<VV> pvc/pressure

[Rt66Vairs at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/2/2005 8:33:13 A.M. Pacific Standard Time,  
Bonnzz at aol.com writes:

hey  gang,
I install acoustical (drop) ceilings in commercial bldgs in south  Florida. 
For over 10 years  many condos are adding sprinkler systems  to meet current 
fire 
codes. Many use an orange pvc  (normaly 2-2.5  inches in diameter) which they 
test with nitrogen gas under very high  pressure. I think the water pressure 
is 
around 100 lbs or more when  activated.
Mar 
Kinnan   bonnzz at aol.com



Testing piping systems (any material) with compressed air or gas is a  common 
and 
accepted practice in the trade.
 
Nitrogen is used because a lot of systems require the test gas be  inert.
 
But the service of the system you mentioned is WATER. In fact they require  
that the system
be flushed thoroughly with water after testing to assure that the gases are  
reduced to as
little as possible. Certainly no large volumes of gases anywhere.
 
Been there, done that.
 
Call your local gas company and ask them about using PVC for a gas line at  
1/2 PSI. They do use plastic lines (not PVC) Buried underground only. They 
spent  a long time in research
and developement.
 
When it ruptures it does NOT shatter like PVC.
 
Tim Abney
IECC