NFSA e-Tech Alert/Mar 15, 2011
Issue Number: 205
Issued: March 15, 2011
NFPA Issues New Antifreeze TIAs for 13, 13R, 13D and 25
In August of 2010, the NFPA Standards Council issued TIAs to NFPA 13, 13D and 13R that banned the use of all antifreeze solutions from new dwelling units. At that time they also encouraged the technical committees that write these standards, as well as the NFPA 25 committee, to continue to study the issue and to propose new TIAs if believed appropriate.
Over the past several days, the Council released the news that it has issued new TIAs that had been processed through the committees, including some that had been subject to an appeal at the Council. In its decision, the Council described its actions on the sprinkler installation standards by stating…
“…the new TIAs replace the complete prohibition on the use of antifreeze in the dwelling unit portions of new sprinkler systems. Described in general terms, TIA Nos. 1015, 1012 and 1013, taken together: limit the antifreeze solutions used in sprinkler systems to manufacturer premixed antifreeze solutions only; limit the use of antifreeze in sprinkler systems to specified volume concentrations based on one of the types of permitted solutions; provide additional provisions based on the type of sprinkler for NFPA 13 sprinkler systems; and provide additional requirements for NFPA 13D systems including provisions for annual testing and provisions based on whether the NFPA 13D system is new or existing. The TIAs do not address existing systems designed to NFPA 13 or 13R, however, another TIA on NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems, that is being issued concurrently with these TIAs and that has not been the subject of an appeal, does address antifreeze concentrations for these systems… The individual TIAs must, of course, be consulted for the precise terms of the provisions they contain.
The combined effect of the TIAs can be summarized in these bullet points:
· The limitations apply to all types of occupancies, not just dwelling units
· All antifreeze solutions must be factory premixed solutions with responsibilities placed on the manufacturer
· For new systems, maximum concentrations by volume are limited to 48% glycerin or 38% propylene glycol
· For existing systems, maximum concentrations by volume are limited to 50% glycerin or 40% propylene glycol
· When replacing antifreeze, drops do not need to be drained unless there is evidence of unacceptably high concentrations of antifreeze
For existing systems, the TIAs to NFPA 13D and NFPA 25 are consistent with the revised Fire Safety Alert issued by the NFPA on August 18, 2010, which cited the Standards Council action to ban antifreeze in all “new residential fire sprinkler systems” while also recommending, for existing systems, the use of up to 40% propylene glycol or 50% glycerin premixed antifreeze solutions “if there is no viable alternative to antifreeze systems.”
Those interested in updating their standards can reference the actual wording of the TIAs provided at the www.nfpa.org website or use the more detailed summaries below, in which the changes resulting from the four TIAs are individually addressed. In many cases, legislative text is used, in which deleted copy is shown with a strikethrough and new copy is shown underlined:
TIA 1015 for NFPA 13
• Add new definition as 3.4.1.1:
– Premixed Antifreeze Solution. A mixture of an antifreeze material with water that is prepared by the manufacturer with a quality control procedure in place that ensures that the antifreeze solution remains homogeneous.
• Remove 7.6.1 added by TIA 10-1
• Revise 7.6.1.5 to read:
7.6.1.5 A placard shall be placed on the antifreeze system main valve that indicates the manufacture type and brand of the antifreeze solution, the concentration by volume of the antifreeze solution used, and the volume of the antifreeze solution used in the system.
• Revise 7.6.2.1 to read: Where sprinkler systems are supplied by potable water connections, the use of antifreeze solutions other than water solutions of pure glycerin (C.P. or U.S.P. 96.5 percent grade) or propylene glycol shall not be permitted. Antifreeze solutions shall be limited to premixed solutions of glycerin (chemically pure or United State Pharmacopoeia 96.5%) at a maximum concentration of 48% by volume, or propylene glycol at a maximum concentration of 38% by volume.
• Add new 7.6.2.1.1:
7.6.2.1.1 Premixed antifreeze solutions of propylene glycol exceeding 40% concentration by volume shall be permitted for use with ESFR sprinklers where the ESFR sprinklers are listed for such use in a specific application.
• Add new 7.6.2.1.2:
7.6.2.1.2 Premixed antifreeze solutions other than those described in 7.6.2.1 that are listed for use in sprinkler systems shall be permitted to be used.
• Add new 7.6.2.1.3:
7.6.2.1.3 All premixed antifreeze solutions shall be provided with a certificate from the manufacturer indicating the type of antifreeze, concentration by volume, and freezing point.
