August 22, 2016
Antifreeze System ?We have a customer who currently has a antifreeze system that has no check valve nor a backflow device. The antifreeze solution tested to +24 def. F. The use of pre-mixed antifreeze solutions would require changes to the existing system loop to be upgraded (RPZ backflow with pressure relief valve since it is less than 40 gallons). If the antifreeze loop is modified, does this constitute a new installation that would require listed antifreeze as noted in 7.6.2.1 of NFPA 13?? We have reviewed NFPA 25, 2014 edition as the applicable standard. Our informal interpretation is that it is a repair to an existing system. NFPA 25 references NFPA 13 for performing work on a system. This application is still an existing system being repaired. Corrective action needed to ensure that a system operates in a satisfactory manner shall be in accordance with this standard unless this standard specifically refers to an appropriate installation standard per 1.1.4. The piping would be modified per the NFPA 13 installation standard whereas the antifreeze solution would still fall under NFPA 25. Keep in mind that there are still limits on the concentration as identified in 5.3.4. The base requirement is 5.3.4.2 that all antifreeze systems shall utilize listed antifreeze solutions. The exception is 5.3.4.2.1 where systems installed prior to September 30, 2012, listed antifreeze solutions shall not be required until September 30, 2022, where all of the following conditions are met: 1) The concentration of the antifreeze solution shall be limited to 50 percent glycerine by volume or 40 percent propylene glycol by volume. 2) Newly introduced solutions shall be factory premixed antifreeze solutions (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopeia 96.5 percent). 3) Antifreeze systems with concentrations in excess of 30 percent propylene glycol and 38 percent glycerine shall be permitted based upon an approved deterministic risk assessment prepared by a qualified person approved by the authority having jurisdiction. As noted above, a listed antifreeze product is not required until 2022. ------------ Technical Update is prepared by the Technical Services Dept. of the AFSA: Roland Huggins, a PE registered in fire protection engineering, Vice President of Engineering and Technical Services; and Tom Wellen, a PE registered in fire protection engineering. 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 2016, American Fire Sprinkler Association. All Rights Reserved. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: <http://lists.firesprinkler.org/private.cgi/sprinklernotes-firesprinkler.org/attachments/20160822/229bd3bb/attachment.htm>
