As corrosion in fire sprinkler systems becomes more recognized, a call on technology to solve the problem is vital. Since 2008, ECS has been implementing technology in the form of nitrogen generators to solve the corrosion dilemma. From parking garages to data centers, the stand alone nitrogen generators from ECS provide the most effective fire sprinkler corrosion control method for your largest projects. ECS stand alone nitrogen generators are user-friendly, easy to install, and come with numerous commissioning videos to answer any questions there may be.
The ECS stand alone line of nitrogen generators offers an easy-to-use, ultra-compact design that can serve up to 22,500 gallons of a system across multiple dry or preaction systems. Each stand alone generator can be paired with your existing compressor, a house air system, or an ECS oil lubricated air compressor. You can monitor the nitrogen generator cabinet with built-in contacts that allow you to monitor up to five (5) outputs. ECS utilizes the membrane separation technology to produce high purity nitrogen. By having a user-friendly and easy-to-install nitrogen cabinet, the cost of installation and maintenance is kept to a minimum. Follow the steps below to install and commission your stand alone nitrogen generator.
Easy Nitrogen Generator Installation Steps
Verify Placement and Wiring
When installing an ECS stand alone nitrogen generator, verify the cabinet is installed in an appropriate location with proper clearance to fully open the encloser door and has been mounted to the floor using the pre-cut mounting holes. Verify the nitrogen generator has been wired with a dedicated 120V power supply. Use the wiring diagram located on the inside of the encloser door to confirm the incoming power wires have been landed on the correct terminal blocks.
Connect to Risers
Connect the ½” nitrogen generator outlet to the dry and/or preaction fire sprinkler risers being supplied by the nitrogen generator. Connect your incoming compressed air supply to the nitrogen generator inlet valve. A minimum of ½” pipe must be used for the nitrogen supply line/air inlet, black steel, galvanized steel, or copper piping are acceptable. Optional: Plumb ¼” condensate drain to drain or building exterior.
Here's a video to aid you in how to install your nitrogen generator:
How to Commission Your Nitrogen Generator
Set the Pressure Switch
Prior to powering on the nitrogen generator, verify the inlet and outlet valves are in the open position (both valves will be in the horizontal direction). Power the generator on; at this time the nitrogen generator will begin producing nitrogen. In order for the nitrogen generator to work properly, the pressure switch must be set correctly.
You will see three (3) numbers:
- The largest number displayed is the live pressure in the supply line
- The SP number is the cut-out/shut off pressure of the generator
- The RP number is the cut in/turn on pressure of the generator
Starting with the RP number, set this 3-5 psig below the Air Maintenance Device, but 3-5 psig above the low air alarm setting. Set the SP number 30-40 psig above the cut in pressure (RP) of the nitrogen generator.
Set the Nitrogen Production Rate
After setting the pressure switch to the proper pressure settings, the next step is to check the production rate and nitrogen purity of the nitrogen generator. To check the nitrogen production, open the ball valve behind the flow meter and close the nitrogen outlet valve. Check the door pocket and locate the Stand Alone Quick Start Guide sheet to determine what the production rate should be for your model. To adjust the production rate, use the flow control valve (left of the flow meter) to adjust until the production rate matches the “Quick Start Guide” reference number. Let the generator run for 5-10 minutes.
Check Nitrogen Purity
To check nitrogen purity, power on and calibrate the handheld analyzer (which should read 79.0 – 79.1% nitrogen). Close the ball valve behind the flow meter until the pressure on the pressure switch reads approx. 10-20 psi. Plug the handheld analyzer into the cabinet and verify purity (98% needed). If adjustments are needed, use the flow control valve to fine-tune the purity. After confirming purity is at 98%, close the flow meter, and the cabinet will shut off.
Put the Generator Back in Service
After verifying the production rate and purity, double-check each fitting for leaks. To put the unit back in service, verify that the bypass valve is closed and the nitrogen outlet valve is open.
Here's a video walkthrough of the commissioning process:
More Helpful Nitrogen Generator Installation Videos
To aid the installing contractor on the installation and commissioning of a stand alone nitrogen generator, you can find a series of videos on our YouTube page or scan the QR Code located on the inside of the generator's encloser door.
