IN-RACK FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER SYSTEM INCLUDING AT LEAST ONE UNITARY HORIZONTAL BARRIER THAT COVERS RACKS OF ADJOINING RACKS AND AT LEAST ONE RACK LEVEL FIRE PROTECTION SPRINKLER DISPOSED BELOW THE AT LEAST ONE HORIZONTAL BARRIER

Abstract

A fire protection sprinkler system includes a horizontal barrier that covers two adjacent racks, and the vertical flue space between the racks. The horizontal barrier is provided at a predetermined height, and has a width that is at least equal to a width of the rack, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of a depth of the rack, a depth of the other rack, and a depth of the vertical flue space. In addition, the horizontal barrier is a sheet having one or more apertures. The system also includes a rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to a fluid supply conduit, and being disposed in the vertical flue space below the horizontal barrier. The rack level sprinkler has a K-factor of 11.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 or greater, and is vertically spaced from commodities stored on the rack and the other rack covered by the horizontal barrier.

Claims

1. A rack and fire protection sprinkler system comprising: (A) a first plurality of adjoining racks having a vertical flue space provided between a pair of adjacent racks of the first plurality of adjoining racks, the first plurality of adjoining racks including any one of single racks, double racks, multiple-row racks, or racks for automatic rack systems, with commodities being stored on the racks; (B) a second plurality of adjoining racks having a vertical flue space provided between a pair of adjacent racks of the second plurality of adjoining racks, the second plurality of adjoining racks being spaced from the first plurality of adjoining racks by an aisle width, and the second plurality of adjoining racks including any one of single racks, double racks, multiple-row racks, or racks for automatic rack systems, with commodities being stored on the racks; and (C) a fire protection sprinkler system for the protection of the commodities stored on the first plurality of adjoining racks and the second plurality of adjoining racks, the commodities including Class I-IV hazards, Group A cartoned and exposed plastics (expanded and unexpanded), flammable liquids, tires, roll paper, and aerosols, the fire protection sprinkler system comprising: (a) a first fluid supply conduit configured to deliver a fire protection fluid received from a fire protection fluid source; (b) at least one first unitary horizontal barrier that covers (i) a rack, of the first plurality of adjoining racks, (ii) another rack, of the first plurality of adjoining racks, that is adjacent to the rack, and (iii) the vertical flue space between the rack and the other rack, of the first plurality of adjoining racks, the at least one unitary first horizontal barrier being provided at a first predetermined height, having a predetermined width, and having a depth that is at least equal to a sum of (i) a depth of the rack, of the first plurality of racks, (ii) a depth of the other rack, of the first plurality of racks, and (iii) a depth of the vertical flue; (c) at least one first rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to the first fluid supply conduit, the at least one first rack level sprinkler (i) being disposed in the vertical flue space below the at least one unitary first horizontal barrier, and (ii) being vertically spaced from the commodities stored on the rack and the other rack, of the first plurality of adjoining racks, covered by the at least one unitary first horizontal barrier; (d) at least one ceiling level fire protection sprinkler provided above the at least one unitary first horizontal barrier; (e) a second fluid supply conduit, associated with the second plurality of adjoining racks, configured to deliver the fire protection fluid received from the fire protection fluid source; (f) at least one second unitary horizontal barrier that covers (i) a rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, (ii) another rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, that is adjacent to the rack, and (iii) the vertical flue space between the rack and the other rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, the at least one second horizontal barrier being provided at a second predetermined height, having a predetermined width, and a depth that is at least equal to a sum of (i) a depth of the rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, (ii) a depth of the other rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, and (iii) a depth of the vertical flue; and (g) at least one second rack level fire protection sprinkler connected to the second fluid supply conduit associated with the second plurality of adjoining racks, the at least one second rack level sprinkler (i) being disposed below the at least one second horizontal barrier, and being vertically spaced from the commodities stored on the rack and the other rack, of the second plurality of adjoining racks, covered by the at least one second unitary horizontal barrier.

2. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the aisle width is at least 4 feet (1.22 meters).

3. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined height at which the at least one first horizontal barrier is provided and the second predetermined height at which the at least one second horizontal barrier is provided are between 10 feet and 30 feet (3.05 meters to 9.14 meters).

4. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and each of the at least one second rack level sprinkler is one of (i) an extended coverage sprinkler, (ii) a storage sprinkler, or (iii) an extended coverage storage sprinkler.

5. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first rack level sprinkler includes two or more first rack level sprinklers that are arranged in a row at a horizontal spacing of at least about 8 feet (2.44 meters), and the at least one second rack level sprinkler includes two or more second rack level sprinklers that are arranged in a row at a horizontal spacing of at least about 8 feet (2.44 meters).

6. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler is provided at a center of a length of each rack, of the first plurality of racks and the second plurality of racks.

7. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and each of the at least one second rack level sprinkler comprises: (1) a body having an inlet connected to a fluid supply conduit, which is a corresponding one of the first fluid supply conduit and the second fluid supply conduit, within the vertical flue space, and an outlet defining an outlet orifice; (2) a seal cap that seals the outlet orifice; (3) a frame extending from the body; (4) a deflector connected to the frame; and (5) a thermally responsive element supported between the seal cap and the frame, the thermally responsive element urging the seal cap that seals the outlet orifice when the rack level sprinkler is in an inactivated state, wherein, when the first predetermined height at which the at least one first horizontal barrier and the second predetermined height at which the at least one second horizontal barrier is provided are up to about 30 feet (9.14 meters) and each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler is positioned in the vertical flue space between the stored commodities and the at least one first horizontal barrier, and in the vertical flue space between the stored commodities and the at least one second horizontal barrier, respectively, the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler deliver the fire protection fluid over the stored commodities when the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler are in an activated state.

8. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid supply conduit is disposed at or above a rack support frame of the first plurality of adjoining racks that is adjacent to the first fluid supply conduit, and the second fluid supply conduit is disposed at or above a rack support frame of the second plurality of adjoining racks that is adjacent to the second fluid supply conduit.

9. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler comprises: (1) a frame; and (2) a deflector connected to the frame, wherein only the deflector and a portion of the frame of each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler protrude below a rack support frame of the first plurality of adjoining racks that is adjacent to the first fluid supply conduit, and only the deflector and a portion of the frame of each of the at least one second rack level sprinkler protrude below a rack support frame of the second plurality of adjoining racks that is adjacent to the second fluid supply conduit.

10. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler is one of a pendent type sprinkler and a horizontal sidewall sprinkler.

11. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the K-factor of each of the at least one first rack level sprinkler and the at least one second rack level sprinkler is between 11.2 and 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.112inclusive.

12. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid supply conduit delivers the fire protection fluid to the at least one first rack level sprinkler at a minimum pressure of about 7 psig (48.26 kPa), and the second fluid supply conduit delivers the fire protection fluid to the at least one second rack level sprinkler at a minimum pressure of about 7 psig (48.26 kPa).

13. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first rack level sprinkler includes at least two first rack level sprinklers, and the at least one second rack level sprinkler includes at least two second rack level sprinklers, and the K-factor of each rack level sprinkler, of the at least two first rack level sprinklers and the at least two second rack level sprinklers, is selected based on the proximity of the rack level sprinkler to a severe fire hazard, the K-factor being a constant.

14. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one rack level sprinkler includes at least two first rack level sprinklers, and the at least one second rack level sprinkler includes at least two second rack level sprinklers, and the K-factor of each of the at least two first rack level sprinklers and the at least two second rack level sprinklers is selected based on the vertical position of each of the at least two first rack level sprinklers and the at least two second rack level sprinklers, respectively, the K-factor being a constant.

15. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 14, wherein the K-factor is selected such that the greater the height at which a rack level sprinkler, of the at least two first rack level sprinklers and the at least two second rack level sprinklers, the greater the K-factor of the rack level sprinkler.

16. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 14, wherein the K-factor is selected such that the greater the height at which a rack level sprinkler, of the at least two rack level sprinklers, the lower the K-factor of the rack level sprinkler.

17. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the fire protection sprinkler system further comprises (i) at least one ceiling level fire protection sprinkler provided above the at least one first horizontal barrier and the at least one second horizontal barrier.

18. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one ceiling level sprinkler is one of (i) an extended coverage sprinkler, (ii) a special application sprinkler, (iii) an early suppression fast response sprinkler, (iv) a storage sprinkler, or (v) an extended coverage storage sprinkler.

19. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 17, wherein the at least one first rack level sprinkler, the at least one second rack level sprinkler, and the at least one ceiling level sprinkler are the same type of sprinkler.

20. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 17, wherein a K-factor of the at least one ceiling level sprinkler is about 11.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 or greater.

21. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 20, wherein the K-factor of the at least one ceiling level sprinkler is about 25 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 or greater.

22. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first unitary horizontal barrier is a solid sheet.

23. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first unitary horizontal barrier is a sheet having one or more apertures.

24. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second unitary horizontal barrier is a solid sheet.

25. The rack and fire protection sprinkler system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second unitary horizontal barrier is a sheet having one or more apertures.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1A shows a side elevation view of a double row storage rack arrangement.

[0018] FIG. 1B shows an end elevation view of the double row storage rack arrangement shown in FIG. 1A.

[0019] FIG. 1C shows a plan view of the double row storage rack arrangement shown in FIG. 1A.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of another double row rack arrangement.

[0021] FIG. 3A shows a plan view of two double row rack arrangements separated by an aisle width.

[0022] FIG. 3B shows an end elevation view of the double row rack arrangements shown in FIG. 3A.

[0023] FIG. 4A shows an isometric cutaway view of an embodiment of a fire protection system in accordance with the invention that includes at least one unitary horizontal barrier 142. FIG. 4B shows an isometric cutaway view of an embodiment of a fire protection system in accordance with the invention that includes at least one unitary horizontal barrier 142 having perforations 162.

[0024] FIG. 5 shows an end elevation view of the fire protection system shown in FIG. 4.

[0025] FIG. 6 is a detail view of the fire protection system shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 7 is an end elevation view of the fire protection system shown in FIG. 5 with the addition of a second level of rack storage.

[0027] FIG. 8 is an elevation view of a main array and a fire protection system arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of the main array and fire protection system shown in FIG. 8 between two side arrays separated by aisles.

[0029] FIG. 10 is a plan view of the main array and fire protection system shown in FIG. 8 with the commodities and rack structure above a horizontal barrier removed for illustration.

