Fast-Response Sprinkler Technology: Hsiang-Cheng Kung, Gunnar Heskestad, Robert Bill, Roger Allard: The 2019 Phillip J. DiNenno Prize

The National Fire Protection Association has recognized fast-response sprinkler technology, developed and promulgated by Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FMRC, now FM Global), with its 2019 Phillip J. DiNenno Prize. This technology was the result of three innovative efforts that produced Response-Time Index (RTI), quick-response (QR) residential sprinklers, and the Early Suppression, Fast Response (ESFR) sprinkler. Cheng Yao (deceased), who led sprinkler research at FMRC (now FM Global), was the prime mover for this work. Dr. Gunnar Heskestad was responsible for conceptual work and much of the research and development work for RTI, as well as a good deal of the underlying research for ESFR. Dr. Hsiang-Cheng Kung did the conceptual and R&D work for QR residential sprinklers and along with Harry Shaw (deceased) supported and advocated for their acceptance into codes; he also conducted a significant amount of research work for ESFR development. Dr. Robert G. Bill provided additional experimental research work for RTI, including the adaptation of the RTI wind tunnel for testing recessed, flush and concealed sprinklers, as well as support work for Heskestad’s proposed resolution to the conduction complication identified by Jerome Pepi (deceased). He also worked extensively and closely with Roger L. Allard who was instrumental in gaining global acceptance and promulgation of these technologies worldwide. As the DiNenno Prize is not awarded posthumously, only those individuals identified in bold text were awarded the prize.