Automatic riser

Types of Automatic Risers

An automatic riser is a plumbing device for pumped or pressurized sewage systems. Sewage and stormwater automatically flow into it and get pumped to a treatment plant or discharge point. It has a series of valves and controls that make it work smoothly and prevent backups or overflows. There are a few different kinds of automatic risers, also known as riser systems.

• Vertical Automatic Riser (VAR):

  A vertical riser is a tube or pipe mounted vertically, in line with the valve in a water system. When water pressure forces it open, it allows water to rise through the vertical pipe. Vertical riser pipes are used in fire protection and other water supply systems. They provide a route for water to flow up to a desired height when needed.

• Horizontal Automatic Riser (HAR):

  A horizontal automatic riser is a type of automatic valve that allows fluid or gas to pass through in a horizontal direction. Unlike vertical risers, horizontal ones have a mechanism to open and close automatically. It regulates the flow of liquids or gases in pipelines or systems where horizontal flow is required. The valve operates automatically, controlling horizontal fluid flow in a pipeline when needed.

• Heavy-Duty Riser (HDR):

  A heavy-duty riser is designed for durability and toughness. It is used in demanding environments where strong equipment is required. Features like a thicker pipe wall and stronger materials give the riser enhanced strength. It can withstand harsh conditions, making it suitable for industrial or other demanding applications.

• Sanitary Riser (SR):

  A sanitary riser is a plumbing pipe that carries waste from fixtures like sinks to the sewer. It is part of the sanitary system. The riser is vertical and transports wastewater safely down and prevents odors.

• Fire Protection Riser (FPR):

  A fire protection riser is a vertical pipe that connects to the fire protection system, distributing water for fire suppression. It provides water supply for fire sprinklers, standpipes, and other firefighting equipment. The riser is crucial for fire safety in buildings.

• Utility Riser (UR):

  A utility riser is a vertical pipe that utilities like electricity or gas run through. It carries cables or lines between floors in a building. The riser keeps utility connections organized and safe as they move up or down.

Functions and Features of Automatic Risers

The main function of an automatic riser, which is usually set up in a building, is to make sure there is a way to bring aid to the upper floors in case of an emergency. The automatic hydraulic riser has functions and features that do the following:

• Pressure Control: Automatic hydraulic risers control the pressure of liquids and gases in a building. When fluids like water, air, or other liquids go up in the riser, the pressure increases. A hydraulic device called a pressure-reducing valve controls this pressure so that everything works properly without too much force.
• Flow Regulation: Automatic risers manage the flow of liquids or gases, ensuring a consistent and steady flow. Flow-control valves installed on the riser pipe allow or restrict the passage of fluid, regulating its flow rate.
• Pressure Relief: Automatic risers protect the system against excessive pressure by providing pressure relief valves. These valves automatically open to release excess pressure if it exceeds a predetermined level, preventing potential damage or bursts in the pipeline.
• Height Adjustment: Automatic risers have a height-adjustable mechanism to accommodate different building heights. It consists of telescopic sections or a lifting mechanism that allows the riser to expand or contract based on the required elevation.
• Monitoring and Controls: Automatic risers are provided with monitoring and control systems to track their performance and make necessary adjustments. These systems may include pressure gauges, flow meters, sensors, and control panels to monitor pressure, flow rate, and overall operation of the riser.

Scenarios of automatic riser

Automatic risers are primarily designed to be used in high-rise buildings and other structures. However, they can also be useful in other scenarios, such as fire-fighting operations, retrofitting existing buildings to improve access for emergency services and industrial applications.

Here are some key scenarios where automatic risers are employed:

• High-rise buildings

  Automatic riser systems like the PN16-25mm automatic riser are mandatory in most jurisdictions for newly constructed high-rise buildings. The automatic risers ensure firefighters have a reliable water supply at the necessary pressure for effective fire control and extinguishing operations. The risers are crucial for life safety, property protection, and compliance with building codes and regulations in such structures.

• Industrial facilities

  Factories, refineries, and chemical plants need to have riser systems installed. The automatic risers provide such facilities with a dependable water supply for fire protection, especially in areas with high production temperatures or where flammable materials are present. The riser systems can help prevent fire outbreaks and protect property by facilitating swift firefighting measures when a fire occurs.

