Main Control Alarm Valve or MCV is one of the devices on fire extinguishers that functions to control the performance of water lines in installations of both hydrant systems and sprinkler systems. In the Valve system there is a technical term referred to as a process variable. The scope of the process variables includes pressure, level, flow, temperature and several other variables related to the controller. The cooperation between the process variables and the controller will result in a decision on how big the valve is.
Main Control Alarm Valve Function
In the fire extinguisher piping system, the MCV functions as a control for the line valve when the installation system is working. Briefly, the Main Control Valve functions include:
1. Regulating the Opening or Closing of the Valve
Valve opening can be done manually by hand and automatically through signals received by components in the fire fighting system installation
2. Regulate Water Pressure
The MCV component, known as the Alarm Check Valve, in addition to functioning in providing alarms, also functions to ensure the water pressure distributed to the sprinklers
3. Set the Water Level or Discharge
When receiving a signal, the valve will work by fully opening or partially opening to adjust how much water level is needed.
4. Regulate the Water Temperature.
To carry out the functions above, the Main Control Valve has an important component in it. These components will work based on their respective functions in a single work unit that is regulated by the main controller.
Components in Main Control Valve
There are four components of MCV consisting of:
1. Check Alarm Valve
Has two functions, namely first sounding / activating an alarm or signal using water flow electrically or mechanically, secondly checking the water pressure entering the hydrant and sprinkler system.
2. Trim Set Alarm Valve
Functions a series of pipes to drain water when activating the Water Motor Alarm when the Alarm Check Valve clapper is open.
3. Retard chamber
Is an inhibiting tube that functions to control the alarm gong when the water pressure is excessive
4. Water Motor Alarm
Serves to turn on the alarm sound so that it emits a typical fire alarm sound.
5. Gate Valve
Is a valve that functions to control the flow of water that enters the Alarm Check valve.
Main Control Valve Fire Sprinkler System
The fire extinguishing system using a sprinkler works automatically after receiving a signal in the form of the appearance of a fire in its vicinity or a sharp change in temperature. Automatic work occurs when the hot temperature is above the requirement (above 60 degrees Celsius) the glass tube will break so that water comes out of the mouth of the pipe.
1. Wet Pipe system
This Sprinkler system is already filled with water in the pipeline so that when the tube breaks water will gush out. The valve will open automatically when the water flow in the channel has decreased to fill water back into the channel.
2. Dry pipe system
This system is useful in cold/freezing temperatures where the water in the piping can also freeze so that the water distribution process falters. Therefore, there is no water in the pipe. When a fire occurs, the valve mouth will open according to the signal received to drain water into the installation channel so that it can be sprayed out. In the dry pipe system there is an additional suction pump whose function is to suck air pressure in the channel which can cause water to freeze at cold temperatures.
3. Deluge system
This sprinkler system works in areas that have the potential to cause severe fires. Without using a bulb system (don’t wait for the glass bulb to break) the water will immediately flow in the pipe when the alarm sounds and spray through the sprinkler mouth. The main control valve on the sprinkler system works when the sprinkler system starts operating with a fire signal or extreme temperature rise.