AGF’s Model 5900 Flood Eliminator prevents flooding due to broken auxiliary drains on fire sprinkler systems. How does it work? Check out this video, or read below.
Continue reading Prevent Flooding from Broken Auxiliary Drains →
Free Pressure Relief Valve Upgrades
AGF is giving a free upgrade to our sprinkler risers! For a limited time, all risers ordered with a pressure relief valve will be upgraded to our new 7000L PRV.
The new pressure relief valves were specifically designed for the sprinkler industry and come installed on the riser. They can be locked closed and 
left in place during hydrostatic testing. Installing contractors will discover that this feature will save significant time and water during installation. AGF is excited to share this benefit with our customers to help you gain efficiencies in the field. Contact an AGF Distributor to place an order for a RiserPACK and take advantage of this promotion.
AGF Introduces Lockable Pressure Relief Valves to Expedite Hydrostatic Testing
MALVERN, PA —AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce two new lockable pressure relief valves, Model 7000L and Model 7200L specifically designed for the fire sprinkler industry. These models can be temporarily locked closed to allow for hydrostatic testing without removing the pressure relief valve from the system, saving significant time during installation. They can be ordered standalone or as part of AGF’s products that include pressure relief.
The new pressure relief valves include two metal tabs: “flush” and “hydro.” The “flush” tab can be lifted to quickly flush debris from the valve. The “hydro” tab can use the same hex wrench to temporarily lock the valve closed for hydrostatic testing with the valve installed in the system. This feature will allow a sprinkler system or a TESTanDRAIN valve with relief valve and drain trim to be completely installed prior to initial system leak testing, greatly speeding up installation.
Continue reading AGF Introduces Lockable Pressure Relief Valves to Expedite Hydrostatic Testing →
Join us for the Viking Virtual Fire Protection Showcase
Did you miss AGF on Viking’s 2021 Virtual Fire Protection Showcase? The recording can be viewed here: View Recording
Join Viking and their partners on Wednesday, July 21 and Thursday, July 22 from 1-5PM EST to gain insights from fire protection experts, discuss product and technology revolutions, and even earn your CEU’s!
Viking presentation topics may include recent changes to FM Datasheet 8-9, high expansion foam systems, CPVC sprinkler head adapters, special sprinklers (Attic, COIN, Institutional, Window), updates to the Customer Learning Portal, Viking Integrated Safety and much more!
The show will also feature new information from our business partners; AGF Manufacturing, ASC Engineered Solutions, nVent, Kennedy Valve, General Air Products, Potter, and ZURN.
New Trends in Corrosion and Freeze Protection for Resilient Fire Sprinkler Systems
How can you prevent corrosion and freezing in fire sprinkler systems? That has long been a question central to code requirements and new product development.
Recent innovations have presented a few possible answers to that question. Air vents, self-draining auxiliary drains in heated cabinets, and flood elimination devices, can protect fire sprinkler systems against the common pitfalls of corrosion and freezing.
Continue reading New Trends in Corrosion and Freeze Protection for Resilient Fire Sprinkler Systems →
Sprinkler Systems and Freezing Weather
Prevent Flooding in Your Facility
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, auxiliary 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, potential 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 auxiliary drains.
Continue reading Sprinkler Systems and Freezing Weather →
AGF Introduces Flood Eliminator for Auxiliary Drains
AGF Manufacturing is excited to introduce the Model 5900 Flood Eliminator, an attachment that prevents broken auxiliary drains from flooding a facility. The Model 5900 allows condensate water to collect normally in a standard drum drip. Pressurized flow from a failed drum drip automatically trips the auxiliary drain flood eliminator to cut off that flow. This eliminates the flooding and damage that would result from the system’s failure. The Flood Eliminator can be pre-assembled to AGF’s COLLECTanDRAIN auxiliary drains or retrofitted to existing auxiliary drains.
Continue reading AGF Introduces Flood Eliminator for Auxiliary Drains →
Which States Require Air Vents? NFPA 13 (2016) Adoption Map
NFPA 13 (2016) and later editions require air vents on all wet pipe fire sprinkler systems utilizing metallic pipe. Jurisdictions across the US have been adopting these editions on their own or by reference in an IBC 2018 adoption. This chart shows which states have NFPA 13 (2016) adoption (or later editions) and which states will be adopting soon.
*Please consult your AHJ to confirm local code requirements
AGF’s PURGEnVENT line of manual and automatic air vents make it simple to meet code requirements with flexible installation options. Plus, PURGEnVENT patented air vents help protect your system from corrosion by releasing trapped air.
For questions about NFPA 13 (2016) changes regarding air vents and corrosion or NFPA 13 (2016) adoption, please contact us to talk to a member of our technical staff.
What is K-Factor for Fire Sprinklers?
AGF’s TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST valves come in a range of k-factors to best meet your needs. But what is k-factor for fire sprinkler systems?
What is K-Factor?
K-factor helps to calculate the discharge rate from fire sprinkler heads. It’s calculated in imperial units for the United States by using the flow in gallons per minute (gpm) and the pressure in PSI. Metric calculations use the flow in liters per minute and pressure in bar.
Essentially, the k-factor is the orifice size needed for a particular flow and pressure. Low k-factors have a smaller diameter and restrict the flow while larger k-factors allow for more flow.
Meyer Fire offers a tool to compare pressure requirements and flow rates for different k-factors.
AGF offers a full range of orifice sizes to accommodate multiple k-factors for our TESTanDRAIN and Inspector’sTEST models.
Fractional Size vs K-Factor
The chart below shows the imperial and metric k-factor’s equivalent fractional size.
Do you have more questions about K-factor? Contact us at 610-240-4900 to speak with a member of our technical staff.