If you have valuable equipment, materials or goods within your building, you've got to look after them. You need to make sure that the property is secured against unwanted intrusion, but you've also got to focus on the risk of fire. What is the best way to arm your building so that you are ready for any kind of conflagration, especially in an area where the low temperature could be a concern?
Temperature Problems
In some parts of the country, the mercury can dip below zero for several hours at a time during a winter's night. If you rely on a sprinkler system that is water-based, this can definitely be a problem, especially if the pipes are close to a perimeter or run through an unheated space. Yet many 'wet' sprinkler systems rely on an active water supply, so you will need to look at a dry activation system at the least. Further, you may need to choose a system that relies on nitrogen gas if you want to cover all risks and eventualities.
Right Type of System
Certainly, dry sprinkler systems have been around for a while, and usually, they are filled with compressed air instead of water. Once the valve detects the presence of high temperature linked to the fire, the air will be released, and this will allow water to flow through the system and through to the problem area. Yet compressed air can also harbour a certain amount of moisture, and this humidity will seriously affect the inside of the piping system.
Over time, moisture within the air can start to corrode the pipes from the inside out. Eventually, small holes will appear, and this will make it very difficult for the system to maintain its integrity. In short, the air will start to leak from these pinholes, and when the problem becomes acute, disaster can ensue. Suddenly, all of the compressed air will escape, and this will, of course, allow the water to flow through the system and out through the valves. This is why nitrogen is a much better alternative, as corrosion is not an issue.
Choosing the System
So, if you want to protect your premises from fire and all external temperature conditions, choose a dry fire detection system that is charged with nitrogen instead of air. Talk with your engineers and suppliers so that you pick the right system and can sleep more easily.
To learn more, contact a dry fire detection system supplier.
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