Use Grate Nozzles without Low-Expansion Foam?

12/9/2022

I am a fire sprinkler fitter a military installation. Have a question regarding low expansion foam systems with the use of Viking Grate nozzles.

Of course with the concerns of AFFF, there are many issues and decisions flying around about the existing systems we have out here in our aircraft hangars.

Is it acceptable to use the Viking grate nozzles without the low expansion foam?

How does this provide any fire protection?

Obviously, this is not how the system was designed, in my opinion.

Please help me understand how this can be acceptable. I appreciate any and all input.

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6 Comments

Glenn Berger

12/9/2022 08:09:51 am

IMO, the use of the grate nozzles w/o the use of an appropriate foam media is not acceptable.

Dan Wilder

12/9/2022 08:18:01 am

To my knowledge, these are only listed with the low expansion foams, and specific ones only. Even if it were listed with just water, does the hazard allow for a water application? Sounds like it's a temp fix, at best, to remove the PFAS based foam.

Viking has released their new ARK foam SFFF type which is compatible with these units and can be retrofitted (in most cases) with their new foam. The stuff is thick as cold maple syrup so calcs are a little challenging but worth a look.

I'm involved with a couple closed and deluge foam system using the ARK foam & a FireDos pump (new install, not retrofit) however the Viking Foam guys were just in the office showing the new stuff. There are several other options out there with everyone trying to get away from the PFAS based foams as fast as possible, finding cross-listed discharge devices and verifying calcs have been problematic.

https://webtools.vikingcorp.com/fff/

Casey Milhorn

12/9/2022 08:45:08 am

As Dan said, there is a LOT of issues with the new foam listing and coming up with compatible devices. From my understanding there is not a fully listed system when it comes to sprinklers, monitors, and nozzles. It gets very complicated very quickly. Be cautious of anyone saying they have a fully listed solution, especially when replacing AFFF into an existing setup.

Jesse

12/9/2022 09:09:28 am

In our world, its all about the listing.The Viking Grate nozzles are listed for use with AFFF. They don't have a listing for use with any other additive.

Fakir

12/12/2022 09:12:47 am

Look on page 5. Viking has a nice chart per systems and approvals listed. Viking Grate nozzles are FM listed for use with USP foam. Have a good day.

https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/production-viking-website-production-files-2/document_files/b'cb8eeff5-f72c-45b5-84a7-7d140e504e8c.pdf'

sean smither

1/16/2023 09:44:08 am

Are preaction/open head/ deluge systems an option for aircraft hangars?

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Use Grate Nozzles without Low-Expansion Foam?

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