Can i use HDPE pipes instead of carbon steel pipes for firefighting ? 1

[mostafaabdelazim]

The problem is that we have a firefighting network constructed of GRE pipes under ground and carbon steel pipes for above ground, the main problem happened in a 6" #150 riser which feeds the sprinkles the pipe started leaking water on the ground due to pin holes this riser has been in service for 15 years , now my manager is asking me to study the ability of replacing the carbon steel pipe with a HDPE pipe but i searched the NFPA (13 & 24) for above ground pipes but nothing is mentioned about using HDPE above ground, so can any one help me ?

 

[ZDR1985]

It can be, but it should be made fire resistant.

 

[cdafd]

If nfpa 13 says not approved so goes it

Maybe, depending on the make up of hdpe is the low melting point

http://www.dynalabcorp.com/technical_info_hd_polyethylene.asp

 

[MatthewJWillis]

It cannot be used. Our piping must have a listing for use in fire protection services.

If you have pin holes, you need to have someone come in and test for MIC or other corrosion issues. An approved piping type can then be selected.



R/
Matt

 

[MarGwy]

Another choice to consider for a metallic pipe product with corrosion-resistant properties would be ductile iron, available in 4"-64" diameters and flanged/grooved joints. In addition to its high carbon content and protective mill scale layer, all fabricated ductile iron pipe is made with a minimum Class 53 pipe, so the pipe wall thickness will likely exceed that for similarly-sized carbon steel piping. Plus for pumping flow concerns, ductile iron pipe has a greater-than-nominal inside diameters - superior to equivalent-sized carbon steel piping with true-to-diameter ODs.

 

[chicopee]

"... due to pin holes..." Chinese made piping?

 

[mostafaabdelazim]

Thanks very much dear guys I found that for sizes more than 4" it will need a special coating which is very costy and the max temp the pipe will stand is about 120 degree Celsius which is not high enough.

 

[mostafaabdelazim]

Chicopee I really dont know the origin of manufacturing But in our company we dont use Chinese products.