How Nitrogen Prevents Corrosion in a Fire Protection System

Effects of MIC

It has been shown that Nitrogen is an effective solution to inhibit the development of corrosion in Fire Protection Systems (FPS).  Nitrogen effectively reduces the presence of Oxygen in a dry or pre action Fire Protection System.  Oxygen is present as a result of the compressed air often used as a supervisory gas for Fire Protection Systems but it also acts as a catalyst for the corrosion of the steel or galvanized piping by creating moisture, threatening the integrity of the complete FPS.

Introducing a steady supply of Nitrogen gas into the dry or pre action FPS displaces the Oxygen and helps to preserve the system by preventing the onset of corrosion.

Here is a look at how Nitrogen Inhibits Corrosion in an FPS:

• Nitrogen is an inert gas, which does not support the corrosion reaction (the oxygen in compressed air does).
• The Nitrogen effectively displaces all oxygen from the system and stops the corrosion reaction by eliminating the cathodic oxygen reaction.
• The dew point of 95% Nitrogen is approximately -40˚F, which enables it to absorb significantly more moisture than compressed air. Cyclic venting of Nitrogen will, over time, completely remove any residual moisture from the system and thereby completely arrest electrochemical corrosion.
• Inert nature of Nitrogen eliminates oxidation of nonmetallic components of FPS.
• Prevents the formation of ice blockages in freezer FPS systems.

Generate Nitrogen with the N2-Blast™

The N2-Blast™ System from South-Tek Systems is a specially designed Nitrogen Generator that acts as a "drying out" agent for your FPS.  It easily connects to a compressed air line of an FPS, generating N2 gas on-demand as needed.  The N2-Blast System will continuously cycle Nitrogen throughout the FPS, ensuring that high purity N2 gas makes its way to all of the branches within the FPS absorbing any residual moisture in the piping.  When not generating N2, the system does not consume compressed air, thus saving energy and serving as an environmentally friendly piece of equipment.

Every N2-Blast System is outfitted with the Blast-Off™ Leak Detection System programmed to sound an alarm if a leakage from the FPS exceeds the maximum rate as specified bu NFPA 13, ensuring safety, FPS integrity, and maximizing the life of both the FPS and the N2-Blast.

For more information or to inquire about ordering the N2-Blast for your Fire Protection System, please contact South-Tek Systems: 888-526-6284