Clearwater Fire Solutions- Embracing new technologies to improve safety critical maintenance procedure efficiencies

Submitted by Clearwater Fire Solutions

 Key benefits

• No new corrosion, salt or marine growth will form in deluge pipework and nozzles
• The system is live throughout the process and the equipment does not impede the flow path of firewater to protected areas.
• Damaged, blocked and partially blocked nozzles are quickly identified as well as ruptures or damage to pipework.
• Dry Deluge Testing does not rely on the system being clean or having up-to-date hydraulic calculations and isometric drawings.
• Testing deluge systems dry brings a more scientific approach to all previously available inspection based routines.
• Dry deluge testing makes internal borescope inspections more efficient
• Dry Deluge Testing has been extensively field proven on and offshore and is regularly used in the Dutch and UKCS offshore sectors and also the UK Nuclear industries.

Cost Reduction

• It is efficient and has no disruption to normal platform activities.
• Preparation time for Dry Deluge Testing is considerably shorter.
• Smaller teams required means less bed space required
• Typical time for single dry deluge test and borescope inspection is less than one working shift
• Complete platforms can be tested in days rather than weeks.
• Typical savings of 60% achieved by replacing a 6 Monthly Wet Test regime with Annual Dry Test in line with a Fire System Integrity Assurance (FSIA) plan

Safety

• No water ingress protection is required over sensitive instrumentation or electrical equipment
• Pipe wall failures are easier to identify

Many operators are stuck in the cycle of increased wet deluge testing in order to prove that systems are clear of blocked nozzles. Whilst this approach may achieve the end result, any increased frequency of wet testing brings its own problems to the operator.  Not only does testing with seawater exacerbate the corrosion levels within the pipework, the operator has increased risk of an unplanned business loss due to a production shutdown and also the on-going fabric maintenance issues due to water ingress.

Implementation of the unique and patented Siron Dry Deluge Testing will enable the operator to provide proof that the deluge system is in a fit for purpose condition. The system utilises pressurised water based vapour instead of sea water.   Any flow problem in pipes and nozzles will be quickly identified in an easy and cost effective manner within the NFPA guidelines. Whilst not a complete replacement for wet deluge testing, the use of Siron Dry Deluge Testing can potentially extend the periods between wet testing to 5 years or more.