Abstract:
A sprinkler replacement method for a fire sprinkler piping system with a first pipe, a second pipe, a remote test pipe, a first drain gate, a second drain gate, a connection pipe, and a sprinkler. The method includes the steps of opening the first and second drain gates to drain water from the first, second, and remote test pipes by gravity, connecting an air-water separation device to the first drain gate, connecting a vacuum device to the air-water separation device, closing the second drain gate to enclose the fire sprinkler piping system, evacuating the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system by means of the vacuum device to provide a predetermined negative air pressure therein, removing the sprinkler, wherein water in the connection pipe flows into the air-water separation device by atmospheric pressure, and connecting another sprinkler to the connection pipe.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     The invention relates to sprinkler replacement methods, and in particular to sprinkler replacement methods providing fast and safe sprinkler replacement.  
         [0002]     Water often remains in the piping system when replacing fire sprinklers. When the sprinklers, especially pendent sprinklers in a clean room, are not carefully replaced, the water remaining in the piping system may leak, causing damage to process tools, spreading foul odors, and increasing humidity therein.  
         [0003]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a fire sprinkler piping system  1  in a clean room comprises a first pipe  11 , a second pipe  12 , and a remote test pipe  13 . The first pipe  11  is connected to one end of the second pipe  12 , and the remote test pipe  13  is connected to the other end of the second pipe  12 . An alarm check gate  14  is connected to the first pipe  11 . An intake gate  15  is disposed below the alarm check gate  14  and connected to the first pipe  11 . The alarm check gate  14  is connected to a drain pipe  16 . A first drain gate  17  is connected to the drain pipe  16 . A second drain gate  18  and a remote pressure gauge  19  are connected to the remote test pipe  13 . The remote pressure gauge  19  is disposed above the second drain gate  18 , detecting the water pressure in the remote test pipe  13 . A plurality of sprinklers  20  are connected to the second pipe  12  by a plurality of connection pipes  21 , respectively. Additionally, process tools (not shown) can be disposed under the sprinklers  20 .  
         [0004]     Operation of the fire sprinkler piping system  1  is described as follows. When the intake gate  15  opens, external water can flow into the fire sprinkler piping system  1  via the first pipe  11 . At this point, the first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  are closed. When the temperature in the clean room exceeds or attains a predetermined value, the sprinklers  20  automatically spray water into the clean room.  
         [0005]     When the sprinklers  20  are replaced, the intake gate  15  must be closed. The first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  are then opened, such that water in the first pipe  11 , second pipe  12 , and remote test pipe  13  is drained out of the fire sprinkler piping system  1  via the first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  by gravity. Nevertheless, since the connection pipes  21  are below the horizontal second pipe  12 , water remaining in the connection pipes  21  cannot be drained by gravity. If the sprinklers  20  are directly removed, the water remaining in the connection pipes  21  flows into the clean room.  
         [0006]     Thus, some protective measures are required when the sprinklers  20  are sequentially removed. The process tools under the sprinklers  20  must be covered with water-resistant PVC curtains, and anti-static PVC curtains must enclose the sprinklers  20  to isolate potential particles. Buckets, funnels, and tubes must be disposed under a target sprinkler  20  to receive the water remaining in the connection pipe  21  when removed.  
         [0007]     Accordingly, the aforementioned sprinkler removal or replacement method has many drawbacks. At least three operators are required during removal or replacement of the sprinklers  20 . Specifically, one operator removes or replaces the sprinklers  20  while the others hold the buckets, funnels, and tubes and replace the buckets. Accordingly, manpower for removal or replacement of the sprinklers  20  cannot be reduced. Further, foul odors spread when the water remaining in the connection pipes  21  flows out, causing olfactory discomfort. Further, clean room manufacturing processes must be stopped due to the spread of foul odors. Moreover, additional time is required to allow the water remaining in the connection pipes  21  to flow out by gravity. Replacement of each sprinkler  20  requires at least ten minutes. Thus, an excessive time span or many operators must be required when all the sprinklers  20  in the fire sprinkler piping system  1  (in the clean room) are replaced.  