[0030] FIG. 11 is an elevation section view of the main array viewed along section line 11-11 in FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 12 is a plan view of the main array and fire protection system shown in FIG. 8, and shows an array of ceiling level fire protection sprinklers arranged in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 13 includes tables listing maximum temperatures and activation times from testing of the fire protection sprinklers shown in FIG. 12.

[0033] FIGS. 14 and 15 are side elevation views of the main array shown in FIG. 8 showing damage that occurred as a result of the test conducted.

[0034] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the north side of a main array showing damage that occurred as a result of a test conducted on a fire protection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0035] FIG. 17 is a side elevation view of the south side of the main array shown in FIG. 16.

[0036] FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the north side of a main array showing damage that occurred as a result of a test conducted on a fire protection system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0037] FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the south side of the main array shown in FIG. 18.

[0038] Reference numerals that are the same, but that appear in different figures, represent the same elements, even if those elements are not described with respect to each figure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] As used in this detailed description, the term “rack level” denotes a position within the vertical flue space between rows of adjoining racks between a floor and a top of the racks, but not disposed in a rack. Moreover, as used in this detailed description, the term “ceiling level” denotes a position between the top of the racks and a ceiling of a building.

[0040] A fire protection sprinkler system for single row, double row, and multiple row rack storage and racks for automatic rack systems is provided that includes at least one rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 that is fluidly coupled to a fluid supply conduit 116. In one embodiment, the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 is constructed as an extended coverage storage fire protection sprinkler. For example, the extended coverage storage fire protection sprinkler used as the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 is a model N252 EC fire protection sprinkler, manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc., of Liberty, South Carolina, United States. The N252 EC fire protection sprinkler has a relatively wide water distribution pattern of up to 196 square feet (18.21 square meters), and produces a large droplet size. The N252 EC fire protection sprinkler is capable of pre-wetting areas surrounding a fire that have not yet combusted, so as to contain the spread of the fire to adjacent areas. In at least one embodiment in which extended coverage storage fire protection sprinklers 144 are employed as the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144, it is possible to eliminate using fire protection sprinklers in the transverse flue space and to reduce the overall number of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, two racks 108 are arranged, one on top of the other, in two levels, to form a storage array 140. A solid horizontal barrier 142 is provided above the uppermost rack 108. The solid horizontal barrier 142 can be constructed of a solid material, such as wood, metal, or a non-combustible material, as defined in NFPA 13. A horizontal barrier 143 that may be a slatted grate, an open grate, or a wire grate, is provided between the racks 108. The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are positioned below the solid horizontal barrier 142. The solid horizontal barrier 142 may be positioned at a maximum predetermined height based on the commodities 102 stored in the racks 108 and the construction of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B, the at least one unitary horizontal barrier 142 includes a plurality of perforations 162. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, each rack 108 has a height of about 10 feet (3.05 meters), and the racks 108 are stacked one on top of the other in two levels, forming a multiple row rack having a total height of 20 feet (6.096 meters). Although two racks 108 are shown stacked in the arrangement shown in FIG. 5, the arrangement may include any number of racks 108 in combination stacked below the solid horizontal barrier 142 up to the predetermined height of, in this embodiment, 20 feet (6.096 meters).

[0042] Palletized commodities 102 are stacked in each level of the racks 108. The commodities 102 stored in the racks 108 may include one or more of Class I-IV hazards, Group A cartoned and exposed plastics (expanded and unexpanded), flammable liquids, tires, roll paper, and aerosols, as defined in NFPA 13. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, in each 10-foot (3.05-meter) high level of the racks 108, two palletized commodities 102 are stacked on top of one another at a height that is between 8 feet and 9 feet (2.44 meters and 2.74 meters) from a floor 145. Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the solid horizontal barrier 142 is spaced from the commodity 102 directly below the solid horizontal barrier 142 by 1 feet to 2 feet (0.30 meter to 0.61 meter), and the dimension from the floor 145 to the top of the upper commodity 102 in the upper level of the racks 108 is between 18 feet and 19 feet (5.49 and 5.79 meters). The length of each rack 108 is about 8 feet (2.44 meters). The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are disposed in the vertical flue space 114 at a height of about 20 feet (6.096 meters) from the floor 145, and are centered with the length of the racks 108 (i.e., at about 4 feet (1.22 meters) from the ends of the racks 108). The fire protection sprinklers 144 are horizontally spaced about every 8 feet (2.44 meters) in the vertical flue space 114, as shown in FIG. 4. In other arrangements, however, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may be spaced on the fluid supply conduit 116 at a spacing of between about 8 feet and 18 feet (2.44 meters and 5.49 meters).

[0043] The solid horizontal barrier 142 may extend horizontally across the racks 108, and may extend fully or partially into the vertical flue space 114 above the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 in between rear faces 150 of both racks 108, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. The solid horizontal barrier 142 can collect heat that rises as a result of combustion occurring between the floor 145 and the solid horizontal barrier 142, and can also direct such heat toward the thermally responsive element that activates the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144. Since the commodities 102 themselves, when stored in the racks 108, cover a substantial horizontal area of the rack 108, however, the undersides of the commodities 102 may partially substitute for the solid horizontal barriers 142 by collecting heat from below the commodities 102. That is, in one embodiment, the solid horizontal barriers 142 shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 may be substituted with one or more partial horizontal barriers to cover horizontal areas in the racks 108 that are not suitably covered by the stored commodities 102. For example, a relatively shorter horizontal barrier (not shown) may extend from a rear face 152 of the commodity 102 and extend toward the vertical flue space 114. Such a relatively shorter horizontal barrier may extend into the vertical flue space 114 and may extend over the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144.

