Cost-Effective Fire Sprinkler Solutions with Nitrogen Technology

When selecting components for fire sprinkler systems, nitrogen proves to be one of the most cost-effective options. It offers significant long-term savings, enhanced performance, and reduces maintenance needs. This post is a detailed breakdown of why nitrogen is the superior choice.

1.) Increases potential lifespan of system piping by a factor of at least 7.

2.) Avoids constant minor repairs – nuisance leaks that can cause minor damage to infrastructure and result in extra service calls from the fire sprinkler service contractor.

3.) Defers major repairs and overhauls of systems to well beyond many hazard time horizons.

• Explanation:  A data center may be planned for a service lifetime of 20 years.  Without nitrogen, the sprinkler system may need major repair / overhaul / pipe replacement in 5 to 7 years after installation.  With nitrogen, the system should not need major work for at least 35 years – well beyond the expected life of the data center itself.

4.) Greatly reduces the likelihood of a major failure leading to significant water damage, leading to expensive business interruption and infrastructure / equipment cleanup or replacement.

5.) Can save money at initial installation (Pipe Used as example below):

• With nitrogen:  Engineer can specify Schedule 10 (thinner wall) pipe.
• Without nitrogen:  Engineer may judge that thicker wall Schedule 40 pipe is needed (more expensive to provide and longer to install).
•  Initial hydraulic calculations
• With nitrogen:  Per NFPA 13, the engineer can specify a more advantageous pipe roughness factor (C value) – this means less friction loss and pressure drop and can result in a system using smaller pipe sizes (less expensive to procure and install).
• Without nitrogen:  NFPA 13 requires the use of a less advantageous C value – the pipe may need to be larger due to increased friction loss.

6.) Important to keep in mind:  The initial installation cost of a fire sprinkler system will not reflect the cost down the road to replace the system.

• Initial installation takes place while the building walls and ceiling are wide open and there are no contents – the work can proceed expeditiously.
• Replacement must take place after the walls and ceiling are finished and the rooms contain high-value contents.
• Substantial demolition and rehab costs.
• Substantial costs to protect equipment and other installed infrastructure during the work.
• Likely that the work must be done off-hours – during premium labor time.
• Risks involved with equipment damage and business interruption while the work is performed – the idea behind the system in the first place is to minimize business interruption, not cause it.
• The system may cost 2 to 3 times more to replace than it did to initially install.  Deferring this replacement, or avoiding it altogether, is the best possible outcome when assessing the total life cost of fire sprinkler protection.

By considering nitrogen, you’re not only safeguarding your building but also making a smart financial decision that pays off in the long term.

Written By:

Stan Slonski, Senior Project Manager

Phone: 908-688-0300 ext. 102

Email: sslonski@ufpco.com