System And Method Of Assembly Of CPVC Fire Sprinkler System Employing Mechanical Couplings And Supports

• US 20070205004A1
• Filed: 08/16/2006
• Published: 09/06/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lubrizol Advanced Materials Incorporated (Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Noveon, Inc. (Berkshire Hathaway Incorporated)
• Inventors: Johnson, Gary, Olah, Andrew, Nerderman, Stanley, Perkovich, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,766,092 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 169/43
• CPC Class Codes: A62C 35/68 Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems valves in general F16K
• CPC Class Codes: B26D 3/169 Hand held tube cutters
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 17/04 with longitudinally split or divided sleeve
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 3/1016 the members being joined by means of two screws
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 41/12 using attaching means embracing the pipe
• CPC Class Codes: F16L 47/30 using attaching means embracing the pipe

Abstract

Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a plurality of fluid pipe lengths in flow communication formed from a CPVC composition;

a first type of mechanical fixture, wherein the first type of mechanical fixture comprises a coupling device operative to sealingly engage at least one pair of the plurality of pipe lengths in close end to end relationship without the use of solvent cement; and

a second type of mechanical fixture, wherein the second type of mechanical fixture comprises a branching device operative to sealingly engage a main pipe length and a branch pipe length in close perpendicular relationship at a branch location without the use of solvent cement, wherein the pipe wall of the main pipe length includes an orifice therethrough at the branch location.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the coupling device includes a resilient annular seal comprised of a material chemically compatible with the CPVC composition, and wherein each of the pipe lengths of the at least one pair includes a continuous annular groove formed in the pipe wall at a predetermined distance from an end thereof, wherein the portion of the pipe wall on each pipe length between the pipe end and the groove comprises a sealing surface, and wherein the resilient annular seal is engaged with the sealing surfaces of the one pair of grooved pipe lengths.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the branching device includes a resilient sealing member comprised of a material chemically compatible with the CPVC composition, and wherein a sealing surface of the resilient sealing member is engaged with the main pipe length in a sealing area immediately about the orifice.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the coupling device comprises:

a pair of coupling segments, wherein each coupling segment comprises an arcuate body having a first end, a second end, an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end, and a longitudinal channel extending along the concave surface; and

at least one mechanical fastener operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments;

wherein when the coupling device is assembled, the resilient annular seal extends within the longitudinal channel of each segment.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein the branching device includes:

opposed first and second arcuate sections defining a cylindrical space therebetween embracing the pipe wall of the main pipe length, the first arcuate section including a concave saddle surface generally corresponding to the outer circumference of the main pipe length, a branch pipe opening dimensioned to overlay the orifice, a spigot wall surrounding the branch pipe opening wherein the spigot wall includes a contoured lip, and a sealing recess encircling the spigot wall wherein the sealing recess is open at the saddle surface; and

at least one mechanical fastener operative to detachably connect the opposed arcuate sections;

wherein the resilient sealing member is seated within the sealing recess.

6. The system of claim 5 wherein the resilient sealing member includes at least one key projection and the sealing recess includes at least one cooperating key recess operative to orient the resilient sealing member within the sealing recess.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein each arcuate segment of the coupling device includes limiting surfaces operative as a compression-limiting mechanism to prevent over-compression of each of the pair of CPVC pipe lengths.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the first and second arcuate sections of the branching device include limiting surfaces operative as a compression-limiting mechanism to prevent over-compression of the CPVC main pipe length.

9. The system of claim 8 wherein, when assembled, the coupling device and the at least one pair of pipe lengths comprise a first pipe fitting assembly, wherein the first pipe fitting assembly is operative to pass a first predetermined testing protocol.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein, when assembled, the branching device, the main pipe length, and the branch pipe length comprise a second pipe fitting assembly, wherein the second pipe fitting assembly is operative to pass a second predetermined testing protocol.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of fluid pipe lengths includes at least one vertical riser formed of CPVC composition, and wherein the system further comprises:

a third type of mechanical fixture, wherein the third type of mechanical fixture comprises a support device operative to supportingly engage the at least one vertical riser, wherein the support device comprises a pair of substantially identical band elements, wherein each band element includes an arcuate section operative to embrace the wall of the riser throughout nearly 180E, a flange having a generally planar flange surface having an opening therethrough for reception of a mechanical fastener extending from a first end of the arcuate section, and an arm extension disposed at the other end of the arcuate section, the arm extension including an opening therethrough for reception of another mechanical fastener, wherein, when assembled, the flange surface and the arm extension of opposed band elements are operative as a compression-limiting mechanism to prevent compression of the CPVC riser beyond predetermined compression limits.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the vertical riser pipe length has a diameter of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the second arcuate section of the branching device is substantially similar in construction to the first arcuate section, wherein the branch device is operative to sealingly engage the main pipe length and a second branch pipe length in close perpendicular relationship at a second branch location, wherein the pipe wall of the main pipe length includes a second orifice therethrough at the second branch location diametrically opposed to the first branch location.

