Supply Chain Management in Fire Protection
Sprinklermatic has created a unique Supply Chain Management system that utilizes a Single Source for all our material. Our Supplier manufactures the CPVC pipe, fittings and glue. They distribute through their own supply houses. They fabricate and deliver both steel and CPVC.
Sprinklermatic emphasizes training trough our annual Best Practice training day. All of our team members receive proprietary CPVC training and certification. We are the only Fire Sprinkler contractor to have CPVC glue ASME Bonder qualification.
Supply Chain Management involves the handling and oversight of material, from the time it is manufactured to time of install. Here at Sprinklermatic we take pride in the SCM process we have implemented. Sprinklermatic works directly with our Trade Partners, a global leader in fire protection and life safety systems, to bring the highest quality product to every project in the most efficient manner possible.
Compatibility With CPVC Piping
Through the observations and investigation of field installations, and with laboratory analysis, it has been shown that the exposure of certain chemicals and chemical combinations can affect the overall performance of CPVC products. This has become a noteworthy issue in regards to the reliability of fire sprinkler systems over the past several years. Laboratories and manufacturers have addressed this issue by releasing literature identifying products that are compatible with CPVC products, as well as literature listing specific products that are not compatible with these CPVC products. For a product to be considered “compatible” with CPVC it must be identified as suitable by CPVC manufacturers, or suppliers, for use with all CPVC products and combination (or hybrid) systems and/or it must be deemed suitable for use in such systems by a third party when tested to a generally accepted protocol. There are a number of these protocols available for the purpose of evaluating suitability.
When addressing compatibility issues with CPVC, we can organize our concerns by viewing them in 3 specific areas:
- MIC – Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion (SEE VIDEO) The first area of concern is the presence of internal antimicrobial coatings for steel pipe, when used in combination with CPVC products (i.e. hybrid systems). Our trade partners Fabrication shop has been audited and is responsible to provide a Blazemaster CPVC compatible fabrication facility; using only products that are Blazemaster CPVC compatible.
- The second area involves ANCILLARY PRODUCTS used with CPVC such as cutting oils, thread sealants, and antifreeze. By eliminating multiple vendors and working directly with a single source who Manufacturers – Distributes – Fabricates Steel and CPVC – Delivers – Trains and Certifies the installers; we feel like we have gone through great lengths to prevent CPVC contamination. As a sole source provider; we have eliminated the finger pointing as to the responsible party for contamination due to ancillary products. Our trade partner has audited the manufacturing, fabrication and distribution facilities and has documented that no incompatible products are present in either facilities.
- The third area is the non-ancillary chemicals and products used by other trades and building owners. Non-ancillary products are those that are not directly associated with sprinkler system installations and include products such as lubricants, paints, and pesticides. Sprinklermatic and it’s trade partner offer a One Hour Lunch & Learn for all key subcontractors on the job, prior to construction, and discuss the general Do’s and Don’ts of CPVC use on the job. Our trade partner will provide the appropriate ongoing observations and ongoing training, as needed, for the duration of the project.
