Dyne Fire Protection Labs is excited to announce the expansion of its lab services to include dry chemical composition testing.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) MSC.1/Circ. 1432, Section 8.2.4 dated May 31, 2012 'Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances', requires biennial testing of dry chemical powder for moisture content.
In addition to testing for moisture, Dyne is now able to verify that the concentration of the active ingredients meets the manufacturer's specifications.
Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers
Dyne recently developed and validated an analytical method using ion chromatography
Dyne recently developed and validated an analytical method using ion chromatography that accurately quantifies the active ingredients – such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and ammonium phosphate – in a dry chemical sample. This testing may also be useful beyond marine applications.
For example, NFPA 10 Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2018 Edition, Section 7.8.3.4.3 Dry Chemical Agent Re-Use, states "Where doubt exists with respect to the type, contamination, or condition of the dry chemical, the dry chemical shall be discarded."
Fire protection products
The testing being offered by Dyne will give inspection contractors a testing outlet to remove doubt and potentially reuse dry chemicals that would previously have to be thrown out. Furthermore, this testing may be useful for dry chemical systems referenced in NFPA 17 to ensure the proper chemical is employed both initially and during recharge.
This analytical method was developed by Grant Lobdell, who is the Laboratory Manager at Dyne. He said, "Our number one goal is accurate test results to ensure that our customers’ fire protection products are performing as designed. This holds true for firefighting foam, antifreeze solutions, sprinklers, and now dry chemicals."