ISSN:
1572-8099
Keywords:
zebra mussel
;
industrial fire protection water
;
industrial risk assessment
;
oxygen levels
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying
Notes:
Abstract Though zebra mussels, first discovered in the Great Lakes in 1988, have frequently been detected in fire protection systems, the potential for large-scale infestations and blockage has not been established. It is clear, however, that even small numbers of mussels can cause problems in areas with small-diameter piping or in sprinkler system spray heads or nozzles. A method developed to determine the risk of mussel infestation within fire protection systems was implemented without interfering with system operation. The complexity of fire protection systems makes it useful to determine low-risk areas where remediation is not necessary, as well as high-risk areas where infestation is likely, allowing treatment at a greatly reduced effort, cost, and impairment of these protection systems. A method was developed to sample representative oxygen levels in fire protection water systems in areas within Niagara Mohawk's Dunkirk Steam Station, while maintaining system pressure and operability. The systems were then assessed in terms of low risk (0 to 2 ppm), medium risk (2 to 4 ppm), and high risk (more than 4 ppm) based on criteria previously developed in the laboratory. Based on the findings presented in this paper, specific high-risk areas within Dunkirk Steam Station were later treated experimentally, and long-term strategies to eliminate and control mussels in the fire protection water were established. These methodologies may be useful in assessing other sites.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1015315721876
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