The benefits of using nitrogen gas over compressed air in dry and pre-action systems as a means of controlling corrosion as well as ice plugs in freezer applications has been well published. Nitrogen is an inert diatomic molecule that’s key attribute is its inability to react with metals.
However, the initial cost of the nitrogen system can be seen as a limiting factor in an owner’s ability to install a comprehensive corrosion mitigation plan in a new sprinkler system. This study will evaluate actual cost difference between a black steel system with a nitrogen generator and galvanized steel with an air compressor. We will also examine some exceptions that FM has made to the use of black steel over galvanized in closed type sprinkler systems as well NFPA’s reduction of C factor that was made in NFPA 13 – 2013. Some of these code changes and exceptions may allow some designs to move from using a galvanized pipe to black steel to reduce cost. Some of that cost savings can be used to improve the compressed gas supply to nitrogen creating a less expensive, more robust sprinkler system that will have an extended service life with less corrosion.
System Design & Requirements
In this examination a typical dry system installation in an Assisted Living Facility located in the Midwest of the United States will be evaluated. The project consists of two attic dry systems that are of the same design and capacity. Some general notes to consider:
- Design and installation to comply with NFPA 13 – 2013 requirements and city fire department.
- All pipe 2 inch and smaller to be Sch. 40 with threaded or groove ends for use with threaded or groove type fittings.
- All pipe 2 ½ inch and larger to be Sch. 10 with grooved ends for use with groove type fittings.
- All hangars to comply with NFPA 13 requirements.
- All materials are to be new and UL Listed where applicable.
- Dry system capacity is approximately 425 US gallons each with a total of 850 US gallons.
- Supervisory pressure is assumed at 40PSI.
While examining cost the material considered was identical with the exception of those items that could change from black steel to galvanized steel. All grooved fittings, short tees, caps, short 90°, short 45°, etc. were priced through standard national US distributors and an average taken. Hangars, braces and screws remained constant across both pricing segments and Potter Nitrogen Equipment was used as the basis of design.
Nitrogen Generator Selection
When selecting a nitrogen generator there are several factors to consider. The first is the maximum total system capacity of all sprinkler systems to be served by the nitrogen generator. Second, determine the volume of the largest sprinkler system that will be served by this nitrogen generator. Lastly, the supervisory nitrogen pressure that the generator will need to maintain within each sprinkler system. With this information it is possible to determine the demands of the nitrogen generator and select a unit with enough capacity to serve the needs of the facility.
One technique used to control the cost of applying nitrogen to dry and pre-action systems is a “plant nitrogen” approach. This means using one nitrogen generator to serve all the sprinkler systems within a facility. It is important to take into consideration any additional volume you may add by means of nitrogen supply lines. Sometimes plant layout does not make it feasible to approach the project with the “plant nitrogen” approach. In that case, multiple nitrogen generators may be required. In this examination a single nitrogen generator for both sprinkler systems will be used.
Pressure within the piping array is another important aspect of selecting a nitrogen generator. Pressure and volume are directly proportionate to one another and that means that as pressure increases so does the volume, volume of gas in this case. Another technique used to keep cost down is using the lowest possible pressure in the sprinkler system. Pre-action systems using a pre-action valve only need supervisory pressure of about 8-15 PSI. The closer the valve can be set to the minimum air pressure the less volume the nitrogen generator has to produce.
The last and most important thing to consider with regards to application is the sprinkler system(s) leak rate. The lower the sprinkler system leak rate, the longer the life expectancy of the nitrogen generator and the smaller the unit can be sized. NFPA 13 allowable leak rate for new sprinkler systems is 1.5 PSI loss over 24 hours. NFPA 25 allows for a 3 PSI loss over a 2-hour period. The larger existing leak rate will increase the demand for nitrogen and increase the size of the nitrogen generator, resulting is more cost.
Nitrogen Generator Unit Example
In this scenario a Potter Nitrogen Generator will be the basis for the design and will supply nitrogen to the two attic dry systems. Noting the largest single riser of 425 US gallons and a total system capacity of 850 US gallons at 40 PSI results in a model selection of the Potter INS-600.
Nitrogen Generators are deployed using their by-pass mechanism to pump the sprinkler up to pressure within the NFPA allotted 30 minutes using compressed air. Then utilize a purge system to allow for evacuation of the compressed air and replacement utilizing 98% or higher nitrogen. It is important to remember if you are not required to meet the NFPA 30-minute fill requirement then a smaller unit may be acceptable. If this is the case, the total system capacity of the generator will be the limiting factor in your application. When the sprinkler system reaches 98% purity the generator maintains the pressure by consistently delivering 98% nitrogen as the makeup gas. Since there are two sprinkler systems in this example, two Potter Purge Valves (Model NGP-SPV) will be required.
