Since its introduction in 2010, Dry Deluge Testing has been conducted on deluge systems throughout North Western Europe and Asia onshore. There is no limit to the size of system we can test, indeed the largest system that has been tested was in Norway and had over 1000 nozzles.
Testing a deluge system in the traditional (wet) way in nuclear power plant is a challenge since water and electricity do not ‘mix’.
Therefore, SIRON Dry Deluge Testing turned out to be a more viable and efficient means method of testing. Dry Deluge Testing in nuclear power plant is a growing business, originating from the UK, where our first tests were performed.
In the chemical plants industry, deluge testing with water poses additional problems. Apart from the known disadvantages of wet testing, another obstacle is the required discontinuation of production process while testing.
SIRON Dry Deluge Testing can be carried out in a segmented way, such that processing can remain live and in service throughout the entire testing process. Because water ingress is negated in the processing equipment, production can continue while testing. Shutdowns are known all too well for the expenses involved and the problems incurred during restarts. These issues can now be eliminated.
High level and hard to reach deluge systems, such as systems in atria of offices and deluge systems in crowded areas have proven to be difficult to be tested with water. No office or public area is designed to be sprayed with a large volume of water. In order to test in a traditional way, furniture and office equipment need to be stowed away before a test can be performed. Inside building cleaning up and potential damage to furniture is a reason why tests are simply not performed.
SIRON Dry Deluge Testing in these cases has proven to be the most efficient and most safe testing method.
In mining continuous, effective dewatering is needed for many underground and opencast mines to enable continued operation. The water, which seeps into the shafts and galleries in greater or lesser quantities depends on the properties of the bedrock and the height of the groundwater table, could otherwise lead to flooding if not removed.
Annual Wet Deluge testing which is stipulated is therefore not always carried out; so it is not known if the piping and nozzles of the deluge systems are clear to be able to control a fire and are in a fit for purpose condition.
Safety and reliability are a crucial requirement for being able to extract mineral resources safely and smoothly, especially underground. The demands made on each of the solutions involved are correspondingly high.
Siron Dry Deluge Testing (DDT) uses a non-toxic, environmentally friendly vapor which is pumped through the system downstream of the deluge valve. This eliminates the requirement to utilize water as a testing medium for routine testing. By implementing a DDT protocol entire fire protection systems can be tested from the deluge valves to the most remote nozzle.
DDT can detect blocked or partially blocked nozzles, blocked or partially blocked pipe work and also damaged deluge nozzles. DDT meets NFPA, NORSOK, UK HSE testing criteria and has been 3rd party independently attested for use by Bureau Veritas.
There are many car tunnels around the world that are protected by Fixed Fire Fighting Systems (FFFS). Over the years there have been many accidents involving road vehicles so more and more countries are choosing to protect their car tunnels with FFFS. As with any other fire protection systems these require regular testing and maintenance.
Carrying out regular wet deluge testing in car tunnels is time consuming and can involve multiple personnel and the closure of the tunnel for a number of days. By carrying out SIRON Dry Deluge Testing the tunnel closure times can be reduced substantially and still verify that the systems and zones are in a fit for purpose condition.
