What is Contaminating My Fire Sprinkler System? While microorganisms do not produce unique types of corrosion, they can accelerate corrosion reactions. Microbial action has been identified as a contributor to rapid corrosion of metals and alloys exposed to soils; seawater, distilled water, and freshwater; crude oil, hydrocarbon fuels, and process …
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The Right Fit for Fire Protection Over the last 100 years, the methods to store water for fire protection have evolved and become more sophisticated, resulting in superior fire suppression. Modern tanks that store water used for fire protection are very specific and are governed by NFPA 22, Standard for …
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Informal Interpretations Help Douse Disagreements The informal interpretations featured in this issue of Sprinkler Age address NFPA 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code. AFSA’s informal interpretations are provided to AFSA members by Senior Vice President of Engineering & Technical Services Roland Huggins, P.E. and Senior Manager of Fire Protection Engineering …
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Running the Criteria Gauntlet The first time I was presented with someone in need of an estimate to protect a paint booth was many years ago. I looked to others in the office for guidance, but I seemed to mostly get answers that involved “I think,” “I’m pretty sure,” or …
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Research Continues on Larger Sizes The invent of early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinkler in the 1980s revolutionized storage fire protection. No longer were rack sprinklers needed to protect high heat release rate commodities stored within tall racks. In addition, the ESFR sprinkler provides adequate protection for a range of …
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It’s Not Always a Matter of Surround and Drown As one involved with industrial fire protection engineering for more than 25 years, you would expect very few surprises to cross your desk. However in the ever changing, technology enriched world in which we live, change is the only constant. One …
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In Part 1 of this article, I discussed the many signs that are required by NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. I tried to provide some of the reasons and history behind those requirements. In this follow-up article, I will extend the discussion to NFPA 13D, Standard …
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Eliminate Freeze-Ups and Inefficiencies Flexible technology was recently introduced into the dry sprinkler market, bringing with it a simpler and safer solution for eliminating system freeze-ups and installation and maintenance inefficiencies. By infusing flexible technology into the VicFlex™ Dry Sprinkler Style VS1, Victaulic gave owners, architects, engineers and contractors a …
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The Existing Criteria is Likely Too Conservative In a continuing and extensive effort to develop reliable and effective tools and guidelines for the unique installation of early suppression fast response (ESFR) sprinklers relative to obstructions, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) through its Research Foundation has completed three phases of …
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What Sprinkler Contractor Owners Need to Know The American Fire Sprinkler Association (AFSA) is an industry association that exists primarily to represent the interests of open shop fire sprinkler contractor owners. In context, it is important that each sprinkler contractor owner fully understand that the applicable building codes and their …
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Sprinkler Age A Publication of the American Fire Sprinkler Association