Viking VFT User manual

Bladder Tank Model VFT & FT
Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual
(Foam Concentrate Inside The Bladder)
March 14, 2016
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 3 of 35
THIS DOCUMENT PROVIDES IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The user is strongly recommended to read and to follow carefully the instructions contained in this manual to prevent damage to
people and objects.
This document must be kept in a safe place together with all the technical documentation relevant to the materials purchased
(certicates, test report, etc...)
All the information contained in this manual is relevant to the description and operation of the whole equipment. For more details
regarding the sub-components, please make reference to the relevant manufacturer’s documentation.
DISCLAIMER
Viking declines any responsibility due to non-observance of these instructions, improper use of the equipment or use outside its
design limitation.
The compliance, partial or full, with the prescriptions and the information contained in this manual does not relieve anyone who
is in charge to install, to operate or to maintain in full efciency the bladder tank from the responsibility due to improper actions or
inexperience.
Viking is not responsible for the damage and any other consequence caused by a lack of skill of the personnel involved with the
with
bladder tank’s operation.
It is the sole purpose of this document to provide operating personnel with a basic understanding of the equipment and of its
components. In order to maintain the bladder tank and its accessories at a high level of efciency, all operators and maintenance
crew are urged to carefully read this instruction manual and keep it readily available for future reference.
This manual does not provide instructions on the procedures for installation, operation and maintenance that are specically in
place at the installation site. In addition, this manual does not provide instructions on the procedures, installation, operation and
maintenance of the re protection system the bladder tank is part of.
The user must be informed on the local regulations and laws and get in contact with the local authorities to obtain all required
permissions and approvals for operation within the installation plant.
In case any of the instructions provided in this manual are not completely understood by anybody involved in the installation,
operation and maintenance of the bladder tank manufactured by Viking, this must be reported to Viking before making any further
actions.
NOTICE

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 4 of 35
GENERAL INDEX
SECTION 1 – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS........................................................................................................................... ................... 5
1.1 Safety and warning notices................................................................................................................................................... ........... 5
1.2 General notes for operator safety.............................................................................................................................. ................... ...5
1.3 Safety during maintenance...............................................................................................................................................................5
SECTION 2 – SCOPE OF THE MANUAL....................................................................................................................................... ..... .6
2.1 Purpose of the manual......................................................................................................................................................... ............ 6
2.2 Precautions to extend the equipment lifetime...................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Environment........................................................................................................................................................................ ............. 6
SECTION 3 – EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION.................................................................................................................................. ....... 7
3.1 Bladder tank description and principle of operation................................................................................................................. ........ 7
3.2 Bladder tank design data...................................................................................................................................................... ........ ...7
3.3 Bladder layout.................................................................................................................... ............................................................ 9
3.4 The safety thermal relief valve................................................................................................................................ ...................... .10
SECTION 4 – MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION, RECEPTION AND STORAGE................................................................................11
4.1 Checks on the bladder tank at the reception..................................................................................................................................11
4.2 Storage recommendation before installation................................................................................................ .......................... ......11
SECTION 5 – BEFORE THE INSTALLATION.................................................................................................................. .............. . ..12
5.1 Installation place requirements............................................................................................................................................. ........ .12
SECTION 6 – INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS...............................................................................................................................13
6.1 General prescriptions............................................................................................................................................... ...................... 13
6.2 System (primary) relief valve..........................................................................................................................................................14
6.3 Installation of the bladder tank................................................................................................................................ ....................... 14
SECTION 7 – BLADDER TANK FIRST FILLING................................................................................................................................15
7.1 Separation bladder............................................................................................................................................................. .......... ..15
7.2 Before the rst lling.......................................................................................................................................................................16
7.3 Bladder tank rst lling........................................................................................................................................................ .......... .17
7.4 Level indicator setup.......................................................................................................................................................................23
SECTION 8 – BLADDER TANK COMMISSIONING AND START-UP.................................................................................................24
SECTION 9 – FOAM CONCENTRATE LEVEL MEASUREMENT.......................................................................................................25
SECTION 10 – PERIODIC MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................... ............................ ..27
10.1 Periodic maintenance frequency......................................................................................................................................... .... .....27
10.2 General requirements.................................................................................................................................. .............................. 27
10.3 Maintenance Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... ......................... 28
10.4 Bladder connections - bolts tightening torque adjustment................................................................................................ ............ 29
10.5 Check of bladder integrity...................................................................................................................... ..................................... 30
10.6 Bladder replacement.............................................................................................................................................. ........... ........ ..31
10.7 Extraordinary maintenance.................................................................................................................................... ..................... .35

