An essential part of fire safety in buildings and structures are FM fire pipes, sometimes referred to as fire protection piping systems. These pipes are made to transport water or other chemicals that suppress flames to standpipes, fire hydrants, sprinkler systems, and other firefighting apparatus. “FM” stands for Factory Mutual, an impartial body that verifies and tests fire safety goods to guarantee they are dependable and meet strict industry requirements.
FM fire pipes are primarily designed to offer a dependable and effective way to distribute water in an emergency situation in order to put out flames. By managing FM Fire Pipe, putting out fires, reducing potential damage, and enabling safe evacuation, they play a critical role in safeguarding people and property. Steel, ductile iron, or copper are common materials used to make FM fire pipes.
When to employ a groove or Flange Connection Types as a fire pipe?
When it comes to fire supply systems with pipelines, groove either a flange connection should be used if the pipe is made of galvanized steel and has a diameter greater over 100 mm. It is not specified in the sprinkler system that automatically a threaded connections are ineffective. If the pipe diameter is larger over 100 mm. It is nevertheless specified that on pipes utilizing a diameter it is not if it is greater than 100 mm.
Main Connection Types of FM Fire Pipes
The purpose of FM fire pipes sometimes referred to as fire protection piping systems, is to supply water or other fire suppressant agents to fire hydrants, sprinkler systems, and other firefighting apparatus. The following are the common connection types for FM fire pipes:
Grooved Connection
An increasingly common option for FM fire pipes is grooved couplings. They employ a mechanical coupling to make a safe, leak-tight connection by clamping it onto the pipe ends using gaskets. Installing grooved connections is fast and gives the piping system some flexibility and mobility.
Threaded Connection
Using threaded connections, the FM fire pipe’s ends are threaded with fittings. A popular kind of threaded connection used in fire safety systems is NPT (National Pipe Thread). In smaller pipe sizes, threaded connectors are dependable and frequently utilized.
Welded Connection
Welding is used to join the FM fire pipes in welded connections. Although this method offers a robust and long-lasting connection, installation may take longer and require more specialized staff. But gives the best result compared to other connections. More care was needed during the work on the welded connection. The flames from the welding could hurt you otherwise.
Flanged Connection
Another connection for the FM fire pipe is a flanged connection. Flanged connections use gaskets and bolts to establish a sealed union between the flanges at the pipe ends. For larger pipe sizes, flanged couplings are frequently utilized and offer a sturdy and dependable connection.
Victaulic Connection
Although they use a particular kind of grooved coupling system known as Victaulic, Victaulic connections are comparable to grooved connectors. These connections provide good flexibility in the piping system and are easy to install. For the connection installation, you might not need to hire a professional plumber.
Press Fit Connection
Press-fit connections are created by using a hydraulic press to force fittings that are designed specifically onto a pin that is forced into a fitting-through hole in a PCB to create a press-fit connection. A pin is forced into a fitting, plated-through hole in a PCB to create a press-fit connection. Certain press-fit connections include compliant pins, which compress or “comply” during insertion, and others have solid pins, which do not flex during insertion.
Final Words
It is noteworthy that the particular form of connection employed in FM fire protection systems might change depending on various circumstances, including the type of pipe, system design, project specifications, and local building standards and regulations. Every connection type has benefits and drawbacks; thus, choosing the right connection technique for a given application requires considerable thought.
