초록 ▼

A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve

A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible between a wet and a dry mode of operation is disclosed. The system features a field convertible valve having a bypass loop with a bypass valve for selectively configuring the valve for wet or dry mode operation. For dry mode operation, the bypass valve is open. The field convertible valve also has a system actuator, a gas control valve and a water supply shut-off valve which are open in the dry mode. In the wet mode of operation, the bypass valve is open and the gas control and water supply shut-off valves are closed. The field convertible valve operates in a latch mode controlled by the system actuator in the dry mode, and as a flapper valve in the wet mode of operation. A method of converting the mode of operation of the sprinkler system is also disclosed.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible for use as a wet system or a dry system, said sprinkler system comprising:a source of pressurized liquid;a piping network in fluid communication with said liquid source;a plurality of sprinkler heads mounted on said piping networ

What is claimed is: 1. A fire suppression sprinkler system convertible for use as a wet system or a dry system, said sprinkler system comprising:a source of pressurized liquid;a piping network in fluid communication with said liquid source;a plurality of sprinkler heads mounted on said piping network for discharging said liquid in the event of a fire;a first valve positioned in said piping network between said liquid source and said sprinkler heads for controlling flow of said liquid thereto;a bypass loop providing fluid communication between a point upstream of said first valve and downstream thereof, a bypass valve being positioned in said bypass loop for controlling flow of said liquid therethrough;a source of pressurized gas;a gas conduit providing fluid communication between said gas source and said piping network downstream of said first valve, a gas control valve being positioned within said gas conduit; anda system actuator in fluid communication with said gas source through said gas conduit, a liquid conduit providing fluid communication between said liquid source, said system actuator, and said first valve, a shut-off valve positioned within said liquid conduit, and wherein, when said system is operated as a dry system, said shut-off valve being open, said system actuator opening said first valve in response to a drop in gas pressure within said piping network, and when said system is operated as a wet system, said shut-off valve being closed, thereby isolating said system actuator from said liquid source, and said first valve opening in response to flow from at least one of said sprinkler heads.