• Replace current Table 7.6.2.2.with new Table A.7.6.2.1:
|
Material |
Solution (by volume) |
Specific Gravity at 77oF (25oC) |
Freezing Point oF oC |
|
Glycerin |
|||
|
20% |
1.059 |
20 -6.7 |
|
|
40% |
1.114 |
-2 -19 |
|
|
45% |
1.130 |
-11 -24 |
|
|
50% |
1.141 |
-19 -28 |
|
|
Propylene Glycol |
|||
|
20% |
1.016 |
19 -7 |
|
|
30% |
1.024 |
11 -12 |
|
|
35% |
1.028 |
2 -17 |
|
|
40% |
1.032 |
-6 -21 |
• Delete 7.6.2.3, and Table 7.6.23, 7.6.2.5, referenced figures, and A.7.6.2.5
– (material related to antifreeze solution options where potable water was not connected to sprinklers)
• Revise 7.6.2.4 to read:
– 7.6.2.4 An premix antifreeze solution with a freezing point below the expected minimum temperature for the locality shall be prepared provided.
• Delete 7.6.2.6
The concentration of antifreeze solutions shall be limited to the minimum necessary for the anticipated minimum temperature.
• Add new annex section:
A.7.6 In cold climates and areas where the potential for freezing of pipes is a concern, options other than antifreeze are available. Such options include installing the pipe in warm spaces, tenting the insulation over the piping (as illustrated in NFPA 13D), listed heat tracing, and the use of dry [pipe systems and preaction systems.
• Delete the second paragraph of A.7.6.2, A.7.6.2.4 and Figure A.7.6.2.4:
The use of premixed antifreeze solutions is not required by this standard but can be required for certain specially listed equipment or systems. Thoroughly mixed antifreeze is less likely to drop out of solution. When antifreeze solutions are mixed on site, the solution should be thoroughly mixed before being pumped into the piping. Prior to pumping solution that is mixed on site into system piping, several samples should be tested from the batch to ensure that the concentration of the solution is uniform.
Beyond certain limits, an increased proportion of antifreeze does not lower the freezing point of solution (see Figure A.7.6.2.4). Glycerin, diethylene glycol, and propylene glycol should never be used without mixing with water in proper proportions, because these materials tend to thicken near 32oF(0oC).
TIA 1013 for NFPA 13R
• Delete sections 4.7 and 5.4.3 added by TIA 10-1-1 in August of 2010
• Revise 5.4.4 to become new 5.4.3:
5.4.3 Where antifreeze systems, dry pipe systems, and preaction systems are installed, they shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13.
TIA 1012 for NFPA 13D
• Undo the changes made by TIA 10-1, returning to the text of the 2010 edition.
• Add new definition as 3.3.9.1.1:
– Premixed Antifreeze Solution. A mixture of an antifreeze material with water that is prepared by the manufacturer with a quality control procedure in place that ensures that the antifreeze solution remains homogeneous.
• A.3.3.9.1.1 Where a tank is used as the water supply for the sprinkler system, the tank is not permitted to be filled with antifreeze
• Revise 4.1.4 to read as follows:
– 4.1.4 Antifreeze Systems. Before freezing weather each year, the following procedure shall be performed:
• (1) Empty solution in the entire antifreeze system into convenient containers
• (2) Bring solution to the proper specific gravity by adding concentrated liquid as needed, or prepare a new solution, in accordance with 8.3.3
• (3) Refill system with new or remixed antifreeze
• New annex section A.4.1.4
– Offers extensive guidance on sampling
• Higher concentrations at top indicate poor mixing
• Lower concentrations near the water connection indicate dilution
• Too high or too low at both locations indicate wrong concentration
• Test samples should be drawn (from test valve B in Figure 8.3.3.2.1(1)) on an annual basis
• Where systems are drained, not typically necessary to drain drops, but for drops in excess of 36 in., consideration should be given to draining if evidence that unacceptably high concentrations of antifreeze have collected
• When emptying and refilling antifreeze solutions, efforts should be made to recycle the old solution with the antifreeze manufacturer
• New 4.1.4.1 - Annual Antifreeze Solution Test and Replacement Procedure
• 4.1.4.1.1 Samples of antifreeze solution shall be collected by qualified individuals in accordance with 4.1.4.1.1.1 or 4.1.4.1.1.2 on an annual basis
– 4.1.4.1.1.1 The system shall be drained to verify that (a) the solution is in compliance with 8.3.3, and (b) the solution provides the necessary freeze protection. Solution samples shall be taken near the beginning and near the end of the draining process.
