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-------------------------- December 2, 2009 -------------------------- Testing Antifreeze Systems with CPVC to Verify the Solution is Glycerin In the November 5, 2009 Tech Update, we identified that one could use a field test for glycol (such as that provided by the Noble Company) to indirectly determine whether the correct compound was in use by showing that the wrong compound (ie glycol) is not present. Such a step seemed a reasonable approach since we are not aware of any field test for glycerin. In further conversations with Noble, it has been decided that such an approach NOT be applied. Although the test strips will reliably identify glycerin manufactured by Noble, it may or may not identify that produced by other manufacturers. It is also possible for compounds other than glycerin to trigger a positive result. Thus, with the potential for false positives and false negatives, Noble tests strips for glycol is not an answer to our needs. Keeping in mind that the owner is responsible for their fire protection systems, including complying with NFPA 25 where required, and that they are hiring inspectors to perform portions of NFPA 25 (granted it is often the vast majority of it), discussing this issue with your client and addressing it contractually is warranted. ----------------- 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
