WET ALARM VALVE

WET ALARM VALVE 

WET ALARM VALVE: If we answer the question of what is a Wet Alarm Valve; Designed for applications where water is not likely to freeze. Pressurized water in the pipes is discharged to the fire area as a result of the sprinkler being activated due to the fire. While the pressurized water system is fed continuously, it also fills the delay cell at the same time. After filling the cell, the pressure switch on the cell is triggered. The pressure switch transmits alarm information to the fire alarm system or automation system. After the pressure switch is triggered, the water reaches the water motor gong and provides a mechanical alarm. This system is designed for heated volumes and needs where the water does not fall below +4 °C and does not freeze. Alarm check valve or water flow detector are used to give mechanical and electronic alarms.

WHAT IS A WET ALARM VALVE AND WHAT ARE THE GENERAL FEATURES?

Wet alarm valve is used in wet type fire extinguishing systems. It is used for applications where the water is above freezing temperature, ensuring that the pressurized water in the pipes is delivered to the fire area as a result of the sprinkler being activated in the event of a fire.

·        The water, which is pressurized in the pipes, is discharged to the fire area as a result of the sprinkler activation.

·        Pressurized water fills the delay cell at the same time as the system is fed continuously.

·        After the cell is full, the pressure switch on the cell is triggered.

·        The pressure switch transmits alarm information to the automation system.

·        Water reaches the motor gong and provides a mechanical alarm.

KEY FEATURES

Especially in wet type sprinkler systems, automatic sprinkler is fixed to pipe systems that are connected to a water source and contain water. In these systems, the sprinkler opens with the effect of the heat generated by the fire, and they allow the water to start pouring onto the burning materials. The effect of the heat from the fire activates any sprinkler connected to the system and ensures the flow of water. The released water is scattered by hitting the reflector in the sprinkler and is discharged into the fire area in the form of a smooth sprinkler. Depending on the conditions in the area of use, sprinklers are designed to activate at a specified temperature between 40°C and 350°C. Most sprinklers discharge approximately 70 to 100 liters of water per minute into the fire scene.

The wet sprinkler system can be divided into zones fed from a common column. The system zone size is determined depending on the fire hazard class of the building. In high storage areas, the maximum floor area on each floor connected to any feed column should not exceed 3716 m². If a sprinkler zone addresses multiple floors or separate occupancy zones, a traceable shut-off valve, flow switch, and test and drain valve should be installed at the entrance to the floors or zones. In the wet pipe sprinkler system, the pipes are kept constantly filled with pressurized water. It is applied only in places where there is no risk of freezing and the ambient temperature does not exceed 95 °C.

Experiences are taken into account regarding people’s safer lives in their living spaces. In this way, different standards and processes are created. The fire code standards applied in this way also include a certain system. In this system, the wet alarm valve takes on the biggest task. Due to its working principles, it ensures that the sprinkler system, which is the first responder to the fire, works effectively and smoothly. These valves, which act like a kind of heart, are responsible for activating the entire extinguishing system. Similarly, there is a dry alarm valve in check valves. However, their working principles are different. Valves used for wet areas should always have the principle of working smoothly and appropriately within the system. Wet alarm valves are used in areas where the water is not likely to freeze. It gives both mechanical (with engine gong) and electrical (pressure switches) alarms with the direction of the trim set due to the pressure difference created by the activation of the sprinklers during the fire. Can be used with delay cell to prevent false alarms.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Wet Alarm Valve is a check valve used in wet pipe sprinkler systems to activate electrical and mechanical alarms with water flow from one or more opened sprinklers. Wet alarm valve operating principle As long as the water pressure in the sprinkler installation is equal to or more than the supply water pressure, the alarm valve is in the closed position. By opening one or more sprinklers, the wet alarm valve flap opens and water starts flowing into the system and delay chamber. When the delay chamber is completely filled with water, the pressure switch and the water alarm gong are activated by the water pressure. After the fire is brought under control, the water flow to the area can be stopped by closing the shut-off valve in the wet alarm valve station of the area where the sprinkler is opened.

In particular, one wet alarm valve should be used in each wet pipe sprinkler zone. A shut-off valve should be placed below each alarm valve. Moreover, if the sprinkler alarm valves are fed from the ring main supply line arranged inside the building, the main supply ring should be divided into zones with regional control valves. In addition, it is allowed to feed to a maximum of 4 alarm valves from each part of the ring. The diameter of the alarm valve should be selected according to the diameter of the fire zone installation column, which is determined by hydraulic calculation.

These valves, which can control both electricity and mechanics, are of vital importance in fires. In particular, the wet alarm valve in the check valves group has an important place in the sprinkler system. It is also important to adjust the water pressure as needed. The valve remains closed when the pressure is equal or greater. If one or more sprinklers are opened, the clamp of the wet alarm valve is also opened and water flow to the required cells begins. At this time, the water alarm gongs are activated by the prosostat with the water pressure created. In other words, alarm valves start to work functionally. When the fire goes out or the situation in question disappears, the shut-off valve is closed from the station and the water going to the area is stopped. This system is very useful and will allow quick intervention until the teams arrive.