– 4.1.4.1.1.2 Solution samples shall be taken at the highest practical elevation and the lowest practical elevation of the system.
» A.4.1 4.1.1.2 If not already present, test connections (valves) for collection of solution samples should be installed at the highest and lowest practical locations of the system or portion of the system containing antifreeze solution.
• 4.1.4.1.2 The two samples collected in accordance with the procedures specified in 4.1.4.1.1.1 or 4.1.4.1.1.2 shall be tested to verify that the specific gravity of both samples is similar and that the solution is in compliance with 8.3.3. The specific gravity of each solution shall be checked using a hydrometer with a suitable scale or a refractometer having a scale calibrated for the antifreeze solution.
• 4.1.4.1.3 If concentrations of the two samples collected in accordance with the procedures above are similar and in compliance with 8.3.3, then (a) the solution drained in accordance with 4.1.4.1.1.1 can be used to refill the system, or (b) the existing undrained solution tested in accordance with 4.1.4.1.1.2 shall be permitted to continue to be used. If the two samples are not similar and not in compliance with 8.3.3, then a solution in accordance with 8.3.3 shall be used to fill the system.
» A.4.1.4.1.3 In the past, for some existing systems subject to extremely low temperatures, antifreeze solutions with concentrations greater than what is now permitted by NFPA 13D were used. Such high concentrations of antifreeze are no longer permitted. In situations where extremely low temperatures are anticipated, refilling the fire sprinkler system with a concentration of antifreeze solution currently permitted by the standard might not provide sufficient freeze protection without additional measures. Such measures might include converting the antifreeze system to another type of system.
• 4.1.4.1.4 A tag shall be attached to the riser indicating the date the antifreeze solution was tested. The tag shall also indicate the type and concentration of the antifreeze solution (by volume) with which the system is filled, the date the antifreeze was replaced (if applicable), the name of the contractor that tested and/or replaced the antifreeze solution, the contractor’s license number, a statement indicating if the entire system was drained and replaced with antifreeze, and a warning to test the concentration of the antifreeze solution at yearly intervals per NFPA 13D.
• Revise 8.3.3 Antifreeze Systems
» New A.8.3.3 Where protection of pipes from freezing is a concern, options other than antifreeze are available. Such alternatives include running the piping in warm spaces, tenting insulation over pipe, dry-pipe systems, and preaction systems.
• Revise 8.3.3.2.1 Unless permitted by 8.3.3.2.1.1, antifreeze solutions shall be limited to premixed antifreeze solutions of glycerin (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopoeia 96.5%) at a maximum concentration of 48% by volume, propylene glycol at a maximum concentration of 38% by volume, or other solutions listed specifically for use in fire protection systems.
– New 8.3.3.2.1.1 For existing systems, antifreeze solutions shall be limited to premixed antifreeze solutions of glycerin (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopoeia 96.5%) at a maximum concentration of 50% by volume, propylene glycol at a maximum concentration of 40% by volume, or other solutions listed specifically for use in fire protection systems.
• Delete 8.3.3.2.2, 8.3.3.2.3 and related annex material (addressing other types of antifreeze)
• Move Table 8.3.3.2.3 to the annex as Table A.8.3.3.2.1, deleting rows for glycerin concentrations over 50% by volume and propylene glycol concentrations over 40% by volume
• Delete 8.3.3.2.4, 8.3.3.2.5 and Table 8.3.3.2.5 (for other existing antifreeze types)
• Retain 8.3.3.2.3.1, 8.3.3.2.6, A.8.3.3.2.6, Figure A.8.3.3.2.6, and 8.3.3.2.7 as 8.3.3.2.2, 8.3.3.2.3, A.8.3.3.2.3, Figure A.8.3.3.2.3, and 8.3.3.2.4
TIA 1014 for NFPA 25
• Add new definition as 3.6.4.1.1:
– Premixed Antifreeze Solution. A mixture of an antifreeze material with water that is prepared by the manufacturer with a quality control procedure in place that ensures that the antifreeze solution remains homogeneous.
