Deluge Full-Flow Test Count for 5-Year Internal?

12/7/2023

Does the requirement under NFPA 25, Chapter 14 for a 5-year internal pipe inspection apply if the system is an open sprinkler/nozzle deluge system?

The system is flowed annually and I believe that this full flow should meet the requirement in lieu of a 5-year internal pipe inspection.

Am I correct?

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9 Comments

Glenn Berger

12/7/2023 08:11:52 am

The comment states that the system is "flowed annually."

Most of the deluge system tests that I have seen is near-riser test assembly, not a full flow test. As such an inspection of the piping system is required.

Jesse

12/7/2023 08:28:59 am

I've seen a lot of deluge systems, but I think all of them had a test manifold and didn't flow the entire system. I think an internal pipe inspection is needed

Peter

12/7/2023 08:44:26 am

NFPA 25 13.4.4.2.4 requires a full flow test to include discharge water through the sprinklers or nozzles, primarily to observe any issues with spray patterns and obstructions.

NFPA 25 doesn't permit an exception for the internal inspection of the piping on the five year inspection. To be fair, since the piping is open to the atmosphere, would it really be significant to perform the spot check anyhow? An internal inspection could pick up on the start of build up of MIC that may not impact flow (today) that you observe while discharging the water.

Matthew Mueller link

12/7/2023 08:46:03 am

NFPA requires a full flow test annually (with exceptions that extend this to no more than 3 years) and are to include pressure readings at the most remote nozzle or sprinkler to determine if there's been deterioration of the water supply. If this is how the tests are performed, I would agree with you. The only exception to the requirement for internal inspections however is for nonmetallic piping. I'd be interested to know if the committee has discussed this.

Eric R

12/7/2023 11:47:21 am

I can see how this could be questioned, because at least for foam deluge systems you can do the reverse and use an internal pipe inspection performed per chapter 14 in lieu of performing the nozzle flow test per chapter 11.

11.3.11.2.2.2*
Where a waterflow test is not possible, visual inspection of supply piping can be conducted in accordance with Chapter 14.

Peter

12/7/2023 12:03:41 pm

Eric,

That section of NFPA 25 applies to a very specific application of Cone Roof Tanks.

NFPA 409 has similar language for discharge which I think is absurd. Interestingly, I have been witness to a number of inspections on high expansion foam systems where water-powered generators were present. While the piping was free and clear, the generators failed to move because they were corroded stuck. Had an internal inspection of the piping per Chapter 14 of NFPA 25 been used exclusively, it would never be discovered that the generator does not freely rotate and spray water.

Eric R

12/7/2023 12:18:47 pm

Totally agree Peter, just wanted to point out the only place I could think of in the code where the two test types cross paths.

Dave

12/7/2023 11:58:03 am

Regarding IPE, it is worth noting that for the 2014 edition of NFPA #25 “The concept of internal inspection was modified to an internal assessment concept, in which a performance-based assessment frequency is explicitly addressed.”
I believe one should be careful not to confuse the Internal Pipe Assessment section (currently Chapter 14 "Obstruction Investigation") with the "Testing" requirements of each type of system, despite some overlap in intent.

sean

12/31/2023 06:59:10 pm

you still need to make sure that pipe has not be compromised and with nothing inside you have no leaks to let you know early

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Deluge Full-Flow Test Count for 5-Year Internal?

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