Types of Fire Sprinkler Valves

Fire sprinkler systems include specialized pipes connected to a water supply. Whenever a fire is detected by a sprinkler system's sensors, water is transferred through pipes and into openings called fire sprinkler heads, which spray water onto the fire. There are two types of fire sprinkler systems, wet pipe and dry pipe, and each one includes special valves that regulate the flow of water. These valves are categorized according to type and purpose.

Alarm Valve

• An alarm valve that is designed for use with wet pipe sprinkler systems uses the flow of water to activate an alarm when fire sprinkler heads activate. In some cases, the interaction of its components also sends a signal to the fire department. It works by opening and releasing a surge of water that flows simultaneously into the sprinkler heads and an opening where a sensor is located. When water hits the sensor, the alarm is initiated.

Deluge Valve

• Fire sprinkler systems with deluge valves can deliver large amounts of water within a short period of time. A deluge valve stays closed when not in use, but it opens fast when triggered by a stimulus, such as a heat detector, allowing water to flow through smoothly. Because these types of valves can quickly release water over larger areas, they are beneficial for factories and large businesses.

Dry Valve

• Dry pipe sprinkler systems use dry valves to prevent water from flowing and to act as the boundary between water and air during the activation of a sprinkler. Dry valves are designed to use a small amount of air pressure to restrict a larger flow of water. The dry valve uses air pressure to prevent water from entering the sprinkler system's pipes and maintains the pressure until released through a sprinkler head. The main purpose of this type of valve is to stop water from freezing in pipes and conserve it until it is ready for use.

Pressure/Flow Control Valves

• Pressure valves come in three types: pressure relieving, pressure sustaining and pressure reducing. Pressure relief valves reduce water pressure levels within a pipe when there are changes in how strong the water flows. Pressure sustaining valves maintain the flow of water and are regulated by programmed settings that dictate the maximum levels for water pressure. Pressure reducing valves keep pressure at a predetermined level, and do not allow fluctuations, even when inlet pressure changes. They are self-regulating valves that are not manually controlled.