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--------------------- TECHNICAL UPDATE NOVEMBER 5, 2009 --------------------- “When inspecting a plastic pipe fire sprinkler system with an anti- freeze loop extension, how do you test the anti-freeze solution to verify that it is glycerin rather than propylene glycol?” We have reviewed NFPA 25, 2008 Edition that you indicated as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that an indirect field test can be conducted. I am unaware of a field test to verify the antifreeze is glycerin. In talking with the Noble Company, it is possible to conduct a field test to verify that the solution is not glycol (both ethylene and propylene). They have test strips that will identify the presence of glycol by changing colors whereas no change occurs for glycerin. Plain water will not react either but performing the concentration test for glycerin will resolve that issue. Although these test strips will confirm that the glycol concentration is sufficient to provide freeze protection, they are used for testing boilers and do not provide the accuracy required for testing sprinkler systems. They can be used as a quick and dirty field test to exclude the presence of glycol. If you do encounter glycol in a CPVC system, you should have a sample tested by a laboratory. NFPA 25 only requires that the concentration be tested to ensure it is within the proper temperature range. Unfortunately, the annex states that in a CPVC system, the solution SHOULD be verified to be glycerin based. Despite the annex opening paragraph saying: 'Annex A is not a part of the requirements of this standard but is included for informational purposes only.', section A.5.3.4 is a problem. I don't believe it is the intent of NFPA 25 to have a sample sent to a laboratory every time the antifreeze system is tested since that conflicts with section 1.2 that identifies the purpose is to ensure a REASONABLE degree of protection. A final note on this annex material is to keep in mind that NFPA 25 applies to the system owner and they can hire others to do portions of the inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements. ----------------- Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the AFSA: Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering; Phill Brown, a NICET IV certified automatic sprinkler technician and NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS) and Tom Wellen, a degreed fire protection engineering technologist. This is provided with the understanding that the AFSA assumes no liability for this opinion or actions taken on it and they are not to be considered the official position of the NFPA or its technical committees. Copyright © 2009, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights Reserved -------------------------- If you'd rather not receive future faxes from AFSA, fax your removal request to Amy Sweeney at Efax (214) 242-3155 or call toll free (888) 839-4830 or send e-mail request @ [email protected]. Please include your company name and the specific fax numbers(s) at which you do not wish to receive faxes from us. Our failure to comply with your request may be unlawful. _______________________________________________ Sprinklernotes mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklernotes
