Are you sure that your Fire Sprinkler System will actually work after one, five, ten or more years? Are you sure it will even work properly right now? You can t be sure unless you know your system is free of both Oxygen corrosion and MIC. The occurrence of corrosion is potentially a major problem for all fire sprinkler systems. Corrosion directly affects the operational reliability and performance reliability of the fire sprinkler system. Corrosion debris can make a system completely inoperable if it causes obstructions within control valves, clogging of branch lines, or plugging of sprinkler heads that threaten the loss of human life. Corrosion also causes leaks that could cause property & equipment damage and possible system replacement. It is for these reasons that it is very important to prevent this corrosion condition from occurring in the first place. Did you know a 1000 gallons of water can create (Corrode) 32.5 pounds of Iron Oxide in just 30 days? That means that iron from your steel pipe is being converted to iron oxide. Iron oxide is a key component found in deposits discovered in fire sprinkler systems. Analysis of deposits in fire sprinkler systems confirm that 90% of the deposit material found in fire sprinkler systems is iron oxide (what is left of your steel pipe?) What is MIC? Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion is An electrochemical corrosion process that is concentrated and accelerated by the activity of specific bacteria within a fire sprinkler system, resulting in the premature failure of metallic system components. - NFPA 25 Handbook There are about a dozen of bacteria s (Aerobic and Anaerobic) in waters, air and cutting oils known to cause MIC of carbon steels, stainless steels, aluminum and copper alloys. Symptoms of MIC, including pinhole leaks, rotten egg smelling water, black water, and tubercles. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) is addressing the MIC problem with changes in NFPA 13 & 25.
NFPA standards for MIC Paragraph 14.2.1.3 of NFPA 25 states: "Tubercles or slime, if found, shall be tested for indications of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)". Paragraph 23.1.5.1 of NFPA 13 states: "Water supplies and environmental conditions shall be evaluated for the existence of microbes and conditions that contribute to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Where conditions are found that contribute to MIC, the owner(s) shall notify the sprinkler system installer and a plan shall be developed to treat the system. There are six agents that will accelerate the rate of corrosion 1. Trapped air Oxygen will instantly cause metal corrosion until all air dissolves in the water. 2. MIC in your system There are many mechanisms that come under the heading microbiologically influenced corrosion, and they can accelerate the process. 3. Water chemistry and biology MIC bacteria feed on nutrients and other elements found in water. 4. Draining and refilling the system Every time the system is drained and refilled the corrosion reaction is reignited with the fresh supply of oxygen in the air that is introduced, and with the dissolved oxygen in the new water along with nutrients, which will let aerobic bacteria to thrive and anaerobic as well underneath. 5. Mechanical deposit removal A fresh new site for oxygen attack can occur when the pipe is cleaned mechanically. 6. Temperature The higher the temperature of the fire sprinkler system the faster the corrosion rate. As a rule every 10 o C increase in temperature doubles the corrosion rate.
Galvanized Steel Corrosion in Wet Pipe Systems 1 Trapped air contains 21% Oxygen. 2 Zinc from galvanized layer dissolves in persistently moist environment. Corrosion reaction occurs at air/water interface producing iron oxide. 3 As iron oxide sheds from pipe wall it leaves a pit behind. 4 Iron oxide collects at bottom of pipe, begins underdeposit corrosion mechanisms and creates ideal location for microbial growth. Bacteria metabolize (eat) pipe wall materials and excrete acids which chemically attack the pipe wall. Is there even the slightest possibility that the huge volume of loose rust shown in the above 4" main, after being forced into a 1-¼" branch line of the same fire system, would allow any water through the smaller orifice of a ½" sprinkler head?
Corrosion Solution Plan Testing Three samples of water should be collected from the fire sprinkler system for testing. The three samples required for analysis are the main water supply, main drain, and inspector s port locations. All samples are tested for 22 mineral contents, physical properties, and microbiological contamination. The main water supply will also be tested for the actual corrosion potential of the water source via ASTM testing guidelines. Treating The first step in the treatment of a fire protection system that is experiencing MIC is to thoroughly clean and flush the system. Cleaning involves injecting the system with a non-toxic, biodegradable cleaner and allowing it to soak overnight (minimum 4 hours) to remove oils, slime formations and deposits. The cleaning and flushing of the system is a critical first step in order to remove system contaminants and bacteria s food source. This removal is critical to help restore the flow rate of the system, which allows for effective treatment of the piping system. The next step in treating MIC is the injection of a non-toxic, bio-degradable corrosion and bacterial inhibitor into the fire sprinkler system. The inhibitor protects the fire sprinkler system by creating a protective layer on the internal system components that prevents both oxygen and MIC bacteria from penetrating the surface of the system components causing corrosion. This protective layer protects the fire sprinkler system and does not interfere with the performance or operation of the system. Monitoring Treatment also includes the installation of a Corrosion Monitoring Station, which contains a Corrosion Coupon that matches the metallurgy of the fire sprinkler piping. Per ASTM guidelines the Corrosion Coupon is removed at 90 day increments, processed and tested for a weight loss analysis. The Corrosion Coupon program is used to ensure that corrosion is under control and there has been no recurrence of MIC. The Corrosion Monitoring Station can be isolated from the Fire Sprinkler System to allow the coupons to be pulled without putting the entire system into Test mode.
Catalog of FPS Services, Equipment and FPS Treatment Chemicals
Model 10 and 20 Automatic MIC Treatment Systems The Patented model 10 and 20 chemical systems are designed specifically for automatic fire sprinkler systems treatments. The state of the art treatment system design enables treatment for several different fire sprinkler systems within a building. Unlike other injection systems, our technology automatically controls the delivery of the chemical treatment program at precise concentration limits. Precise control of a treatment program is the critical first step in assuring a successful corrosion mitigation program. This unit is designed to automatically operate anytime the jockey pump activates which provides for a fully automated chemical treatment of the systems. The treatment systems have H,O,A (Hand, Off, Automatic) control selector switch, Run and Alarm indicators, and an integrated drum level control system with audible alarm and dry contact output. Additional safety features include an automatic pressure relief system and convenient priming valves. Model 10 / Model 20
Corrosion Monitoring Station The Fire Sprinkler Corrosion Monitoring Station FSCMS is designed to be installed on the system riser or on a main connected to the riser to monitor internal corrosion conditions in both wet and dry Fire Protection System. The Fire Sprinkler System should be continuously monitored so that activities such as filling and draining are also experienced by the FSCMS. In buildings where more than one fire sprinkler system is being fed from a common riser, you should have the FSCMS installed on the system side of the control valve on each of the individual systems. The FSCMS is designed to simulate conditions where internal corrosion may develop within the system. The FSCMS can be safely isolated from the system riser or main and easily accessed for servicing and monitoring of test specimens, (corrosion coupons or corrosion monitoring probes) without taking the fire protection system out of service. Corrosion coupons are installed in the corrosion monitoring station by the use of a di-electric coupon holder. Benefits of FSCMS The corrosion monitoring methods are easy to understand and implement Visual inspection can be undertaken Corrosion deposits can be observed and analyzed Localized corrosion can be identified and measured Weight loss can be readily determined and Corrosion Rates easily calculated Results are easy to interpret Any corrosion inhibitor treatment program in place can be easily assessed for effectiveness FSCMS
Number of Years of Life Time for Various Schedule of Pipe Corrosion Schedule 40 Schedule 10 Schedule 5 Rate (MPY) 6" 4" 2" 6" 4" 2" 6" 4" 2" 30 9.3 7.9 5.1 4.5 4.0 3.6 3.6 2.8 2.2 20 14 11.85 7.7 6.7 6 5.45 5.45 4.15 3.25 10 28 23.7 15.4 13.4 12 10.9 10.9 8.3 6.5 5 56 47.4 30.8 26.8 24 21.8 21.8 16.6 13 2 140 118.5 77 67 60 54.5 54.5 41.5 32.5 0.5 560 474 308 268 240 218 218 166 130 The convenient level of corrosion inhibitor will provide superior corrosion protection and helps insure a corrosion rate of 2.0 MPY (Mils Per Year) or less. Cleaning Chemicals 1- FSS ProClean B IS a surface active formulation for maximum penetration and dispersion of oils and other hydrocarbons that can periodically contaminate commercial fire suppression systems and new piping installations. FSS ProClean B is used periodically when leaks or spills contaminate water systems or when cleaning grease and oil from piping. Improve the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors by helping to provide cleaner heat transfer surfaces, thus enhancing inhibitor film formation. Specifically formulated for use at a wide temperature range, and are low foaming at room temperature and typical use concentrations. 2- FSS DeRust HD Is an extremely safe, neutral ph, corrosion and rust remover and metal brightener based on safe organic technology. FSS DeRust HD can be used in re-circulating, soakimmersion, ultrasonic, and spray wand applications. Designed to remove and disperse metal oxides, tarnish, rust, weld smut, oils, lubricants, and laser slag from ferrous metals without harming sound base metals. Used for corrosion removal and brightening of aluminum, copper, and brass alloys without the use of hazardous acids.
