SEVERN TRENT SERVICES

1
Wet Pipe Sprinkler System Expansion Chamber Sal
es Presentation October 2004
2
FIRE-X-TROLFeatures Benefits

• Absorbs expanded antifreeze solution
• Diaphragm expansion chamber (4X cycles of a
  bladder style tank)
  
• Protects system and components from thermal
  expansion
  
• UL listed
• for use with fire protection antifreeze systems
  per NFPA 13
  
• ASME
• Designed, constructed, and tested per ASME
  Section VIII, Division 1 Standards
  
• Available code and non-code

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FIRE-X-TROLFeatures Benefits

• Pre-charge is separated from system fluid
• 5X safety factor by design
• Protects system and components from thermal
  expansion
  
• Helps prevent system hydraulic lock-up
• Required when backflow prevention device is used
  (most local regulations)
  
• Seismic restraints available (vertical models)
• Antifreeze compatible
• (Glycerine and Propylene Glycol)
• Broad range of sizes
• 4 to 90 gallons (15 341 ltr.)

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FIRE-X-TROL How does the Fire-X-Trol work?

• It is installed between the backflow preventer
  and fill cup
  
• Its sealed-in dry air/nitrogen pre-charge
  chamber prevents antifreeze solution from
  entering it until the system pressure exceeds the
  pre-charge pressure.
• As the antifreeze solution temperature rises,
  expanded system fluid enters the Fire-X-Trol
  non-corrosive reservoir.
  
• The Fire-X-Trol absorbs the pressure increase,
  keeping system pressure below maximum system
  rating.
  
• As the fluid temperature decreases, pressure in
  the dry air /nitrogen chamber forces system fluid
  out of the expansion chamber and back into the
  system.

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FIRE-X-TROL

• Materials of Construction
• All steel body construction with stainless steel
  system connection
  
• Polypropylene Liner Material
• Diaphragm Material UL certified high-performance
  elastomeric compound
  
• Coating FPT Red
• Maximum Operating Conditions
• Maximum Working Pressure 175 psig (12 bar)
• Operating Temperature -20 F (-29 C) to 200 F (93
  C)
  
• Factory pre-charge 25 psig (1.7 bar)

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FIRE-X-TROL Models
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FIRE-X-TROL Installation Schematic
In-Line Models
Stand Models
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FIRE-X-TROL Installation Schematic
Isolate expansion chamber during system hydro
test. Install in supply line between backflow p
reventer and fill cup connection.
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FIRE-X-TROL Installation Schematic
Isolate expansion chamber during system hydro
test. Install in supply line between backflow p
reventer and fill cup connection.
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Fire-X-Trol used with Backflow Preventer

• NFPA 13 requirement
• As stated in NFPA 13, 7.5.3.3
• Where the connection between the antifreeze
  solution and the wet pipe incorporates a backflow
  prevention device, a listed expansion chamber of
  appropriate size and pre-charged air pressure
  shall be provided to compensate for thermal
  expansion of the antifreeze solution

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FIRE-X-TROL Installation

• Visually inspect FIRE-X-TROL for any damage.
• Hydraulic system pressure must be at zero.
• Attach nitrogen or dry air supply to expansion
  chamber charging valve
  
• Dry air -50 F / -46 C dew point or lower
• Pre-charge to 2 psig (0.14 bar) below system
  static pressure at tank location.
  
• Never pre-charge below 25 of the system maximum
  rated pressure.
  
• Remove charging hose. Carefully test charging
  valve for leakage.
  
• Replace plastic cap.

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Antifreeze Solution Table
13
Sizing Chart
Note1 AMTROL recommends installing a pressure
reducing valve before the backflow preventer.
Note 2 The system pressure is too close to the
maximum working pressure. NFPA 13 recommends
installing a pressure reducing valve before the
backflow preventer.
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Sizing Chart
Note1 AMTROL recommends installing a pressure
reducing valve before the backflow preventer.
Note 2 The system pressure is too close to the
maximum working pressure. NFPA 13 recommends
installing a pressure reducing valve before the
backflow preventer.
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FIRE-X-TROL Warranty and Lead-time

• Warranty
• Limited (1) year warranty
• Lead-time
• 10 working days
• Safety stock inventory for quicker delivery if
  required
  

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FIRE-X-TROL FAQs

• Q What division does Fire suppression systems
  fall under?
  
• A Division 13.
• Q What does NFPA stand for?
• A National Fire Protection Agency
• Q What fluids can be used with the Fire-X-Trol
  expansion chamber?
  
• A Glycerine-water and propylene glycol-water
  mixtures.
  
• Q What is a Wet Pipe Antifreeze system?
• A Antifreeze systems are typically used as
  subsystems of a wet pipe system and are intended
  to protect small areas that could be exposed to
  freezing temperatures.

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FIRE-X-TROL FAQs

• Q What happened to the recommended 40-gallon
  (151 liter) limit for antifreeze systems?
  
• A This recommendation has been deleted in the
  NFPA 13 2002 edition. There is no limit to the
  size of an antifreeze system.
  
• Q Is a reduced-pressure zone backflow
  prevention device required in an antifreeze
  system?
  
• A Many local regulations require that a
  backflow prevention device be used in the system
  to guard against any potential contamination of
  the public water supply.
• Q Is an expansion chamber required when a
  backflow prevention device is used?
  
• A Yes. Section 7.5.3.3 of NFPA 13 requires the
  use of an expansion chamber.

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FIRE-X-TROL FAQs

• Q Does antifreeze-water solution expand and
  contract?
  
• A Yes. The solution will expand and contract
  with changes in temperature. The amount of
  expansion and contraction depends upon total
  temperature change and the density of the
  specific solution used.
• Q Is the Fire-X-Trol UL Listed?
• A Yes. The Fire-X-Trol is UL listed and was
  subject to extensive UL testing for
  compatibility with antifreeze solutions and to
  assure that the quality of the
• Fire-X-Trol meets fire protection standards.
• Q What are the advantages of an AMTROL
  diaphragm tank?
  
• A In extensive cyclic testing and with the
  performance proven AMTROL diaphragm technology,
  a diaphragm can typically accommodate 4X the
  cycles of a bladder style tank.