Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

What Is a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System?

A dry pipe sprinkler system, or a dry fire suppression system, is a fire protection system specifically designed for areas prone to freezing temperatures. Unlike wet pipe sprinkler systems with constantly pressurized water in the pipes, dry pipe sprinkler systems utilize compressed air or nitrogen to prevent water from freezing and potentially damaging the system. Here’s how they work:

Pressurized air/nitrogen – The pipes in a dry fire suppression system are filled with compressed air/nitrogen, rather than water, to keep the system functional in freezing environments.

Activation mechanism – When a fire ignites, the heat-sensitive elements in the sprinkler heads react to the rising temperature, causing them to open.

Air release – The opening of the sprinkler head releases the pressurized air/nitrogen from the pipes, triggering a drop in pressure.

Water flow – The drop in pressure opens the dry pipe valve, allowing water to flow into the pipes and reach the open sprinkler head(s).

Water discharge – Water is discharged from the activated sprinkler head(s) directly onto the fire, effectively suppressing it and preventing it from spreading.

Here are some common applications:

Advantages of a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Freeze Protection

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are perfect for areas prone to freezing temperatures, as the air/nitrogen in the pipes won't freeze and damage the system.

System Reliability

Dry pipe sprinkler systems maintain a constant supply of compressed air for actuation. Wet pipe sprinkler systems rely on a finite supply of water that needs to be periodically refilled and can be susceptible to oxygen corrosion.

Minimal Water Damage

Since water only enters the pipes upon fire detection and activation, dry fire suppression systems minimize the risk of water damage compared to constantly water-filled systems.

Flexibility

Dry pipe sprinkler systems can be designed to accommodate various building layouts and configurations, providing comprehensive fire protection.

Why Choose FireTech

FireTech has twenty years of experience in the fire protection industry and our team of experts know how to provide design, install and maintain customized and reliable fire prevention systems. We offer comprehensive services that include:

System Design & Install – Our team assesses your property’s needs and designs a customized system that meets all fire code requirements.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance – Our team files business inspection report history and performs quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections in accordance with NFPA 25 and your local jurisdiction. Additionally, our team provides 5 years internal assessment obstruction investigations.

We service, test and repair all makes and models of fire protection systems, backflow preventers, foam, antifreeze, sprinkler heads as well as perform system flushing.
Emergency Repairs – In case of any issues with your system, our technicians are available 24/7 to provide emergency repair services.

Discover Our Comprehensive Fire Protection Systems & Solutions

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of fire suppression system. They consist of pipes filled with water, ready to discharge instantly when a sprinkler head is activated by heat, ensuring a rapid response to a fire event.

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Preaction Sprinkler System

Preaction systems are designed to prevent accidental discharge, making them suitable for sensitive environments such as data centers or museums. They require both a fire detection event and the activation of a sprinkler head before water is released, providing an extra layer of protection against water damage.

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Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge systems are used in high-hazard areas, where rapid fire suppression is crucial. These systems have open sprinkler heads and are connected to a water supply through a valve that opens upon receiving a fire signal, quickly delivering large amounts of water to extinguish intense fires.

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AFFF System

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) systems are specialized fire protection systems designed to combat flammable liquid fires. They work by forming a foam blanket over the fuel, cutting off oxygen and suppressing the flames.

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Clean Agent System

Clean agent systems use non-water-based extinguishing agents to fight fires, making them ideal for environments where water damage is undesirable, such as server rooms or electrical panels. These systems release a gas that quickly suppresses fires without leaving any residue or requiring significant cleanup.

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Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

What Is a Dry Pipe Sprinkler System?