have a placard, or tag, affixed to the riser indicating the type of antifreeze, system volume, antifreeze concentration by volume, the date and the name and license number of the contractor performing the work. Leading industry manufac- turers of fire sprinkler antifreeze products provide these tags at no charge.
Where do we go from here? Undoubtedly, one common question which will arise with
all of the “drain and replace” activity which has begun is “What do I do with the old antifreeze?” The simple answer is to follow local and state jurisdictional requirements regarding the disposal of antifreeze solutions. Propylene glycol and glycerine are both non-toxic, and usually may be disposed of in sanitary sewer systems. Glycols should never be disposed of in a storm sewer or on the ground, where the possibility of migration into the watershed exists. As glycol breaks down, it produces an oxygen-depleting byproduct which can harm aquatic life. Just as fire sprinklers will continue to play an increasing-
A pre-mix line filling some GL antifreeze.
The older and more “scientific” method of testing utilizes a lab-grade hydrometer. The hydrometer is suspended in a graduated cylinder containing a sample of the antifreeze solution. A specific gravity or specific density reading is obtained at a given temperature. The reading is then con- verted to freeze point on a chart, based upon the given tem- perature and density. A solution of 48% glycerine generally provides a freeze point of about -15 degrees Fahrenheit. A much more accurate method (and more expensive) is
that of a digital refractometer. These devices are tempera- ture-compensating and provide freeze point and concentra- tion by volume in a matter of seconds. Unlike hydrometers, there is no conversion chart necessary and accuracy is plus or minus one tenth of one percent. Digital refractometers can be factory-calibrated to test both propylene glycol and glycerine solutions, making them the best choice for sys- tem testing. Testing of new systems must now take place using sam-
ples drawn from both a high and a low point in the system (multiple test points need to be designed into systems). Both samples should yield similar test results. Additionally, a sample of the antifreeze should be taken prior to introduction into the system, and that sample read- ing should also closely approximate the two samples drawn from the system. Consideration should be given to the fact that fluid
trapped or not drained from drops in existing systems could slightly alter refractometer readings. In any case, attempts should be made to test from multiple points, and NFPA guidelines should always be followed with regard to testing procedure and frequency. Finally, all new and existing systems are now required to
Plumbing Engineer
ly critical role in the preservation of life and property, antifreeze solutions in these systems will continue to ensure system operation in environments where freezing tempera- tures could lead to system failure. For additional information or clarification on antifreeze use in wet fire sprinkler sys- tems, I encourage you to contact me or your local jurisdic- tion having authority. n
George Rudolph is the national sales manager for Noble Company. Noble Company announced the immediate avail-
ability of NFPA-compliant antifreeze formulations for wet fire sprinkler systems. FireFighter PG38 and FireFighter GL48 are both factory pre- mixed solutions of either propylene gly- col or glycerine, engi- neered to not exceed the maximum allow- able percentage by volume concentra- tions, as established by NFPA. FireFighter GL48,
for use in all types of pipe,
including
CPVC, is certified System Compatible for
use in BlazeMaster® piping
systems. Both FireFighter PG38 and FireFighter GL48 are non-toxic and classified Generally Regarded as Safe (G.R.A.S.) by the FDA. Both prod- ucts are available in packaging up to 5,000 gallon tanker trucks.
May 2011/Page 51
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