Abstract

A fire protection sprinkler system inerting apparatus and method includes selectively connecting an inert gas source and a gas vent to the fire protection sprinkler system with a valve system and controlling the valve system. The valve system is controlled to selectively connect the inert gas source with the sprinkler system to add inert gas to the sprinkler system to increase the proportion of inert gas in the gas mixture within the sprinkler system and to operate the gas vent to discharge a portion of the gas mixture from the sprinkler system.

IPC Classes  ?

• A62C 35/58 - Pipe-line systems
• A62C 35/68 - Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
• A62C 37/10 - Releasing means, e.g. electrically released

Abstract

A wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system and method of operating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system includes providing a sprinkler system having a pipe network, a source of water for the pipe network, at least one sprinkler head connected with the pipe network and a drain valve for draining the pipe network. An inert gas source, such as a nitrogen gas source, is connected with the pipe network. Inert gas is supplied from the inert gas source to the pipe network. Water is supplied to the pipe network thereby substantially filling the pipe network with water and compressing the inert gas in the pipe network.

IPC Classes  ?

• A62C 35/60 - Pipe-line systems wet, i.e. containing extinguishing material even when not in use
• A62C 35/68 - Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
• A62C 35/58 - Pipe-line systems

Abstract

A method and apparatus for reducing corrosion in a dry fire protection sprinkler system having a piping network, at least one sprinkler connected with said piping network, a source of pressurized water, and a dry valve coupling the source of pressurized water to the piping network. The piping network is pressurized with a source of pressurized gas to a first pressure level. The pressure is increased with a source of pressurized gas to a second pressure level that is greater than the first pressure level. Gas is vented from the piping network with a vent assembly when the pressure reaches the second pressure level. This provides a breathing cycle to displace oxygen and/or water vapor from within the piping network of the dry fire protection sprinkler system with a purging gas. Corrosion resulting from oxygen, water, and/or microbial growth is reduced or nearly eliminated

IPC Classes  ?

• A62C 35/62 - Pipe-line systems dry, i.e. empty of extinguishing material when not in use
• A62C 35/68 - Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
• A62C 35/58 - Pipe-line systems
• A62C 37/08 - Control of fire-fighting equipment comprising an outlet device containing a sensor, or itself being the sensor, i.e. self-contained sprinklers

Abstract

A fire protection system comprising at least one sprinkler, a source of pressurized water, a piping network connecting at least one sprinkler to the source of pressurized water, and a nitrogen generator coupled to the sprinkler system. The nitrogen generator may be a nitrogen membrane system or a nitrogen pressure swing adsorption system. The present systems and methods reduce or nearly eliminate corrosion that typically affects conventional fire protection systems, such as caused by oxygen and microbial systems, which can deteriorate or compromise function. Initial, repeated, or continuous displacement of oxygen with nitrogen in the fire protection system significantly reduces or eliminates corrosion.

IPC Classes  ?

• A62C 35/58 - Pipe-line systems
• A62C 35/60 - Pipe-line systems wet, i.e. containing extinguishing material even when not in use
• A62C 35/62 - Pipe-line systems dry, i.e. empty of extinguishing material when not in use
• A62C 35/64 - Pipe-line systems pressurised