         [0008]     The piping of the fire sprinkler piping system  1  is conventionally examined by reviewing design drawings thereof (visual confirmation). Inaccurate judgment may occur when hidden piping exists or the piping is complex. Specifically, different sprinklers may belong to different fire sprinkler piping systems. If a sprinkler in use and with a water pressure is removed, the water in the fire sprinkler piping system will immediately gush out, causing serious damage to the process tools in the clean room.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0009]     Methods for replacing sprinklers in a fire sprinkler piping system are provided. A fire sprinkler piping system comprises a first pipe, a second pipe, a remote test pipe, a first drain gate, a second drain gate, at least one connection pipe, and at least one sprinkler. The first pipe is connected to one end of the second pipe, and the remote test pipe is connected to the other end of the second pipe. The first drain gate is connected to the first pipe. The second drain gate is connected to the remote test pipe. One end of the connection pipe is connected to the second pipe, and the other end of the connection pipe is connected to the sprinkler. An exemplary embodiment of a method for replacing sprinkles in the fire sprinkler piping system comprises the steps of: opening the first and second drain gates to drain water from the first, second, and remote test pipes by gravity; connecting an air-water separation device to the first drain gate; connecting a vacuum device to the air-water separation device; closing the second drain gate to enclose the fire sprinkler piping system; evacuating the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system by means of the vacuum device to provide a predetermined negative air pressure therein; removing the sprinkler, wherein water in the connection pipe flows into the air-water separation device via the second and first pipes and first drain gate by atmospheric pressure; connecting another sprinkler to the connection pipe.  
         [0010]     Some embodiments of a sprinkler replacement method comprise a step of, prior to connecting another sprinkler to the connection pipe, halting evacuation of the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system by means of the vacuum device.  
         [0011]     Some embodiments of a sprinkler replacement method comprise a step of, after connecting another sprinkler to the connection pipe, evacuating the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system by means of the vacuum device to detect whether or not the predetermined negative air pressure is provided therein and whether or not the sprinkler is correctly connected to the connection pipe.  
         [0012]     Some embodiments of an air-water separation device comprise a negative pressure gauge to detect the negative air pressure inside the air-water separation device and fire sprinkler piping system.  
         [0013]     Some embodiments of an air-water separation device comprise a first air-water separation bucket, a second air-water separation bucket, and an automatic controller. The first and second air-water separation buckets are connected to the first drain gate and vacuum device. The automatic controller is electrically connected to the first and second air-water separation buckets to selectively flow the water in the connection pipe into the first or second air-water separation bucket.  
         [0014]     Some embodiments of a first air-water separation bucket comprise a first control valve, a second control valve, and a first water-level sensor, and an embodiment of a second air-water separation bucket further comprises a third control valve, a fourth control valve, and a second water-level sensor. The first and third control valves are connected to the first drain gate and electrically connected to the automatic controller. The second and fourth control valves are connected to the vacuum device and electrically connected to the automatic controller. The first and second water-level sensors are electrically connected to the automatic controller. The automatic controller controls the first and second control valves according to signals from the first water-level sensor. The automatic controller controls the third and fourth control valves according to the signals from the second water-level sensor.  
         [0015]     Some embodiments of a first air-water separation bucket comprise a fifth control valve electrically connected to the automatic controller, and an embodiment of a second air-water separation bucket further comprises a sixth control valve electrically connected to the automatic controller. The automatic controller opens the fifth control valve to drain water from the first air-water separation bucket according to the signals from the first water-level sensor. The automatic controller opens the sixth control valve to drain water from the second air-water separation bucket according to the signals from the second water-level sensor.  
         [0016]     Some embodiments of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth control valves comprise electromagnetic valves.  
