What types of samples are tested?
Depending on the investigation, you may consider submitting:
- Water samples
- Corrosion deposits
- Tuberculation
- Biofilm/slime deposits
We can evaluate:
- Wet pipe sprinkler systems
- Dry pipe sprinkler systems
- Foam-water systems
- Water storage and related fire protection infrastructure
What specific corrosion and MIC tests do you perform?
We offer a combination of laboratory analyses designed to identify corrosion mechanisms and the presence of microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) within fire protection systems. Testing includes water chemistry ion analysis – chloride, sulfate, magnesium, calcium, pH, alkalinity, and dissolved oxygen, as well as bacterial analysis for iron reducing bacteria, sulfur oxidizing bacteria, sulfate reducing bacteria, and corrosive methanogens.
How should samples be collected?
In the collection kit, there are instructions on how to collect samples. If it is a water sample, you fill a syringe and push it through a filter and put that filter into a preservation buffer. You then fill up a separate bottle with the same water. If it is a solid, you scoop up some sample of solid and put it in the preservation buffer (MIC only) – you still need to fill up the sample bottle with water.
How do I actually get the water out of the system?
If you are replacing a sprinkler head or draining the system, that is a great time to take a water sample. Consider our Dropmaster product to assist when changing sprinkler heads. If your system is under pressure, you will most likely need to drain it to get a water sample.
Where should samples be collected?
The goal is to obtain a representative sample of the system. It is best to sample near areas of concern for MIC issues. If this is not feasible, you can take a sample of the water wherever you can obtain water access. When sprinklers are being replaced, or when maintenance is being done on the system may be the best time to get a sample.
How much sample material is required?
A 500 mL bottle of water is required, along with either 60 mL of water pushed through a syringe onto a filter or 250 milligrams of solid material. Tools for both options are supplied in the collection kit with instructions.
What microorganisms are you testing for?
Our testing can evaluate microorganisms commonly associated with corrosion in fire protection systems, including:
- Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB)
- Iron-reducing bacteria (IRB)
- Sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB)
- Corrosive methanogens
- Other acid-producing microbial populations associated with biofilm formation
How do you determine if MIC is causing the corrosion?
The corrosion panel is designed to cover many variables of corrosion. The testing will show an increased level of bacterial activity which you then can reasonably assume that MIC is at minimum a part of the cause of corrosion.
MIC determinations are based on many variables, rather than the detection of bacteria alone.
How are test results delivered?
Test results are delivered via email within 5 business days or less from the receipt of the sample(s).
Who should I contact to get started?
You can contact Dyne Fire Protection Labs to discuss your testing needs.
