Viking Pendent ESFR Sprinkler System
Early Suppression Fast Response ESFR
"Early Suppression Fast Response" is one of those marvellous products that does what it says on the tin. It's a relatively new technology that was developed in the US and is catching on fast in the UK.
"The ESFR technology gives you greater flexibility" says Simon Barratt, Viking's Sales manager for the UK and Ireland and an important supplier for Fire Defence. "In most cases, it removes the need for sprinklers inside the racking, which is good for the landlord and the end-user. It means the racks can be clear for storage."
In simple terms, the ESFR sprinkler has a highly sensitive heat-sensing element that allows the earliest possible fire detection. This gives the opportunity to suppress the fire at source, not merely to control it. (Contrary to popular belief, sprinklers are not designed to extinguish fires, rather to control; or suppress them.)
Control; Mode sprinklers - ie. Every sprinkler other than ESFR or residential - control the spread of fire through oxygen displacement, cooling and adjacent wetting. The advantage of ESFR is reduced fire, smoke and water damage - and hopefully less business interruption. The concept is ideal for high-challenge situations such as warehouses, where many different materials are stored on long lines o racking.
The concept of Early Suppression Fast Response sprinklers dates back to 1983, when the research laboratories of Factory Mutual in America announced a new product to meet warehouse users' demand for flexible fire protection.
ESFR sprinklers are upright or pendent and may be used in combination. A skilled designer will create a unique system for every situation, working around obstructions and maximising storage space.
Viking is one of the world's leading manufactures of sprinklers, valves, alarms and associated products, with more than 90 years' trading history.
"one of our key strengths,2 SAYS Simon Barratt, "is our sole focus on the fire protection market. We work closely with independent installers offering a very broad range of products. Our business is still run in Michigan, America by the founding family and profits are ploughed back into the company for research and development. We are at the forefront of new technologies and new products".
