Corrosion in sprinkler system piping can be a costly problem if leaks occur, causing damage to the interior of a structure, according to Matt Klaus, Principal Fire Protection Engineer with the National Fire Protection Association.
Replacing piping is no small expense, either. Corrosion can also cause blockages in the piping network, which can lead to an ineffective sprinkler system during a fire.
Corrosion can take on many forms, including oxidation, microbiologically influenced corrosion, and galvanic corrosion. The technical committees responsible for NFPA 13, Installation of Sprinkler Systems, have been looking at ways to eliminate or reduce corrosion in sprinkler systems for several revision cycles.
Reducing corrosion in dry systems can be achieved by eliminating all of the water from these systems after testing/activation and using alternative gases like nitrogen for charging these systems. For wet systems, limiting the amount of air in the system is the goal. Air trapped in pressurized sprinkler system piping results in an increase in the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the piping, enabling corrosion. Venting the trapped air in a wet system reduces this problem, so a revision to the wet system sprinkler system standard requires that a single air vent be installed for each system.
Depending upon the building geometry and sprinkler design, it is possible to trap air in many locations in the system, meaning a single vent may not be effective. Therefore, some stakeholders believe that the requirement adds cost to the property owner and the design team without any assurance that there is a long-term benefit to the system.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 26, 2021
Updated guide to repair and rehabilitate existing concrete structures published
Document assesses how to adhere to code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2021
New guide for skylight selection, daylighting design released
Free Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance document now available.
Codes and Standards | Jan 21, 2021
California considers statewide ban on natural gas heat, hot water in new homes
Code update would take effect in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Jan 20, 2021
Steel industry, labor urge Biden to retain steel tariffs
‘Essential to ensuring the viability of the domestic steel industry.’
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit will remain at 26%
Incentive was scheduled to be reduced to 22%.
Codes and Standards | Jan 19, 2021
Thomas Jefferson University launches the Institute for Smart and Healthy Cities
Will address climate change, social equity, rapid urbanization, and health.
Codes and Standards | Jan 14, 2021
Petition urges FEMA to update flood maps, set tougher standards for floodplain construction
Environmental and planning groups note soaring claims, flood insurance debt.
Codes and Standards | Jan 13, 2021
Proposed change to IECC process irks efficiency advocates
New procedure would diminish influence of local code officials.
Codes and Standards | Jan 12, 2021
Two net-zero hotel projects could portend a new hospitality trend
Energy-intensive sector comprises 10% of all commercial real estate.
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2021
Zero Energy Buildings growth driven by government policy, stringent codes, technologies
Restraints include high upfront cost, and lack of universal definition and approaches.
