Working Mechanism in different types of sprinklers:

Each closed-head sprinkler is held closed by either a heat-sensitive glass bulb or a two-part metal
link held together with fusible alloy. The glass bulb or link applies pressure to a pipe cap which acts
as a plug which prevents water from flowing until the ambient temperature around the sprinkler
reaches the design activation temperature of the individual sprinkler head. In a standard wet-pipe
sprinkler system, each sprinkler activates independently when the predetermined heat level is
reached. Thus, only sprinklers near the fire will operate, normally just one or two. This maximizes
water pressure over the point of fire origin, and minimizes water damage to the building.
Types of Sprinkler Systems:

1. Wet Pipe System: The most commonly used system. They are also the most reliable as they
are simple, with the only operating components being the automatic sprinklers and
automatic alarm check valve. An automatic water supply system provides water to the
piping system.
2. Dry Pipe System: Where temperatures are low enough to freeze the water inside the piping
system, a dry pipe system is used. Instead of water, the piping system in a dry pipe system is
filled with air at a pressure lower than that of the water supply pressure. To prevent the
premature entry of water into the piping system, the dry pipe valve exposes a greater
surface area of the valve clapper to the air pressure as opposed to the water pressure,
resulting in greater force on the top of the valve clapper. Water is not present in the piping
system until the system operates. When one or more of the automatic sprinkler heads is
triggered, it opens, allowing the air from the pipe to escape. As the air pressure in the piping
decreases, the water is allowed to enter into the piping system by the drop in the pressure
differential in the dry pipe valve.
3. Deluge System: In this system, all the sprinklers connected to the piping system are open,
i.e., the heat operating system is removed. These systems are used in situations where rapid
fire spread is a concern as they provide simultaneous application of water over the entire
hazard. Water is not present in the system before operation and the piping is at atmospheric
air pressure. A deluge valve is provided to prevent the entry of water into the piping system
before operation. The deluge valve is a non-resetting valve which remains open once
tripped. Since the heat sensing elements in the sprinkler heads have been removed, the
deluge valve must be opened as signalled by a fire alarm system. Activation of a fire alarm
initiating system or a manual pull station signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals
the deluge valve to open, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flows
simultaneously from all sprinkler heads.
4. Pre-action Systems: These are used in areas where accidental activation of a sprinkler is
undesirable, such as museums or libraries with valuable artwork or books. They are hybrids
of wet, dry and deluge systems. The ‘action’ of introduction of water to the piping system is
preceded by a ‘pre-action’ by the activation of a pre-action valve which is a mechanically
latched valve. The pre-action valve can only operate in the presence of the activation of a
heat or smoke detector and heat sensitive glass bulb together, but never just one without
the other.
5. Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems: A foam water fire sprinkler system is a special application
system, discharging a mixture of water and low expansion foam concentrate, resulting in a
foam spray from the sprinkler. These systems are usually used with special hazards
occupancies associated with high challenge fires, such as flammable liquids, and
airport hangars. Operation is as described above, depending on the system type into which
the foam is injected.