         [0017]     An exemplary embodiment provides a method for detection of a first fire sprinkler piping system and a second fire sprinkler piping system. The first fire sprinkler piping system comprises a first pipe, a second pipe, a remote test pipe, a first drain gate, and a second drain gate. The first pipe is connected to one end of the second pipe, and the remote test pipe is connected to the other end of the second pipe. The first drain gate is connected to the first pipe. The second drain gate is connected to the remote test pipe. The method comprises the steps of: opening the first and second drain gates to drain water in the first, second, and remote test pipes from the first fire sprinkler piping system by gravity, connecting a sonic wave detection device to the remote test pipe; tapping a sprinkler disposed in the first or second fire sprinkler piping system to generate a tapping sound; receiving the tapping sound using the sonic wave detection device to determine whether the sprinkler is disposed in the first fire sprinkler piping system or in the second fire sprinkler piping system.  
         [0018]     Some embodiments of a method for detection of a first fire sprinkler piping system and a second fire sprinkler piping system comprise a step of, after connecting a sonic wave detection device to the remote test pipe, closing the first and second drain gates to enclose the first fire sprinkler piping system to enhance reception of the tapping sound.  
         [0019]     Some embodiments of a sonic wave detection device comprise a sonic wave sensor and a speaker. The sonic wave sensor is disposed in the remote test pipe and electrically connected to the speaker.  
         [0020]     Some embodiments of a sonic wave detection device comprise an amplifier electrically connected between the sonic wave sensor and the speaker.  
         [0021]     Some embodiments of a sonic wave sensor comprise a microphone.  
         [0022]     An exemplary embodiment provides a sonic wave detection device for detection of a fire sprinkler piping system comprising a remote test pipe. The sonic wave detection device comprises a sonic wave sensor and a speaker. The sonic wave sensor is disposed in the remote test pipe, receiving sounds transmitted in the fire sprinkler piping system. The speaker is electrically connected to the sonic wave sensor, playing the sounds received by the sonic wave sensor. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0023]     The invention can be more fully understood by reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0024]      FIG. 1  is a schematic plan view of a fire sprinkler piping system;  
         [0025]      FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of a fire sprinkler piping system employing an embodiment of the sprinkler replacement method;  
         [0026]      FIG. 3  is another schematic plan view of a fire sprinkler piping system employing an embodiment of the sprinkler replacement method;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4  schematically depicts the inner structure of an air-water separation device according to  FIG. 3 ; and  
         [0028]      FIG. 5  is a schematic plan view of a fire sprinkler piping system with the sonic wave detection device of an embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0029]     The sprinkler replacement method in some embodiments of the invention employs the Pascal&#39;s principle and the theoretical value of Torricelli tube experiment. In the Torricelli tube experiment, 1 atm (kg/cm 2 ) air can produce a mercury column of 0.76 m or a water column of 10.336 m. Pascal&#39;s principle recites that the air pressure values in every position in a closed piping (system) are same.  
       First Embodiment  
       [0030]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , when the sprinklers  20  are replaced, the intake gate  15  must be closed. The first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  are then opened, such that water in the first pipe  11 , second pipe  12 , and remote test pipe  13  is drained from the fire sprinkler piping system  1  via the first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  by gravity. An air-water separation device  100  is connected to the first drain gate  17 . The air-water separation device  100 , in this embodiment, can be a closed bucket. A negative pressure gauge  101  is connected to the air-water separation device  100 . A vacuum device  200  is then connected to the air-water separation device  100 . The vacuum device  200  is not limited to a specific type of machine. For example, the vacuum device  200  may be a household vacuum cleaner. The second drain gate  18  connected to the remote test pipe  13  is closed, thereby enclosing the fire sprinkler piping system  1 . The air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1  are evacuated by the vacuum device  200 . After the air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1  are evacuated over a span of time, a predetermined negative air pressure, the air pressure less than the atmospheric pressure, is provided therein. The predetermined negative air pressure can be read by observing the negative pressure gauge  101  connected to the air-water separation device  100 .  
         [0031]     Specifically, different vacuum devices can generate different negative air pressure values in the air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1 . For example, a vacuum cleaner with an operating power of 850 (2000) W may generate a negative air pressure of −0.16 (−0.22) kg/cm 2  in the air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1 . The negative air pressure of −0.16 (−0.22) kg/cm 2  can theoretically draw a water column of 1.65(2.27) m. Accordingly, the operating power of the vacuum device  200  can be determined according to the height of the connection pipe  21  of the fire sprinkler piping system  1 . In this embodiment, the predetermined negative air pressure provided by the vacuum device  200  is hypothetically capable of drawing the water column to the same height as the connection pipe  21 .  