3- FSS Desludge HD Is a concentrated blend of inhibited organic and inorganic acids, scale dispersants, derusting agents, water conditioners, and low foaming detergents balanced for maximum penetration and dispersion of water scale, rust oxides and organic residues. Specifically formulated for use in heavily fouled industrial and commercial fire suppression systems to remove sludge and scale at temperatures from ambient through 140 F. Best recognized as a non-foaming agent at temperatures above 80 F and low foaming at room temperature. Green Technology Corrosion and Bacterial Inhibitors 1- FSS ProGuard Green Is a unique proprietary formulation of corrosion inhibitors that provide maximum protection of hard-to-reach-areas This highly inhibited technology allows for long term superior corrosion protection of air gap areas that are typically found in wet and dry sprinkler systems. When FSS ProGuard Green Product is placed in a hydrostatic environment, it provides unsurpassed corrosion protection in water, air interface, and above all liquid levels. FSS ProGuard Green Product acts as a Corrosion Inhibitor protecting complicated values and the interior surfaces of piping and sprinkler components often difficult or impossible to reach. Non-flammable, low odor, bio-degradable, and is specifically formulated for use in a wide temperature range, and is low-foaming at room temperature and typical use concentrations.
2- FSS ProGuard Dry Is a unique proprietary formulation of corrosion and bacteria inhibitors that provide maximum protection of hard-to-reach-areas This highly inhibited technology allows for long term superior corrosion protection of air gap areas that are typically found in wet and dry sprinkler systems. When FSS ProGuard Dry Product is placed in a hydrostatic environment, it provides unsurpassed corrosion protection in water, air interface, and above all liquid levels. FSS ProGuard Dry Product acts as a Corrosion Inhibitor protecting complicated values and the interior surfaces of piping and sprinkler components often difficult or impossible to reach. Non-flammable, low odor, bio-degradable, and is specifically formulated for use in a wide temperature range, and is low-foaming at room temperature and typical use concentrations. 3- FSS BioGuard B Is a surface active formulation for maximum long term mitigation against bacterial growth and MIC by creating a bio static barrier on internal surfaces of pipes in fire sprinkler systems. Provides long term, excellent protection to control bacteria growth. MIC can create an environment where corrosion rates are elevated due to the presence of bacterial created acids and deposits. This corrosive condition can limit water flow, plug fire sprinkler heads, create pinhole leaks, and cause structural damage to piping. Designed to quickly provide a bacterial inhibited environment that is attainable for an extended period of time. Specifically formulated for an extended shelf life. The products can be used at a wide temperature range, and is low foaming at room temperature and typical use concentrations.
Corrosion Inhibiting System for Dry and Pre-action Fire Protection Systems Nitrogen Inert, clean, dry, non-flammable gas Absorbs more moisture than compressed air Has a true -40 to -70 F dew point Does not support the corrosion reaction Prevents the formation of ice blockages Prevents oxidation of non-metallic components Targets both Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria Benefits of N2-Blast The Green Solution to Inhibiting Corrosion Cost effective continuous supply of Nitrogen to the FPS Eliminates the need to change-out Nitrogen gas cylinders Eliminates the risk of de-pressurization of the FPS due to untimely Nitrogen cylinder run outs Potential extension of galvanized steel service life from 7 to 79+ years Potential extension of black steel pipe service life from 14 to 48+ years No need for refrigerated air dryer when membrane Nitrogen generators are employed Good and Best Approach in Dry Systems Good, Nitrogen is the preferred Supervisory Gas for Dry System Best, Combine Nitrogen with Corrosion Inhibitor (ProGuard Dry) 18-month exposure results Compressed Air Nitrogen Black Steel Galvanized Steel
N2-Blast N2-Blast is a Patent Pending compact system that generates and introduces high purity, corrosion inhibiting, Nitrogen (N2) into your dry or pre-action Fire Protection Systems. The N2- Blast can be integrated with or replace your existing supervisory air compressor. It uses minimal space, runs quite, and can be installed within your fire pump or riser room. The N2-Blast generates high purity N2 at the same rate as a high pressure N2 Cylinder, therefore making it a safe, more convenient, cost effective solution to inhibit corrosion. The N2-Blast produces 98%+ pure Nitrogen and introduces it to the Dry or Pre-action Fire Protection System. In doing so, Oxygen is displaced from the piping through the AutoPurge System. The N2-Blast effectively inhibits Electrochemical, Galvanic and MIC, as well as moisture accumulation and ice plugs. BlastOff - Leak Detection System Detects a major leak before it compromises the FPS Alarms if the air compressor is not working properly Includes a dry contact for signal out to BMS Protects the lifespan of the N2-Blast Maximizes energy efficiency N2-Blast AutoPurge System It is important to ensure that high purity Nitrogen is equally distributed within the entire FPS piping system, including all branch piping locations. AutoPurge System is a Patent Pending technology provides a low volume, constant purge of Nitrogen within each FSS system. The rate of which gas is evacuated from the FSS is within NFPA guidelines yet allows breathing to occur. AutoPurge System It has connection for the Patented Quick-Check Nitrogen Purity Sensor, which provides a visual display of the Nitrogen level within the FPS. Quick-Check