Sugar Mill Fire Sprinklers - Elite Fire Protection

Turnkey Fire Protection System for a Sugar Mill in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Description of Project

Last year we were included on a tender list by a Fire Consultant to provide fire protection at roof level for a sugar mill based in Kwa-Zulu Natal. They are a leading South African food manufacturer employing over 21 000 people, producing a wide range of branded and private label food products. Elite Fire Protection is currently responsible for the design, supply, fabrication and installation of a fire sprinkler system.

ProjectFire Protection Systems
Size19173m2
Year of completion2023
ScopeDesign, supply, fabrication & installation
DisciplineFire Protection

Project Scope

Fire Protection System containing the following:

  • Installation of Fire Sprinklers
  • Installation of three installation control valves
  • Fire Equipment

Process Outline

Installation of Fire Sprinklers

Installation of Fire Sprinklers - Sugar Mill - Elite Fire Protection

As outlined by the Fire Consultant the sprinkler system at roof is designed to a 15mm/min design density, with 2600 sprinkler heads being installed.

The type of sprinklers being utilised for this project at roof level are Rapidrop 20mm brass conventional 93oC Celsius fast response.

In a fire condition the heat causes the fluid in the glass bulb to expand which shatters the glass and releases the seal assembly. Water flows from the orifice onto the sprinkler deflector which diffuses the water into a uniform spray pattern which extinguishes or controls the fire. Sprinkler produces a spherical water distribution pattern below the deflector.

Installation of ICV

The three ICV are being supplied by Rapidrop as one ICV can only feed an average of 1000 sprinklers.

Installation control valves control the flow of water in an automatic fire sprinkler system, and it is critical they remain open to allow water flow to the sprinklers.

The new sprinkler system will be connected to existing water supplies already present at the sugar mill.  

Fire Equipment

The sugar mill has hose-reels for the most part but requires an additional 2 new hose-reels onsite.  We have also made provision for additional piping on site for reticulation:

Black steel piping according to SANS 62-1 or 62-2 100mm, 50mm, 40mm, 32mm and 25mm.

Challenges

Finding suitable accommodation for installation teams were difficult due to the location of the sugar mill. The road leading to the sugar mill is not the safest one with many potholes due to the number of trucks passing through.