Wet VS Dry Deluge Testing

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The volume of water used in the traditional wet testing of a firewater deluge system system can cause water damage to electrical/production  equipment, cause an increase in the rates of corrosion, require a shut down in production and in some instances requires the need to dispose of contaminated water. Regulations require deluge functionality to be tested annually. To eliminate these concerns, we have implemented using the Patented Siron Dry Deluge Testing Technology. 

WET TEST  DISADVANTAGES:

• Operational down time during water flow test and clean up
• Growth of MIC (Micro biologically Influenced Corrosion)
• Blockages of piping and spray heads
• Excessive firewater discharge can overflow the sump/drain tanks oil & water separators tanks
• Can cause the need to dispose of contaminated wastewater for environmental reasons
• Freezing of firewater can be dangerous to operations in Arctic conditions
• Risk of unplanned business loss and plant shutdown due to water ingress 

 To extend the life of a deluge system and the production/electrical equipment contained within the protected areas, we test deluge systems using the Siron Patented Dry Deluge Testing Technology.  This patented technology uses a vapor generator to blow dense vapor through the deluge pipework to replicate the properties of water. Periodical testing utilizing this technology has proven equal to, or better in comparison to full wet tests (while meeting the requirement standards of NFPA and wet tests) but also, dramatically reducing impact and costs because no - water is used on/in the equipment area. 

DRY DELUGE TESTING ADVANTAGES:

• Testing is safer and considerably less expensive.
• The testing can be performed in a segmented way so that
  operations/production can remain uninterrupted.
• The preparation & clean up work for Dry Deluge Testing is considerably shorter than for regular wet tests.
• Any leakages in the flow pipes are easier to spot.
• The production/electrical equipment is protected from any water contact during testing and remains in better condition.
• Absence of wastewater to be processed/disposed of after completion of testing