The Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) has developed a ring-type pipe joint system to address issues of corrosion, leakage, and structural durability in fire sprinkler systems. This system represents a significant improvement in fire prevention and early firefighting, particularly for multi-storey residential buildings.
Challenges of Traditional Installation Techniques
Until now, steel pipe sprinkler systems primarily used welded, screwed, or grooved connections. These are not only time-consuming to install but also pose various risks. The installation process requires welding, cutting, and grinding, which increases the risk of fire due to sparks. Screwed connections are also prone to corrosion, leading to potential leaks.
The ring-type connection system developed by Dr. Cho Dong-Woo and his team, in collaboration with Taiyang HighTech Co Ltd and Hanil Multidisciplinary Engineering Company, offers an alternative solution.
Faster Installation, Reduced Maintenance Needs
This novel, non-welded ring-type pipe joint system is the first of its kind in South Korea. It has been tested in a large apartment complex with 3,000 units, showing a reduction in assembly time in apartment ceilings by up to 50%. Due to its corrosion-resistant design, it also minimizes maintenance needs.
The system employs a metal ring that fits into an outer groove on the pipe. Secured by two O-rings and a guide ring within a sealed housing, this design not only prevents leaks but also preserves the structural integrity of the pipe without altering its internal geometry. It offers a more efficient, safer, and more durable connection method compared to traditional methods, significantly reducing both installation and maintenance costs.
The initiative for this innovation was spurred by the "Fire Facility Installation and Management Act," which mandates that all new buildings with six or more floors constructed after 2018 must be equipped with sprinkler systems. In a typical 85-square-meter residential unit, about 17 sprinkler heads and around 80 pipe connections are required.
After obtaining UL certification (Underwriters Laboratory), the system is now being implemented in various public facilities and is intended for use in different applications such as data centers and modular homes.
