Ensuring Corrosion Protection Beyond Routine Maintenance in Fire Sprinkler Systems

Corrosion prevention is crucial for protecting lives and property.

Corrosion poses a significant threat in fire sprinkler systems, often remaining undetected until it’s too late, leading to property damage or even loss of life during a fire event. Traditional Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance (ITM) protocols are essential but can inadvertently accelerate corrosion rates by introducing fresh oxygen into the system. Fortunately, advancements in products and strategies offer enhanced corrosion prevention and monitoring capabilities, crucial for protecting lives and property.

Vapor Pipe Shield by General Air Products
Vapor Pipe Shield by General Air Products is an inline delivery system of Vapor phase Corrosion Inhibitor (VpCI) to prevent corrosion in Dry-Pipe & Pre-Action Fire Sprinkler Systems. Image courtesy of General Air Products

 

Understanding the corrosion triangle

Corrosion in fire sprinkler pipes arises from a chemical reaction producing rust particles. Unlike typical plumbing systems where flowing water flushes away these particles, stagnant water in fire sprinkler systems allows rust buildup, leading to obstructions. This buildup, if present during a fire, can hinder water flow or block sprinkler heads, amplifying the severity of the situation. The corrosion triangle, comprising steel, water, and oxygen, forms the basis of this process. Fire sprinkler systems provide ideal conditions for corrosion as all three elements are present. Wet systems, filled with water and oxygen, are particularly susceptible, while dry systems, despite the absence of water, are not immune due to trapped moisture and oxygen.

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AGF Welcomes Summer Interns

Intern Mark

We at AGF proudly introduce the newest members of our summer internship program, Mark Nirmaier and Maura McHugh. These bright and enthusiastic individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our team, and we look forward to their contributions over the coming months.

Mark Nirmaier, a dedicated student at Temple University, pursues a degree in Human Resources Management. At AGF, Mark will engage in various projects aimed at enhancing our HR processes, from employee benefits and onboarding to employee engagement and development.

Intern Maura

Maura McHugh, a student at Southern Methodist University majoring in Public Relations, will focus on several initiatives during her time at AGF, including media outreach, content creation, and social media strategy.

Please join us in welcoming Mark and Maura to AGF. We feel thrilled to have them on board and anticipate the positive impact they will make during their time here.

 

 

 

New Preassembled Model 8511Z Floor Control with Pressure Reducing Valve

MALVERN, PA, April 4, 2024- AGF, a leading provider of innovative fire protection solutions, proudly announces the integration of its renowned, domestically made Model 8511 Sprinkler Floor Control manifold with the Zurn Model ZW5004 adjustable pressure reducing valve, offering unmatched efficiency and reliability for the fire sprinkler industry.
The AGF Commercial RiserPACK Model 8511Z is meticulously crafted in the USA using high-quality schedule 10 pipe, ensuring superior durability and performance. This assembly incorporates the AGF Model 2511 TESTanDRAIN valve with a pressure relief valve and drain trim, flow switch, pressure gauge, and AGF Universal 3-way gauge valve, along with a 2 ½” hose valve. The 8511Z manifold was designed specifically for floor control applications where a downstream drain outlet, capable of full flow is required for Pressure Reducing Valve acceptance testing and future inspection and testing requirements.
The integration of the Zurn ZW5004 Valve adds another layer of functionality and versatility to the AGF solution. The ZW5004 Valve is a 2-1/2″ Pressure-Tru® Valve featuring an inline body and grooved connections. Certified as a floor control valve, an indicating valve, and a check valve in automatic sprinkler systems, it is also listed as a standpipe valve for CLASS I and CLASS III systems. With the ability to regulate pressure under both FLOW and NO-FLOW conditions, the ZW5004 Valve offers unparalleled precision and control. Field adjustments are made effortless thanks to its low torque design, requiring only 9 ft lb of torque. Despite its compact profile, the larger handwheel ensures smooth operation, even in tight spaces.

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Is an Inspector’s Test the Same as a Test and Drain Valve?

