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I
have always specified (used) threaded schedule 40 fire protection
systems. Why do I need to change? |
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In
today's competitive market, using specially engineered pipe products
provides you with an edge over the competition, without sacrificing
the service life of the system. Roll grooved systems using Ultra
Eddy or Eddy Flow have better flow rates than schedule 40 systems.
These pipe products are lighter, easier to work with, and in most
cases, they offer longer service life. Bull Moose Tube can roll
groove these products right off the mill. Why take chances with
the inconsistencies of threading on-site. |
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Why
should I insist on FM approved and UL listed schedule 10 and schedule
40 pipe? |
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All
pipe products are manufactured to meet one or more of ASTM standards.
ASTM, however, does not have representatives out in the field to
audit the pipe producers to ensure that all aspects of the applicable
specification are being met. FM and UL, on the other hand, have
representatives who go to the pipe mill to perform an audit. FM
approval and UL listing are two of the ways to ensure that the pipe
being used meets all requirements of the applicable ASTM specification. |
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Schedule
40 pipe, because of its heavy wall, is the best pipe. Correct? |
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Not
necessarily. While it is true that schedule 40 has the heaviest
wall of most pipe products used in the fire protection systems;
the more important fact to consider is the wall thickness after
the fabrication process. Most schedule 40 pipe is used in threaded
systems. In certain sizes, the threading process can take the
wall down to about 35% of the nominal wall. Since threads are
tapered, the first exposed thread outside a fitting will be the
weakest link in the system, causing failure due to rust.
Example:
1" schedule 40 pipe.
Nominal wall thickness: 0.133".
Wall thickness at first exposed thread: 0.044" (33% of nominal
wall). |
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What
benefit do I get by using a lightwall non-threadable pipe? |
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Non-threadable
pipe has the same wall thickness throughout the system. No material
is removed from the wall, as is the case with threaded systems.
In most cases, a roll grooved system using Ultra will have a longer
life span than a threaded schedule 40 system. In addition, roll
grooved pipe offers better hydraulics than Schedule 40.
Example:
1" Bull Moose Tube Ultra pipe.
Nominal wall thickness: 0.065"
Minimum wall thickness: 0.057"(compared to 0.044" for
schedule 40).
In
this case, Bull Moose Tube Ultra will have a longer theoretical life span
than schedule 40! |
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Besides
a longer service life, what other benefits can I expect from a roll
grooved system using a lightwall pipe? |
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Lightwall
pipe, because of its larger inside diameter, offers better hydraulics.
In most cases, one can use, say, 2 ½" Bull Moose Tube Eddy Flow
instead of 3" schedule 40. Freight saving is another tangible
benefit. A truck load of lightwall pipe will have more feet compared
to a truck load of schedule 40 pipe.
Example:
Assuming
T/L equals 44,000 lbs.
1"
schedule 40: wt/ft 1.679 lbs.
Total feet per T/L: 44,000/1.679=26206
1"
Bull Moose Tube Ultra: wt/ft 0.868
Total feet per T/L: 44,000/0.868=50691
Moreover, lightwall pipe, because of its lighter weight, is easier
to work with.
In
summary, a roll grooved system can have a longer life span, will
offer better hydraulics, is easier to work with, and is cheaper
to ship.
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Where
would I go if I have technical questions regarding Sprinkler pipe
or its use? |
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Please
call our technical support department at 888.227.5430, or contact
us via email at techsupport@bullmoosetube.com. |
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