ECS Dry System Vents Will Not Depressurize Systems

Posted by Experts in Nitrogen Generators and Automatic Air Vents on Nov 19, 2015 2:39:42 PM

Necessary Dry System Vent Features

Dry system vents that are used to exhaust or purge the oxygen-rich gas from dry and pre-action fire sprinkler systems in conjunction with nitrogen generators must perform several important functions:

  1. They must allow for gas to exhaust from the piping but prevent liquid water from leaking in the event of a system trip
  2. They must control the rate of gas exhaust from the piping to prevent depressurization of the fire sprinkler system piping
  3. They must prevent solids debris from the system from plugging the vent to prevent discharge of the gas
  4. They must provide a failsafe mechanism that prevents depressurization of the fire sprinkler system piping if the source of nitrogen gas is lost, for example with a power failure

Not All Dry System Vents Are Created Equal

Engineered Corrosion Solutions is the only provider of nitrogen generators and purge vents that offers ALL of the critical functions listed above. Each ECS vent is equipped with a back-pressure regulator that acts as a failsafe to prevent system depressurization. The pressure setting for the regulator is set above the low air alarm and/or trip pressure but below the normal operating pressure of the fire sprinkler system so that it remains open to remove oxygen during normal operating conditions. Before installing any gas release device on a dry pipe or pre-action sprinkler system it is important to understand how the system could be impacted by the device. Vents that are not equipped with a failsafe mechanism can cause dry pipe systems to trip and fill with water!

Additionally, ECS uses the patented “fill and purge” breathing technique to quickly and efficiently remove all of the oxygen from the fire sprinkler system piping. This approach allows for installation of ECS vents on the riser in the riser room. This means simpler installation and maintenance and no exposure or leak risks in potentially critical areas.

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