[0044] As a substitute for the solid horizontal barriers 142, either in the racks 108 and/or in the vertical flue spaces 114, horizontal barriers having one or more openings may be employed. For example, the horizontal barriers may be constructed as sheets with one or more apertures.

[0045] Also, in at least one embodiment, a separate horizontal barrier (not shown) may be positioned over each rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 in the vertical flue space 114 to collect heat around a thermally responsive element that activates each rack level fire protection sprinkler 144. The separate horizontal barrier can be constructed of a solid material, such as one or more pieces of metal, wood, or non-combustible materials, as defined in NFPA 13. The separate horizontal barrier may be a continuous piece that extends to cover a plurality of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 that are connected along the length of the fluid supply conduit 116. The separate horizontal barrier may be constructed with or without openings between the horizontally adjacent rack level fire protection sprinklers 144. Alternatively, each rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 may be covered separately by a corresponding horizontal barrier (not shown) that covers a single rack level fire protection sprinkler 144. Such a single-sprinkler horizontal barrier may be smaller to cover the individual rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 so that there are horizontal spaces between adjacent single-sprinkler horizontal barriers. For structural support and positioning, the horizontal barriers may be attached to the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144, to the fluid supply conduit 116, or to the racks 108.

[0046] Vertical barriers may also be used to control the spread of heat and fire horizontally within and between the racks 108, and to facilitate the transmission of heat vertically toward the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144. Such vertical barriers can compartmentalize the storage areas occupied by the commodities 102 into fire zones that are protected by the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 associated with that fire zone. The vertical barriers may be formed of solid materials, such as metal and wood, or non-combustible materials as defined in NFPA 13. The vertical barriers may be used with or without the solid horizontal barriers 142.

[0047] In one embodiment, horizontal and vertical barriers are not employed. When such barriers are not employed, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 used are selected to have a sufficient thermal sensitivity and release timing so that the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are activated.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, two sets of multiple-row racks 108 are arranged back-to-back with the rear faces 150 defining the vertical flue space 114 between the racks 108. In the example shown in FIG. 5, a combined depth H (FIG. 2) of the racks 108 is between 7 feet and 8 feet (2.13 meters and 2.44 meters), a depth between a front and rear face of each rack is between 3 feet and 4 feet (0.91 meter and 1.22 meters), and a distance L between the rear faces 150 of the racks 108 (FIG. 2) is about 6 inches to 12 inches (15.24 centimeters to 30.48 centimeters). In general, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are disposed centrally in the vertical flue space 114. As shown in greater detail in FIG. 6, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are approximately centered between the two sets of racks 108. For example, when the racks 108 are spaced apart by 9 inches (22.86 centimeters), the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 is located 4.5 inches (11.43 centimeters) from the rear face 150 of each rack 108. Also, as shown in FIG. 6, a deflector 148 of the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 is spaced from the top of the commodity 102 by about 7.5 inches (19.05 centimeters). In other embodiments, however, the deflector 148 may be spaced about 1 inch to 12 inches (2.54 centimeters to 30.48 centimeters) or more above the commodity 102.

[0049] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the solid horizontal barrier 142 is located above the uppermost level of the rack 108, so that commodities 102 stored in the rack 108 up to a predetermined height are disposed between the solid horizontal barrier 142 and the floor 145. A plurality of ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 is located at a ceiling 147 above the solid horizontal barrier 142 and above all of the racks 108. The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 provide fire protection for the commodities 102 stored above the uppermost solid horizontal barrier 142, as those commodities 102 are not protected by the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144. As discussed herein, each solid horizontal barrier 142 collects the heat between the solid horizontal barrier 142 and a lower solid horizontal barrier 142 (or the floor 145, for the lowermost solid horizontal barrier 142) below the solid horizontal barrier 142, in order to prevent or to reduce the number of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 from operating in the event of a fire below the solid horizontal barrier 142. In one embodiment, the predetermined spacing between two solid horizontal barriers 142 is up to 20 feet (6.10 meters). The floor 145 may be considered a solid horizontal barrier. Such spacing between the solid horizontal barriers 142 may depend on the commodity 102 stored, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 used, and the hazard classification, so that, in other embodiments, the spacing between solid horizontal barriers 142 may be between about 10 feet and 30 feet (3.05 meters and 9.14 meters). In embodiments in which the solid horizontal barriers 142 are not used, the spacing between vertically adjacent rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may also depend on the same factors as those in which solid horizontal barriers 142 are used, i.e., the spacing may depend on the commodity 102 stored, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 used, and the hazard classification. Other factors may include the aisle width 118 between racks 108 and the water pressure. For example, if the hazard to be protected is less severe, a spacing greater than 20 feet (6.10 meters) between solid horizontal barriers 142 may be used, whereas in another example, if the hazard is more severe, a spacing less than 20 feet (6.10 meters) between solid horizontal barriers 142 may be used.

[0050] The arrangement of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 used concurrently with ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146, in accordance with the invention described herein, may be used to protect Class I-IV hazards, Group A cartoned and exposed plastics (expanded and unexpanded), flammable liquids, tires, roll paper, and aerosols stored in racks in occupancies having a ceiling 147 of any height, including occupancies having a ceiling 147 that has a height greater than 45 feet (13.72 meters).

