Scanning Services
Efficient-Affordable-Comprehensive
Services We Offer
Sonic Inspection’s patented Guided Wrap Wave Ultrasonic (GWWU) scanning technology is the preferred method for performing non-invasive pipe inspections for fire suppression systems.
- Life Cycle Asset Management
- Obstruction Investigation
- Baseline Evaluation
Each of our comprehensive and reliable services are approved by, and fully compliant with, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and are included in the NFPA code for fire sprinkler systems-NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing and maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.
Life Cycle Asset Management
Our Life Cycle Asset Management program is for building owners/managers. This service assess the current integrity of the fire sprinkler pipe. By utilizing our unique process you can maximize the life span of the fire sprinkler system though informed decision making.
-Reduce liability / surprise failures
-Minimize Remediation Cost
-Maximize OPEX and CAPEX budge
Five-Year Assessment
Our comprehensive Five-Year inspection procedure assesses the integrity of the Fire Suppression System by examining key system components.
We collect a total of 66 test points throughout the system. Each location is tested for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, standing water, and or, air pockets (depending system).
-Efficient
-No Shutdowns
-Reduce exposure (e.g Smells, water damage, etc.)
Obstruction Investigation
An Obstruction Investigation of the Fire Suppression System must be completed if a system fails a 5 Year Assessment. This investigation requires a complete fire suppression system evaluation identifying deficiencies within the risers, cross mains, and branch lines.
-Identify compromised areas
-Empowering asset management
- Confirms system integrity
Baseline Evaluation
Our Baseline Evaluation assesses the current condition and integrity of the Fire Suppression System by conducting an examination of the system risers, cross mains, and branch lines. A baseline is determined for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, and standing water that will serve as a comparative for future assessments.
-Commissioning
-Confirm wall thickness for designation analysis
Types of Systems Serviced
Sonic Inspection specializes in performing non-invasive pipe inspections for fire sprinkler systems that utilize steel or galvanized pipe. These systems are typically:
- Wet fire sprinkler systems
- Dry fire sprinkler systems
- Pre-Action fire sprinkler systems
- Deluge fire sprinkler systems
Other systems that may utilize steel or galvanized pipe include:
- CO2 fire suppression systems
- Wet chemical fire suppression systems
- Dry chemical fire suppression systems
- Clean agent fire suppression systems
- Deluge fire suppression systems
- Pre-action fire suppression systems
Full Wet System
Full (wet) Fire Sprinkler systems are one of the most common types of Fire Suppression systems. They are widely relied upon to protect commercial and residential structures including; manufacturing facilities, production facilities high rise residential structures, office buildings, warehouses, as well as shipping and distribution centers.
Wet fire sprinkler pipe systems remain filled with water at all times, ready to be activated in the event of a fire. Continuous exposure to moisture within the pipes can lead to a number of potential problems such as corrosion, wall thinning, and obstructions resulting from mineral deposits and buildups.
CORROSION
When moisture is present within a metallic system, a thin layer of oxidation typically begins to form evenly throughout the pipe wall surface. This type of General Corrosion is common and typically not considered to be a significant concern in fire sprinkler systems because the rate of decay for this type of corrosion is typically slow and it does not unevenly change the interior surface roughness of a pipe. Other types of corrosion, however, can be much more damaging to Fire Suppression Systems including Oxygen Corrosion and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC).
OXYGEN CORROSION
Air that becomes trapped in the system can also lead to corrosion referred to as Oxygen Corrosion. This type of corrosion can occur when air and water interact within the fire suppression system. Air can become trapped within a fire suppression system when there is inadequate venting points within the system or when oxygen becomes dissolved in the water and collects to form air pockets within the pipe interior. Trapped air can remain in one place over long periods of time resulting in higher oxygen corrosion buildup in that area. The trapped air can also move throughout the system causing oxygen corrosion to spread to high points or regions most likely to allow air to collect or accumulate within the system.
MIC
MICROBIOLOGICALLY INFLUENCED CORROSION
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is the result of specific bacteria. "A multitude of bacteria are always omnipresent in all ecosystems, including the interior of sprinkler systems. Only a relatively small number of bacteria have the potential to cause the rapid system destruction currently linked to MIC." (NFPA)
MIC abnormally accelerates the comparatively slow general corrosion rate and the corrosion caused by MIC is not evenly dispersed which causes uneven damage within the pipes. As explained by the NFPA, “all metallic systems normally begin to corrode to various degrees from the instant moisture comes into contact with the metal. Typically, this appears as general corrosion. By definition, in comparison, the MIC process is both concentrated and accelerated. The result changes a relatively smooth pipe to one with pits and valleys."
