^1/2]And even more preferably 19(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]To 36(m s)^1/2[35-65(ft.*s)^1/2]. The preferred method also preferably includes providing a plurality of sprinklers for installation into a sprinkler grid, wherein the hydraulic remote sprinklers located in the sprinkler grid define a hydraulic design area of the system formed by five to no more than ten (5-10) sprinklers to provide inhibited fire protection for at least one commodity that is one of class 1, class 2, class 3, class 4/box unexpanded plastic, and combinations thereof. In a preferred method, the sprinklers are preferably mounted below a ceiling having a maximum ceiling height of fifty-five feet (55ft.), wherein the stored items have a maximum storage height of up to fifty feet (55ft.) in a rack storage arrangement that is any one of a single row of rack storage, a double row of rack storage, and a multiple row of rack storage to define a clearance distance of at least 5 feet (5ft.) between the items and the ceiling.

Although the present invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, numerous modifications, variations and changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope and ambit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and the equivalents of the claims.