Patent attributes
A fire suppression system in which the water supply line is fitted with repeating arrays or groups of sprinkler heads. Each array is composed of at least two side-discharge sprinklers. The side-discharge sprinklers in each array are aimed so that their coverage areas point in opposite directions. Each side-discharge sprinkler includes a lateral heat shield. The lateral heat shield has a concave heat-concentering side that focuses radiant heat toward the sprinkler's trigger, and a convex heat-scattering side that disperses radiant heat away from the trigger. In some embodiments, the array can include one or more vertical-discharge sprinklers. The vertical-discharge sprinkler may include a heat collector to facilitate early activation of its trigger. The fire suppression system is advantageous in high-challenge applications like facilities where large quantities of combustible items are stored in close proximity, such as in warehouses and attics.