Packaging warehouse case study - Elite Fire Protection

New Fire Sprinkler System for a Packaging Warehouse, Mpumalanga

Description of Project

In September 2022, Elite Fire Protection was requested by a Fire Consultant to provide pricing for an existing packaging warehouse requiring a new fire sprinkler installation. This particular client is a family-run packaging business and a longstanding supplier in the Lowveld for more than 27 years. Elite Fire Protection is currently responsible for the design, supply, fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system.

ProjectFire Protection Systems
SizeApprox. 2700m2
Year of completion2023
ScopeDesign, supply, fabrication & installation of fire sprinkler system
DisciplineFire Protection

Project Scope

Fire Protection System:

  • Installation of Fire Sprinklers
  • Installation of Sprinkler Installation Control Valves (ICV)
  • Supply and Installation of Diesel Fire Pump
  • Water Storage Tanks

Process Outline

Installation of Fire Sprinklers

The contract has approximately 851 sprinklers in total with the roof and office consisting of 357 and in-racks 494. 93-degree brass conventional sprinklers at roof level and the office and 68-degree quick response brass pendent with sprinkler guard. The in-rack sprinklers will have sprinkler guards which encases the sprinkler to protect it from physical damage. Guards are recommended for sprinklers installed in areas exposed to high level of mechanical activities, e.g. warehouse racks.

Installation of Sprinkler ICV

A 150 diameter sprinkler control valve will be used for this facility. We will be installing two ICVs, one to feed the roof and the other to feed in-rack sprinkler protection. Control valves control the flow of water in an automatic fire sprinkler system. Therefore, it is critical they remain open to allow water flow to the sprinklers.

Supply and Installation of Diesel Fire Pump

It is one diesel-driven fire pump with a duty of 6550 l/min @750kPa with all associated panels, auto-start test arrangement, jockey pump and wiring.

There is not sufficient flow and pressure from the municipal line. Therefore, dedicated fire pumps are needed to ensure that the required flows and pressures are being delivered to the sprinkler system at roof and in-rack.  

Water Storage Tanks

The supply and installation of two water storage tanks, each with the capacity of 349m3.

The dimensions of each water storage tank are 7.68m in diameter x 6.9m high.

A typical water storage tank consists of:

  • Outer steel panel walls of minimum 1mm thickness
  • Inner PVC liner in various grades of PVC material
  • Low dome profile all steel reservoir roof which contributes to the strength, wind tolerance effective storage, and aesthetics of these tanks as well as the quality of water stored therein.
  • Standard fittings and accessories

Challenges

Elite Fire will be building the pump house and will also be in charge of the construction of the ring-beams. There is a current challenge with the slope of the ground and needing to level the ground before the pump house and ring-beams can be built.