Types of Systems

Continental Fire Sprinkler Company has the experience and expertise to install the following fire sprinkler systems:

Wet Pipe System

A wet pipe system is the most popular system used. It is constantly under pressure with water in the piping and sprinkler heads at all times. Activation occurs when sufficient heat is detected by the sprinkler heads and water is discharged immediately. This type of system is best suited for areas where freezing does not occur.

COMMONLY USED IN OFFICES AND SHOPPING MALLS.

Dry Pipe System

A dry pipe system is similar to the wet system only the piping and sprinkler heads are filled with compressed air or nitrogen at all times. In the event of a fire, sprinkler heads activate based on their temperature rating, the dry pipe valve opens from a closed position allowing the air to run out and then water enters the system and extinguishes the fire. This type of system is best suited for areas where freezing occurs.

COMMONLY USED IN ATTICS, FREEZERS AND UNHEATED AREAS OF BUILDINGS.

Deluge System

A deluge sprinkler system employs open sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that is connected to a water supply through a valve that is opened by the operation of a detection system installed in the same areas as the sprinklers. When this valve opens, water flows into the piping system and discharges from all sprinklers attached.

COMMONLY USED IN BIO-DIESEL PLANTS, COAL CONVEYERS AND WATER COOLING TOWERS.

Pre-action/Single or Double Interlock System

A pre-action system can be considered a single interlock and double interlock system depending on the system intentions and coverage. A single interlock system operates in a similar manner as the dry pipe system. This type of system has one event that must occur before water runs into the system; fire detection from a heat or smoke detector where the pre-action valve opens. A double interlock system has two events that must occur: 1) fire detection from a heat or smoke detector and 2) automatic sprinkler operation. Once one of the above occurs, the pre-action valve operates, allowing water into the system piping, essentially turning a dry system into a wet system. These types of systems are regularly used where unintended activation is not desired such as information sensitive environments.

COMMONLY USED IN COMPUTER ROOMS, LIBRARIES AND RECORD STORAGE.

Antifreeze System

A wet pipe sprinkler system employs automatic sprinklers that are attached to a piping system that contains an antifreeze solution and that are connected to a water supply. The antifreeze solution is discharged, followed by water, immediately upon operation of sprinklers opened by heat from a fire.

COMMONLY USED IN CANOPIES, DOCKS AND SMALL AREAS THAT ARE SUBJECT TO FREEZING.

(more cost-effective than a dry system.)

Standpipe System

An arrangement of piping, valves, hose connections and allied equipment installed in a building or structure, with the hose connections located in such a manner that water can be discharged in streams or spray patterns through attached hose and nozzles.

COMMONLY USED IN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, HOSPITALS AND NURSING HOMES.

Fire Pumps

A fire pump is a provider of liquid flow and pressure dedicated to fire protection. Two types of fire pumps are used on fire sprinkler systems: diesel and electric.

COMMONLY USED IN HIGH-RISE BUILDING TO KEEP PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS ON HIGHER FLOORS, WITH WATER STORAGE TANKS, WELLS AND AREAS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE CITY WATER PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS FOR FIRE SPRINKLER DESIGN.

Foam System

A special system that is pipe-connected to a source of foam concentrate and to a water supply. The system is equipped with appropriate discharge devices for extinguishing agent discharge and for distribution over the area to be protected. The piping system is connected to the water supply through a control valve that usually is actuated by the operation of automatic detection. When the valve opens, water flows into the piping system, foam concentrate is injected into the water and discharges through the appropriate devices.

COMMONLY USED IN AIRPLANE HANGARS, FUEL STORAGE AND STORAGE AREAS FOR FLAMMABLE COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS.

Backflow Preventers

A piece of equipment that keeps contaminates from entering the safe drinking water supply by only allowing water to flow in one direction. Most city and state codes require all fire systems to have one installed for new construction

Quell™

Continental is a trained and licensed installer of the Quell™ Fire Sprinkler System. This type of system is dry and does not rely on anti-freeze or in-rack sprinklers which allows for greater commodity classifications, higher roof and storage heights and lower costs which all provide advantages to the owner.

COMMONLY USED FOR COLD STORAGE FACILITIES AND UNHEATED WAREHOUSES.