The glass bulb inside a fire sprinkler head is filled with a heat sensitive liquid (e.g., glycerine) that expands faster than the glass bulb as it gets hotter. Eventually, it expands so much that it causes the glass bulb to burst, releasing the water behind it.
The different colors of liquid contained within the bulb correlate to the temperature at which the sprinkler head will activate:
Different colors are used in different environments depending on the average ambient heat in said environment. For instance, if you have a storage facility that needs to be kept at temperatures higher than 135 F, you can imagine why you wouldn't want a orange-bulbed fire sprinkler!
68 degree centigrade needs to break the red bulb in the fire sprinkler.
The life of a liquid bulb fire hydrant sprinkler typically ranges from 10 to 25 years, depending on factors such as environmental conditions, maintenance, and the specific materials used in its construction. These sprinklers use a glass bulb filled with liquid that expands and shatters at a predetermined temperature, activating the sprinkler. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential to ensure functionality and compliance with safety standards. Ultimately, proper care can extend the effective lifespan of the system.
Yes, you can determine if the fluid in a glass bulb fire sprinkler is appropriate by visually inspecting the bulb for any signs of damage or leakage. The liquid inside the bulb should be at a specific level, typically indicated by a mark on the bulb itself. Additionally, manufacturers often provide specifications regarding the fill volume, which can be compared against the measured amount if the bulb is tested or replaced. If in doubt, it is best to consult with a fire protection professional or replace the sprinkler.
Sprinkler glass bulbs typically contain a glycerin-based liquid. This liquid expands when heated, causing the bulb to shatter and activate the sprinkler system. The glycerin is chosen for its reliable thermal expansion properties, ensuring the system responds effectively to fire conditions.
A sprinkler with a quartzite bulb is a type of fire sprinkler system that utilizes a quartzite glass bulb to detect heat. When the temperature rises to a certain level due to a fire, the quartzite bulb expands and shatters, allowing water to flow from the sprinkler head and extinguish or control the fire. This system is commonly used in various buildings for fire protection due to its reliability and effectiveness. The quartzite bulb is known for its durability and ability to withstand harsh conditions before activation.
It depends on the temperature rating of the particular bulb, but all bulbs are filled with aproprietary glycerin liquid.
fire sprinkler
Standard response (SR) sprinkler heads are best suited for commercial or industrial buildings, including factories and warehouses. They activate individually to prevent causing water damage where there is no fire present. SR sprinklers take longer to activate than quick response sprinklers, requiring the heat from a fire below to reach a higher temperature before the liquid inside the bulb expands, the glass breaks, and water flows through the sprinkler head. SR sprinklers contain 5 mm glass bulbs that take longer for the expanding liquid inside to burst them. That said, these sprinkler heads still react within seconds, quickly dousing any fire.
The most common types of liquid used in sprinklers are water and foam. Water is the primary liquid used for fire suppression, while foam is often used for flammable liquid fires and in locations where water may cause damage. Additionally, some sprinkler systems may use other liquids such as dry chemicals for specific fire hazards.
Most standard fire sprinklers are activated by heat. There's a small bulb of liquid that keeps the water back in the pipes before a fire begins. When a fire breaks out, that liquid will heat up and eventually cause the bulb to burst, releasing the water from behind it.
Fire sprinklers have two major components that operate in response to a fire: the fire sprinkler heads which are connected via a series of pipes to a fire pumps. Water pressure is kept in the head by a series of valves in the pump. and is kept in the heads by little vials of colored liquid. During a fire, the liquid inside the sprinkler heads heats up and starts to expand, eventually causing the vial to burst. Water that was kept in the pipes pours out of the sprinkler heads. The water pouring out of the sprinkler heads causes the pressure in the fire pump to drop. In response, the pump kicks on and pumps more water from the municipal water supply to keep the sprinkler flowing. NOTE: this is how "wet pipe" fire sprinklers, the most common types of fire sprinklers, work. Other sprinklers (dry pipe, deluge and pre-action) are slightly different.
Ordinary fire sprinklers activate (open) when they get hot enough. They may be equipped with a "frangible-bulb" glass vial, which holds the valve shut until the liquid expands beyond a calibrated volume and bursts the glass. They may have a "fusible link", made from various metals and calibrated to separate (melt) at a given temperature, releasing a spring-valve. Other specialized sprinkler systems cannot be activated until there is also a smoke or other fire detector trigger that allows pressurized water into the system. One other special type is called "deluge" and the sprinklers do not have valves at all. When the smoke or fire detector (or manual emergency trigger) goes off, the water will pour from every sprinkler head. Many TV shows and movies use fictional deluge systems for comedic effects when someone "pulls the fire alarm" and sets off the sprinklers, which would not normally occur in a properly designed system.