Tyco AMD-3 User manual

Model AMD-3 Automatic Nitrogen Maintenance Device
High Pressure (Cylinder) Reducing Type with
Field-Adjustable Pressure Regulator
Page 1 of 4 JULY 2010 TFP1241
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General
Description
The TYCO Model AMD-3 Automat-
ic Nitrogen Maintenance Device is an
automatic, eld-adjustable, nitrogen
maintenance device of the high pres-
sure reducing type. The Model AMD-3
Device is utilized in conjunction with a
cylinder of high pressure to control the
pressure in a dry pipe sprinkler system,
preaction system, or dry pilot line sys-
tem of a dry pilot actuated deluge or
preaction valve.
The Model AMD-3 Device features
a two-stage pressure regulator that
maintains a constant outlet pressure,
as the cylinder pressure decreases to
the set point.
Use of the Model AMD-3 Device is
typically specied in applications for
which a dependable plant or local
air supply is not available; the sys-
tem piping requires pneumatic pres-
sure having a maximum dewpoint as
shown in Figure 2; or, the presence of
potentially explosive vapors prohib-
its the installation of an automatic air
compressor.
The Model AMD-3 Device is a re-des-
ignation for the Gem Model F328.
NOTICE
The Model AMD-3 Automatic Nitrogen
Maintenance Devices described here-
in must be installed and maintained in
compliance with this document and
with the applicable standards of the
National Fire Protection Association,
in addition to the standards of any au-
thorities having jurisdiction. Failure to
do so may impair the performance of
these devices.
Owners are responsible for maintaining
their fire protection system and devic-
es in proper operating condition. The
installing contractor or sprinkler manu-
facturer should be contacted with any
questions.
Technical
Data
Approvals
UL and C-UL Listed
FM Approved
NYC Approved under MEA 206-02-E
Maximum Inlet Nitrogen Supply
Pressure
3000 psi (200 bar)
Field-Adjustable Outlet Pressure
Range
4 to 60 psi (0,4 to 4,1 bar)
Inlet Gauge Range
200 to 4000 psi (1000 to 28000 kPa)
Outlet Gauge Range
4 to 100 psi (30 to 700 kPa)
Cylinder Outlet Connection
C.G.A. No. 580
Assembly
Major components illustrated in Figure
1 are factory-assembled, galva nized
steel nipples and malleable iron pipe
ttings. Connection to the system is via
copper tubing and brass tubing ttings.
Design
Criteria
Unless otherwise specied, nitrogen
cylinders with Outlet Connection No.
580 are supplied with nitrogen having
a dewpoint equal to or less than -60° F
(-51°C) at atmospheric pressure. Figure
2 illustrates the maximum dew-point of
the supply nitrogen as a function of the
system pressure.
The approximate volume “N” of free
nitrogen (that is, at atmospheric pres-
sure) in cubic feet, required to ll a sys-
tem having a capacity of “V” in U.S.
gallons, to a pressure “P” in pounds
per square inch gauge, can be deter-
mined using the formula:
N=0.009VP
A typical cylinder volume is 242 cubic
feet of free nitrogen, but the actual g-
ure varies depending on the supplier.
The approximate time “T” in minutes to
ll a system having a capacity of “V”
in U.S. gallons, as a function of system
pressure, can be determined using the
formula:
T=CV
where “C” is a constant determined
from the following table:
System Pressure
PSI “C”
20 0.0400
30 0.0424
40 0.0440
50 0.0451
60 0.0457

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Page 2 of 4
Operation
The By-Pass Valve in the Model AMD-3
Automatic Nitrogen Maintenance De-
vice is opened to quickly ll the system
during initial pressurization. After the
required system pressure is reached,
the By-Pass Valve is closed and the
Cylinder Control Valve is left open to
place the Model AMD-3 Device in au-
tomatic operation.
Given a small leak in the system, the
Pressure Regulator will automatically
maintain system pressure at the pre-
set level. The 3/32 inch (2,4 mm) orice
in the Restrictor Check Valve limits the
ow of nitrogen from the Pressure Reg-
ulator into the system to a value signi-
cantly less than that exhausted by the
operation of a 5.6 K-factor sprinkler.