• Revise 5.3.4:
– 5.3.4 Antifreeze Systems. The freezing point of solutions in antifreeze shall be tested annually by measuring the specific gravity with a hydrometer or refractometer and adjusting the solutions if necessary. Annually, before the onset of freezing weather, the antifreeze solution shall be tested using the following procedure:
• (1) Using installation records, maintenance records, information from the owner, chemical tests, or other reliable sources of information, the type of antifreeze in the system shall be determined.
• (a) If the type of antifreeze is found to be a type that is no longer permitted, the system shall be drained completely and replaced with an acceptable solution
• (b) If the type of antifreeze cannot be reliably determined, then the system shall be drained completely and replaced with an acceptable solution.
– (2) If the antifreeze is not replaced in accordance with step 1, test samples shall be taken at the top of each system and at the bottom of each system.
• (a) If the most remote portion of the system is not near the top or bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the most remote portion.
• (b) If the connection to the water supply piping is not near the top or the bottom of the system, an additional sample shall be taken at the connection to the water supply.
– (3) The specific gravity of each solution shall be checked using a hydrometer with a suitable scale or a refractometer having a scale calibrated for the antifreeze solution.
– (4) If any of the samples exhibits a concentration in excess of what is permitted by NFPA 25, the system shall be emptied and refilled with a new acceptable solution. If a concentration greater than what is currently permitted by NFPA 25 was necessary to keep the fluid from freezing, alternate methods of preventing the pipe from freezing shall be employed.
– (5) If any of the samples exhibits a concentration lower than what is necessary to keep the fluid from freezing, the system shall be emptied and refilled with a new acceptable solution.
• Revise 5.3.4.1:
– 5.3.4.1 Solutions shall be in accordance with Table 5.3.4.1(a) and Table 5.3.4.1(b)
– 5.3.4.2.1 The use of antifreeze solutions shall be in conformance with state and local health regulations.
– 5.3.4.1.1 Listed CPVC sprinkler pipe and fittings shall be protected from freezing with glycerin only. The use of diethylene, ethylene, or propylene glycols shall be specifically prohibited.
– 5.3.4.1.2 The concentration of antifreeze solution shall be limited to the minimum necessary for the anticipated minimum temperature.
• New 5.3.4.2:
– 5.3.4.2 Antifreeze solutions shall comply with the following:
• (1) The concentration of a glycerin solution measured in an existing system shall be limited to 50% by volume.
• (2) Newly introduced solutions shall be factory premixed solutions of glycerin (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopoeia 96.5%) at a maximum concentration of 48% by volume.
• (3) The concentration of a propylene glycol solution measured in an existing system shall be limited to 40% by volume.
• (4) Newly introduced solutions shall be factory premixed solutions of propylene glycol (chemically pure or United States Pharmacopoeia 96.5%) at a maximum concentration of 38% by volume.
• (5) Other solutions listed specifically for use in fire protection systems.
•
• Revisions to 5.3.4.3:
– 5.3.4.3 The antifreeze solution shall be tested at its most remote portion and where it interfaces with the wet pipe system.
– 5.3.4.3.14 Where antifreeze systems have a capacity larger than 150 gal (568 L), tests at one additional point for every 100 gal (379 L) shall be made.
– 5.3.4.3.2.4.1 If the test results indicate an incorrect freeze point at any point in the system, the system shall be drained, the solution adjusted, and the systems refilled with new premixed antifreeze.
– 5.3.4.3.3.4.2 For premixed solutions, the manufacturer’s instructions shall be permitted to be used with regard to the number of test points and refill procedure.
• Replace current Tables 5.3.4.1 (a) and (b) with new Table 5.3.4.1 (same table as for NFPA 13 above)
• New A.5.3.4
– Offers guidance on sampling
• Higher concentrations at top indicate poor mixing
• Lower concentrations near the water connection indicate dilution
• Too high or too low at both locations indicate wrong concentration
• Small test samples can be drawn “two or three times during the freezing season”
• Lowest one-day mean temperature can be used for minimum reasonable temperature; higher minimums if piping protected from exposure to outside air
– Offers guidance on draining and refilling
• Where systems are drained, not typically necessary to drain drops
• For drops in excess of 36 in., consideration should be given to draining if evidence that unacceptably high concentrations of antifreeze have collected
• When emptying and refilling antifreeze solutions, efforts should be made to recycle the old solution with the antifreeze manufacturer
A second proposed TIA for NFPA 25 (TIA 1016) that would have allowed higher concentrations of antifreeze in unoccupied building areas failed to secure the necessary three-quarters (75%) committee support and therefore did not proceed to the Standards Council for issuance.