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One Size Doesn't Fit All.

Understanding your challenges. Speaking your language.

Making mission-critical decisions is difficult enough without adding unnecessary information or variables into the equation.  As a multi-disciplined engineering team and experts in corrosion management options, we understand that focused data gathering is paramount to making informed, cost-effective decisions.

96 %
Sprinklers are 96% effective when they operate.
50 %
of the time the water did not reach the fire due to corrosion issues in the fire sprinkler systems.
20 %
Typically less than 20% of system piping shows significant signs of corrosion, because corrosion is highly localized.
75 %
ECS Corrosion Assessment combined with targeted pipe replacement saves on average 75% compared to total fire sprinkler system replacement.
20 x
Per FM Global data sheet 2-1 (rev. July 2022), “FM Global testing has shown that carbon steel using air corrodes 20 times faster than when using nitrogen”.

Save It. Don’t Replace It.

Recognizing the value of your property, we invest effort in comprehending your requirements, objectives, and apprehensions. Subsequently, we collaborate with you to craft tailored solutions that cater to your fire sprinkler system's requirements, as well as your business and safety prerequisites. This approach empowers you to detect corrosion concerns proactively, preventing potential leaks, and enables the implementation of strategies to prolong the effective lifespan of your piping. With decades of experience, we have consistently saved our clients substantial sums in pipe replacement expenses and maintained business continuity.

Frequent Leaks

Corrosion in sprinkler systems tends to be highly localized, with usually less than 20% of the piping exhibiting notable corrosion. Low points with stagnant water (main lines) in dry pipe and preaction sprinkler systems, and high points with trapped air (branch lines) in wet pipe sprinkler systems, are common occurrences.

Ice Plugs/Freeze Damage

Ice plugs in fire sprinkler systems occur when water within the pipes freezes, obstructing the flow of water. This can happen if the ambient temperature drops below freezing, causing the water in the pipes to solidify or causing the water vapor in the supervisory air to immediately condense and freeze. These ice plugs prevent water from reaching the sprinkler heads, compromising the system's ability to effectively control or extinguish fires. Ice plugs pose a significant risk as they can impede the system's functionality when it's most needed, potentially resulting in property damage or loss of life in the event of a fire.

Galvanized Steel

Galvanized steel piping is vulnerable to concentrated oxygen corrosion in the consistently damp, oxygen-rich environments typical of fire sprinkler piping. Research conducted by ECS indicates that galvanized steel piping experiences corrosion-related leaks at a rate 3 to 4 times faster than black steel piping under the same operational conditions. Failures have been observed in schedule 10 galvanized steel piping within a year.

Pipe Obstructions

Fire sprinkler pipe obstructions refer to any objects or substances that impede the flow of water within the fire sprinkler system pipes. These obstructions can include debris, corrosion, mineral buildup, or mechanical failures. When the pipes are obstructed, water may not be able to flow freely to the sprinkler heads, compromising the system's effectiveness in controlling or extinguishing fires.

Dated Systems

A dated fire sprinkler system refers to a system that is no longer considered up-to-date or compliant with current safety standards, regulations, or technological advancements. These systems may lack modern features such as enhanced efficiency, reliability, or integration with advanced fire detection and suppression technologies. Dated fire sprinkler systems are likely to also suffer from issues such as corrosion, deterioration, or obsolescence, making them less effective in protecting against fire hazards compared to newer systems. Regular maintenance, upgrades, or replacement may be necessary to ensure that fire protection systems remain effective and compliant with relevant standards and regulations.

Case Study: Big Box Stores - Corrosion Risk Assessment.

Our objective with the corrosion risk assessment program is to eradicate the possibility of leaks while reducing the need for pipe replacement to a minimum. In this case study, we conducted an assessment and achieved a 75% reduction in pipe replacement costs for the client, with an average of only 22% of the pipe in each system requiring replacement.

Discover more about the advantages and financial savings associated with the ECS Corrosion Risk Assessment Program.

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To furnish our customers with accurate information, we offer three avenues: Engineers, Contractors, and Property Owners/Managers.

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Property Owners and Managers

While it may appear abstract, corrosion in fire sprinkler systems can significantly affect your financial outcomes through business interruption and property loss. The most substantial threat to your sprinkler system's longevity is corrosion within its pipes. Over time, as the piping deteriorates, conventional inspection methods may not provide a comprehensive assessment, limiting your ability to effectively manage one of your building's most significant assets.

Solutions for Owners and Managers
Building contractor talking on a mobile phone.
Contractors

In 2021, the global fire sprinkler industry surged to $12.49 billion, driven by escalating construction demands. As a contractor within this sector, you possess significant potential to expand your business without incurring additional operational expenses or seeking new accounts. Nevertheless, given the competitive landscape inherent in any high-demand field, you're undoubtedly confronted with formidable competition. To surpass competitors, it's crucial to comprehend your available avenues and present inventive problem-solving resolutions to your clientele.

Solutions for Contractors
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Engineers

ECS engineers are specialists in nitrogen generation systems and provide personalized support to our clients. When you engage with ECS, you're not merely collaborating with someone knowledgeable about nitrogen inerting —you're partnering with pioneers who developed it. Whether addressing challenges in older systems or strategizing preventive measures for new installations, we apply extensive experience and specialized expertise to tackle every issue with precision.

Solutions for Engineers

NEED SOME HELP? Our experienced team of experts can answer any questions you have about corrosion, our products and services, or pricing.