         [0032]     One (or more) of the sprinklers  20  can then be removed. At this point, the water remaining in the corresponding connection pipe  21  flows rapidly into the air-water separation device  100  via the second pipe  12 , first pipe  11 , and first drain gate  17  by atmospheric pressure thereunder. The air is evacuated to the environment by the vacuum device  200 . Operation of the vacuum device  200  can then be halted, and another sprinkler  20  can be connected to the connection pipe  21 . At this point, the replacement of the sprinkler  20  is complete.  
         [0033]     Moreover, after the sprinkler  20  is replaced, the air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1  can again be evacuated by the vacuum device  200 . By observing the negative pressure gauge  101 , whether or not the predetermined negative air pressure is again provided inside the air-water separation device  100  and fire sprinkler piping system  1  can be detected, and whether or not the sprinkler  20  is correctly connected to the connection pipe  21  can be confirmed.  
         [0034]     Similarly, other sprinklers  20  of the fire sprinkler piping system  1  can be sequentially replaced using the aforementioned steps.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0035]     Referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4 , the difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that this embodiment employs an automatic air-water separation device  100 ′.  
         [0036]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the air-water separation device  100 ′ comprises a first air-water separation bucket  110 , a second air-water separation bucket  120 , and an automatic controller  130 . The first air-water separation bucket  110  further comprises a first control valve  111 , a second control valve  112 , a first water-level sensor  113 , and a fifth control valve  114 . The second air-water separation bucket  120  further comprises a third control valve  121 , a fourth control valve  122 , a second water-level sensor  123 , and a sixth control valve  124 .  
         [0037]     The first air-water separation bucket  110  and second air-water separation bucket  120  are connected to the first drain gate  17  by means of the first control valve  111  and third control valve  121 , respectively. Additionally, the first air-water separation bucket  110  and second air-water separation bucket  120  are connected to the vacuum device  200  by means of the second control valve  112  and fourth control valve  122 , respectively. The fifth control valve  114  is connected to the bottom of the first air-water separation bucket  110  while the sixth control valve  124  is connected to that of the second air-water separation bucket  120 . The first control valve  111 , second control valve  112 , first water-level sensor  113 , fifth control valve  114 , third control valve  121 , fourth control valve  122 , second water-level sensor  123 , and sixth control valve  124  are electrically connected to the automatic controller  130 .  
         [0038]     The following description is directed to operation of the air-water separation device  100 ′.  
         [0039]     When the first air-water separation bucket  110  is used to receive the remaining water from the connection pipes  21 , the automatic controller  130  outputs signals to open the first control valve  111  and second control valve  112  and to close the fifth control valve  114 , third control valve  121 , and fourth control valve  122 . At this point, the vacuum device  200  provides the predetermined negative air pressure inside the air-water separation device  100 ′ and fire sprinkler piping system  1 . When one (or more) of the sprinklers  20  is removed, the remaining water in the corresponding connection pipe  21  flows quickly into the first air-water separation bucket  110  via the second pipe  12 , first pipe  11 , and first drain gate  17 . Specifically, the aforementioned removal of the sprinkler  20  can be repeated until the water in the first air-water separation bucket  110  reaches a predetermined level. Accordingly, the first water-level sensor  113  outputs a signal to the automatic controller  130  when the water in the first air-water separation bucket  110  reaches the predetermined level. The automatic controller  130  then outputs signals to close the first control valve  111 , second control valve  112 , and sixth control valve  124  and to open the fifth control valve  114 , third control valve  121 , and fourth control valve  122 . At this point, the water in the first air-water separation bucket  110  can be drained from the air-water separation device  100 ′ via the fifth control valve  114 . When the remaining sprinklers  20  are removed, the remaining water in the corresponding connection pipes  21  flows quickly into the second air-water separation bucket  120  via the second pipe  12 , first pipe  11 , and first drain gate  17 . Similarly, when the water in the second air-water separation bucket  120  reaches a predetermined level, the second water-level sensor  123  outputs a signal to the automatic controller  130  and the automatic controller  130  outputs signals to open first control valve  111 , second control valve  112 , and sixth control valve  124  and to close the fifth control valve  114 , third control valve  121 , and fourth control valve  122 . At this point, the water in the second air-water separation bucket  120  can be drained from the air-water separation device  100 ′ via the sixth control valve  124 . Accordingly, the air-water separation device  100 ′ can achieve automatic drain by alternate operation of the first air-water separation bucket  110  and second air-water separation bucket  120 , thus reducing operational manpower.  