Choosing and placing valves carefully is important for fire sprinkler systems

Inspectors test valve and a test and drain valve

to meet code requirements. The Inspector’s Test Valves and Test and Drain Valves are frequently confused. This is because they perform similar functions but have distinct characteristics and applications. Understanding the differences between these valves is crucial to ensure their proper usage.

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Inspecting Your Fire Sprinkler Systems

A proactive approach to extend the life of your systems.

facility personnel inspecting systems

Among the requirements needed to keep commercial fire sprinklers working and code compliant are the routine inspections, which can seem complex. Most of the Inspection, Testing and Maintenance (ITM) of sprinkler systems require a qualified life safety professional, but some of the work can be done by in-house facility personnel.

NFPA 25, the Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems is the primary standard for most facilities and this standard assign specific responsibilities to the property owner or their designated representative. The property owner is ultimately responsible for the integrity of the fire sprinkler system even if ITM is being provided by an outside contractor.

4.1.1 Responsibility for Inspection, Testing, Maintenance, and Impairment. – The property owner or designated representative shall be responsible for properly maintaining a water-based fire protection system.

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PRODUCT NOTICE – 7000 Pressure Relief Valve

We are excited to announce that we are in the final phase of transitioning our trusted Model 7000 Pressure Relief Valve to its upgraded counterpart, the 7000L Pressure Relief Valve. This evolution represents our commitment to continuously improving our products to better meet the sprinkler industry’s needs.7000 Pressure Relief Valve

At this time, we no longer have inventory of 165, 185, 195, 205, 225, or 250 psi rated Model 7000 valves. We have a very limited supply of 175 psi rated Model 7000 valves (AGF Part #600). If you are interested in acquiring some of this remaining inventory, contact an AGF distributor as soon as possible, orders will be filled on a first-come basis while supplies remain available.

As of July 17, only the Model 7000L series (AGF Part #620-175, 620-200, 620-225, and 620-300) will be available for individual purchase. Model 1011A and 1011T valves will continue to be shipped with Model 7000 relief valves unless ordered explicitly with the 7000L until the inventory of 7000 relief valves is exhausted.

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AGF Unveils the Updated 3011A InspectorsTEST™ Valve

Revolutionary Design Integrates Sight Glass and Relief Valve Drain into a Single Fitting Combining the Best of 3011A and 3011ASG, and the new 7000L Pressure Relief Valve

MALVERN, PA, 5/30/2023 — AGF Manufacturing, a leading global provider of fire protection solutions, is proud to introduce the updated 3011A InspectorsTest Valve, a revolutionary product that sets a new standard for efficiency and innovation in the fire protection industry. This cutting-edge design features an integrated sight glass and relief valve drain access port to combine the best features from the 3011A and 3011ASG valves, plus the new 7000L Pressure Relief Valve.

Inspector's Test Valve Updates

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The Risks of Adjustable Pressure Relief Valves

Choosing the correct relief valve needs preplanning

Pressure relief valves protect fire sprinkler system components by relieving excess system pressure from supply surges or temperature changes. Since the 2010 edition, NFPA 13: “Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems” has required pressure relief valves to be installed on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems. But picking the correct relief valve for a specific system does need a little preplanning. Knowing the desired static pressure of the system and reviewing the UL and FM Standards regarding the required operational characteristic of relief valves used on sprinkler systems for guidance, one can deduce the best rating for a relief valve on any system.

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AGF Grows

AGF is pleased to announce that Julia Collins has joined the AGF as a Marketing Assistant. She will assist with the marketing efforts to help educate our distributors, engineers that specify our products, and contractors that install and maintain our products in the field.

Prepare your Low Point Drain for Winter

Preparing for Winter, Sprinkler System Maintenance

In freezing weather, dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems have a major Achilles heel if improperly maintained—the auxiliary drains. Auxiliary drains, also referred to as low point drains or drum drips, are required on dry or pre-action fire sprinkler systems to collect condensation that forms in the pipes.

When improperly maintained, low point drains break and can cause major facility flooding. The cost to repair and reset the fire sprinkler system itself is negligible compared to the cost of water damage mitigation, potentially lost inventory, tenant interruption, increased liability, and increased insurance premiums.

Luckily, understanding attentive maintenance and other available solutions can help facilities prevent flooding caused by frozen low point drains.

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