CPVC in Fire Sprinkler Systems

Lubrizol Advanced Materials Inc. is a leading world manufacturer of postchlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and has specifically designed compounds for use in fire sprinkler systems. CPVC pipes and fittings provide unique advantages in sprinkler installations, including superior hydraulics, ease of joining and ease of assembly. Such systems were first installed in the United States but also have increasing success in Europe, mainly in Great Britain and Scandinavia. Following the most recent European led developments to address the need to develop sustainable building solutions, several independent studies by European government agencies and insurers have shown that the installation of fire sprinkler systems is an important contributing factor in sustainability. They considerably reduce fire, smoke and water damage and eliminate the need for fire damaged buildings to be torn down and rebuilt. CPVC fire sprinkler piping further contributes to a positive environmental impact because its production requires less energy than steel pipe and due to its corrosion resistance, has an increased service life time compared to any metal pipe. After a short general overview on what CPVC is and what the main technical differences are between fire sprinklers systems made from CPVC and steel, this paper will discuss the additional positive impact on increased sustainability of fire sprinkler systems through the use of CPVC piping systems. Another aspect of the presentation will point out how sprinkler legislation compares between the various countries in Europe and again, how that compares to the difference in importance that these countries attribute to sustainability in construction and sprinkler legislation. Sinikka Freidhof has been working for Lubrizol in Belgium since 1999 and in 2004 took over responsibility for the marketing and market development of CPVC fire sprinkler systems within EMEAI. Besides being member of council of the European Fire Sprinkler Network and helping to lobby the advancement of sprinkler legislation, she is promoting CPVC technology for sprinkler systems through seminars at specifying engineering companies, architects and local authorities.