Fire Suppression

 SUPPRESSION

HiTech has the proven ability to develop, layout and install fire sprinkler systems, on time and on budget. We offer the unique combination of managerial and technical expertise essential to complete any new or retrofit project.

HiTech's first step in every project includes a thorough on-site evaluation of existing facilities, or a blueprint analysis for new construction. Our sales consultants and design specialists work closely with insurance companies and government agencies to develop a system that meets code and insurance requirements. We balance all design criteria with protection objectives, projected reductions in insurance costs, budget requirements and special environmental and material concerns.

After consulting with you, our project design department works to determine the best system configuration for your project. Our state-of-the-art CAD capabilities allow us to meet tight deadlines and maintain "fast track" installation schedules. Compatibility with the CAD building systems of architects and engineers allows us to utilize existing construction data to achieve an integrated, comprehensive and consistent design.

When we are part of the design team, you'll get more than just skilled professionals with a comprehensive knowledge of codes and fire protection system requirements, you'll also receive the valuable benefit of a dedicated work ethic and industry leadership. As a result of our qualifications, the process of "Concept to Final Product" moves smoothly, so the owner or tenant is in the building faster and at lower cost.

Count on us for the accurate preparation of fire sprinkler design concepts, detailed specifications, installation plans, and budgetary criteria, as well as the ability to assist with necessary feasibility planning. Additionally, we are there to make value engineering recommendations that will help create a project of the highest quality with effective, efficient use of capital.

FABRICATION
Upon design approval, HiTech's in-house shop fabricates the system from our extensive inventory. Having the right materials on hand enhances project scheduling and our volume purchases mean more manufacturing economy. We offer retrofitting services where we incorporate today's fire protection technology into existing structures.

INSTALLATION
HiTech's certified field technicians specialize in providing swift, efficient installation of your system. Each system is carefully tested so that you, your building official and your insurance company are satisfied. And if retrofitting is required, pre-assembly minimizes disruptions to your business activities.

SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
When a system requires service, we realize that quick response is important. That is why HiTech maintains a large staff of specially trained service technicians who are on-call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

INSPECTION DEPARTMENT
Each year, we perform thousands of inspections of new and existing systems to determine compliance with fire codes, insurance requirements and client needs. These inspections assure optimum system operation, response times, and proper operation of sprinkler heads and alarm systems. Importantly, confirming system integrity on a regular schedule may further reduce insurance premiums.

HiTech offers periodic fire sprinkler inspection programs, as required by the latest national codes, to our customers ensuring the ongoing reliability of their fire protection systems. A written report by the inspector points out changes that may need to be made, including helpful suggestions that may result in reduction of the client's insurance premiums. Our professional inspectors and service personnel possess up-to-date knowledge of fire codes, many insurance requirements, and the various types of fire protection systems. With our fire sprinkler inspection and service team checks you can rest assured that your systems are prepared to offer life safety for the building's occupants as well as property protection.

HiTech's Inspection Department offers a full range of services to our customers in order to provide superior customer service and satisfy all of your system maintenance needs. HiTech offers a "one stop shop" approach towards the inspection and maintenance of all aspects of your Fire Suppression Systems. Our Inspection Department offers the following testing services to our customers:

• Wet-pipe sprinkler systems
• Dry-pipe sprinkler systems
• Pre-action sprinkler systems
• Fire and Jockey pumps (electric and diesel)
• Backflow System Re-certification (DDCV & RPZ)

TESTING PROCEDURES

All inspections are performed under the guidelines of NFPA-25 the Standard for Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-based Fire Protection Systems. Our inspection procedure includes:

• Operating control valves and testing tamper switches
• Ensuring local and electronic alarm devices function properly
• Operating inspectors test valve to ensure operation of flow switch(s)
• Performing main drain test and tag each riser with static and residual pressure readings
• Inspecting sprinkler heads for rating, damage, obstructions, or corrosion
• Inspecting fire department connection for obstructions and caps
• Inspecting, testing and recording Antifreeze system readings
• Testing water flow and operation of fire pumps and jockey pumps
• Trip testing Dry-pipe, Pre-action and Deluge valves as applicable
• Inspecting gravity tanks, reservoirs and pressure tanks
• Alliance provides you with a detailed report of the operation and conditions of your...

EMERGENCY SERVICE
Our fleet of fully equipped service vehicles are committed to fast, efficient service for all of your specific needs. Our service technicians are all professional, trained with extensive experience on all types of systems. We provide 24 hour a day, seven day week, 365 day a year emergency service, in order to promptly meet any emergency.

WATER DELUGE SYSTEMS
A deluge system is where the sprinkler heads are open and the pipe is not pressurized with air. Deluge systems are connected to a water supply through a deluge valve that is opened by the operation of a smoke or heat detection system. The detection system is installed in the same area as the sprinklers. When the detection system is activated water discharges through all of the sprinkler heads in the system. Deluge systems are used in places that are considered high hazard areas such as power plants, aircraft hangars and chemical storage or processing facilities. Deluge systems are needed where high velocity suppression is necessary to prevent fire spread.

A foam deluge system is similar to a conventional water deluge system except AR-AFFF foam is mixed in the water supply from a foam bladder tank. HiTech's automatic sprinkler systems and services include the design, installation, maintenance and inspection of a full range of hardware solutions.

We're ready to equip your facilities with:

Regardless of its size, your system will be installed by HiTech sprinkler fitters who participate in a four-year, nationally recognized training program.

In addition to routine system service and inspection, HiTech provides 24/7 emergency service response that is unequaled in the industry.

Fire fighting foam is a foam used for fire suppression. Its role is to cool the fire and to coat the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, resulting in suppression of the combustion. The surfactants used need to produce foam in concentration of less than 1%.

Other components of fire retardant foams are organic solvents (eg. trimethyltrimethylene glycol and hexylene glycol), foam stabilizers (e.g. lauryl alcohol), and corrosion inhibitors.

Low-expansion foams have an expansion rate less than 20 times. Foams with expansion ratio between 20-200 are medium expansion. Low-expansion foams such as AFFF are low-viscosity, mobile, and able to quickly cover large areas.

High-expansion foams have an expansion rate over 200. They are suitable for enclosed spaces such as hangars, where quick filling is needed.

Alcohol-resistant foams contain a polymer that forms a protective layer between the burning surface and the foam, preventing foam breakdown by alcohols in the burning fuel. Alcohol resistant foams should be used in fighting fires of fuels containing oxygenates, eg. MTBE, or fires of liquids based on or containing polar solvents.