The ECS In-Line Corrosion Detector is designed to provide an early warning indication of internal corrosion activity in water-based fire protection systems. A cross-section of the device shows the two key attributes that allow for early detection of corrosion: an externally milled section of the pipe that creates a “thin wall” section and a pressure chamber created by an external sleeve welded over the pipe.

The device is designed to be installed where corrosion is most likely to occur: the air/water interface. In wet pipe fire sprinkler systems this area is generally found on high branch lines where trapped air is present. In dry pipe fire sprinkler systems this area is generally found on low mains where trapped water is present. The thin wall section of the device will fail before other system piping to provide an early warning indication. The pressure switch will detect the pressure change caused by the failure in the thin wall section. The ECS In-Line Corrosion Detector is equipped with a pressure switch to monitor the pressure chamber.

The ECS In-Line Detector can be remotely monitored through a building monitoring system, or locally through the ECS Detector Remote Test Station. The ECS Detector Remote Test Station can be located adjacent to the In-Line Detector in an accessible location and includes a self-contained power supply eliminating the costly wiring of the unit for monitoring or power.

The ECS In-Line Corrosion Detector easily installs in-line as an integral spool piece within the fire sprinkler system piping to monitor real time corrosion activity. By placing the ECS In-Line Corrosion Detector within the system piping all of the environmental factors that directly affect the corrosion rate within the fire sprinkler system can be monitored. This approach is much more accurate and representative than other methods which utilize corrosion coupons installed on the fire sprinkler system riser or other dead-end locations within the system that are not representative of worst case conditions.