FLEXIBLE CONDUIT FOR USE IN A FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM

An exemplary flexible conduit (26) for use in a fire suppression system (20) includes a core layer (30) that establishes interior surface (32) of the flexible conduit that is configured to contact fire suppression fluid. A jacket layer (36) surrounds the core layer. The jacket layer establishes an exterior surface (38) of the flexible conduit. A reinforcing layer (34) is situated between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

BACKGROUND

Fire suppression systems often include sprinklers strategically located within areas of a building where protection against fire is desired. Most sprinkler systems include rigid metal pipes connecting the sprinklers to a source of water. The rigid pipes are typically heavy, cumbersome, expensive and can be difficult to install. In view of these drawbacks associated with rigid metal pipe, alternatives have been considered.

One alternative is to use chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) pipes in place of the rigid metal pipes. CPVC pipe, however, has limitations. It is not capable of withstanding ultraviolet light exposure and is incompatible with a significant number of residential building materials. At least those two factors introduce the possibility for leaks within the system if CPVC pipe is used. Of course, any leaks require repair and further expenses.

Another proposal would be to use a flexible connector hose within a fire suppression system. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,158,519 and 6,691,790 disclose a flexible hose within a fire suppression system. The challenges associated with using a flexible hose within a fire suppression system is achieving a hose having characteristics that allow it to withstand the pressures that are required to achieve proper sprinkler operation. The material has to have a long enough life expectancy and has to be chemically compatible with other building materials that may come in contact with the hose. The two patents mentioned above do not provide any indication of any particular material or construction of the hose to satisfy those requirements.

SUMMARY

An exemplary flexible conduit for use in a fire suppression system includes a core layer that establishes an interior surface of the flexible conduit that is configured to contact fire suppression fluid. A jacket layer surrounds the core layer.

The jacket layer establishes an exterior surface of the flexible conduit. A reinforcing layer is situated between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

An exemplary fire suppression system includes at least one sprinkler. A flexible conduit is between the sprinkler and a source of fire suppression fluid for carrying the fire suppression fluid to the sprinkler. The flexible conduit includes a core layer that establishes an interior surface of the flexible conduit that is configured to contact the fire suppression fluid. A jacket layer surrounds the core layer. The jacket layer establishes an exterior surface of the flexible conduit. A reinforcing layer is situated between the interior surface and the exterior surface of the flexible conduit.

An exemplary method of installing a fire suppression system includes providing at least one sprinkler. A flexible conduit is manipulated into a position wherein the flexible conduit can carry fire suppression fluid to the sprinkler. The flexible conduit includes at least one bend or curve along a path between the sprinkler and a source of the fire suppression fluid. The flexible conduit has a core layer that establishes an interior surface of the flexible conduit that is configured to contact the fire suppression fluid. A jacket layer surrounds the core layer and establishes an exterior surface of the flexible conduit. A reinforcing layer is situated between the interior surface and the exterior surface.

The various features and advantages of disclosed example embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1schematically illustrates selected portions of a fire suppression system20within a building22. At least one sprinkler24is situated in a position to provide fire suppression or protection for a selected area within the building22. A flexible conduit26couples the sprinkler24to a source28of fire suppression fluid (FSF). For purposes of discussion, the flexible conduit26is described as coupling the sprinkler24to the source28. The flexible conduit26does not need to make physical contact with the sprinkler24or the source28for this purpose. The flexible conduit26establishes a pathway between the source28and the sprinkler24for carrying fire suppression fluid to the sprinkler24.

The flexible conduit26facilitates installation of the fire suppression system by simplifying the installation process. The flexible conduit26allows for including bends or curves in the flexible conduit26along the path that the flexible conduit26establishes for directing fire suppression fluid from the source28to the sprinkler24. The ability to manipulate the flexible conduit26facilitates easily navigating around the structure of the building22during an installation process. The flexible nature of the conduit26also allows for eliminating multiple fittings and connections along the pathway between the source28and the sprinkler24. For example, elbow joints would be required with rigid pipe and such joints are eliminated when the example conduit is used.

