Patent ID: 8051915
Filing Date: 2011-11-08
Classification: A62C,F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible for use as a wet system or a dry system, said sprinkler system comprising: a source of pressurized liquid; a piping network in fluid communication with said liquid source; a plurality of sprinkler heads mounted on said piping network for discharging said liquid in the event of a fire; a first valve positioned in said piping network between said liquid source and said sprinkler heads for controlling flow of said liquid thereto; a bypass loop providing fluid communication between a point upstream of said first valve and downstream thereof, a bypass valve being positioned in said bypass loop for controlling flow of said liquid therethrough; a source of pressurized gas; a gas conduit providing fluid communication between said gas source and said piping network downstream of said first valve, a gas control valve being positioned within said gas conduit; and a system actuator in fluid communication with said gas source through said gas conduit, a liquid conduit providing fluid communication between said liquid source, said system actuator, and said first valve, a shut-off valve positioned within said liquid conduit, and wherein, when said system is operated as a dry system, said shut-off valve being open, said system actuator opening said first valve in response to a drop in gas pressure within said piping network, and when said system is operated as a wet system, said shut-off valve being closed, thereby isolating said system actuator from said liquid source, and said first valve opening in response to flow from at least one of said sprinkler heads.