FT 29 RISING MAINS

RISING MAINS
OBJECTIVE 1. To explain the types of rising mains for their operation and function and maintenance.

REFERENCE 2. Manual of Fireman ship Book 9.

CONTENTS 3. Introduction. A rising mains in terms for building fire protection is where there are piping fed or without water for fire fighting. 4. General. A rising (see figure 1) consists of a pipe installed vertically a building with a fire service connection or booster pumps at the lower end and outlets at various levels throughout the building. 5. There are two types of rising main: a. b. Wet risers. Dry risers.

6. Both wet and dry risers have hydrant outlets (landing valves) at various floor levels. The outlets are mostly of wheel operated type opening anticlockwise. Hose may be provided by the occupier for use with risers. 7. Wet Riser: a. A wet riser is a pipe kept permanently charged with water which is then immediately available for use on any floor in a building at which landing valve is provided. The riser is connected to a town main suitable capacity with a shut-off control valve installed. If the building height is such that the pressure in the main is insufficient to supply for 13 mm jets 2.5 bars at the highest outlet, booster pumps are necessary at suitable levels to ensure the maintenance of the required pressure and flow. Where pumps are employed, the landing valves must be fitted with as pressure head against the pumps (which can be in excess of 20 bars) is not transmitted to the hose. b. A similar function to that of a wet riser is performs by that is technically known as down-comer which is supplied with water from a tank in the roof or at intermediate levels.

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Fig.1: Diagram Showing the Feature of A Dry Rising Main 8. Dry Risers: a. A dry riser is simply a vertical pipe which is normally kept empty of water, fitted with outlet a various floor levels in buildings. It is not connected to a water supply but is charged when required by means of fire service pumps . In effect it is a substitute for a line of hose, over which it has many advantages. b. A dry riser is charged through inlets at ground level, which are usually housed in external glass fronted boxes. The box is normally identified by word DRY RISING MAIN or DRY RISER CONNECTION painted in red on glass. Inlets may normally be found below permanent level in a box. c. An air valve is sometimes fitted at the highest point the pipe (see fig 1) to allow the contained air to discharge to atmosphere when the riser is charged with water. Without such a provision, air in the riser might be compressed in the upper part of the pipe and prevent it being fully charged. d. Dry riser is provided with a drained cook fitted beneath the inlets to enable the system to be drained after use. Additionally where an outlet is fixed at a position below the inlet valves, a further drain valve fitted at the lowest point of the riser. 9. Application to Types of Building: a. The type of rising main to be installed in a building is generally determined by the height of building. In building over 18 meters in height, it is recommended that a dry riser should be installed and in those 61 meters a wet rising fire main. A booster pumps will be required and a storage tank of about 45 m capacity will be needed with a wet riser. The reason why a wet riser must be provided above 61 meters is that the brigade pumps will not supply the necessary quantity of water at adequate pressure above this height. b. In some areas, the stealing of wheel valves and other removable points of outlets present a probe, which if not anticipated will render the riser unserviceable in the event of fire. 10. Advantages of Rising Mains. The advantages are: a. b. Fires on the upper floors can be attacked with minimum loss of time. Greater capacity than 70 mm hose. 176

c.

Minimize the risk of water damage (i.e. burst length).

d. Outlets at or near roof level can be used to feed branches to cover adjacent building. 11. Disadvantages Are: a. b. 12. Liable to vandalism. Need to check valves on each floor prior to charging (Dry Riser).

Testing, Servicing and Maintenance: a. Static Pressure Test: (1) Aim. The aim of this test is to as-certain whether the landing valves of the dry riser system are capable of with standing a static pressure of 250 psi over a period of 2 hours. (2) Procedure: (a) Close all landing valves fully. (b) Fill the dry riser pipes with water ensuring that all entrapped air is allowed to escape at the release valve. (c) Remove the air release valve carefully and seal the opening for the screwed end of the air release valve with a suitable plug. During the above operation, ensure that no air layer is left entrapped in the riser system. (d) Connect the Hand pump as shown and slowly pressurized the system to 250 psi gauge. (e) Disconnect the Hand pump from the pressurized system by closing the isolating valve V. (f) Register the initial pressure gauge reading and subsequent readings at 15 minute intervals. Record these reading in Table 1. (g) Evaluate the maximum pressure fluctuation.

13.

Functional Test: a. Aim. The Aim of this test is to conduct a functions operation of the complete dry riser as would occur during a normal fire condition. b. Procedure: (1) Re-connect all components of the Dry Riser System, if necessary, to their as installed state. (This would involve mainly the restoration of the air release valve and the breeching inlet connections). (2) Ensure that all the landing valves are fully closed. (3) Connect the Dry Riser hose couplings to the lending valve and the branch pipe for the 1st floor. (4) Pump water from the hydrant via the pump into the Dry Riser System. (5) Open the landing valve at the 1 st floor fully end note the throw of the jet. Record and observation under the appropriate column valve at the 1 st floor. (6) (7) Close the landing valve at the 1 st floor. Repeat steps (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) for each successive floor.

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