Abstract

Aim: The aim of the article was to present test results of water supplying fixed water firefighting equipment installed in selected buildings. The buildings were selected based on their mutual location, purpose and performed functions. In addition, an attempt was made to determine the important water parameters which influence its corrosive nature which in turn affects components of the fixed water firefighting equipment.

Methodology: To evaluate the parameters of water which supplies fixed water firefighting equipment installed in selected large-format commercial buildings a method of characteristic concentrations was used. This method involves calculating the arithmetic mean of the least favorable test results during one year. A direct method was used incidentally for assessing changes in concentrations of selected parameters within a year.

Results: The obtained results confirmed significant variability of water supplying fixed water firefighting equipment. The supply water changes its characteristics when influenced by many factors, and although the water supply is not of corrosive nature, within the pipes and equipment of fixed water firefighting equipment it may become corrosive. There has been a significant decrease in water hardness for peak concentrations of 35%, for a minimum of 7%, a significant increase of the concentration of sulfites respectively 91% and 233% for minimum and maximum concentrations. Moreover, the change of conductivity was observed, as well as an increase of approximately 10% for maximum values and a decrease of 2% for the minimum. Similarly to the conductivity parameter, changes in water pH were observed, as well as an unusual situation for concentrations of chlorine, which is difficult for further interpretation.

Conclusions: Significant changes in the parameters of feed water were observed when it was supplied to the sprinkler system pipes. For further analysis, it was necessary to designate indexes of corrosiveness of water like Langelier (IL), Ryznar (IR) and Larson-Skold in order to determine the corrosive nature of water which supplies the sprinkler system. Further research is needed in order to search the parameters or the parameter of water, which could clearly indicate the corrosive character of water. The results obtained in the course of future research can be the basis for the development of a method of operation of fixed water firefighting equipment, which will ensure the highest possible reliability.

Keywords: water quality, sprinklers systems, corrosion

Type of article: original scientific article