EARLY DETECTION
Early detection of Oxygen Corrosion and Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) is critical to ensuring your fire suppression system remains in optimum operating condition. Detecting corrosion issues early will help mitigate the spread and damage of the corrosion and minimize the resulting cost of repair that can occur if left undetected.
Sonic Inspection’s patented Guided Wrap Wave Ultrasonic (GWWU) scanning technology allows us to accurately pinpoint the location of air pockets trapped within the Fire Suppression system while performing inspections compliant with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements without opening, shutting down or otherwise disrupting the operation of the Fire Suppression System.
Corrosion free Pipe With Energy signals at 100%
Corroded Pipe With Energy
signals less than 10%
MIC-Microbiologically
Influenced Corrosion
Full Dry System
Full Dry or Pre-Action Fire Suppression systems do not contain water and are specifically designed for environments and structures that are susceptible to freezing. These types of systems use a dry-pipe valve which is held closed against water flow by pressurized air or nitrogen in the sprinkler piping that is maintained by an air compressor. The compressed air holds a remote valve, known as a dry pipe valve, in a closed position to prevent water from entering the pipe. When one or more sprinklers are activated by heat, the compressed air in the pipe is released, decreasing pressure in the system which opens the dry pipe valve and allows water to flow through the system to the sprinklers.
CORROSION
A dry pipe system is a sealed system which often leads to the misconception that it is less susceptible to corrosion because there is no water in the system. However, air is periodically introduced into the system from the air compressor to maintain internal pressure. The compressed air contains both oxygen and moisture which together can cause Oxidation within the system.
OXIDATION
Oxygen Corrosion and Oxidation are two different terms that express the same idea. Oxidation or Rusting is Oxygen Corrosion that occurs in a dry pipe fire sprinkler system when the air within the system contains oxygen and moisture. Oxidation that occurs within a dry pipe system can spread faster and do more damage than oxygen corrosion in a wet-pipe system if left undetected. Almost every dry pipe fire sprinkler system has water trapped somewhere in the system due to a variety of possible reasons including residual water formed from condensed water vapor, water from the required system commissioning process, or water from the intentional or accidental tripping of the system valves.
Water remaining in the system can pool or collect within the system in areas of the system where there are inner lips or ridges that occur at fittings, improper drainage, obstructions or dams that are caused by obstructions or corrosion build-up. This collected water can result in sludge, nodules, pitting or thinning of the pipe walls if left undetected.
MIC
Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion can also occur in dry pipe fire sprinkler systems although it is less common for MIC bacteria to be found in dry pipes due to the lack of water in the system. However, the bacteria can be introduced into the system in the same ways that moisture is introduced. If water containing the bacteria responsible for MIC is introduced and left undetected in dry pipe systems, corrosion can develop and spread very rapidly through the system. Over time the corrosion build-up and nodules from MIC can create obstructions that restrict water flow resulting in a failing fire suppression system. The corrosion build-up and nodules can also lead to pitting in the pipe wall interior beneath the nodules that can develop into pinhole leaks through the pipe wall.
EARLY DETECTION
As with wet systems, Early detection of Oxygen Corrosion/Oxidation and MIC is critical to ensuring your fire suppression system remains in optimum operating condition. Detecting corrosion issues early will not only help mitigate the spread and damage of the corrosion, but will also help maximize the service life of the entire fire suppression system.
Full (dry) Fire Sprinkler Pipe scans are conducted by examining the fire suppression system risers, cross mains, and branch lines. These are examined for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, and standing water.
Deluge System
In a Deluge fire sprinkler system the sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that is opened by the operation of a smoke or heat detection system. Deluge systems are similar to dry pipe systems in that there is no water in the system until system activation. The main difference between a Deluge system, (unpressurized) and a Dry Pipe system (pressurized) is air pressure within the pipe system. Deluge systems are susceptible to the same types of corrosion as Dry Pipe systems with Oxidation and MIC being the two main corrosion concerns.
CORROSION
A deluge system is an open system at atmospheric pressure which makes it susceptible to corrosion because the moisture in the air in within the system is dependent on the moisture in the environment outside the system. Atmospheric air contains both oxygen and moisture which together can cause Oxidation within the system.
OXIDATION
Oxidation or Rusting is Oxygen Corrosion that occurs in a deluge fire sprinkler system when the air within the system contains oxygen and moisture. As with a dry pipe system, Oxidation that occurs within a deluge system can spread faster and do more damage than oxygen corrosion in a wet-pipe system if left undetected. Most deluge fire sprinkler systems have water trapped somewhere in the system due to residual water formed from condensed water vapor, water from the required system commissioning process, or water from the intentional or accidental tripping of the system valves. Water remaining in the system can pool or collect within the system in areas of the system where there are inner lips or ridges that occur at fittings, improper drainage, obstructions or dams that are caused by obstructions or corrosion build-up. This collected water can result in sludge, nodules, pitting or thinning of the pipe walls if left undetected.
