We have a project that includes a 3,500 sqft unheated loading dock. We're in the initial design stages of the project.
Based on your experience would you recommend we specify a heat trace or dry pipe sprinkler system for the loading dock? Sent in anonymously for discussion. Discuss This | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
6 Comments
Dan Wilder
2/8/2021 08:50:22 am
Personally, Dry system using Black Sch 40 and dry/N2 air supply for longevity. Using Sch 10 is also acceptable if needed, I would stay away from thinwall (Sch 7/Sch 30) if possible.
Reply
CJ Bonczyk
2/8/2021 09:41:54 am
I would use the dry system installation in this instance along with the same recommendations as Dan mentioned above. Heat tracing requires specific listing for branchlines, electronic supervision, and you have to be very careful with the install and how close the installation is to sprinklers. They can be very complex to very simple depending on the type that is purchased which will effect the reliability of the heat tracing like time-clock switches and the thermostat. Note that if the wet sprinkler system supplies an auxiliary dry pipe or preaction system, NFPA rules do not permit heat tracing in place of heated valve exposures that protect the dry pipe valve or to safeguard supply pipe from freezing.
Reply
Glenn Berger
2/8/2021 10:01:05 am
Recommend that a dry-pipe system with N2 to be used. Piping should be only Schedule 40 with cut groove or threaded fittings. Depending on the quantity of potential days below freezing temperatures will have an impact on the final decision.
Reply
Franck
2/8/2021 12:18:10 pm
Without any doubt : dry pipe system, for reliability.
Reply
Michael Vangeli
2/8/2021 01:10:35 pm
While I agree with the comments on dry pipe, my question is where is the project? If you are in southern Florida or somewhere else that it normally does not get below freezing I'd look at the heat trace just because of the maintenance and installation savings. In my opinion it is easier to test and maintain the heat trace tape for places where it may only be needed a few times a year. There's plenty of published data on weather to help with the decision.
Reply
Stephen Keen
2/8/2021 03:08:05 pm
Trace heating and Lagging would be my choice.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
ALL-ACCESSSUBSCRIBESubscribe and learn something new each day:
COMMUNITYTop August '23 Contributors
YOUR POSTPE EXAMGet 100 Days of Free Sample Questions right to you!
FILTERS
All
ARCHIVES
October 2023
PE PREP SERIES |