Installation
The TYCO Model AMD-3 Automatic Ni-
trogen Maintenance Device must be in-
stalled in accordance with the following
instructions.
1. Assemble the Model AMD-3 Device
components as shown in Figure 1.
Apply pipe-thread sealant sparingly
to male pipe threads only.
2. Make connections a minimum of 1/2
(DN15) pipe size between the Model
AMD-3 Device and the system.
3. Place a 1/2 inch (DN15), non-spring
loaded, rubber-faced, swing-type
check valve (such as P/N 46-049-
1-004) between the Model AMD-3
Device and the system to pressur-
ize. A check valve of this type is typ-
ically provided in the air supply trim
of TYCO dry pipe valves, preaction
valves, and dry pilot trim.
4. Install a minimum 1/4 inch size pres-
sure relief valve (such as P/N 92-343-
1020) between the Model AMD-3
Device and the system piping. A re-
lief valve of this type is typically pro-
vided in the air supply trim of TYCO
dry pipe valves, preaction valves, and
dry pilot trim.
5. Following the steps outlined in the
caution below, install the nitrogen
cylinder.
CAUTION
a. The following instructions re-
garding the nitrogen cylin-
der must be strictly followed.
Failure to do so may result in
personal injury or property
damage.
b. Secure the cylinder to a wall or
post, ensuring it will not tip or
fall if accidently bumped.
INLET (HIGH
PRESSURE)
GAUGE
C.G.A.
CONNECTION
NO. 580
CONTROL
VALVE
(NORMALLY
CYLINDER
OPEN)
RESTRICTOR
CHECK VALVE
P/N 92-326-1-003
OUTLET (LOW
PRESSURE)
GAUGE
CYLINDER OF
3000 PSI MAX.
NITROGEN
BY-PASS
VALVE
(NORMALLY
CLOSED) 1/4" TUBE,
5 FEET LONG
1/4" MALE NPT
x 1/4" TUBE
CONNECTOR
1/2" NPT OUTLET
CONNECTION
(TO SYSTEM)
TWO-STAGE
PRESSURE
REGULATOR
(ADJUSTABLE)
P/N 92-290-1-001
P/N 46-047-1-002
9-1/2"
(241,4 mm)
12-1/2"
(317,5 mm)
6-1/4"
(158,8 mm)
FIGURE 1
MODEL AMD-3
AUTOMATIC NITROGEN MAINTENANCE DEVICE
c. Inspect the Cylinder Control
Valve outlet for dirt, dust, dam-
aged threads, oil, or grease. Re-
move dirt and dust with a clean
cloth. If damaged threads, oil,
or grease are present, replace
the cylinder.
d. Inspect the Pressure Regula-
tor inlet for dirt, dust, damaged
threads, oil, or grease. Re-
move dirt and dust with a clean
cloth. If damaged threads, oil,
or grease are present, have the
Pressure Regulator serviced by
an authorized agent of the Vic-
tor Equipment Company.
e. With the cylinder securely in
place and while standing to
the side or rear of the Cylin-
der Control Valve, momentarily
crack open the Cylinder Control
Valve. This procedure is intend-
ed to blow out any foreign mat-
ter that may be inside the valve
outlet.
f. Attach the Model AMD-3 Device
to the Cylinder Control Valve
and securely wrench-tighten.

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Page 3 of 4
FIGURE 2
MAXIMUM DEWPOINT OF SUPPLY NITROGEN AS A
FUNCTION OF SYSTEM PRESSURE*
Operating
Procedure
Place the TYCO Model AMD-3 Auto-
matic Nitrogen Maintenance Device in
operation in accordance with the fol-
lowing procedure.
1. Determine the pressure that meets
the minimum requirements of the
system to pressurize.
2. Close the control valve in the air
supply trim to the system.
3. Turn the Two-Stage Pressure Reg-
ulator adjusting handle counter-
clockwise until the adjusting spring
pressure is fully released.
