AGF Welcomes George Stewart to the Engineering Team

Industry Veteran Brings Engineering Expertise to Support Product Innovation and Customer Solutions

George StewartMalvern, PA — April 9, 2025 – AGF Manufacturing is pleased to announce the addition of George Stewart to its growing engineering team. George brings with him a wealth of engineering experience across a diverse range of industries and a strong track record of developing specialized equipment and systems.

George began his career at Gamajet/Alfa Laval, where he worked his way up through the engineering department. There, he focused on designing advanced tank cleaning machines and systems used in a wide range of industrial applications. His career then took him to National Foam, where he specialized in high-flow and high-expansion foam firefighting systems, deepening his expertise in fire protection technologies.

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Built in America: How AGF Supports U.S. Manufacturing and BABAA Compliance

AGF Manufacturing is a family-owned American manufacturer. It isn’t just a tagline—it’s a core part of who we are. Manufactures in USA

For over 35 years, we’ve proudly engineered, manufactured, assembled, and shipped innovative fire sprinkler products all over the World, supporting American workers and delivering reliable solutions to contractors, engineers, and facility owners. Today, with growing emphasis on sourcing transparency and compliance with federal procurement rules, domestic manufacturing matters more than ever.

Navigating BABAA and Buy American Requirements

The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA)—introduced as part of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act—places stricter requirements on federally funded infrastructure projects. Specifically, BABAA mandates that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in these projects must be produced in the U.S.

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AGF Manufacturing Welcomes Michael DiRezzie as National Sales Manager of Canada

Michael DiRezze
Michael DiRezze – National Salaes Manage Canada

AGF Manufacturing is excited to announce Michael DiRezzie’s addition as our new National Sales Manager of Canada. With over 20 years of sales management experience, Michael will be pivotal in expanding AGF’s presence across Canada.

Michael’s responsibilities will include educating contractors and distributors about AGF’s innovative product line and enhancing relationships throughout the industry. His extensive expertise and dedication to customer success make him an excellent fit for this role.

You can meet Michael at several upcoming events, including the Canadian Fire Safety Conference and Expo, CASA Annual Conference, and SFPE Annual Conference and Expo.

Please join us in welcoming Michael to the AGF team!

Why a Remote Inspector’s Test Valve is Not a Good Air Vent

Proper air venting is essential when designing and installing a wet pipe fire sprinkler system to reduce corrosion risks and ensure system performance. While NFPA 13 allows for different methods of venting air from a sprinkler system, including a manual valve, an automatic air vent, or a remote inspector’s test valve, it is crucial to understand why a remote inspector’s test valve is not an effective air venting solution.

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Air Vents for Wet Fire Sprinkler Systems: Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements

Air management is critical in wet fire sprinkler system design that utilizes Model 7930 end cap automatic air ventmetallic pipe. Trapped air can contribute to corrosion, leading to costly maintenance and potential system failure. NFPA 13 recognizes this and mandates at least a single air vent on wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, but the code allows the system designer to determine if additional vents are necessary.

8.1.5.1 NFPA 13 (2019) – “Venting from multiple points on each system shall not be required.”

The NFPA 13 Code Requirement

NFPA 13 requires at least one air vent near a high point in the system to help exhaust air. However, the code does not specify a maximum number of vents, leaving it up to designers to assess whether additional vents are needed to remove air that causes corrosion. While some manufacturers design vents with redundant air vents or drip pans as a necessity, AGF Manufacturing provides a smarter solution with its innovative automatic air vent design.

Why Choose an Automatic Air Vent?

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Prevent Freezing: Your Auxiliary Drains Need Drained NOW!

With cold weather coming, even southern areas that usually don’t freeze need to prepare their fire sprinkler systems. It’s important to take action now. For dry and pre-action sprinkler systems, one of the most common vulnerabilities during extreme cold is auxiliary drains. Neglecting to properly maintain and drain these components can lead to costly damage and system failure.

What Are Auxiliary Drains?

Auxiliary drains, called drum drips or low point drains, are important parts of dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems. They collect condensation that forms inside pipes, preventing it from pooling and causing corrosion or blockages. When temperatures drop below freezing, water in the auxiliary drain can freeze. This ice can expand and may crack the drain or the system’s pipes.

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How to Select the Correct PSI for your Fire Sprinkler Pressure Relief Valve

FAQ – Which PSI???

Pressure relief valves are critical components in fire sprinkler systems,

Model 7000L Lockable Pressure Relief Valve

safeguarding the system by relieving excess pressure caused by supply surges or temperature fluctuations. Since the 2010 edition of NFPA 13, these valves have

been mandatory for all wet pipe systems. Selecting the correct pressure relief valve for a specific system requires careful planning to ensure compliance and optimal performance.

 

Understanding NFPA 13 Requirements

NFPA 13 outlines the necessity of pressure relief valves to maintain system integrity:

  • Relief Valve Specifications: Wet pipe systems must include a listed relief valve of at least 1/2 inch in size. The valve should operate at either 175 psi or 10 psi above the maximum system pressure, whichever is greater.
  • Listing Requirements: A “listed” valve must meet standards set by third-party organizations like UL or FM, ensuring the valve’s reliability and suitability for fire sprinkler systems.
  • Exception Clause: Relief valves are not required if auxiliary air reservoirs are installed to absorb pressure increases.

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Flood Eliminator Baker’s Dozen

Protect Your Sprinkler System with the Flood Eliminator: Now Available In a Baker’s Dozen

Flood Eliminator Bakers DozenA well-functioning drum drip or auxiliary drain is crucial for maintaining a dry or preaction fire sprinkler system. But what happens when a broken drum drip becomes a source of costly and frustrating water damage? Enter the Flood Eliminator, a simple yet innovative solution to prevent water damage caused by a broken drum drip.

And now, for a limited time, we’re offering an exclusive promotion: buy 12 Flood Eliminators and get the 13th free—a baker’s dozen deal you don’t want to miss!
Part 5900FE-13

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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.