FireFlex VACTEC: How Does a Vacuum Sprinkler or Preaction System Work?
FireFlex VACTEC works by maintaining a vacuum condition in the sprinkler piping instead of relying only on conventional air-pressure arrangements. The system monitors vacuum pressure inside the pipe network, and changes in that pressure help the system detect an operating condition quickly.
According to FireFlex source material, VACTEC is available in dry pipe, single interlock preaction, non-interlock preaction, double interlock preaction, and fail-safe configurations.
System Components
FireFlex VACTEC is described as a factory-assembled, pre-wired, and factory-tested integrated system. Mechanical and electrical components are packaged into one unit and include a Viking deluge valve and an integrated FLX-PC® vacuum pressure controller. The FLX-PC supervises vacuum pressure and controls the vacuum pump.
Vacuum vs. Conventional Dry Pipe
In a conventional dry or preaction system, the sprinkler piping is usually supervised with air or nitrogen pressure. In a vacuum system, the piping is maintained below atmospheric pressure. When a sprinkler opens or the system condition changes, the pressure pattern changes in a way the controls can detect.
Typical Applications
Knowledge Vault materials state vacuum preaction systems may be used in freezing areas because they use electrical detection in parallel with the piping network. VACTEC is also relevant where owners or designers are interested in vacuum-based operation for specialized response and supervisory benefits. A practical example is a cold environment where conventional water-filled piping is not possible and the design team wants a preaction arrangement with electrical detection plus vacuum sprinkler network supervision.
Available Configurations
FireFlex source documents list these examples:
- vacuum dry pipe system
- fail-safe vacuum dry pipe system
- vacuum single interlock preaction
- vacuum non-interlock preaction
- fail-safe vacuum non-interlock preaction
- vacuum double interlock preaction
Technical Features
Features described in the FireFlex documents include:
- factory testing
- available diameters from 3" to 8"
- maximum water pressure of 175 psi
- galvanized trim
- integrated releasing control panel
- compact cabinet construction
- quick connections for water supply and drain
- shut-off valve at riser outlet for easier maintenance
- serial number on every unit
- user-friendly owner’s manual with every unit
Selection Guidance
Consider FireFlex VACTEC when the project requires a vacuum-based sprinkler or preaction concept, specialized detection and supervisory logic, use in freezing environments, a compact integrated unit, and reduced on-site assembly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FireFlex VACTEC available as both dry pipe and preaction?
Yes. FireFlex source material shows both dry pipe and multiple preaction configurations.
What sizes are available?
The documents list 3", 4", 6", and 8" sizes.
Can it be used in freezing areas?
Yes. FireFlex documentation notes that vacuum preaction systems may be used in freezing areas because of the electrical detection network.
What controls the vacuum condition?
The integrated FLX-PC® vacuum pressure controller supervises pressure and controls pump operation.