Sprinkler head, automatic, heat detectors

The most widely used heat detector is the automatic sprinkler head. 

Heat is the most obvious choice of a characteristic by which a fire can be automatically recognized. In the section on fire suppression systems, the fusible links in the sprinkler heads represented one type of heat detector. Alloys have been developed that will have reproducible melting points. When the temperature at the detector site exceeds the melting point of the alloy, contacts are allowed to move so that the device can either make or break a circuit, just as with a manual alarm system. There are plastics which can perform in the same manner. Fixed temperature systems are very stable and not prone to false alarms, but are relatively slow to respond. There are several other versions of these fixed temperature detectors, including bimetalhc strips, where the differential rate of expansion of two different metals causes the strip to flex or bend to either make or break the contact. Others depend upon the thermal erqransion of hquids. 

The System 80+ Standard Design is designed to preclude water spray from the fire protection system onto safety-related equipment. The sprinkler systems protecting the safety-related equipment is of the automatic sprinkler type. Actuation of these sprinkler systems requires the opening of the fusible link sprinkler heads and detection by combustible-products and/or heat detectors. In addition, the operator has the capability of isolating flow from the control room by isolating the Sub-sphere Building headers or, locally by manual isolation valves. 

Automatic fire extinguishing systems such as sprinklers, drenchers or gas systems operate when the heat of the fire in the region of a detector head reaches predetermined levels and cause the seal in the detector head to fracture releasing the extinguishant. These systems can incorporate a facility to raise the alarm. 

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