Deluge Systems

What is a deluge system?

A deluge system dispenses large quantities of a fire suppressing fluid – typically either water or foam – very quickly when a fire is detected or the system is manually activated. This starves the fire of oxygen and/or fuel, helping to extinguish the flames proactively.

What is the material used for foam deluge systems?

Foam deluge systems use a variety of expanding foams, known as AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foams). These typically contain a hydrocarbon surfactant and fluorosurfactant. Alcohol-resistant foams are specially formulated to hold their structure even in the presence of oxygenates, which would normally break down the expanded form of the foam.

Can you reset a deluge system?

A deluge system can be manually reset either locally or remotely, depending on the deluge valve installed. Deluge valves don’t have an automatic reset to prevent the risk of accidental reset, which could occur if a fire damages the reset or detection line. However, remote manual reset is an option in large environments or hazardous areas, where direct manual reset is not preferable.

How do you test a deluge system?

Deluge systems should be tested regularly to ensure sufficient flow rates and effective dispensing of expansive foams. It’s also possible to test fire detection systems separately, without conducting a full wet test of the deluge system. Contact Fire Shield Systems for more information about testing your deluge system.

How many types of deluge systems are there?

There are several types of deluge systems available, depending on the environment and application. Some examples include water deluge, as well as low, medium and high expansion foams for indoor and outdoor areas alike. Alcohol-resistant foam is a good option in the presence of oxygenates like Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), as the foam will resist being broken down by the oxygenate.

Why is a deluge system required?

Deluge systems are beneficial in very cold environments, as the pipes are not pre-filled and therefore there is no risk of water freezing inside them. Deluge systems also offer a faster response in the event of a fire, as the suppression agent can be released via all valves at once, instead of waiting for individual sprinkler heads to operate.

What is the difference between a deluge and sprinkler system?

A sprinkler system is typically a wet system, with pipes filled with water at all times. In a fire, the sprinkler heads open and dispense water into the area of the fire. A deluge system is normally dry, with all valves open by default. In a fire, a suppression agent, such as water, foam or dry chemical, is dispensed quickly via all the open valves (or via specific heads in a pre-action deluge system).

How do I choose a deluge valve size?

Each deluge valve you install should be big enough to support the capacity of the fire suppression agent you want to dispense. Remember that, together, the total valves installed on a single deluge system will affect the flow pressure. Contact Fire Shield Systems to speak to an engineer, and we can help you choose the right deluge valve size for your application.

What is a pre-action deluge valve?

A pre-action deluge valve restricts the suppression agent – foam, water or dry chemicals – to only the area where fire is detected. When a fire breaks out, the pre-action deluge valve fills the system with suppression agent. However, only the sprinkler heads in the immediate area of the fire open, preventing water or chemical damage to valuable equipment elsewhere in the space.

How do you control a deluge valve?

Deluge valves may be triggered automatically by fire detection systems or activated manually using a convenient push-button alarm point. Once activated, the valve may be reset manually, either locally or remotely, depending on the valve, which allows the deluge to be halted while avoiding the risk of accidental shut-off.