Demonstration of a New Generation of a Stainless Steel Corrosion–Resistant Fire Hydrant Retrofit, “No-Dig” System Which Also Protects Against Deliberate/Accidental Contamination of Critical Water Supplies

ABSTRACT:

In the private sector (and at DOD military installations)  an opportunity exists to upgrade existing, old generation fire hydrants with a new generation system which is corrosion resistant and also helps prevent deliberate injection of chemical/biological contaminants into the drinking water system. As part of the Army/DOD Corrosion Program, ninety (95) old generation corroded (and difficult to open) fire hydrants are being upgraded at two major Army installations with a new generation of off-the-shelf corrosion-resistant and tamper-proof fire hydrant retrofit system. The innovative technology requires no expensive excavation and promises to be reliable, economical and corrosion resistant since the main component is manufactured of series 904-stainless-steel. Fire hydrant corrosion problems can interfere with protecting the Army’s vast investment in property and lives.  Unfortunately, it is very common for many hydrants to be internally and severely corroded enough not to operate during the time that it is absolutely supposed to work—during a fire. This inoperability of the fire hydrant, as a result of internal stem corrosion, occurs because the older generation cold-rolled, corrosion-prone stem becomes corroded to such an extent that the firefighter is not able to open the hydrant’s water valve. The basic design of fire hydrants has not changed over the decades. The time has come to take advantage of off-the-shelf-technology constructed of corrosion resistant stainless steel.It is noteworthy that hydrant maintenance companies indicate that 35-40 percent of hydrant maintenance and a large number of hydrant failures are due to hydrant stem corrosion. The objectives of the demonstration are [1] to improve the reliability and reduce the cost of O&M by using corrosion resistant materials and, [2] reduce the risk if deliberate contamination of water supplies .In addition to being corrosion resistant, the design makes it almost impossible for trash or other toxic contaminants to be added to the hydrant. The newer generation stem and backflow valves have a life expectancy of as much as100 years while the old generation stems have a much shorter life span. The stainless steel effectively eliminates hydrant failures and reduces corresponding operation and maintenance requirements.  A final report (which documents the implementation of the equipment as well as performance parameters achieved, benefits realized, projected ROI, and lessons learned) is being developed for the project. Initial results from the demonstration indicate that some of the old hydrants were totally inoperable[as a result of corrosion] thus creating a false sense of security that certain building had fire hydrant protection.