Fire Suppression

Corrosion is perhaps the largest problem facing the fire suppression industry. According to studies conducted by numerous insurance agencies, corrosion has emerged as a consistent focus over the last 20 years. In their findings, the main causes of failed sprinkler systems were collected and evaluated. It was determined that corrosion is the leading cause of sprinkler system failure in the category of non-human or alarm-related errors.

The biggest concern is that corrosion can cause a complete fire suppression system to fail. More than 75% of fire suppression systems have significant corrosion issues.

There are two main types of corrosion in fire suppression systems:
1) The Rust or Generalized Corrosion.
2) The MIC or Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion.

The further studies have found that approximately 40% of corrosion was influenced by MIC and 60% of corrosion was caused by the rust. On average, in more than 99% of cases where the fire suppression systems were cryogenically treated, the increase of the life expectancy of the fire sprinkler systems exceeded 500% longer life. Increased life expectancy of fire suppression components means improved safety.

What are the most common problems of the fire suppression systems?

  • Corrosion issues occur at the points where water is in contact with the part and pipe
  • Fan plug in the fire suppression unit or sprinkler head is in contact with water
  • Issues with electrolysis

What parts of the fire suppression systems can benefit from the cryogenic treatments?

  • Fire sprinkler head
  • Pipes and tubes
  • Fire equipment
  • Architectural engineering

How can fire suppression systems benefit from cryogenic processing?

  • Substantial benefits for improving at least 200% with corrosion resistance in salt spray testing
  • Marine industry would benefit from salt spray testing to improve corrosion