• Aerospace applications

  Automatic fire risers are also used in the aerospace industry to protect aircraft hangars, maintenance facilities, and other aviation infrastructure from fire damage. In such cases, the risers are crucial for ensuring rapid-response firefighting measures are implemented to protect aircraft, personnel, and facilities when a fire breaks out.

• Marine and shipping industries

  In ports and marine environments, vessel fire protection systems use automatic risers to deliver fire-fighting agents. The riser systems are also connected to shipboard fire suppression systems. By facilitating direct hose connections to shore-based fire-fighting equipment, the risers enhance firefighting efforts to safeguard port infrastructure and vessels.

• Retrofit projects

  Buildings constructed before the riser systems became popular can be retrofitted with them to meet modern fire safety standards. The risers improve access for fire-fighting personnel and equipment, especially in older structures with limited space. Also, integrating riser systems with existing fire protection measures can help enhance the overall fire safety of such buildings.

• Emergency response

  Besides fire-fighting operations, automatic riser systems can be beneficial in other emergency response situations. For instance, the risers can be used to deliver water for cooling chemical spills in hazardous materials accidents. They can also be used to provide water supply for rescue operations during natural disasters like earthquakes and floods.

How to Choose Automatic Risers

Before deciding on the automatic riser system to buy, it is important to consider some few important factors that might influence customers' decision and see what best suits the customer's needs. Here are some few things to keep in mind;

• Type of building: The first thing to consider when choosing automatic risers is the type of building. Whether it's an industrial building or a residential building. Automatic risers play a significant role in high-rise buildings.
• Riser design: The design of the riser can influence the decision of facility managers and building owners. Some risers are designed to be flexible, and some are not. Choosing a riser with a flexible design can adapt to a building's changing needs over time, and this can make it an ideal choice for facility managers and building owners.
• Control system: Choosing an automatic riser with a sophisticated control system can provide more operational efficiencies and improved safety.
• Maintenance: When selecting automatic risers, one needs to examine the maintenance requirements of each option. Automatic risers have a dedicated maintenance schedule for inspections and maintenance services. Having this knowledge will help facility and building managers understand how the maintenance services will fit into their budget and planning.
• Compliance with regulations: Automatic risers are crucial for fire safety in high-rise buildings, which is why they must comply with safety and building codes. Finding out the relevant codes in a particular jurisdiction will help with understanding the legal requirements for automatic risers.
• Shut-off valves: Choosing risers with reliable shut-off valves is crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of the gas systems in a building. Shut-off valves play a key role in protecting a gas system from damage in case of an emergency.
• Integration with other systems: The decision of which automatic riser to buy can also be influenced by how well it integrates with other systems, such as alarm systems, building management systems, and fire protection systems.
• Training and support: Having adequate training and support for facility personnel who will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of automatic risers is essential to their effective use.
• Cost: When choosing automatic risers, the upfront cost and the long-term costs associated with the automatic riser should be evaluated.
• Manufacturer's reputation: The reputation of the automatic riser manufacturer plays a significant role in the decision of which automatic riser to purchase. The experience of the automatic riser manufacturer and their experience in producing risers can also influence the choice of the one to buy.
• References and case studies: References and case studies are important because they provide insights into real-world applications and performances of automatic risers in different types of buildings and industries.

Automatic riser Q & A

Q1: What is an automatic riser?

A1: An automatic riser is an automated system for sewage disposal. It is typically used in places where the sewage needs to be pumped upward, such as in high-rise buildings. The system automatically closes to prevent backflow and keeps the environment clean.

Q2: What are the benefits of using automatic riser valves?

A2: Automatic risers improve safety and convenience in commercial buildings. They ensure that water supply lines and other risers are closed automatically. This minimizes the risk of accidents and water damage. These systems also comply with fire safety regulations and prevent property damage.

Q3: What maintenance do automatic riser systems require?

A3: Automatic risers need regular checking and maintenance to ensure they work properly. Maintenance teams should inspect the automatic closing mechanism, control system, and valves periodically. They should also test the system during emergencies to ensure it meets all safety regulations. Additionally, routine cleaning and servicing by a professional can help prevent buildup and corrosion.

Q4: How does an automatic riser system work?

A4: These systems have a control mechanism that ensures they close automatically after a specified period. When the time elapses, the automatic closing mechanism kicks in and closes the valve. This system relies on a timer, which is why the valves need regular maintenance and inspection.