Protecting a processing building where flammable chemicals are atomized is a tricky business. PDC’s Fire Protection Engineer analyzed the paint building hazards and provided a design package for the Extra Hazard Group 2 sprinkler requirements. Providing a water based fire suppression system in a building that is allowed to go cold in Alaska led to recommending a dry pipe sprinkler system. Recommendations further included inerting the dry pipe system with nitrogen instead of pressurized air, in the interest of minimizing corrosion of the dry pipes where moisture will still exist in small amounts. Later in 2016, FM Globals Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 2-1 was updated to support Nitrogen charging of wet and dry systems as a means to extend the life of the system.