[0051] The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 may be any storage fire protection sprinkler having a K-factor of about 11.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 or greater. Each of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 may also be an extended coverage control mode special application (EC CMSA), a special application, an extended coverage (EC), a storage, an extended coverage storage, or an early suppression fast response (ESFR) fire protection sprinkler. Also, in at least one embodiment, the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 can be the same type of fire protection sprinkler as the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144. For example, in one embodiment, the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 and the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are all model N252 EC fire protection sprinklers, manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc. The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 are spaced from each other on a ceiling level branch line conduit, or a ceiling fluid supply conduit, 154 at a spacing of about 8 feet to 20 feet (2.44 meters to 6.10 meters). The clearance between the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 and the racks 108, and the clearance between the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 and the commodities 102 stored in the racks 108 below the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146, are determined based on the relevant agency approval listing for those ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146. Since the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 below the solid horizontal barriers 142 (or the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 in cases in which the solid horizontal barriers 142 are not used) are expected to operate in the event of a fire condition occurring below the solid horizontal barriers 142 (or below the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144), the total hydraulic demands of the fire protection sprinkler system may be reduced.

[0052] The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 have a K-factor that is between about 11.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 and 30 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2. In one embodiment, all of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 have the same K-factor. In another embodiment, however, not all of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 have the same K-factor. For example, in one embodiment, the K-factor of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may depend on the vertical position of the rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 in the racks 108, such that rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 located at higher positions in the racks 108 have a greater K-factor than the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 located at lower positions in the racks 108, or vice versa. Alternatively, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 having a higher K-factor may be positioned in the rack 108 closer to fire zones in which more severe hazards are stored. In the case of a rack level fire protection sprinkler 144 constructed as an N252 EC fire protection sprinkler, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 operate at a minimum pressure of about 7 psig (48.26 kPa) and discharge water at a rate of at least about 67 gpm (253.62 liters per minute). For rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 having a lesser or greater K-factor, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 will operate at a pressure of at least 7 psig (48.26 kPa). The minimum pressure is based on the commodity 102 being protected and the vertical spacing between the solid horizontal barriers 142, or, in a case in which the solid horizontal barriers 142 are not used, the minimum pressure may be based on the vertical spacing between vertically adjacent rack level fire protection sprinklers 144.

[0053] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, portions of the fluid supply conduit 116 extend through the vertical flue space 114 between each level of the solid horizontal barriers 142. Each portion of the fluid supply conduit 116 extends between about 5 feet and 40 feet (between about 1.52 meters and 12.19 meters). The portions of the fluid supply conduit 116 connected to the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are separate from the ceiling fluid supply conduit 154 connected to the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146, so as to create multiple, separate fire protection areas. The hydraulic demand of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may or may not be added to the hydraulic demand of the fire protection sprinklers 146.

[0054] The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may be any one of a pendent, an upright, a horizontal sidewall, a vertical sidewall, and a conventional type of fire protection sprinkler, and may be oriented in either a pendent position or an upright position. In addition, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 can be constructed having ordinary, intermediate, or high thermal sensitivity (i.e., response time index, or RTI). The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may be arranged with a water shield, constructed like the water shields used with a model Fl and a model F1FR intermediate level fire protection sprinklers manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc. Also, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may be arranged with a guard, such as sprinkler guards for Model C fire protection sprinklers manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company, Inc. The rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may also be constructed with a thermal release element (i.e., a thermally responsive element) that is a bulb or a solder element. In at least one alternate arrangement, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are not arranged in an upright orientation and/or are not constructed as upright fire protection sprinklers.

[0055] FIG. 7 shows a fire protection sprinkler system in which an upper set of racks 109 is installed above the solid horizontal barrier 142 shown in FIG. 5, below which a first level of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 is connected to the fluid supply conduit 116. The upper set of racks 109 and palletized commodities 102 are arranged in the same manner as that of the lower racks 108 and palletized commodities 102. Likewise, a second fluid supply conduit 117 extends in the vertical flue space 114 below a second solid horizontal barrier 149 at the top of the upper set of racks 109. A second level of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 is fluidly coupled to the second fluid supply conduit 117. The second level of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 are aligned vertically and horizontally with the first level of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 described above with respect to FIG. 5. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the vertical spacing between the two levels of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 and the solid horizontal barriers 142 and 149 is up to about 20 feet (6.10 meters). In other embodiments, however, the vertical spacing between the two levels of rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 and the solid horizontal barriers 142 and 149 may be between about 10 feet and 30 feet (between about 3.05 meters and 9.14 meters). Though not shown in FIG. 7, additional racks may be stacked in the same way as the upper set of racks 109 and are protected by providing additional rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 and solid horizontal barriers 142 spaced vertically up to the predetermined height, such as every 10 feet to 30 feet (3.05 meters to 9.14 meters).

[0056] The volume between the solid horizontal barriers (i.e., between the floor 145, the solid horizontal barrier 142, and the sold horizontal barrier 149), or between vertically adjacent rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 in arrangements without the solid horizontal barriers 142, 149, can be considered compartments. Such compartments may be further subdivided into a plurality of fire areas associated with each rack level fire protection sprinkler 144. The hydraulic demand for the racks 108 and 109 is determined by the most demanding fire area or the most demanding ceiling level fire protection sprinkler 146. Thus, as a result of the arrangement of fire areas within the racks 108 and 109 and separate ceiling level fire protection sprinkler 146 arrangement, the hydraulic demand of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 may or may not be added to the hydraulic demand of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146.

