In past years, it’s been the norm to test deluge systems with water, but these wet deluge tests can cause many unforeseen problems and risks — especially in oil and gas facilities. That’s why we’ve opted for dry deluge testing as a more viable and efficient testing method at Total Industrial Solutions.
If you’re interested in learning more about this new way of testing, read on. Below we compare dry deluge testing vs. traditional wet testing.
Dry Deluge Testing vs. Traditional Wet Testing
Testing a deluge system in the traditional way with water can be extremely challenging in many facilities, such as oil and gas terminals. Now, we can test deluge systems with vapor instead of water!
What Is Dry Deluge Testing?
Rather than water, dry deluge testing uses pressurized vapor to inspect the system’s functionality. This unique approach to testing can pinpoint obstructions and keep your equipment in tip-top shape. Plus, periodic testing utilizing our vapor tests has proven to perform equal to, or better than, your standard wet tests (while still meeting the required standards of NFPA and wet tests).
What Are the Advantages of Dry Deluge Testing?
The introduction of dry deluge testing has been highly beneficial for many businesses. Some of the many advantages of using dry deluge testing include the following:
- Testing of the deluge system is segmented, so there’s only minor disruption in operating processes and limited downtime
- Leaks in pipes are easier to identify
- Water will not damage expensive equipment
- Any water that’s leftover from the previous wet testing will be removed from the pipe system
- Sump tanks will not overflow due to extra waste
- Preparation is shorter and cheaper
- No corrosion or damage from salt will occur in the pipes and nozzles
- Testing conditions are safer for employees
- NFPA and wet test requirements are still met
What Is Traditional Wet Testing?
Seawater is utilized when you use traditional wet deluge testing to inspect your fire suppression system. The fire suppression system includes unpressurized dry piping, open sprinkler heads, and a water supply sitting in the pipes and then expelled through the nozzles. Using water to test your system is an extensive process that can cause unnecessary damage to your equipment and facility.
What Are the Disadvantages of Traditional Wet Testing?
When comparing dry deluge testing vs. traditional wet testing, you’ll find many disadvantages with this traditional method. Some of the cons of wet testing include the following:
- The process is very time-consuming
- Using water causes erosion and damage from salt in the flow pipes and nozzles
- Spraying water all over the entire facility can cause significant damage to equipment
- Production must come to a halt for the duration of testing
- Cleanup is extensive
- Excessive use of water can cause overflow into tanks
- In arctic conditions, water can freeze, resulting in dangerous conditions
The SIRON Dry Deluge Testing System
The dry deluge testing system is patented by SIRON Fire Protection. When you invest in their testing with Total Industrial Solutions, their experienced team will bring a fully-equipped system with them. It contains its own independent vapor generator, the dry deluge testing equipment, and any tools needed to repair the sprinkler/foam system immediately.
Is Dry Deluge Testing Right for Your Business?
Here at Total Industrial Solutions, we test deluge fire suppression systems using Siron Dry Deluge Technology to provide you with the best solution for your sprinkler system testing needs. We’re the only licensed company in the U.S. to use this dry deluge testing method, and we’re experts at what we do.
With other testing systems, water use can lead to dangerous conditions and damage to expensive equipment. With Siron Dry Deluge Testing, you’ll be guaranteed safer systems paired with reduced operational downtime, and you’ll eliminate the need to flow water on your production and electrical equipment. If these dry tests interest you, contact our team today. We’d be happy to share more about this testing process with you and how your business could benefit from it.