4. Standing to the side of the nitrogen
cylinder opposite from the Pressure
Regulator, slowly crack open the
Cylinder Control Valve until the cyl-
inder pressure is indicated on the
High Pressure Gauge and then fully
open the Cylinder Control Valve to
seal its packing.
5. Slowly turn the Two-Stage Pres-
sure Regulator handle clockwise
until the Outlet Pressure Gauge in-
dicates the required pressure es-
tablished in Step 1.
6. Open the By-Pass Valve in the
Model AMD-3 Device.
7. Open the control valve in the air
supply trim to the system.
8. After the system pressure sta-
bilizes, note the value on the
system pressure gauge and
compare it with the require-
ment. Adjust the Pressure
Regulator, as required (counter-
clockwise to decrease and clock-
wise to increase). One-half turn
of the stem changes the outlet
pressure by approximately 8 psi.
9. If the system pressure must be
de creased, rst re-adjust the
Pressure Regulator, then momen-
tarily open a connection to the
system to reduce the pressure to
below the required value. Allow the
system pressure to automatically
stabilize.
10. Close the By-Pass Valve in the
Model AMD-3 Device.
NOTICE
Following a sprinkler operation, in
order to prevent a delay in the re-
lease of the automatic control
valve, the By-Pass Valve must be
closed when the fire protection sys-
tem is in service.
11. Check all supply pressure connec-
tions for leaks.
Care and
Maintenance
The TYCO Model AMD-3 Automatic
Nitrogen Maintenance Device must be
maintained and serviced in accordance
with the following instructions, in addi-
tion to any specic requirements of the
NFPA. Any impairment must be imme-
diately corrected.
NOTICE
Before closing a fire protection system
main control valve for maintenance
work on the fire protection system that
it controls, obtain permission to shut
down the affected fire protection sys-
tem from the proper authorities and no-
tify all personnel who may be affected
by this action.
It is recommended that a spare supply
of nitrogen be kept on hand.
Make no attempt to field-repair or
replace any component of the Pressure
Regulator.
Inspections should be made more
frequently, after the system is initially
placed in service, to develop a guide-
line as to the required schedule for
nitrogen cylinder replacement. Graph-
ing the Inlet Gauge pressure noted
during each inspection will assist in
this evaluation.
After placing a re protection system
in service, notify the proper authorities
and advise those responsible for moni-
toring proprietary and/or central station
alarms.
6050403020100
-60
-50
-40
-30
SYSTEM PRESSURE, PSIG
*BASED ON A DEWPOINT OF -60°F AT ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE.
NITROGEN, °F
DEWPOINT OF SUPPLY
Responsibility lies with sprinkler own-
ers for the inspection, testing, and
maintenance of their re protection
system and devices in compliance with
this document, as well as with the ap-
plicable standards of the National Fire
Protection Association (for example,
NFPA 25), in addition to the standards
of any authorities having jurisdiction.
Contact the installing contractor or
sprinkler manufacturer regarding any
questions.
Automatic sprinkler systems should be
inspected, tested, and maintained by a
qualied Inspection Service in accor-
dance with local requirements and/or
national code.
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
The Model AMD-3 Automatic Nitrogen
Maintenance Device must be inspect-
ed quarterly in accordance with the
following instructions.
1. Verify that the control valve in the air
supply trim to the system is open.
2. Verify that the nitrogen Cylinder Con-
trol Valve is open.
3. Verify that the By-Pass Valve is
closed.
NOTICE
Following a sprinkler operation, in
order to prevent a delay in the re-
lease of the automatic control
valve, the By-Pass Valve must be
closed when the fire protection sys-
tem is in service.
4. Verify that the system pressure
gauge indicates the same value as
the previously established require-
ment. If not, re-adjust per Step 8 of
the Operating Procedure section.

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Page 4 of 4
Copyright © 2005-2010 Tyco Fire Suppression & Building Products. All rights reserved.
5. Verify that the Inlet Pressure Gauge
of the Pressure Regulator indicates
sufcient nitrogen cylinder pressure.
It is recommended that the nitrogen
cylinder be replaced whenever its
pressure falls to 200 psi or below.
