How can engineers design wet fire sprinkler systems equipped to prevent corrosion and dry systems equipped to prevent freezing? 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. By including new products such as air vents, self-draining auxiliary drains in heated cabinets and flood elimination devices, engineers can design systems better equipped to protect themselves against the common pitfalls of corrosion and freezing.
In wet pipe fire sprinkler systems, the combination of water, metal and oxygen from trapped air creates corrosion. While corrosion-caused pinhole leaks in pipes can result in thousands of dollars in property damage and repair cost, the real concern is it can also cause obstructions that impair system performance and put lives at risk. Periodic internal inspections are required by NFPA 25 to check for obstructions to prevent this. Ironically, the fresh water and trapped air that is introduced into the system during those inspections will actually increase the rate of corrosion. If the check for corrosion-caused obstructions leads to more corrosion, what can be done to stop the cycle?