Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
(OP)
We've had several pin hole leaks develope in a dry pipe system. Unfortunetly, there are several uneven spots where we needed to add drip legs to get the standing water out. A failure analysis was performed and the result: failures were the result of MIC mostly at the seam welds in the piping. I've been tasked with finding a solution to slow down or stop the corrosion.
I've come across one item at par-guard.com and was wondering if anyone has heard of it and can comment or has other solutions.
Essentially, they take their foam product and mix it with a patented chemical(enviro. safe and citrus base) and inject into the fire sprinkler system. The chemically infused foam dissolves the "metallic type" corrosion and kills the MIC. Once the chemical process is complete the dissolved corrosion byproduct remains suspended in the foam. Next step is the pipes are flushed and foam is disposed of via 50 gal drums.
To inhibit the corrosion, another chemical(not sure if seperate treatment) creates an ionic bond coating the interior surface of the pipes. I believe the pipe/iron is positively charged and the chemical is negatively charged and results in a protective layer guarding against metal and MIC type corrosion.
One item that gives pause is that the Warranty section on the website is under construction! Additonally, I spoke to a rep the other day and still haven't heard back--potential customer service concern. Also, still need to investigate the maintenance costs and application.
additional thoughts or concerns welcome.
Thanks
I've come across one item at par-guard.com and was wondering if anyone has heard of it and can comment or has other solutions.
Essentially, they take their foam product and mix it with a patented chemical(enviro. safe and citrus base) and inject into the fire sprinkler system. The chemically infused foam dissolves the "metallic type" corrosion and kills the MIC. Once the chemical process is complete the dissolved corrosion byproduct remains suspended in the foam. Next step is the pipes are flushed and foam is disposed of via 50 gal drums.
To inhibit the corrosion, another chemical(not sure if seperate treatment) creates an ionic bond coating the interior surface of the pipes. I believe the pipe/iron is positively charged and the chemical is negatively charged and results in a protective layer guarding against metal and MIC type corrosion.
One item that gives pause is that the Warranty section on the website is under construction! Additonally, I spoke to a rep the other day and still haven't heard back--potential customer service concern. Also, still need to investigate the maintenance costs and application.
additional thoughts or concerns welcome.
Thanks





RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
I have not seen Par-Gard in use or talked to anyone who has, but have observed their test kits in operation. Their test kits worked as advertised with very few problems.
If it can really remediate an already infested sprinkler piping system as described they certainly have an equal to sliced bread. I would talk to WHI and see if you they will give you a reference to a user, not a new user, preferably one with a onsite metallurgical/analytical group.
http://www.mic-testing.com/press-releases.htm
As far as I'm concerned successful solutions to an established MIC problem of this nature are few and far between. Once they build the condominiums they are very hard to evict.
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
I had requested a reference and video about 10 days ago and have not heard back. Maybe he forgot about me and got a little busy, but I will try again to find a "user". I got the impression from the wesite they would also like to sell sprinkler pipe with the "special" coating...hmmm.
From what I've read the solution is to stop hydrostatically testing the sprinkler systems as often as current codes require, thus no more food/oxygen for the established colonists to eat and they die off. This solution dosen't appear likely.
I'll post if I come across something interesting or a revolutionary solution! Thanks for your reply.
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
I did notice the copper pipe from WHI. I believe they call it Eddy Guard. The "Eddy Guard", from what I've read is a "Dynamic Biostatic" coating. It is a somewhat water soluable coating that is equally concentrated throughout the system via "ionic-diffusion" The coating can be measured in the sprinkler system water. when the concentration becomes low, a maintenance canister can be added to boost the level. Usually increased once a year. (paraphrased from a couple of different articles...sounds believeable but maybe a little too much like sliced bread!, or maybe the application is so new it hasn't caught on...I don't know, which is why I'm bring it up )
TC
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
Also do some research on pipe specs. to see if you have compliance on steel quality. Junk steel from overseas from such places as CHINA and JAPAN have been problematic in many applications. Buy USA.
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
I should mention the system in question is a dry pipe type. Apparently, the water left behind after testing produces a moisture and oxygen saturated environment that is more aggressive against steel pipe than a completly water filled system! Our report indicated that an incomplete zinc coating actually increased the rate of corrosion as well. I have a few inquiries out regarding cathodic protection for above ground sprinkler pipe.
Thanks for reminding me about steel quality. Procuring good quality steel from a known and reliable source will be considered. One note:according to my research,
once MIC starts in a clamped joint system it is nearly impossible to correct.
Thanks
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/fire94/art022.html
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion
I'm getting some interesting info on chemical cleaning and protection and will post once it is put together.
Thanks to all for your replys, I have used the info in one way or another!
RE: Fire Sprinkler Pipe Corrosion