A dry pipe valve system is often used in industrial and commercial fire sprinkler systems. This type of piping system fills the pipes with pressurized air or nitrogen instead of water. The air contains a remote valve, also known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position. The dry pipe valve prevents water from entering the pipe until a fire causes one of the sprinklers to operate. If this occurs, then the valve releases the air, water flows into the pipe, and the sprinklers release the water onto the fire.
Advantages of a Dry Pipe Valve Sprinkler System
Dry valve sprinkler systems can be used in a variety of industrial and commercial buildings. Determining if this is the right sprinkler system for your building will require the help of a certified building inspector, fire chief, and your local fire regulations or standards. With this in mind, the dry pipe valve does offer a few advantages.
- Dry pipe valve systems can be used in industrial or commercial spaces where the pipes aren’t protected from freezing temperatures. Exposed garages, drive-through loading areas or docks, water-sensitive storage, unheated warehouses, garden or supply centers, cooler or freezer storage, and unconditioned attics are popular applications for a dry valve sprinkler system.
- Dry valve sprinkler systems don’t leave water sitting in pipes. When water is left in pipes it could cause rusting or other damage. Additionally, the lack of water in the pipes means that the pipes won’t form condensation or drip. This characteristic is especially important in water-sensitive storage units or complexes.
- The sprinkler system should be checked on an annual basis. Maintenance is conducted on an as-needed basis and is dependent on the condition of the pipes, dry pipe valve, and entire sprinkler system. As with any sprinkler system, it is important that the proper maintenance checks (and needed work) are completed on-time.
To learn more about the advantages of the dry pipe valve, as well as its applications within a sprinkler system, contact the experts at W.P. Law, Inc. For over 40 years W.P. Law has been providing building piping and sprinkler advice to businesses in the industrial and commercial spaces.