MIC
Although less common in water-free open systems, Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (MIC) can also occur in deluge fire sprinkler systems. MIC bacteria can be introduced into the system in the same ways that moisture is introduced. If water containing the bacteria responsible for MIC is introduced and left undetected in dry pipe systems, corrosion can develop and spread very rapidly through the system. Over time the corrosion build-up and nodules from MIC can create obstructions that restrict water flow resulting in a failing fire suppression system. The corrosion build-up and nodules can also lead to pitting in the pipe wall interior beneath the nodules that can develop into pinhole leaks through the pipe wall.
EARLY DETECTION
Early detection of Oxygen Corrosion/Oxidation and MIC is critical to ensuring your deluge fire suppression system remains in optimum operating condition. Detecting corrosion issues early will not only help mitigate the spread and damage of the corrosion, but will also help maximize the service life of the entire fire suppression system.
How we Do it.
Guided Wrap Wave Technology
Our service is unlike any other service in the industry. Our Technology is the ONLY Guided Wrap Wave Ultrasonic (GWWU) technology approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This patented non-invasive technology gives the most accurate and objective assessment of the internal conditions of fire suppression systems.
This scalable technology allows our service team to conduct a 66 point, Five Year Internal Assessment of a fire suppression system in less than one hour with no system down time, no disruptions in business operations and without compromising or opening the system. For Obstruction Investigations, our service teams can complete a full fire suppression system investigation in less than two days without system shutdown or business interruptions.
The data collected provides a snapshot view of the current state of one of your most important capital assets, your fire suppression system. Knowing the state of your fire suppression system provides you with vital information that allows you to take a more educated and responsible approach to maintaining and upgrading your system. Take control of your infrastructure and maximize the in-service life of your fire suppression system.
Services We Offer
All services are approved by, and fully compliant with, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
All services are included in the NFPA code for fire sprinkler systems-NFPA 25 Standard.
Five Year Assessment
Our comprehensive Five Year inspection procedure assesses the integrity of the Fire Suppression System by examining key system components. We collect a total of 66 test points throughout the system. Each location is tested for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, standing water, and or, air pockets (depending on a wet or dry system).
Obstruction Investigation
An Obstruction Investigation of the Fire Suppression System must be completed if a system fails a 5 Year Assessment. This investigation requires a complete fire suppression system evaluation identifying deficiencies within the risers, cross mains, and branch lines.
Baseline Evaluation
Our Baseline Evaluation assesses the current condition and integrity of the Fire Suppression System by conducting an examination of the system risers, cross mains, and branch lines. A baseline is determined for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, and standing water that will serve as a comparative for future assessments.
Life Cycle Asset Management
Our Life Cycle Asset Management program is for building owners/managers. This service assess the current integrity of the fire sprinkler pipe. By utilizing our unique process you can maximize the life span of the fire sprinkler system though informed decision making.
-Reduce liability / surprise failures
-Minimize Remediation Cost
-Maximize OPEX and CAPEX budge
Five Year Assessment
Our comprehensive Five Year inspection procedure assesses the integrity of the Fire Suppression System by examining key system components. We collect a total of 66 test points throughout the system. Each location is tested for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, standing water, and or, air pockets (depending on a wet or dry system).
Obstruction Investigation
An Obstruction Investigation of the Fire Suppression System must be completed if a system fails a 5 Year Assessment. This investigation requires a complete fire suppression system evaluation identifying deficiencies within the risers, cross mains, and branch lines.
Baseline Evaluation
Our Baseline Evaluation assesses the current condition and integrity of the Fire Suppression System by conducting an examination of the system risers, cross mains, and branch lines. A baseline is determined for internal corrosion, wall-thinning, and standing water that will serve as a comparative for future assessments.
Types of Systems Serviced
- Wet fire sprinkler systems
- Dry fire sprinkler systems
- Pre-Action fire sprinkler systems
- Deluge fire sprinkler systems
Other systems that may utilize steel or galvanized pipe include:
- CO2 fire suppression systems
- Wet chemical fire suppression systems
- Dry chemical fire suppression systems
- Clean agent fire suppression systems
- Deluge fire suppression systems
- Pre-action fire suppression systems
How we Do it.
Guided Wrap Wave Technology
Our Technology is the ONLY Guided Wrap Wave Ultrasonic (GWWU) technology approved by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
This patented non-invasive technology gives the most accurate and objective assessment in the Fire Sprinkler industry.
- Patented Technology
- 66 Point Inspection
- NFPA Approved
- Non-Invasive
- No Disruptions
- No System Down Time
- Data Collection
Ensure Safety.
Manage assets.
Save Money.