Our deluge systems provide fast-acting fire suppression across a range of high-risk areas.
At Fire Shield Systems, we offer a wide range of deluge suppression systems specifically designed to meet the precise requirements of your business.
Whether you’re looking for a fire protection system for a large, open area or small enclosure where complete flooding is required, deluge suppression will be the ideal type of system for your needs.
Deluge fire suppression systems are commonly used in waste & recycling plants, renewables, chemical and power plants, airport hangars and other high-risk processes and industries.
Our team has helped businesses large and small with all their fire suppression requirements. We work closely with clients throughout projects to develop a custom system which does exactly what you need it to do. A complete aftercare and training service also means you can be completely confident in the quality of your system moving forward.
To find out how we could help you, call us today on 0800 975 5767 or fill in our contact form to request a call back from a member of our specialist team.
Request a Quote Today!
Fire Protection Guide
Not sure which fire protection system you need? Check our comprehensive Fire Protection Guide.
How do deluge systems work?
A deluge fire suppression system is a type of fire suppression system which uses an open distribution pipe network, typically connected to a number of valves allowing for the relevant suppression agent to be released in specific areas.
Upon the system being activated using a number a different automatic detection methods, the agent discharges through all heads in the system immediately, working to quickly and efficiently control, suppress or extinguish the fire before serious damage is caused.
As well as general area coverage, deluge suppression systems can be designed to protect a specific item of equipment or area giving you complete control in how the system is used in your business.
Whatever your needs, our team can help. We’ll work alongside you to identify all hazards and create the perfect solution for your business.
Is a deluge suppression system right for me?
Deluge systems commonly fall into one of four broad categories:
- Area protection systems which provide non-specific coverage of large industrial or high hazard areas.
- Equipment protection systems designed to provide dedicated coverage to specific pieces of equipment.
- Structural protection systems designed specifically to cover structurally important areas.
- Water curtains which control the movement of smoke or radiant heat in the event of a fire, making it easier for staff to carry out effective evacuation procedures.
They are most commonly used in waste & recycling, waste to energy, renewables and other high-risk processes and industries.
If you are unsure whether a deluge system is right for you, get in touch with our team on 0800 975 5767 to discuss your requirements. We have decades of industry expertise and will be able to tell you exactly what type of fire protection solution best fits your needs.
FAQs
For any further information, please see our list of deluge systems frequently asked questions in our collapsable menu below:
What is a deluge system?
A deluge system dispenses large quantities of a fire suppressing fluid – typically either water or foam – very quickly when a fire is detected or the system is manually activated. This starves the fire of oxygen and/or fuel, helping to extinguish the flames proactively.
What is the material used for foam deluge systems?
Foam deluge systems use a variety of expanding foams, known as AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foams). These typically contain a hydrocarbon surfactant and fluorosurfactant. Alcohol-resistant foams are specially formulated to hold their structure even in the presence of oxygenates, which would normally break down the expanded form of the foam.
Can you reset a deluge system?
A deluge system can be manually reset either locally or remotely, depending on the deluge valve installed. Deluge valves don’t have an automatic reset to prevent the risk of accidental reset, which could occur if a fire damages the reset or detection line. However, remote manual reset is an option in large environments or hazardous areas, where direct manual reset is not preferable.
How do you test a deluge system?
Deluge systems should be tested regularly to ensure sufficient flow rates and effective dispensing of expansive foams. It’s also possible to test fire detection systems separately, without conducting a full wet test of the deluge system. Contact Fire Shield Systems for more information about testing your deluge system.
How many types of deluge systems are there?
There are several types of deluge systems available, depending on the environment and application. Some examples include water deluge, as well as low, medium and high expansion foams for indoor and outdoor areas alike. Alcohol-resistant foam is a good option in the presence of oxygenates like Methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), as the foam will resist being broken down by the oxygenate.
Why is a deluge system required?
Deluge systems are beneficial in very cold environments, as the pipes are not pre-filled and therefore there is no risk of water freezing inside them. Deluge systems also offer a faster response in the event of a fire, as the suppression agent can be released via all valves at once, instead of waiting for individual sprinkler heads to operate.
What is the difference between a deluge and sprinkler system?
A sprinkler system is typically a wet system, with pipes filled with water at all times. In a fire, the sprinkler heads open and dispense water into the area of the fire. A deluge system is normally dry, with all valves open by default. In a fire, a suppression agent, such as water, foam or dry chemical, is dispensed quickly via all the open valves (or via specific heads in a pre-action deluge system).
How do I choose a deluge valve size?
Each deluge valve you install should be big enough to support the capacity of the fire suppression agent you want to dispense. Remember that, together, the total valves installed on a single deluge system will affect the flow pressure. Contact Fire Shield Systems to speak to an engineer, and we can help you choose the right deluge valve size for your application.
What is a pre-action deluge valve?
A pre-action deluge valve restricts the suppression agent – foam, water or dry chemicals – to only the area where fire is detected. When a fire breaks out, the pre-action deluge valve fills the system with suppression agent. However, only the sprinkler heads in the immediate area of the fire open, preventing water or chemical damage to valuable equipment elsewhere in the space.
How do you control a deluge valve?
Deluge valves may be triggered automatically by fire detection systems or activated manually using a convenient push-button alarm point. Once activated, the valve may be reset manually, either locally or remotely, depending on the valve, which allows the deluge to be halted while avoiding the risk of accidental shut-off.
Contact us
We design, install and maintain bespoke fire protection solutions across a number of high risk industries across the UK and Ireland.
Contact us today to discuss how we can help protect your business from fire. Call on 0800 975 5767 or click below to email us.