System and method for testing a fire suppression system

Abstract

At least one embodiment comprises a testing system for a fire suppression system which can comprise at least one fluid conduit having a first end and a second end with an isolating valve and at least one pressure regulating valve coupled to the conduit. A tap is coupled to the fluid conduit, and is positioned between the first end and the second end and be for selectively allowing fluid to flow out from the fluid conduit to allow fluid to flow past the pressure regulating valve. The process for testing a fire suppression system can comprise the following steps: connecting at least one first valve to a fluid conduit, disconnecting sprinkler heads from the fluid conduit, flowing water through the pressure regulating valve determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve, and determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve, stopping testing, and then reporting the results.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A process for testing a fire suppression system comprising the following steps:
 a) connecting at least one first valve to a fluid conduit;   b) disconnecting sprinkler heads from said fluid conduit;   c) flowing water through the pressure regulating valve;   d) determining the flow rate through the pressure regulating valve;   e) determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve;   f) stopping testing; and   g) reporting the results.   
     
     
         14 . The process as in  claim 13 , wherein said step of connecting at least one first valve comprises connecting at least one three-way valve or test valve to the fluid conduit. 
     
     
         15 . The process as in  claim 13 , wherein said step of connecting at least one container to said at least one valve comprises connecting at least one pressurized container to said at least one first valve. 
     
     
         16 . The process as in  claim 13 , wherein said step of determining the pressure downstream of the pressure regulating valve comprises determining a pressure in a differential pressure sensor positioned adjacent to said pressure regulating valve. 
     
     
         17 . The process as in  claim 13 , wherein said step of determining a flow rate comprises determining a flow rate in a flow meter positioned downstream and adjacent to said pressure regulating valve. 
     
     
         18 . The process as in  claim 13 , further comprising coupling at least one container to said fluid conduit. 
     
     
         19 . The process as in  claim 14 , wherein said step of stopping testing occurs when said container is filled with fluid. 
     
     
         20 . The process as in  claim 19 , further comprising the steps of pressurizing said container to force said fluid from said container so that said fluid drains from said container. 
     
     
         21 . The process as in  claim 13 , further comprising the step of using a computer to determine whether to replace a pressure regulating valve by determining whether the pressure regulating valve meets preset flow criteria stored in memory in the computer. 
     
     
         22 . The process as in  claim 21 , wherein said step of determining whether to replace the pressure regulating valve comprises determining whether the testing values in terms of pressure are within a preset pressure range stored in the computer. 
     
     
         23 . The process as in  claim 21 , wherein said step of determining whether to replace the pressure regulating valve comprises determining whether the testing values in terms of flow rate are within a flow rate range stored in the computer.