Conclusion and Discussion
The systems examined in this scenario are a small-scale comparison. Larger projects such as multi-level parking garages, freezer storage facilities or large-scale data center facilities typically contain much larger sprinkler systems. Economies of scale will influence the cost savings. It is expected to see even greater savings by using black steel pipe and a nitrogen generator over galvanized pipe and compressed air in larger applications. In this study the costs break down looks like this:
A 425 gallon dry sprinkler system constructed of galvanized components as defined in system requirements – $38,276.91 USD. The scenario requires two of these per our project bringing our total to $76,553.82 USD. This accounts for material cost alone. Fabrication, loose materials, couplings, dry valve, checks valve, seismic hangers, etc. No labor is included in these numbers, strictly material.
Table 1. Estimated galvanized sprinkler systems with air compressor cost
Galvanized Material Cost $ 76,553.82
Air Compressor Equipment $ 1,150.00
Total Cost $ 77,703.82
Note: Pipe pricing used 2015 pricing.
A 425 gallon dry sprinkler system constructed of black steel components as defined in system requirements – $30,556.49 USD. The scenario requires two of these per our project bringing our total to $61,112.98 USD. This accounts for material cost alone. Fabrication, loose materials, couplings, dry valve, checks valve, seismic hangers, etc. No labor is included in these numbers, strictly material.
Table 2. Estimated black steel sprinkler systems with nitrogen generator equipment cost
Black Steel Material Cost $ 61,112.98
Nitrogen Generator Equipment $ 10,000.00
Total Cost $ 71,112.98
Note: Pipe pricing used 2015 pricing.
In this application, the galvanized sprinkler system costs $15,440 USD more than an equivalent black steel system. Even with the addition of the nitrogen generator equipment, the black steel system is $4,590 USD less than the galvanized system with an air compressor.
However, what isn’t evident by the cost comparison is life expectancy increase by using nitrogen as a supervisory gas. In Josh Tihen’s white paper titled “Corrosion Inhibition Using Nitrogen” he successfully performed experiments proving the effectiveness of nitrogen by reducing corrosion rates in both black steel and galvanized whether or not trapped water is present. Tihen states, “The corrosion reduction potential ranges from 48% to 91% when compared to compressed air”. Furthermore, according to Tihen, “The metal losses under every condition were lower when using black steel when compared to galvanized steel”. The net result of Tihen’s study indicates that average life expectancy increase of 5.3X. For a comparison of the life of the two different systems above see Table 3.
Table 3. Life expectancy comparisons of fire sprinkler system designs
Estimated Galvanized System Life under Compressed Air 10 years
Estimated Black Steel System Life under Nitrogen 53 years
The two different approaches to corrosion control show a significant advantage by using nitrogen as the supervisory gas. Assuming an average life of 10 years for a new dry system, a comparable new dry system under nitrogen will net 43 more years before repair or replacement is required.
In an effort to provide a more robust system capable of withstanding high corrosion rates many designers and engineers have used FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets “Installation Guidelines for Automatic Sprinklers 2-0”, specifically section 2.5.2.5 Protection of Sprinkler System Piping. FM clearly states in the Exception: “Black steel pipe can be used in dry- pipe sprinkler systems equipped with closed-type sprinklers if the piping is filled with an inert gas”. Furthermore, the NFPA has reduced the C Factor of galvanized pipe to 100 in revision of NFPA 13 – 2013. This eliminates any benefit the designer would see in hydraulics performance by the previously higher C factor.
The conclusion is black steel coupled with an inert gas such nitrogen out performs any other combination for both cost and reliability. By reviewing Table 1 and Table 2 there is a clear cost savings in moving from the use of galvanized pipe and compressed air to black steel and nitrogen gas by means of a nitrogen generator. In doing so you not only reduce overall cost but install a fire sprinkler system that has on average a 5.3X life expectancy. Clearly, nitrogen can be a cost-effective measure.
For more information, go to www.pottersignal.com
Sources
- Tihen (2013). Corrosion Inhibition of Dry and Pre-Action Fire Suppression Systems Using Nitrogen Gas. St. Louis, MO Potter Electric Signal Co., LLC
- National Fire Protection Agency. 2013. NFPA 13: Standard for Installation of Sprinkler Systems. International Codes and Standards. Quincy, Mass., pgs. 13-25.
- FM Global. 2014. FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 2-0. Factory Mutual Insurance Company. Johnston, RI., pgs. 72-73
About the Author
Andy Kaempfer is a 20 year veteran of the fire sprinkler industry. Andy has spent 17 of those 20 years in the detection and monitoring side at Potter but has considerable experience in the piping industry as well. During that time Andy has contributed in roles ranging from Engineering, Sales, Business Development and Product Management. His passion is developing new technologies and driving innovation in hopes to make
our buildings safer to live
and work in.
