Antifreeze Solutions in Home Fire Sprinkler Systems Phase II

Published on March 27, 2012

Full report

"Antifreeze Solutions in Home Fire Sprinkler Systems - Phase II Final Report" (PDF, 2 MB)

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Fire Protection Research Foundation report: "Antifreeze Solutions in Home Fire Sprinkler Systems - Phase II Final Report"
Author: Code Consultants, Inc.
Date of issue: December 2010

Foreword

NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, has included guidance on the use of antifreeze solutions in fire sprinkler systems since the 1940 edition. Recent fire incidents, analysis of available literature, and preliminary testing have identified concerns with the use of certain antifreeze solutions. Under certain conditions, solutions of glycerin and propylene glycol antifreeze have been found to ignite when discharged from automatic sprinkler systems. A literature review, preliminary testing, and a long term research plan were developed as part of Phase I of this project. This Final Report includes the results of a comprehensive test program (also outlined in the Interim Report on the project) on a range of propylene glycol and glycerin antifreeze solutions challenged in a range of fire scenarios, as well as additional analysis and recommendations for further study.