14. The system of claim 13 operative under a continuous pressure of at least about 375 psig @ 150°

F. for 1000 hours without fluid leakage.

15. The system of claim 14 further comprising:

a plurality of fire sprinkler heads in flow communication with the plurality of fluid pipe lengths.

16. A method comprising:

a) forming a system of pipe lengths in flow communication, wherein the pipe lengths are formed of a CPVC composition, including;

i) sealingly engaging at least one pair of pipe lengths in close end to end relationship without the use of solvent cement; and

ii) sealingly engaging at least one main pipe length comprising a CPVC composition in close perpendicular relationship with at least one branch pipe length at a branch location without the use of solvent cement.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein in (a) the at least one pair of pipe lengths are reversibly sealingly engaged with a first type of mechanical fixture and the at least one main pipe length, and the at least one branch pipe length are reversibly sealingly engaged with a second type of mechanical fixture.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

b) subjecting at least one first pipe fitting assembly comprising the at least one pair of pipe lengths and the first type of mechanical fixture to a first predetermined testing protocol; and

c) subjecting at least a second pipe fitting assembly comprising the at least one main pipe length, the at least one branch pipe, and the second type of mechanical fixture to a second predetermined testing protocol.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein in (a)(i) sealingly engaging the at least one pair of pipe lengths includes:

forming a continuous annular groove in a pipe wall of each of the pipe lengths a predetermined distance from a respective end thereof, wherein a portion of the pipe wall on each pipe length between the pipe end and the groove comprises a sealing surface;

positioning a resilient annular seal onto the sealing surfaces of one adjacent pair of grooved pipe lengths, wherein the resilient annular seal comprises material chemically compatible with the CPVC composition; and

positioning a pair of coupling segments about the resilient annular seal such that the seal is seated in a longitudinal channel of each coupling segment.

20. The method of claim 19 wherein in (a)(ii) sealingly engaging the at least one main pipe length with the branch pipe length includes:

forming an orifice in the main pipe length at the branch location;

embracing the pipe wall of the main pipe length at the branch location with a branching device, wherein the branching device includes;

a first arcuate section, wherein the first arcuate section includes a concave saddle surface generally corresponding to the outer circumference of the main pipe length, a branch pipe opening dimensioned to extend in the orifice, a spigot wall surrounding the branch pipe opening wherein the spigot wall terminates inwardly at a contoured lip generally corresponding to the saddle surface contour, and a sealing recess encircling the spigot wall wherein the sealing recess is open at the saddle wall and terminates in the direction of the branch pipe;

a second arcuate section having a surface operative to embrace the main pipe length;

a resilient sealing member positioned in the sealing recess, wherein the sealing member is annularly engaged with the pipe length about the orifice, and wherein the resilient sealing member is chemically compatible with the CPVC piping; and

at least one mechanical fastener operative to engage the first arcuate section with the second arcuate section; and

receiving a branch pipe length in the branch pipe opening.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein in (a) forming the system of pipe lengths further comprises:

iii) supporting a vertical riser formed of a CPVC composition with a third type of mechanical fixture, wherein the vertical riser is in flow communication with the at least one main pipe length.

22. A system comprising:

a plurality of CPVC pipe lengths in flow communication, wherein at least a pair of CPVC pipe lengths are reversibly connected in close end to end relationship via a first type of mechanical fitting, and at least one CPVC main pipe length is reversibly connected in perpendicular relationship with a CPVC branch pipe length via a second type of mechanical fitting; and

a plurality of fire sprinkler heads in flow communication with the plurality of pipe lengths.

