Description of Project
In October 2022, Elite Fire Protection was requested by an architect, who was already involved in the construction of a new store, to provide pricing for sprinkler protection.
It is the largest retailer of building materials and associated products, selling directly to cash-paying customers through its 319 (and growing) stores in South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Malawi and Zambia.
Elite Fire Protection is currently responsible for the design, supply, fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system.
| Project | Fire Protection Systems |
| Size | 1600m2 |
| Year of completion | 2023 |
| Scope | Design, supply, fabrication & installation of fire sprinkler system |
| Discipline | Fire Protection |
Project Scope
Fire Protection System:
- Installation of Fire Sprinklers
- Water Supplies – phase 2
Process Outline
Installation of Fire Sprinklers
The sprinkler system at the roof is designed to a 15mm/min design density as the client preferred to not have in-rack sprinkler protection.
The type of sprinkler being utilised for this project at roof level are Viking 20mm brass conventional 93-degree sprinkler and was chosen according to standards.
A new sprinkler control valve (ICV), Vitaulic 150mm, was installed to feed the roof sprinklers.
Water Supplies – upcoming phase 2
Elite Fire will supply and install a new diesel-driven pump with a duty of 6500 l/min @650kPa.
A new pumphouse will be built to accommodate the new diesel fire pump. Along with the new diesel pump installation, we will be installing the new pumphouse piping which includes the auto-start test arrangement, the 200mm pump test return line, the 50mm cooling line and the sprinkler protection to pumphouse including flow switch.
The supply and installation of two water storage tanks, each with the capacity of 305m3.
The dimensions of each water storage tank is 6.950m in diameter x 8.05m high.
Challenges
Minor components or materials were not always readily available close to the site, and with the December holidays, made it difficult to source materials while suppliers were closing for year end.
Load shedding had a negative impact on installation with delays due to not having sufficient time to charge skyjacks needed for installation at roof level.
There are currently no other challenges facing this project and seems to be running smoothly.
