Citation

Heskestad G, Bill J. Fire Safety J. 1988; 14(1-2): 113-125.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The response time index (RTI) represents the product of the thermal time constant for the heat-responsive element of an automatic sprinkler and the square root of the associated gas velocity. The RTI and sprinkler temperature rating are usually sufficient to predict sprinkler response, provided gas temperatures and velocities generated by the fire at the sprinkler site are known. However, recent evidence has indicated that a companion response parameter may be needed to quantify response for low gas temperatures and velocities and for low-RTI sprinklers in growing fire situations. The companion parameter accounts for heat loss by conduction to the sprinkler mount. The technical basis and methods of measurements of the response parameters are presented, along with preliminary results of room fire tests conducted to verify the refined response model.