Deluge Valve

The deluge valve is the system control valve in a deluge system: a special-purpose valve for extra high hazard areas where fire spreads rapidly, protected by medium and high velocity water spray systems, pre-action and deluge sprinkler systems, and large foam systems.

It is a quick-release, hydraulically operated diaphragm valve with three chambers, isolated from each other by a piston or diaphragm-operated clapper, by model. It is suitable for fresh water and marine service; standard construction has cast stainless steel or cast carbon steel, by model body internals for fresh water.

Trims

Dry trim. The detector or pilot line is charged with air. When the air pressure is lost, water drains from the pilot valve and the deluge valve opens fully and instantly.

Wet trim. The detector or pilot line is charged with water. When pressure is lost, the main valve cover chamber drains directly and the deluge valve opens fully and instantly.

Electric trim. A solenoid valve drains the water from the top chamber of the deluge valve; when the electric signal is de-energised, the valve resets automatically. A pressure switch raises an electric alarm, shuts down equipment or gives a "Tripped" indication at the panel.

Every trim carries test and drain features for test and reset.

Optional accessories

• A bypass valve for emergency operation
• An air- or water-operated alarm

How it is built

The body holds no pressure while the valve is inactive; the valve disc (item 6) holds back the supply. The top cover is the main pressure-containing part: it is filled with water from the bottom of the valve through a stainless steel tube, so its internal pressure equals the supply line pressure, and it is clamped to the body with a grooved coupling.

The piston plate assembly moves up and down inside the top cover. The middle flange divides the valve in two: the pressure-containing part above, enclosed by the top cover, and the body below, which is dry and empty. The spindle transfers pressure from the top cover to the valve disc, which carries a rubber seat held by a disc lock nut. Disc and seat together make the inlet leak-proof. The hand hole cover gives access for maintenance of the seat and disc joint.