FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Identification of damaged nozzles utilizing dry deluge testing is almost the same as during a wet test. If a nozzle is damaged or partially blocked the spray pattern in a wet testing environment will differ from that of an unblocked nozzle. Where a normal nozzle has a perfect circular spray pattern, a damaged or partially blocked nozzle will show gaps in this circle. Although with Dry Deluge Testing, the nozzles will demonstrate different spray patterns, the distinction between normal and non-performing nozzles can be easily and efficiently identified.

The pressurised vapor will demonstrate a non-circular vapor cone as well. During a test, you can inspect every nozzle from a close distance of a couple of inches to study the exiting vapor pattern. This close-up inspection leads to a better identification of the damaged and partially blocked nozzles from the free flowing ones.

Wet deluge tests require a considerable amount of time to prepare. The tests themselves and the clean-up afterwards are very labor intensive. Dry Deluge Testing on the other hand, is far less time consuming. Preparation and testing are substantially shorter, and the clean-up is minimal because no (sea) water is used during the testing. Complete platforms can be tested in days, rather than weeks. Consequently, Dry Deluge Testing will save money.

The patented Dry Deluge Test by SIRON is a method with which to test deluge systems without the use of water. Residual firewater from previous (wet) tests with existing corrosion is displaced from the distribution pipework. Deluge pipework remains dry during testing mitigating corrosion.

After testing, SIRON Deluge Services can additionally coat the inner pipework through the entire deluge system with an environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitor. This “keeping the system as dry as possible for as long as possible” philosophy substantially prevents corrosion build up inside the system.

Since Dry Deluge Testing can be arranged to be performed in certain sections of the deluge system, the impact on the operation in the production process is very low and plant can remain live throughout the process. Furthermore, the Dry Deluge Test negates the requirement for any water ingress protection over sensitive instrumentation and electrical equipment. No firewater is discharged onto equipment in service, which eliminates the risk of unplanned shutdowns due to water ingress, both during and after the testing.

Preparation for deluge system owners is minimal. SIRON Deluge Services only needs a small space and a power outlet. If required by the scope of work, SIRON brings its own workshop container to the platform. This workstation is a 10ft. offshore container containing a complete workshop for maintenance and replacement of deluge systems and the Dry Deluge Testing equipment.

One of the preparatory steps is to test locally installed flame or smoke detectors by blowing our vapor directly on them. Until now, none of the detectors has tripped while confronted with our vapor. One of our clients has had independent onshore testing carried out on their own type of Fire and Gas detectors utilizing our Dry Deluge Testing equipment and these tests showed to activation, even when subjected to a very high density of vapor.