Retrofitting Existing Glycol Sprinkler Systems in the Arctic
Chris Miller, Design Alaska
Mitchell O'Bryant, Design Alaska

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NFPA issued four TIAs--all with the aim of reducing antifreeze solution hazard during a fire. These TIAs reduced the allowable percentage of glycol in a new fire protection system to 38%. In addition, requirements have been added to reduce any existing glycol system to 40% glycol. Arctic design conditions can reach -50°F, which requires the use of 58% glycol. This leaves owners of existing facilities with the requirement to replace their existing glycol system with a dry pipe system as the allowable percentage of glycol is only freeze-protected down to -4°F.