Previous Dinner Meetings 2005/2006
October 3, 2005
“Variable Speed Pumps for Fire Protection Applications”
The 2003 edition of NFPA 20 now allows for the use of variable speed pumps for fire
protection applications. With higher sprinkler system design pressures and larger day-to day
pressure variations in municipal water sources, the variable speed fire pump offers a new
design option for these and other fire protection water supply problems. There are now listed
variable speed fire pumps available for use. This presentation will provide an overview of the
hardware used in variable speed fire pumps (both electric and diesel driven), the most
common variable speed applications, and special installation considerations.
Speaker: David Fuller, FM Global
Speaker: David Fuller is a Senior Engineering Specialist with FM Global, where has been employed for the last 15 years. He is responsible for FM Global’s Loss Prevention Data Sheets for the subjects relating to fire protection equipment installation and maintenance, including fire pumps. Prior to his current position, David was a manager in the FM Approvals division overseeing sprinkler, fire pump, and special hazard fire protection system approvals. David is a principal member the NFPA 20 Technical Committee on Fire Pumps where he served as chairman of the electrical task group during the 2003 cycle. David holds a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University.
November 7, 2005
“Structural Fire Protection and the NIST WTC Tower Report”
On June 23, 2005, NIST issued a draft report of their of the WTC Towers investigation. Issues
have been raised with respect to the durability of fire resistive coatings for structural steel, as
well as methods of surface preparation. This presentation will highlight some of the findings
and recommendations related to structural fire protection in the NIST report and discuss
recommended installation practices, lab and field testing and various resources.
Speaker: Dick Davis is a Senior Engineering Technical Specialist and Assistant Vice President with FM
Global, where he has been employed for the last 31 years. After working as a field engineer,
he has been responsible for FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets related to
building construction including fire walls and their opening protectives, fire resistive
construction and combustibility of building materials.
December 5, 2005
“Engineering Failure or Failure to Engineer”
[Download Presentation]
Codes and standards often require specific fire protection features for certain occupancies, construction
methods, and hazards. In some applications, pre-engineered solutions are used to meet prescriptive
code requirements. In others, a “system” must be engineered to meet the specific prescriptive code
requirements. In situations not covered by the prescriptive code approach, engineers are using
“performance-based” solutions. Failures can often be attributed to either a failure in the engineering of
the fire protection or a failure to apply engineering methods to the selected situation or solutions. This
case study looks at a specific hazard with defined code requirements for protection. Additional
protection was provided, beyond what the code required. In total, there were two required systems and
six additional protection systems. Why then did all systems fail on the day of the loss?
Speaker: Robert P. Schifiliti, P.E. – R.P. Schifiliti Associates, Inc.
Mr. Schifiliti has over twenty-six years experience in fire protection and prevention work. For much of
that time he has developed expertise and focused his engineering practice on fire detection, alarm and
signaling systems. In addition to analysis and design, his regular practice includes forensic
investigations and expert testimony as well as teaching.
February 6, 2006
“The Future of Video Image Smoke/Flame Detection”
Description of the planned and possible uses of current video technology in fire alarm systems and by
responding personnel. Topics include interfacing of security networks, infra-red equipment, and wireless
applications. Recent developments in code requirements of these systems will also be presented.
Speaker: Kenneth L. Gentile, P.E.
Mr. Gentile is a Senior Consultant at Rolf Jensen & Associates, Inc. He is an Electrical Engineer
specializing in consulting and design for security systems, fire alarm systems and other complimentary
electronic systems. He holds a B.S. in electrical engineering from Washington University in Saint Louis
and is a registered engineer in numerous States.
March 6, 2006
“Beyond Cause and Origin: Engineering Aspects of Building Fires”
[Download Presentation]
Much of the focus of fire investigation is on the cause and origin of the fire, while much of the focus of
fire protection engineering is on preventing small fires from becoming large fires through the design of
fire protection systems and features. To understand why a small fire becomes a large fire, it is
necessary to understand the role that the presence or lack of different fire protection systems and
features has on fire development and fire losses. With their unique education and training, fire
protection engineers are well-qualified to analyze fire development beyond cause and origin. Examples
of the roles played by different fire protection systems and features and the methods used to analyze
these roles will be presented in terms of a number of case studies of actual fires.
Speaker: Frederick W. Mowrer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Fire Protection Engineering at the University of Maryland, where he has been on the faculty since 1987. Dr. Mowrer is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and is a registered Fire Protection Engineer in the State of California. Dr. Mowrer is very active in the profession of fire protection engineering. He served on the Board of Directors of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers from 1995 to 2003, including a terms as President of Fire Protection Association and serves on the Research Advisory Committee of the Fire Protection Research Foundation. Dr. Mowrer has participated in the analysis of a number of major fire incidents, including those at the MGM Grand Hotel, the Las Vegas Hilton, the Cathedral Hill Hotel, the DuPont Plaza Hotel, the First Interstate Bank, One Meridian Plaza, the Branch Davidian complex in Waco, Texas, and the Cook County Administration Building.