Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
(OP)
What are the advantages/disadvantages of a dry pipe system vs an antifreeze system? The existing building I'm working with has 2 seperate unheated combustible concealed spaces on each end of the building one 1300 sf and the other 950 sf. It also has an exterior overhang that will require an additional 4 sprinklers. Is there a size limitation for antifreeze systems? Are there situations where a dry pipe should be used over antifreeze, or vice versa?





RE: Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
In this instance I say layout a dry system and an antifreeze system (antifreeze loop on the existing system if not over system area limitation) to see if which or both works. Then figure the costs required for either scenario.
RE: Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
Definetly not black and white, but I would say >40USGal, go with glycol, <40USgal, dry pipe. Be sure to use the proper C factor for dry, unless you go with galv. pipe.
RE: Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
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Perhaps this may also apply to commercial systems??? If so look out, go with a dry system, you will look good if they do.
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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters' Lives Too!
RE: Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
In your case I see (2) remote unheated combustible rooms as you stated (2 seperate unheated combustible concealed spaces on each end of the building)which could cause an issue with dry valve water delivery.
In my opinion i would go with separate glycol loops to minimize gallon capacity and also long runs of pipe. It also allows for more cost effective installation and maintenance since dry pipe valve are more expensive and requires more maintenance thru the year.
RE: Antifreeze vs Dry Pipe
◦Use only propylene glycol or glycerin antifreeze solution.
◦The antifreeze solution should be the lowest possible concentration required for the needed freeze potential but under no circumstance should the antifreeze solution exceed a maximum concentration of 40% of propylene glycol or a maximum concentration of 50% of glycerin. Consideration should be given to reducing these concentrations by an additional safety factor.
◦The antifreeze solution should only be a factory pre-mixed; use of factory pre-mixed solutions is essential to ensure the proper concentration level and solution integrity
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Fire Sprinklers Save Firefighters' Lives Too!