Inadequate dry chemical agent can be dangerous, whether that be due to insufficient/incorrect active ingredient or moisture.  Several standards require dry chemical agent be analyzed periodically:

  • NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers 2018 Ed. 7.8.3.4.2 requires that dry chemical be thoroughly checked before it can be re-used. This includes checking for proper type and contamination.

  • NFPA 17 Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems 2017 Ed. 11.3.1 requires examination of dry chemical at least twice a year and after any system activation for a non-pressurized system.

  • Section 11.3.1.2 requires examination of dry chemical in pressurized systems to be done at least every six years.

  • IMO 1432 31/5/2012 requires that for fixed dry chemical systems, a dry chemical sample is tested for moisture content every two years.

Why test your dry chemical sample with Dyne Fire Protection Labs?

  • free dry chemical testing kit

  • free shipping within the continental (lower 48) United States

  • test reports in 5-business days guaranteed

  • clear, concise reports

  • online access to results and forms

  • immediate communication with our chemists or support staff

 

The 2018 edition of ISO 7202 Fire protection – Fire extinguishing media – powder, section 10, states that the moisture content of a dry chemical agent should be <0.25%. A sample with high moisture content is subject to clumping which can affect equipment performance.

According to the 2018 edition of ISO 7202 Fire protection – Fire extinguishing media – powder, section 5.4, a dry chemical agent must be within ±1% (for components designed to be between 10-15%), ±1.5% (for components designed to be between 15-25%), ±2% (for components designed to be between 25-65%), or ±3% (for components designed to be above 65%) of the manufacturer declared concentration.  Insufficient or incorrect active ingredient can lead to poor performance.

  • The following standards are related to Dyne’s dry chemical testing service:

    • NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguishers 2018 Ed. 7.8.3.4.2
    • NFPA 17 Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems 2017 Ed. 11.3.1
    • IMO 1432 31/5/2012
    • ISO 7202 Fire protection – Fire extinguishing media – powder 2018 Ed. Sections 5.4 and 10