What is Wet Alarm Valve and Its Uses

1.   Warehouses

2.   Workshops

3.   Hospitals

4.   Living Centers

5.   High-Rise Residences and Residences

6.   Factories

7.   Homes

8.   Hospitals

9.   Schools and universities

10.Hotel and dormitory buildings

11.Shopping malls

12.Cafeteria and restaurants

Nfpa 13 - What is the Alarm Government Valve - Wet Pipe ? 👉🏻👈🏻

Wet pipe VGAs are designed for systems with temperatures above +4°C as they are susceptible to freezing. For mechanical and electronic alarm detection, alarm check valves and flowmeter detectors are used.

VGA wet pipe normally installed in a Sprinklers system designed to distribute water in the fire in case of emergency.

VGA is designed to open automatically when a sprinkler is activated by the heat of a fire. When the valve opens, it allows water to flow into the piping system and into the Sprinklers nozzles, which then spray water into the fire.

👉🏻Application Areas:
1. Warehouses
2. Factories
3. Hospitals
4. Shopping malls
5. Skyscraper structures and residences

When the fire fighting system starts increasing pressure, water will flow into the system until reaching a balance between the water supplying with the system pressure. And the alarm check valve can put pressure on the fire pumps valve to prevent the water backflowing. Once the pressure comes to balance, the alarm check valve will be in operation state, and the middle chamber of its seat ring will be sealed. So if the alarm check valve was set at maintenance state, there will no alarm port to the alarm facility (alarm pressure switch).

Solutions for Tracking Misplaced or Stolen Tools

Solutions for Tracking Misplaced or Stolen Tools 

Using logbooks and spreadsheets is one of the most common methods to manually track tools and equipment. Logbooks can help workers record when a tool or piece of equipment is checked out and returned. Spreadsheets can also be used to develop a tool and equipment inventory, including an item’s status and location. 

Although this type of inventory tracking can be time-consuming, it’s widely used due to its low cost and simplicity. However, this type of tool and equipment tracking can be prone to errors and inaccuracies since workers could forget to update the sheet or misplace the tool altogether. 

Modern Tool Tracking and Asset Tagging

Many companies are turning to technology like Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) to help offset the limitations of traditional tracking methods. RFID uses small tool and equipment tags with a unique identifier that can be scanned by an RFID reader. This automated tracking provides more accurate and up-to-date information about the status of tools or equipment.

Asset tagging is a common tool-tracking method that involves attaching a physical tag to a tool or piece of equipment. There are several types of asset tags made of different metals and tamper-proof labels that can be attached to indoor and outdoor tools and equipment. Asset tracking tags contain a unique identifier, like a serial number or RFID tags, that can be read by a scanner and monitored by a digital tracking system to provide real-time information about the location and status of tools and equipment. Asset tagging helps quickly identify, manage and track a variety of critical assets, from power tools and equipment to vehicles throughout multiple jobsites.

Other new tool-tracking methods include GPS tags and Bluetooth beacons that can be attached to tools and larger equipment like bulldozers or generators to help track their location. Users can create custom alerts and set up geofencing in a connected app to notify them if a tool leaves the jobsite or a certain area.

In addition to tracking and asset tagging, there are also smart tools available, that offer the ability to remotely lock tools or report them as missing. Smart tools use apps that allow users to add their tools to a cloud-based inventory management system. Many smart tools also offer a tool lock out security feature that makes a tool inoperable if it is stolen.

Tips to Prevent Tool and Equipment Theft

While tracking tools can help managers improve inventory management, it is also important to prevent lost and stolen tools and equipment in the first place. Maintaining an accurate inventory of tools and equipment, including the year, manufacturer and serial number, can help prevent loss and theft. Taking photos can also help maintain an accurate snapshot of the condition and location of equipment. Here are some additional strategies to help secure valuable tools and equipment:

·        Use physical barriers like fences to limit access to job sites.

·        Secure tools and equipment with padlocks or other types of locks. 

·        Keep valuable tools and equipment in wire cages or lockers to control access.

·        Install exterior lighting and security cameras to monitor job sites and deter theft.

·        Consider tool kitting or grouping a set of frequently used tools into one kit that can be easily tracked.

·        Engrave, stamp or label tools and equipment with company logos or other identifying marks or serial numbers.

·        Implement a tool-tracking system and educate workers on theft prevention. 

Creating a Culture of Accountability

Consider conducting a risk assessment to help identify threats and gaps in security measures. In addition to using tracking technology, businesses can implement several strategies to help prevent stolen tools and equipment, including written policy that clearly states the consequences of employee theft. Training employees on how to prevent tool and equipment theft from the outside is also critical. Training can include how to secure tools and equipment, tips for identifying suspicious activity, and the actions to take if a tool or piece of equipment is stolen.

There are several ways to track tools, and the best solution for your business depends on many factors. While traditional tracking methods like logbooks and spreadsheets are still widely used, modern technology like RFID and asset tagging can provide more accurate and efficient tracking. Tool tracking combined with an asset management system can make critical equipment and tools easier to identify and help quickly locate lost or stolen items.