[0057] The arrangement of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 and the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146, as described herein, provides a number of advantages over approaches to protection for rack storage described in the prior art. For example, the plurality of fire areas protected by rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 eliminates the conventional requirements for ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 to penetrate a deeply-rooted, floor-level fire. Instead, as described in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 and the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 146 are positioned relatively closer to the origin of a fire to contain the spread of fire. Moreover, fire protection sprinklers are not required to be placed in transverse flue spaces 112 or at the rear faces 150 of the racks 108 and 109, thereby improving access to the storage locations and reducing the chance of damaging the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 during movement of the commodities 102 in and out of the racks 108 and 109. Instead, as described in accordance with an aspect of the invention, the rack level fire protection sprinklers 144 that have a relatively large K-factor and that are capable of producing large droplet sizes can be positioned in the vertical flue space 114 closer to the potential fire locations, thereby reducing the number of fire protection sprinkler heads opened during a fire reducing the amount of water typically required as compared with a ceiling level fire protection sprinkler system.

[0058] Fire testing has been conducted for a fire protection sprinkler system 800 arranged in accordance with an aspect of the invention. FIG. 8 shows a side elevation view of the fire protection sprinkler system 800 having a solid horizontal barrier 842 at a height of 20 feet (6.096 meters) above four levels of double row rack storage. A width of the racks 808 is about 33 feet (10.06 meters). Another three levels of rack storage 809 are provided above the solid horizontal barrier 842, so that a height from a top of an uppermost commodity 802 to a floor 845 is about 35 feet (10.67 meters), and a height of a ceiling 847 above the racks 808, 809 is about 40 feet (12.19 meters) from the floor 845. Just below the horizontal barrier 842, a set of rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 is connected to a fluid supply conduit 816, and each rack level fire protection sprinkler 844 is horizontally spaced from an adjacent rack level fire protection sprinkler 844 by about 8 feet (2.44 meters). The horizontal barrier 842 is a solid barrier formed of ⅜ inch (9.53 millimeters) thick plywood.

[0059] The racks 808 and 809 are double row racks in which exposed, expanded Group A plastics placed on 2-way entry, hardwood stringer pallets 804 are stored. FIG. 9 shows a plan view of the test configuration of the double row racks 808 and 809. The double row racks 808 and 809 of a main array 801 are spaced from other racks 808 and 809 by aisles 818 that are about 8 feet (2.44 meters) wide. It should be noted that the width of each aisle 818 may be about 2 feet (0.61 meter) or greater in other arrangements. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, an ignition source 860 is located at a base of the main array 801 approximately at the midpoint of the width of main array 801 and between two ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 and two rack level fire protection sprinklers 844.

[0060] The ceiling level sprinklers 846 are fluidly connected to a ceiling fluid supply conduit 854, so that the deflectors of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 are spaced about 14 inches (355.6 millimeters) from the ceiling 847. The horizontal spacing between the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 is about 10 feet (3.05 meters) along the width of the main array 801. The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 are spaced about 10 feet (3.05 meters) on either side of the midpoint of the width of the main array 801, as shown in FIG. 8. In the example test arrangement, the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 are ESFR pendent fire protection sprinklers having a K-factor of 16.8 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2. The temperature rating of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 is 212 degrees Fahrenheit. The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 are quick response (QR) fire protection sprinklers having a thermal release element that is a fusible solder link type. The nominal discharge density of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 is 1.19 gpm/square foot (48.49 lpm/square meter) and the nominal discharge pressure is 50 psig (344.74 kPa).

[0061] The rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 are fluidly coupled to a 3-inch (76.2 millimeters), schedule 40 fluid supply conduit 816 that is hydraulically separate from the ceiling fluid supply conduit 854 serving the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846. The rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 are extended coverage (EC) type fire protection sprinklers oriented in a pendent configuration and having a K-factor of 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2. The deflectors of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 are spaced about 9.5 inches (241.3 millimeters) from the top of the commodity 802 directly below the rack level fire protection sprinklers 844. The rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 are quick response (QR) fire protection sprinklers having a thermal release element that is a fusible solder link type. The nominal discharge pressure is 30 psig (206.84 kPa) and the nominal discharge flow rate is 138 gpm (522.39 liters per minute).

