Corrosion in fire sprinkler systems is widespread, costly and disruptive.

Now thanks to Holtec’s pioneering work, the cost and operational downtime associated with replacing corroded sprinkler piping can be avoided.  With patented and patent-pending innovations in this field, we are at the frontlines of the rapidly growing application of using nitrogen gas in pressurized sprinkler systems – virtually eliminating corrosion in new piping systems and allowing the use of less costly materials during construction.  Generated nitrogen gas is the effective and environmentally friendly way of treating this costly problem, and available leasing allows for rapid implementation of the technology.

 

The Problem:   Leaks resulting from Corrosion

The oxygen content of moist compressed air is by far the main cause of internal corrosion in steel and galvanized steel forming gas pressurized sprinkler piping.  Microbial Induced Corrosion (MIC) is relatively of minor importance.

 

The Solution:  Holtec’s Nitrogen Inerting Technology

Using dry, inert, and non-corrosive nitrogen gas produced from one of our family of compact nitrogen generators in place of compressed air virtually arrests corrosion.  Holtec supplied the first nitrogen generator in the US for protecting gas pressurized sprinkler piping from corrosion in mid-2006.  Since that time Holtec developed and perfected the use of nitrogen generators specifically tailored to supply inert nitrogen gas corrosion protection to gas pressurized fire sprinkler systems.  More than 250 Holtec nitrogen generators have been installed in the U.S., Canada, and Europe; protecting more than 50,000 feet of piping and more than 5 million square feet of floor area.  Holtec’s expertise in the generation and use of nitrogen gas is the accepted standard for solving this problem .  Our generators produce nitrogen with only 1% of damaging residual oxygen compared to double that amount (2%), in the nitrogen from competitors’ generators.

 

 

• Cost-Effective:

• Eliminates damage caused by leakage onto critical facilities and equipment
• Eliminates costly disruptions and downtime by extending the useful life of sprinkler systems about  at least 10 fold
• Saves at least 30% of piping costs in new construction by allowing the use of thin-walled black steel piping instead of galvanized steel
• The option of leasing the equipment from Holtec means peace of mind is within easy reach
• Eliminates the need for costly and unreliable corrosion monitoring devices and services.

Versatile:

• • Holtec has a complete range of standard equipment models and the technology to serve the huge range in size variation in gas pressurized systems.  (See link below)
  • Four optional methods of purging to remove residual air are available.  Note that choices may be limited depending on the specifics of the actual sprinkler system.  (See link below)
  • Holtec can utilize Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology for larger systems which are more efficient (smaller air compressor needed) if desired.
  • Holtec’s corrosion control systems can also be custom designed for any application and our Engineers are happy to consider new or unusual applications.
    
    

Convenient:

• Most of Holtec’s Generators are supplied as a single skid for fast, low cost  installation.
• Holtec utilizes proprietary design tools to quickly specify and size systems for a perfect fit for any application.
• Leasing the equipment from Holtec provides the fastest way to overcome capital budgeting limitations.

 

Clean:

• • Holtec nitrogen generator inerting systems use no chemical additives.

 

Information needed for a quotation from Holtec:

In order to be able to quickly evaluate the application of nitrogen for gas pressurized sprinkler systems Holtec needs the following initial information.  All of this is on our inquiry form but here is a little more explanation why the information is required:

 

• How many zones are to be served?
• What is the approximate volume of each zone (± 10% )?
• If more than one zone, describe the grouping and approximate separating distances?
  • Answers to all of the above points are necessary to be able to make an initial quote, even if some of the information is not fully accurate.
    
    
• What is the intended operating pressure(s) for the zone(s)?
  • Operating pressure will impact the size of generator required.
    
    
• Is there an existing air compressor used for pressurizing an existing zone?
• Is there a source of piped “house air” gas already at the site that could be used?
  • The compressor supplied with the generator is typically used for the 30 minute “fast fill” but if an existing source of piped compressed air, or an existing compressor could be used for the initial fill and possibly reduce the size of nitrogen generator needed.
    
    
• Is there an electronic BMS at the site and is there specific information required for transmission to the BMS of fire alarm panel?
  • Data that is available varies with generator model and purging equipment type so it will be necessary to know this, at least prior to ordering equipment.

 

• If there is a specific need for a particular mode of purging please state this?  If not we will quote all suitable options.
  • See link below to purging options.
    
    

**Use limited by US Patent #9186533

SAFETY NOTICE:

Always exercise caution using these systems in occupied areas as nitrogen in the absence of oxygen does not support life.  We have created a simple computer calculation method to determine if an occupied space is sufficiently large to be safely protected by a sprinkler system pressurized with nitrogen gas, taking into account the volume in the sprinkler piping, the operating pressure and the elevation at the location.  Holtec is making this available to all.  Please contact us for your copy of this important tool.

Link to Applicable Nitrogen Generators

Link to Purging Options