The flexible conduit26is designed to withstand high pressures that can be experienced within a fire suppression system. One example is capable of withstanding up to 11,000 psi, which is a pressure required for proper sprinkler nozzle activation. The flexible conduit26is also capable of consistently maintaining pressure on the order of 1000 psi over the expected life of the fire suppression system20. Actual pressures may be in the 300-400 psi range while the system is idle and ready for activation, if needed.

The flexible conduit26has a unique construction and material composition that allows it to contain and carry the fire suppression fluid, renders it resistant to abrasion during handling or installation procedures, makes it compatible with various building materials with which it may come into contact within the building22and renders it flexible enough to facilitate a quicker and easier installation process.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates an example construction of one embodiment of the flexible conduit26. A core layer30establishes an interior surface32of the flexible conduit26. The fire suppression fluid is carried within the core layer30and comes into contact with the interior surface32. The core layer30comprises a first flexible material that is compatible with the fire suppression fluid so that it does not corrode and does not contaminate the fire suppression fluid over time. This feature establishes a sufficiently long useful life for the flexible conduit26and avoids possible interference with operation of the sprinkler24, which otherwise might occur if the inner layer were to break down from exposure to the fire suppression fluid.

In one example, the core layer30comprises polyethylene. One particular example comprises the material sold under the trade name DX 900 PE-RT. Another example core material comprises nylon.

A reinforcing layer34is illustrated generally surrounding the core layer30. For illustration and discussion purposes, the reinforcing layer34is shown exterior to the core layer30. In some embodiments, the reinforcing layer34is at least partially embedded within the core layer30. The reinforcing layer34provides strength to the flexible conduit26while still allowing it to be flexible and manipulable. The reinforcing layer34allows the flexible conduit26to withstand the relatively high pressures associated with the fire suppression system20.

In one example, the reinforcing layer34comprises a mesh material. In the illustrated example the reinforcing layer34comprises two mesh layers34A and34B. In this example, the mesh layer34B surrounds the mesh layer34A.

In one example, the reinforcing layer34comprises a polyester fiber weave. Another example reinforcing layer34comprises aramid fibers.

A jacket layer36establishes an exterior surface38of the flexible conduit26. The jacket layer36is schematically illustrated surrounding the reinforcing layer34. In some examples, the reinforcing layer34will be at least partially embedded within the material of the jacket layer36. Depending on the manufacturing process selected for making the flexible conduit26, it is possible for some of the material of the jacket layer36to be blended with at least some of the material of the core layer30although distinct and separate layers are illustrated for discussion purposes.

The jacket layer36establishes the exterior surface38. In one example, the jacket layer36comprises a flexible material that is different than the material of the core layer30and different than the material of the reinforcing layer34. In another example, the jacket layer36comprises the same material as the core layer30.

The exterior surface38is abrasion resistant and resistant to chemical reactions or corrosion that otherwise might occur as a result of contact between the exterior surface38and a substance within the building22. The jacket layer36also is highly resistant to degradation of long term performance characteristics due to ultraviolet radiation.

In one example, the jacket layer36comprises an ether based thermoplastic polyurethane material. One example includes a fire retardant or intumescent component within the flexible material of the jacket layer36. Several fire retardant components are known that are compatible with a thermoplastic polyurethane and those skilled in the art who have the benefit of this description will be able to select an appropriate composition of the jacket material to meet their particular needs.

The multiple layer construction of the flexible conduit26renders it useful for a fire suppression system. The core layer is compatible with the fire suppression fluid that will be retained within and carried through the flexible conduit26. The reinforcing layer34provides strength to withstand the pressures that must be maintained for proper activation of a fire suppression system. The example reinforcing layer34provides strength by reducing stresses seen within the material of the core layer30. The jacket layer36provides protection against damage, wear or breakdown of the flexible conduit26.

The flexible conduit26facilitates faster and easier installation of a fire suppression system. It also reduces expenses associated with fittings and connections that are required for installing rigid pipe to carry fire suppression fluid from a source to a sprinkler. Eliminating fittings and connections also reduces the number of possible leak points in the system. The flexible conduit also does not present a risk of a compromised structure as a result of exposure to ultraviolet radiation or substances found within typical building structures.