         [0040]     Additionally, the first control valve  111 , second control valve  112 , third control valve  121 , fourth control valve  122 , fifth control valve  114 , and sixth control valve  124  may be electromagnetic valves.  
         [0041]     Accordingly, since the water remaining in the connection pipes of the fire sprinkler piping system is drained in physical manner, only one or two operators are required during the replacement of the sprinklers thereof. Thus, the operational manpower during the replacement of the sprinklers may be reduced. Moreover, since the water remaining in the connection pipes can be quickly drained, time for replacement of the sprinklers may be reduced. Specifically, since the water remaining in the connection pipes does not directly flow into the clean room, water sprinkling, increase of humidity and particles, and foul odors are not generated in the clean room. Buckets, funnels, and tubes are not required during the replacement of the sprinklers using the aforementioned sprinkler replacement method. Additionally, the process tools may not have to be covered with water-resistant PVC curtains and the sprinklers may not have to be enclosed by the anti-static PVC curtains. Thus, operational complexity during the replacement of the sprinklers may potentially be reduced.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0042]     A sound wave or sound is generated by vibration of objects and is transmitted by means of mediums.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  are opened, the water in the first pipe  11 , second pipe  12 , and remote test pipe  13  is drained from the fire sprinkler piping system  1  by gravity. The replacement of the sprinklers  20  can then be performed. Nevertheless, a plurality of independent fire sprinkler piping systems may exist in the clean room. This embodiment employs a sonic wave detection device to confirm a target sprinkler  20  belonging to the fire sprinkler piping system  1 .  
         [0044]     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the remote pressure gauge  19  connected to the remote test pipe  13  is removed and replaced by a sonic wave detection device  300 . Namely, the sonic wave detection device  300  is connected to the remote test pipe  13 . The sonic wave detection device  300  comprises a microphone (sonic wave sensor)  301 , an amplifier  302 , and a speaker  303 . The microphone  301  is disposed in the remote test pipe  13  and sealed therewith by glue or other adhesive materials. A signal cable of the microphone  301  extends out of the remote test pipe  13  and is electrically connected to the amplifier  302 . The amplifier  302  is electrically connected to the speaker  303 .  
         [0045]     The first drain gate  17  and second drain gate  18  are closed to enclose the fire sprinkler piping system  1 . A target sprinkler is then tapped to generate a tapping sound (wave). When the target sprinkler belongs to the enclosed fire sprinkler piping system  1 , the tapping sound (wave) is transmitted by means of a medium (air or water) therein to the microphone  301  and is received thereby. The tapping sound (wave) is then amplified by the amplifier  302  and is played by the speaker  303 . At this point, the target sprinkler belonging to the fire sprinkler piping system  1  is confirmed and can be removed.  
         [0046]     Conversely, when the target sprinkler does not belong to the enclosed fire sprinkler piping system  1 , no tapping sound (wave) is emitted by the speaker  303  after the target sprinkler is tapped. Namely, the target sprinkler belongs to another fire sprinkler piping system  1  with water pressure or in use. Specifically, the tapping sound (wave) can only be transmitted in an enclosed piping and cannot simultaneously be transmitted in two enclosed piping. Accordingly, to prevent water damage in the clean room, the target sprinkler cannot be removed.  
         [0047]     Accordingly, confirmation of the target sprinkler can be effectively and safely performed by means of the aforementioned detection method employing the sonic wave detection device  300 .  
         [0048]     While the invention has been described by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.