[0062] FIG. 10 shows details of the arrangement of the solid horizontal barrier 842 of the main array 801 at the 20 foot (6.10 meters) elevation in FIG. 8, as well as solid horizontal barriers 804 and 805, respectively, in arrays 802 and 803. FIG. 11 shows a section view of the main array 801 viewed from section line 11-11 in FIG. 9. Rear faces 850 of rack supports 851 are spaced about 15 inches (381 millimeters), and rear faces 852 of the commodities 802 in the racks 808 and 809 are spaced about 6 inches (152.4 millimeters) apart. The deflector 848 of each of the rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 is approximately centered in a vertical flue space 814 between the racks 808 and 809, and each deflector 848 is spaced about 8 inches (203.2 millimeters) from the uppermost side of the commodity 802. The solid horizontal plywood barrier 842 extends fully across the racks 808 and 809 and the vertical flue space 814. The fluid supply conduit 816 is not disposed below horizontal rack supports 880 of a rack frame of the racks 808 and 809. The deflector 848 of each rack level fire protection sprinkler 844 and/or a portion of a frame of each rack level fire protection sprinkler 844 may protrude below the horizontal rack supports 880 adjacent to the fluid supply conduit 816.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows a test map of locations of an array of ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846 disposed above the arrays 801, 802, and 803 where temperature measurements were taken during the testing. The test parameters and results are summarized in Table 1, below.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 FIRE TEST NUMBER Test 1 Test Date Aug. 8, 2012 Test Parameters Storage Type Double Row Rack Commodity Type Exposed Expanded Group A Plastic Pallet Type 2 way entry, stringer, hardwood Nominal Storage Height, ft. (m)   35 (10.69) Ceiling Height, ft. (m)   40 (12.19) Nominal Clearance, ft. (m)   5 (1.52) Aisle Width, ft. (m)   8 (2.44) Ignition Location Between 2 Ceiling level and Rack level Fire Protection Sprinklers (Face Fire in Aisle Space) Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System Sprinkler Type K = 16.8 ESFR Pendent Deflector to Ceiling, in. (mm)   14 (355.6) Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler 10 by 10 (3.05 by 3.05) Spacing, sprinkler by branchline ft. by ft. (m by m) Temperature Rating, ° F. 212 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 16.8 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 Nominal Discharge Density, gpm/ft.sup.2 1.19 (48.49) (lpm/m.sup.2) Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   50 (344.74) Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System Sprinkler Type K = 25.2 Extended Coverage Pendent Deflector to Commodity, in. (mm)  9.5 (241.3) Sprinkler Spacing, ft. (m) 8.25 (2.51) (centered on the rack bays) Temperature Rating, ° F. 212 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K,  25.2 gpm/(psi) l/2 Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   30 (206.84) Nominal Discharge Flowrate, gpm (lpm)  138 (522.39) Test Results Length of Test, minutes  31 Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above 410 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Gas 218 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above 102 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Steel 102 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array No Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 1:02 Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 1:02 Number of Operated Sprinklers  1 Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 0:49 (East Central Sprinkler) Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 0:52 (West Central Sprinkler Number of Operated Sprinklers 2 (out of 4 active in main array)

[0064] FIG. 13 shows maximum temperatures that were recorded during the test at the locations shown in FIG. 12, and also shows activation time of the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 846. As shown by the testing, during a fire condition, only two rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 out of four rack level fire protection sprinklers 844 operated during the fire, and only one ceiling level fire protection sprinkler 846 operated. FIG. 14 shows a view of the pattern of damage to the main array 801 from one side, and FIG. 15 shows a view of damage to the main array 801 from a side opposite to the side shown in FIG. 14.

[0065] Conventional in-rack fire protection sprinkler systems are designed such that, in the event of a fire, up to eight fire protection sprinklers may operate. The fire protection sprinkler system described in accordance with the invention is constructed to reduce the number of opened fire protection sprinklers to five or fewer, which reduces the hydraulic demand of the fire protection sprinkler system in the event of a fire. While the fire protection sprinkler system described herein can be constructed for a new rack storage installation, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system can be implemented to retrofit existing fire protection sprinkler systems for rack storage by incorporating rack level fire protection sprinklers into an existing rack storage fire protection sprinkler system.

[0066] Fire testing was also conducted for a fire protection sprinkler system 900 arranged in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Table 2, below, summarizes the details of the testing and the arrangement of the fire protection sprinkler system 900.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Test Parameters Storage Type Double Row Rack Commodity Type Cartoned Unexpanded Group A Plastic Pallet Type 2 Way Entry, Stringer, Hardwood Nominal Storage Height, ft. (m)   43 (13.11) Ceiling Height, ft. (m)   48 (14.63) Nominal Clearance, ft. (m)   5 (1.52) Aisle Width, ft. (m)   8 (2.44) Ignition Location Between 2 Ceiling level and Rack level Fire Protection Sprinklers (Face of Commodity in Aisle Space) Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System Sprinkler Type K = 25.2 Extended Coverage Pendent Deflector to Ceiling, in. (mm)   14 (355.6) Ceiling level Sprinkler Spacing, sprinkler 14 by 14 (4.27 by 4.27) by branchline ft. by ft. (m by m) Temperature Rating, ° F. 212 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 Nominal Discharge Density, gpm/ft.sup.2  0.7 (28.52) (lpm/m.sup.2) Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   30 (206.84) Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System Sprinkler Type K = 25.2 Extended Coverage Pendent Deflector to Bottom of Solid Horizontal  7.5 (190.5) Barrier, in. (mm) Sprinkler Spacing, ft. (m) 8.25 (2.51) (centered on the rack bays) Temperature Rating, ° F. 212 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 25.2 gpm/(psi)½ Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   30 (206.84) Test Results Length of Test, minutes  34 Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above 722 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Gas 353 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above 152 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Steel 150 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array No Ignition of Target Commodity No Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 3:01 Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min: sec 3:01 Number of Operated Sprinklers  1 Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 2:53 (West Central Sprinkler) Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 2:59 (East Central Sprinkler) Number of Operated Sprinklers 2 (out of 4 active in main array)

[0067] In contrast to the fire protection sprinkler system 800, the fire protection sprinkler system 900 employs extended coverage fire protection sprinklers as ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 946. The ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 946 have a nominal K-factor of 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 and are constructed as Model N252 EC fire protection sprinklers manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co. The fire protection sprinkler system 900 also includes rack level fire protection sprinklers 944 that are the same type of fire protection sprinkler as the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 946.

