Fully assembled, factory tested and ready to be connected to the water supply and piping network, system includes all control valves, a vacuum pump, release control panel and the unique FireFlex® FLX-PC Vacuum Pressure Controller which constitutes the heart of the system.
Unique Features
- Inhibiting atmosphere quickly created as you set-up the system
- Automatic elimination of water columns preventing ice plugs formation
- Fast activation after sprinkler operation through patented FLX-PC controller
- Real-time vacuum pressure monitoring insuring constant corrosion mitigation
- Sprinkler system reliability and performance maintained thru system lifetime
- Use of black steel pipe in dry-pipe systems permitted by FM when using vacuum systems
- Easy on-site reconfiguration
- Low maintenance cost
The VACTEC® Cabinet
Factory assembly of the VACTEC® cabinets ensures that all components have been carefully integrated. All systems are fully programmed and tested at the factory which facilitates the onsite installation and commissioning process.
The FireFlex® cabinets are of the freestanding type and are made of robust 14 gauge steel with a corrosion resistant fire red paint finish, polyester powder-coated and oven-baked on a phosphate base. Cabinets are also provided with two locked frontal doors that are removable without special tools, reducing space requirements for ease of installation and maintenance. Furthermore, all doors are provided with a neoprene gasket to reduce vibrations.
Technical details:
- Factory assembled, programmed and tested under ISO-9001 standards
- Uses the Viking Model F-1 Straight Through Deluge valve
- Comes standard prewired to the Viking VFR-400 releasing control panel
- Compact, aesthetic and easy to move
- Neoprene gasket on all doors to eliminate vibrations
- No open drain cup inside unit
- Separate unlocked access hatch to emergency manual release
- Serial number on every unit for easy reference
- User-friendly standardized owner’s manual with every unit
FireFlex® FLX-PC Controller
The patented FLX-PC device is used to precisely monitor and control the vacuum level in the piping network, display the vacuum pressure, vacuum pump run time and frequency of pump operation, in real time, thus providing useful information in regards to major changes in the piping network.
The FLX-PC Vacuum Pressure Controller controls the vacuum pump and is programmed to maintain vacuum pressure in the piping network between -180 mbar (-2.6 psi) and -150 mbar (-2.2 psi).
The piping network within the FireFlex®’s Vacuum Fire Protection System is supervised by the FLX-PC for vacuum pressure under normal conditions. In case of a fire, it will
detect a sprinkler activation, generate an alarm and trip the system in less than 5 seconds. The FLX-PC also supervises the vacuum pressure for low and high levels and supervisory signals are provided.
Riser Shut-off Valve
It consists of a supervised butterfly valve which allows for a full flow trip test without flooding the system’s piping and a sight glass located on the main drain for visual indication of the water flow.
Vacuum Pump
The vacuum is created using a (1.5 HP, 208V-240V/60Hz 7 Amps) water ring seal vacuum pump controlled by the FLX-PC.
The vacuum pump used in the system allows for very quick startups. The required time to establish maximum supervisory vacuum level in the piping network is less than 4 minutes for a 1000 gallon system thus saving start-up and maintenance time in the field.
Quiet running and minimal vacuum pump maintenance requirements offers significant advantages compared to air compressors.
Calculation Software
FireFlex® provides a Vacuum System Calculator free of charge to ensure that the time taken to fill the entire volume of piping is within the prescribed time. A water delivery time software can also be used to perform these calculations.
