Flue Spaces in Racks - NFPA 13 vs. FM Global Data Sheet 8-9
Flue spaces are necessary for rack storage arrangements to allow heat from a fire to quickly vent vertically. This is critical in order to help ensure the ceiling-level sprinklers will operate as...
Explosion Protection Systems for Combustible Dusts
Processing, handling and storing of combustible dusts within enclosed equipment (i.e., mixers, blenders, mills, separators, cutting tools, holding bins, dust collectors, cyclones, etc.) can easily...
Automatic Sprinklers, Heat/Smoke Vents and Draft Curtains
Our previous articles in October 2004 and August 2006 touched on the subject of the need for heat and smoke vents in fully sprinklered facilities. We wrote about engineering and fire testing...
Ammonia Refrigeration Systems
Commercial ammonia refrigeration systems are widely used throughout various industries, but are used primarily in the food industry to help prolong shelf life. All refrigeration systems operate...
Ammonia Refrigerated Warehouses
In our discussion of Ammonia refrigerated warehouses, we should begin with an understanding of what we are dealing with. ANSI/ASHRE-15 classifies Ammonia as a Group 2 Refrigerant - prominently a...
Engineering and Fire Testing Research versus Building Codes Requirements for Smoke and Heat Venting in Fully Sprinklered Warehouses
The fire protection engineering industry views smoke and heat venting in warehouse type occupancies as a waste of money and a hindrance to the performance of an automatic sprinkler system. Why do...
Commercial Cooking Equipment
The following summary provides guidance in assessing the thoroughness of inspection, maintenance and cleaning activities for equipment and systems related to commercial cooking equipment. Commercial...
Smoke Vents
Roof vents were originally used as an aid to fire fighting in unsprinklered buildings. When a fire occurs, the smoke and hot gases rise until they reach the ceiling. They then spread outward and down...