More than 90% of the nozzles on this system blocked on
first time actuation. The client spent several million pounds
on a delivery line up-grade changing from carbon steel to
rubber / plastic, yet the nozzles still blocked.
It is common belief that changing the pipe work delivery
lines to exotic metals or plastic and rubber will eliminate this
problem, yet we are still being asked for our products after
this “solution” has been implemented at great cost to the
operator.
“Today, RigDeluge® has a
proven solution to reduce
the risks of nozzles blocking
through delivery line
contaminants and concentric
corrosion”
The problem is not the delivery line, but salt water and the
side effects brought through its use that is the root cause.
Even a fire fighting system with Titanium lines will suffer
from salt crystallisation and fail through blockages, as we
have seen in Norway.
As little as 6g of debris or 1 piece will block an existing
nozzle instantly.
As seen above, we have managed to fill a delivery line with
over 1000g of debris and still get a level of water to a fire.
You can clearly see that the delivery line is blocked and
with the RigDeluge® CFT™ adaptor water will still get to the
fire. As you never get a second chance with a fire, a ‘Fail Fix’
process is adding luck into the equation as to whether or not
your safety critical Fire Deluge System will function on first
time operation.
HSE INTERNATIONAL
25