23. A method comprising:

a) forming pipe conduits comprising an initial CPVC composition for use in fire sprinkler systems;

b) forming first resilient sealing members comprising a first material chemically compatible with the initial CPVC composition for use with mechanical fixtures for connecting the pipe conduits; and

c) identifying the first resilient sealing members as acceptable for use with the pipe conduits.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising:

e) forming modified pipe conduits comprising a modified CPVC composition for use in fire sprinkler systems;

f) forming second resilient sealing members comprising a second material chemically compatible with the modified CPVC composition for use with mechanical fixtures for connecting the modified pipe conduits; and

g) identifying the second resilient sealing members as acceptable for use with the modified pipe conduits.

25. A method comprising:

a) taking a region of a fire sprinkler system off-line, wherein the fire sprinkler system comprises a network of existing pipe lengths comprising CPVC;

b) modifying the fire sprinkler system by connecting at least one additional pipe length comprising CPVC in flow communication with at least a portion of an existing pipe length using at least one mechanical fixture; and

c) returning the region of the fire sprinkler system to an on-line condition.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein in b) modifying the fire sprinkler system includes replacing a section of the existing pipe length by:

(b)(i) square cutting the existing pipe length to remove the section to be replaced and to provide at least a first pipe end;

(b)(ii) cutting an annular groove in the pipe wall of the existing pipe length a predetermined distance form the pipe end;

(b)(iii) providing a second pipe length having an annular groove in the pipe wall a predetermined distance from an end thereof; and

(b)(iv) sealingly engaging the existing pipe length and the second pipe length in close end to end relationship with the at least one mechanical fixture, wherein the at least one mechanical fixture is a coupling device.

27. The method of claim 25 wherein in b) modifying the fire sprinkler system includes providing a branch pipe line by:

(b)(i) cutting an orifice in a main pipe length at a branch location;

(b)(ii) encasing the main pipe length with the at least one mechanical fixture at the branch location, wherein the mechanical fixture is a branching device operative to sealingly engage the main pipe length about the orifice; and

(b)(iii) receiving a branch pipe length into an outlet opening in the mechanical branching fixture, wherein the branch pipe length is disposed substantially perpendicularly to the main pipe length.

28. An assembly comprising:

first and second pipe lengths comprising a CPVC composition; and

a mechanical fixture operative to sealingly engage the first and second pipe lengths, wherein when assembled, the assembly is operative to pass a first predetermined testing protocol.

29. The assembly of claim 28 wherein the first predetermined testing protocol comprises at least one member of the group consisting of a Fire Exposure Test, UL 1821, Sec 13;

a Bending Moment Test, UL 213, Sec. 12;

a Vibration Test, UL 1821, Sec. 19;

an Assembly Test, UL 1821, Sec. 22;

a Hydrostatic Pressure Test, UL 1821, Sec. 23;

a Pressure Cycling Test, UL 1821, Sec. 24;

a Temperature Cycling Test, UL 1821, Sec. 25;

a Long Term Hydrostatic Pressure Test, UL 1821, Sec. 27; and

combinations thereof.

30. The assembly of claim 28 wherein:

each of the pipe lengths includes a continuous annular groove formed in the pipe wall at a predetermined distance from an end thereof, wherein the portion of the pipe wall on each pipe length between the pipe end and the groove comprises a sealing surface, and wherein the first and second pipe lengths are in close end to end relationship with each other; and

wherein the mechanical fixture comprises a coupling device including a resilient seal, wherein the resilient seal is operative to annularly engage the sealing surfaces and to span the ends of the pipe lengths, wherein the seal comprises a material chemically compatible with the CPVC composition.

31. The assembly of claim 28 wherein:

the first pipe length is a main pipe length and the second pipe length is a branch pipe length, wherein the main pipe length and the branch pipe length are in close perpendicular relationship with each other, wherein the main pipe length includes at least one orifice therein at a branch location; and

the mechanical fixture comprises a branching device including a first arcuate section, wherein the first arcuate section includes a concave saddle surface generally corresponding to the outer circumference of the main pipe length, a branch pipe opening dimensioned to extend in the orifice, a spigot wall surrounding the branch pipe opening wherein the spigot wall terminates inwardly at a contoured lip generally corresponding to the saddle surface contour, and a sealing recess encircling the spigot wall wherein the sealing recess is open at the saddle wall and terminates in the direction of the branch pipe;

a second arcuate section having a surface operative to embrace the main pipe length;

a resilient sealing member positioned in the sealing recess, wherein the sealing member is annularly engaged with the pipe length about the orifice, and wherein the resilient sealing member is chemically compatible with the CPVC composition; and

at least one mechanical fastener operative to engage the first arcuate section with the second arcuate section.