5 PIPING
NOTICE
Risk of piping-system corrosion and freezing fluids. Can cause leaks resulting in equipment and expensive
building damage. Cooling coils and piping systems are at high risk of freezing and premature corrosion. Fluids
in these systems must contain an inhibitor to prevent premature corrosion.
The system coolant fluid must be analyzed by a competent fluid-treatment specialist before start up to
establish the inhibitor level and evaluated at regularly scheduled intervals throughout the life of the system to
determine the pattern of inhibitor depletion. The fluid complexity and variations of required treatment
programs make it extremely important to obtain the advice of a competent and experienced fluid-treatment
specialist and follow a regularly scheduled coolant-fluid system-maintenance program.
Fluid chemistry varies greatly as do the required additives, called inhibitors, that reduce the corrosive effect of
the fluids on the piping systems and components.
The chemistry of the coolant fluid used must be considered, because some sources may contain corrosive
elements that reduce the effectiveness of the inhibited formulation. Sediment deposits prevent the formation of
a protective oxide layer on the inside of the coolant system components and piping. The coolant fluid must be
treated and circulating through the system continuously to prevent the buildup of deposits and/or growth of
bacteria. Proper inhibitor maintenance must be performed to prevent corrosion of the system.
Consult fluid manufacturer for testing and maintenance of inhibitors.
Commercial-grade coolant fluid is generally less corrosive to the common metals of construction than water
itself. It will, however, assume the corrosivity of the coolant fluid from which it is prepared and may become
increasingly corrosive with use if not properly inhibited.
Vertiv recommends installing a monitored fluid-detection system that is wired to activate the automatic-
closure of field-installed coolant-fluid supply and return shut-off valves to reduce the amount of coolant-fluid
leakage and consequential equipment and building damage. The shut-off valves must be sized to close-off
against the maximum coolant-fluid system pressure in case of a catastrophic fluid leak.
NOTICE
Risk of a catastrophic water circuit rupture. Can cause expensive building and equipment damage.
Install shutoff valves in the supply and return water lines that automatically close if water is detected by the
leak detection system. The shutoff valves should be spring return and must be rated for a close-off pressure
that is the same as or higher than the supply water pressure. monitored leak detection system should be
installed in the base of the unit or under the unit to actuate the shutoff valves immediately on a leak detection
signal.
NOTICE
Risk of no-flow condition. Can cause equipment damage.
Do not leave the water/coolant fluid-supply circuit in a no-flow condition. Idle fluid allows the collection of
sediment that prevents the formation of a protective oxide layer on the inside of tubes. Keep unit switched On
and water/coolant fluid-supply circuit system operating continuously.
5 Piping
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