A fire protection sprinkler system and method includes a sprinkler which, in use, is operatively connected to a supply pipe. The sprinkler includes a nipple. A frame extends from the nipple. A duct passes through the nipple and frame creating a flow path for a water jet exiting the supply pipe. A deflector is mounted to the frame at a location spaced from the nipple. A splitter is disposed in the water flow path between the supply pipe and the deflector. The splitter separates the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before the water contacts the deflector. The splitter directs the two separate water streams onto the deflector so that less pressure is required resulting in more economical system smaller pipe size, less labor, etc.

A fire protection sprinkler system and method includes a sprinkler which, in use, is operatively connected to a supply pipe. The sprinkler includes a nipple. A frame extends from the nipple. A duct passes through the nipple and frame creating a flow path for a water jet exiting the supply pipe. A deflector is mounted to the frame at a location spaced from the nipple. A splitter is disposed in the water flow path between the supply pipe and the deflector. The splitter separates the water jet into two distinct sub-jets before the water contacts the deflector. The splitter directs the two separate water streams onto the deflector so that less pressure is required resulting in more economical system smaller pipe size, less labor, etc.

A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger.

A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger.

A sprinkler accelerator system includes an accelerator and at least one orifice. The accelerator is coupled with at least one pipe coupled with at least one sprinkler, and vents gas from the at least one pipe when the at least one sprinkler opens. The at least one orifice controls a rate of change of pressure in the at least one pipe to control operation of a flow control valve coupled with the accelerator.

A fire suppression method and system in an aircraft involves a pressurized first-stage agent, and a pressurized second-stage agent. The first-stage agent or the second-stage agent includes trifluoromethyl iodide (CF.sub.3I). A plurality of outlets discharge the first-stage agent during a first duration and the second-stage agent during a second duration. An opening of each of the plurality of outlets is located in a lower quarter of a height of a cargo compartment.

A fire suppression method and system in an aircraft involves a pressurized first-stage agent, and a pressurized second-stage agent. The first-stage agent or the second-stage agent includes trifluoromethyl iodide (CF.sub.3I). A plurality of outlets discharge the first-stage agent during a first duration and the second-stage agent during a second duration. An opening of each of the plurality of outlets is located in a lower quarter of a height of a cargo compartment.

Antifreezes are provided for deployment in wet sprinkler systems located in cold environments. The antifreezes allow for the wet sprinkler system to be actuated under temperatures below 32° F. Wet sprinklers, sprinkler systems, methods of providing for the control, suppression and/or extinguishment of a fire that occur in a cold environment, and methods of preventing wet sprinklers from freezing also are provided. The sprinklers, sprinkler systems and methods can be used in residential, commercial and storage settings.

An air maintenance device (AMD) for fire protection system includes a gas inlet configured to couple with a source of compressed gas; a gas outlet configured to couple with a pipe network of the fire protection system; a first sensor configured to sense a system parameter of the pipe network of the fire protection system and to produce a first output corresponding to the system parameter; a first gas flow valve in fluid communication with and between the inlet and the outlet; and a first control circuit in communication with the sensor and with the first gas flow valve. The first gas flow valve is electrically controlled and configured to control a flow of gas from the source of compressed gas into the pipe network. The control circuit is configured to receive the first output from the sensor and output a control signal that is a function of the system parameter to the first gas flow valve. Other example AMDs, systems including AMDs, methods of installing AMDs, and methods of suppling gas to a pipe network using an AMD are also disclosed.

A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger. The fire suppression system is advantageous in high-challenge applications like facilities where large quantities of combustible items are stored in close proximity, such as in warehouses and attics.