NITROGEN CYLINDER REPLACE-
MENT PROCEDURE
Replace the nitrogen cylinder in accor-
dance with the following instructions.
1. Close the control valve in the air sup-
ply trim to the system.
2. Close the Cylinder Control Valve.
3. Remove the Model AMD-3 Device
from the Cylinder Control Valve by
slowly unscrewing the inlet connec-
tion to the Pressure Regulator.
4. Following the steps outlined in the
caution below, replace the nitrogen
cylinder.
CAUTION
The following instructions with re-
gard to the nitrogen cylinder must
be strictly followed. Failure to do
so may result in personal injury or
property damage.
a. Secure the cylinder to a wall or
post, ensuring that it will not tip
or fall if accidently bumped.
b. Inspect the Cylinder Control
Valve outlet for dirt, dust, dam-
aged threads, oil, or grease. Re-
move dirt and dust with a clean
cloth. If damaged threads, oil,
or grease are present, replace
the cylinder.
c. Inspect the Pressure Regula-
tor inlet for dirt, dust, damaged
threads, oil, or grease. Re-
move dirt and dust with a clean
cloth. If damaged threads, oil,
or grease are present, have the
pressure regulator serviced by
an authorized agent of the Vic-
tor Equipment Company.
d. With the cylinder securely in
place and while standing to
the side or rear of the Cylin-
der Control Valve, momentarily
crack open the Cylinder Control
Valve. This procedure is intend-
ed to blow out any foreign mat-
ter that may be inside the valve
outlet.
e. Attach the Model AMD-3 Device
to the Cylinder Control Valve
and securely wrench-tighten.
5. Open the Cylinder Control Valve in
accordance with Step 4 in the Op-
erating Procedure section.
6. Open the control valve in the air sup-
ply trim to the system.
7. Check the Pressure Regulator con-
nection for leaks.
Limited
Warranty
Products manufactured by Tyco Fire
Suppression & Building Products
(TFSBP) are warranted solely to the
original Buyer for ten (10) years against
defects in material and workmanship
when paid for and properly installed
and maintained under normal use and
service. This warranty will expire ten
(10) years from date of shipment by
TFSBP. No warranty is given for prod-
ucts or components manufactured by
companies not afliated by owner-
ship with TFSBP or for products and
components which have been subject
to misuse, improper installation, corro-
sion, or which have not been installed,
maintained, modied or repaired in
accordance with applicable Standards
of the National Fire Protection Asso-
ciation, and/or the standards of any
authorities having jurisdiction. Mate-
rials found by TFSBP to be defective
shall be either repaired or replaced, at
TFSBP’s sole option. TFSBP neither
assumes, nor authorizes any person
to assume for it, any other obligation
in connection with the sale of products
or parts of products. TFSBP shall not
be responsible for sprinkler system de-
sign errors or inaccurate or incomplete
information supplied by Buyer or Buy-
er’s representatives.
In no event shall TFSBP be liable, in
contract, tort, strict liability or under
any other legal theory, for incidental,
indirect, special or consequential
damages, including but not limited to
labor charges, regardless of whether
TFSBP was informed about the pos-
sibility of such damages, and in no
event shall TFSBP’s liability exceed an
amount equal to the sales price.
The foregoing warranty is made in lieu
of any and all other warranties, express
or implied, including warranties of mer-
chantability and tness for a particular
purpose.
This limited warranty sets forth the
exclusive remedy for claims based on
failure of or defect in products, materi-
als or components, whether the claim
is made in contract, tort, strict liability
or any other legal theory.
This warranty will apply to the full
extent permitted by law. The invalidity,
in whole or part, of any portion of this
warranty will not affect the remainder.
Ordering
Procedure
Contact your local distributor for avail-
ability. When placing an order, indicate
the full product name, including de-
scription and Part Number (P/N).
Model AMD-3 Device
Specify: Model AMD-3 Automatic
Nitrogen Maintenance Device,
P/N 52-328-2-001.
Replacement Parts
Specify: (description) for use
with the Model AMD-3 Automatic
Nitrogen Maintenance Device,
P/N (from Figure 1).