[0068] FIG. 16 shows a photograph of the north side of a main array 901 protected by the fire protection sprinkler system 900 and the damage caused by the fire testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 900. FIG. 17 shows a photograph of the south side of the main array 901 and the damage caused by the fire testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 900. With an aisle width 918 of eight feet (2.44 meters), no damage was observed to the commodities 902 in either of the two racks spaced from the main array 901 in testing the fire protection sprinkler system 900. Testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 900 confirmed that the growth of the fire was substantially vertical.

[0069] Fire testing has been conducted for a fire protection sprinkler system 1000 arranged in accordance with an aspect of the invention. Table 3, below, summarizes the details of the testing and the arrangement of the fire protection sprinkler system 1000.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Test Parameters Storage Type Double Row Rack Commodity Type Cartoned Unexpanded Group A Plastic (Polystyrene Cups in Corrugated Containers) Pallet Type 2 way entry, stringer, hardwood Horizontal Barrier Within Rach ⅜ inch (9.53 mm) Plywood at 20 ft. (6.10 m) and 40 ft. (12.19 m) Elevation Nominal Storage Height, ft. (m)   43 (13.11) Ceiling Height, ft. (m)   48 (14.63) Nominal Clearance, ft. (m)   5 (1.52) Aisle Width, ft. (m)   4 (1.22) Ignition Location Between 2 Sprinklers (offset in transverse flue space) Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System (Initially Dry - Activated after significant fire load at the ceiling) Sprinkler Type K = 25.2 Extended Coverage Pendent Deflector to Ceiling, in. (mm)   14 (355.6) Ceiling level Sprinkler Spacing, sprinkler 14 by 14 (4.27 by 4.27) by branchline ft. by ft. (m by m) Temperature Rating, ° F.  212 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K, 25.2 gpm/(psi)½ Nominal Discharge Density, gpm/ft2  0.7 (28.52) (lpm/m2) Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   30 (206.84) Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System (at nominal 20 ft. (6.10 m) and 40 ft. (12.19 m) levels) Sprinkler Type K = 25.2 Extended Coverage Pendent Deflector to Commodity, in. (mm)   8 (203.2) (nominal) Sprinkler Spacing, ft. (m) 8.25 (2.51) (centered on the rack bays) (4 sprinklers, centered on the bay of commodity) Temperature Rating, ° F.  165 Sprinkler Response Type QR (link) Nominal Sprinkler Discharge Coefficient K,  25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 Nominal Discharge Pressure, psig (kPa)   30 (206.84) (at 40 ft. (12.19 m) elevation)   39 (at 20 ft. (6.10 m) elevation) Nominal Discharge Flowrate, gpm (lpm)  138 (522.39) (at 40 ft. (12.19 m) elevation)  157 (594.31) (at 20 ft. (6.10 m) elevation) Test Results Length of Test, minutes  60 Peak Gas Temperature at Ceiling Above 1583 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Gas 1093 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Peak Steel Temperature at Ceiling Above  450 Ignition, ° F. Maximum 1 minute Average Steel  445 Temperature at Ceiling Above Ignition, ° F. Fire Travel to Extremities of Test Array No Ignition of Target Commodity No Ceiling level Fire Protection Sprinkler System (Initial Operating Time without Water) - Water Began Discharging 21 minutes 15 seconds after Ignition First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 20:40 Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 21:15 Number of Operated Sprinklers   3 Rack level Fire Protection Sprinkler System First Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 1:13 (East Central Sprinkler 20 ft. (6.10 m) Elevation) Last Sprinkler Operation Time, min:sec 13:40 (East Central Sprinkler - 40 ft. (12.19 m) Elevation) Number of Operated Sprinklers 5 (out of 8 active in main array) No operation of Target Rack level Sprinklers

[0070] In contrast to the testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 800 and the fire protection sprinkler system 900, testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 1000 was performed in a main array 1001 and two other arrays having two solid horizontal barriers, a lower barrier at an elevation of 20 feet (6.10 meters), and an upper barrier at an elevation of 40 feet (12.19 meters). In addition, in contrast to the testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 800 and the fire protection sprinkler system 900, an aisle width 1018 between the main array 1001 and the other two arrays was four feet (1.22 meters) instead of eight feet (2.44 meters), as in the test arrangement of the fire protection sprinkler systems 800 and 900. The fire protection sprinkler system 1000 includes extended coverage fire protection sprinklers for the ceiling level fire protection sprinklers 1046 and the rack level fire protection sprinklers 1044 having a nominal K-factor of 25.2 gpm/(psi).sup.1/2 and are constructed as Model N252 EC fire protection sprinklers manufactured by The Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.

[0071] FIG. 18 shows a photograph of the north side of the main array 1001 protected by the fire protection sprinkler system 1000 and the damage caused by the fire testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 1000. FIG. 19 shows a photograph of the south side of the main array 1001 and the damage caused by the fire testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 1000. With an aisle width 1018 of four feet (1.22 meters), no damage was observed to the commodities 1002 in either of the two racks spaced from the main array 1001 in testing the fire protection sprinkler system 1000. Testing of the fire protection sprinkler system 1000 confirmed that the growth of the fire was substantially vertical.

[0072] While the invention has been described with respect to what are, at present, considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.