MIC stands for Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion and MIC, along with galvanic corrosion is one of the
most widespread threats to the integrity of Fire Protection Systems. Traditionally, compressed air is used to maintain Supervisory Pressure in a FPS; however the moisture in the compressed air as well as residual water trapped in the FPS piping system during hydrostatic testing supports the cathodic oxygen reaction resulting in oxidation or corrosion of the steel and galvanized piping. This corrosion not only causes detrimental and costly leaks in the FPS but the remaining debris can also clog sprinkler heads rendering them ineffective in the event of a fire.
The N2-Blast™ is designed to inhibit problematic corrosion by supplying dry, low pressure, supervisory N2, which is an inert, non-flammable gas. The N2-Blast™ is also equipped with the patented BlastOff™ - Leak Detection System which alarms when the Nitrogen Generator is operating more frequently than normal, due to a sizable leak in the piping system downstream. This feature protects the N2-Blast™ from running unnecessarily, thereby maximizing the life of the system and forewarns the building management that a significant leak
requiring attention is developing within their FPS piping system.
The N2-Blast™ offers a much safer alternative by generating its own high purity N2 (95% - 99.8%) onsite, at low pressure. This translates to less required maintenance and reduced operational costs. There is no risk of running out of N2 or having to deal with dangerous high pressure (2400 PSI) N2 cylinders. Care and replacement of these high pressure cylinders is an expensive hassle since they must be chained up when in use and they require extra caution when handling. The N2-Blast™ eliminates these issues and only requires a simple, low cost, annual maintenance procedure of replacing the filter elements (a 15 minute operation).
Installation of the N2-Blast™ system is also simple and it can easily fit into new building designs or can be integrated into an existing FPS. It operates quietly and uses minimal space; therefore it can be installed in smaller areas, such as inside a building’s equipment room.
Along with the Nitrogen Generator, the patented N2-Blast - AutoPurge System™ (APS) technology ensures the FPS piping is pressurized and completely blanketed with high purity nitrogen, hence providing the utmost protection from corrosion and MIC. The APS creates gas movement within the FPS guaranteeing that high purity Nitrogen will reach the farthest of branches within the FPS resulting in uniform N2 purity throughout the piping. In addition, Nitrogen has a -40 degree dew point therefore the APS allows for the continuous absorption of any residual moisture left within the piping after hydrostatic testing, thereby completely “drying out” the sprinkler pipes. This device is easy to install and attaches to the bottom of the Inspector’s Test Valve at the end of each zone.
In today’s world, there are an increasing number of accidents in a variety of buildings that require the flawless response and operation of a Fire Protection System. The dry and preaction systems maintaining Supervisory Pressure with compressed air run the risk of encountering corrosion and ultimately requiring costly repairs down the road or even worse, not operating correctly in the event of a fire. The N2-Blast™ system minimizes this risk by generating its own N2 and together with the APS, constantly cycling inert gas through the FPS to maximize purity and also “dry out” the residual moisture left behind after hydrostatic testing. Furthermore, the N2-Blast™ is safer than using high pressure N2 cylinders and is more cost effective in the long run. It also offers an environmentally friendly, “green,” alternative to using expensive, toxic chemicals to treat or coat the piping interior walls. The N2-Blast™ is the best solution to inhibiting corrosion and will allow the building management team to have complete confidence in their building’s FPS and that it will react flawlessly in the event of a fire or accident.
To learn more about the N2-Blast™ - Corrosion Inhibiting System or South-Tek Systems, please visit: www.SouthTekSystems.com/n2-blast.asp or call (888) 526 - 6284.
Contact:
Scott Bodemann
South-Tek Systems
2940 Orville Wright Way
Suite 600
Wilmington, NC 28405
888-526-6284
www.SouthTekSystems.com/n2-blast.asp
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