if the mercury column does not respond promptly and indicate the correct reading

during the test, there probably are air pockets or obstructions in the water
connecting
pipe. Open cock D. Water should flow out forcibly. Allow water to flow through
cock D until all air is expelled and rusty water from the tank riser appears. Close
cock D. The gauge now likely will read correctly. If air separates from the water
in
the 25mm
(1in.)
pipe due to being enclosed in a buried tile conduit with steam
pipes, the air can be removed automatically by installing a 20mm
(in.)
air trap at
the high point of the piping. The air trap usually can be installed most easily in
a tee
connected by a short piece of pipe at E, with a plug in the top of the tee so that
mercury can be added in the future, if necessary, without removing the trap. If
there
are inaccessible pockets in the piping, as where located below grade or under
concrete floors, the air can be removed only through petcock D.
(5) If, in step (4), the water does not flow forcibly through cock D, there is an
obstruction that needs to be removed from the outlet of the test cock or from the
water pipe between the test cock and the tank riser.
(6) If there is water on top of the mercury column in the gauge glass, it will
provide
inaccurate readings and should be removed. First, lower the mercury into the pot as
in step (2). Close cock D and remove plug G. Open valve F very slowly, causing the
mercury to rise slowly and the water above it to drain through plug G. Close valve
F
quickly when mercury appears at plug G, but have a receptacle ready to catch any
mercury that drains out. Replace plug G. Replace any escaped mercury in the pot.
(7) After testing, leave valve F open, except under the following conditions: If it
is
necessary to prevent forcing mercury and water into the mercury catcher, the
controlling valve F can be permitted to be closed when filling the tank but should
be
left open after the tank is filled. In cases where the gauge is subjected to
continual
fluctuation of pressure, it could be necessary to keep the gauge shut off except
when
it needs to be read. Otherwise, it could be necessary to remove water frequently
from
the top of the mercury column as in step (5).
A.9.3.4 The manufacturers instructions should be consulted for guidance on
testing. In
some situations, it might not be possible to test the actual initiating device. In
such cases,
only the circuitry should be tested.
A.9.3.5 See A.9.3.4.
A.9.3.6 See A.9.3.4.
A.10.1 The effectiveness and reliability of water spray fixed systems depends on
maintenance of the integrity of hydraulic characteristics, water control valves,
deluge valves
and their fire detection/actuation systems, pipe hangers, and prevention of
obstructions to
nozzle discharge patterns.
Water spray fixed systems are most commonly used to protect processing equipment
and
structures, flammable liquid and gas vessels, piping, and equipment such as
transformers, oil
switches, and motors. They also have been shown to be effective on many combustible
solids.