Evolution of Piping system of Automatic Fire Sprinkler

Automatic fire sprinkler systems date back to the early 1800s. The first prototypes were developed by English inventors. These systems were simple in their functioning. They consisted of a network of pipes filled with water triggered by a heat-sensitive element, causing water to shower over the fire.

Eventually, over the years, the design and technology of fire sprinkler systems evolved, resulting in more efficient and effective systems. One major improvement that we have seen is the development of different types of sprinkler heads. We have seen upright, pendant, sidewall, and concealed sprinklers, which can be tailored to the specific needs of different buildings and applications.

The piping used in fire sprinkler systems has also evolved over time. Initially, systems were made of cast iron or brass, but with advancing technology, steel pipes became the norm due to their durability and strength. 

Today, modern systems use non-metallic materials such as CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) for their piping, amongst others.

Astral Fire Pro is a CPVC piping system that can be used for automatic fire sprinklers. They 

provide superior hydraulics and ease of assembly, among others. They are the new industry standard in automatic fire sprinkler piping systems.

Astral Fire Pro pipes and fittings are approved for use in all light and ordinary hazardous rooms or otherwise light hazardous applications as per NFPA 13, in both new and retrofit construction, such as: 

• High-rise buildings (including residential and commercial)
• Schools, universities, other institutions 
• One and two family dwellings 
• Hotels, hospitals

Key Properties of Astral Fire Pro

• Superior Quality Hydraulics: With smooth interior surfaces, Astral Fire Pro has lower friction loss than metal piping systems. This saves on material costs. 
• High Flash Ignition System: Astral Fire Pro has a flash ignition temperature. of 480°C, much higher than that of wood, and other materials. This ensures that our piping system can never be the source of fire.

• High LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index): Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) is a minimum concentration of oxygen that will support the burning of a polymer. Astral Fire Pro’s LOI is 60. Therefore, they are highly unlikely to be damaged by a fire.
• Temperature/Pressure Rating: Astral Fire Pro is suitable for use in places where ambient temperatures are within the range of 35°F (2°C) to 150° F (66°C).

They are rated for continuous service of 1207 KPa.

• Corrosion Resistance: They are resistant to rust, scale, and foreign contaminant buildup. This adds to their longevity.
• Heat Combustion: They have much lower heat combustion properties, allowing them to withstand high flames and temperatures.
• Flame Spread: The CPVC material stops the flame from spreading too much.

Benefits of choosing Astral Fire Pro

Doesn’t require expensive fabrication or any pre-cutting

• More stable than metal systems
• Easily handled, stored, and joined
• Connects to other sprinkler piping systems easily
• Flexible
• Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) – Provides long-term trouble-free installation
• Lasts up to 50 years
• Easy repair and/or modification on site

Fire sprinklers have continued to develop over time, striving towards better efficiency, effectiveness. Astral too has designed Astral Fire Pro to cater to their customers with the state-of-the-art fire sprinkler systems.

Find the more detailed benefits of CPVC pipes as fire sprinkler systems here.