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 5 of 35
SECTION 1 – SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.1 Safety and Warning Notices
Throughout this publication, DANGER, WARNING and CAUTION signs may be used to alert the installer/user to special
instructions concerning a particular service or operation that may be hazardous if performed incorrectly or carelessly. OBSERVE
THEM CAREFULLY.
Safety notices are introduced by signal words which indicate the degree of danger.
These “Safety Notices” cannot eliminate by themselves the hazards that they signal. Strict compliance to these special instructions
plus “common sense” operations are major accident prevention measures.
1.2 General notes for operator safety
The bladder tanks manufactured by Viking are designed to work under pressure and to handle re ghting foam concentrates. Both
these two conditions represent a potential risk for people and property.
For the appropriate operation when the tank is under pressure, please refer to the instructions that follow in this manual. For safe
foam concentrate handling and rst aid measures, please refer to the applicable parts of the concentrate’s MSDS.
1.3 Safety during maintenance
Maintenance staff MUST carry out a risk assessment prior to performing any activity on the bladder tank. Particular care must be
paid to those actions where the lowering or removal of safety measures may be required (e.g. temporary removal of the thermal
relief valve, etc…).
The personnel in charge of the maintenance must be equipped with all the individual protection equipment to act safely and in
accordance with all the applicable laws and rules. In particular:
1. Safety clothes must be worn
2. The work tools must be according to the law and in good condition
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
NOTICE
INFORMATION
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation. If not avoided, death or serious injury will result.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation. If not avoided, death or serious injury could result.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation. If not avoided, slight or minor injuries could result.
Indicates a potentially harmful situation. If not avoided, the system or something in its surroundings
may be damaged.
This symbol emphasizes useful tips and recommendations as well as in formation for efcient
and trouble-free operation.
CAUTION
WARNING

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 6 of 35
SECTION 2 – SCOPE OF THE MANUAL
2.1 Purpose of the manual
The scope of this manual is to provide adequate information and instruction to bladder tank users, maintenance staff and any other
qualied personnel who is involved with and authorized to operate and maintain the unit. Attention is focused on the potential for the
risk of damage, injury or death that may occur due to the lack of compliance with the instructions given in this document.
This manual details lling and the initial start-up operation of the bladder tank plus recommended periodic maintenance activities
2.2 Precautions to extend the equipment lifetime
All installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance activities must be carried out by personnel who are qualied and
authorized by the system’s owner or manager. The personnel responsible for these activities must proceed only after reading and
fully understanding this manual.
As the bladder tanks manufactured by Viking have been designed, tested and approved by third party organizations including the
durability and performance of the original accessories installed - only original spare parts and consumables must be used when
replacements are required. The use of non-original spare parts may result in an unsafe or poor performance of the bladder tank
and decrease its overall lifetime usage. Use of non-original spare parts automatically expires the warranty clause of the supplied
equipment. This prescription applies, in particular, to the separation bladder between water and foam concentrate and to the foam
concentrate itself
2.3 Environment
The bladder tank user is responsible for the appropriate disposal of all parts that have to be replaced, during the routine and
special maintenance, according to local applicable laws and rules. In particular the foam concentrate contained in the tank and the
replacement seals and separation bladder.
Care must be taken when ow and mixing tests are carried out at the installation site, in such a way not to threaten the
environment. Please always refer to the foam concentrate’s MSDS indications concerning the environmental considerations prior to
the handling of foam concentrate and water-foam solution
NOTICE
NOTICE

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 7 of 35
SECTION 3 – EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
3.1 Bladder tank description and principle of operation
The Viking bladder tank stores foam concentrate inside the bladder. When used in conjunction with the Viking Ratio Controller it
proportions the foam concentrate accurately into the water stream. The outer shell of the bladder tank is pressurized by the system
water supply then during extinguishing system operation; foam concentrate is squeezed out to the ratio controller. Simultaneously,
as water ows through the venturi area of the ratio controller, a metered pressure drop also draws foam concentrate into the system
water creating a foam solution mixed to the appropriate ratios. This solution then ows through the system pipework and out of the
open sprinklers, nozzles or other discharge devices.
The pressure tank is manufactured either according to ASME Sec. VIII Div. 1 or EN13445 design codes. Please check the
equipment nameplate for the code relevant to your bladder tank.
3.2 Bladder tank design data
As a pressure vessel, the bladder tank supplied by Viking can be manufactured according to different design codes - see previous
section - as indicated in the identication nameplate placed on the tank’s shell.
Depending on the requirements of the project, the tank design can additionally be validated as compliant with the European
Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EC. This requirement shall be specied at the Ordering stage. When the Viking bladder tank is
manufactured according to the standard EN-13445 “Unred pressure vessels”, this is also compliant to the Directive 97/23/EC.
The following design data applies to standard bladder tanks of volume ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 liters:
When validated as compliant to Directive 97/23/EC, all the above bladder tanks are CE marked.
Table 3.2.1: Design data
Internal volume See nameplate (from 1,000 litres to 20,000 litres)
Design pressure Ps 12.1 barg (175 psig) or 16 barg (232 psig)
Minimum/maximum metal design temperature Ts -10 °C, +50 °C
Hydraulic test pressure ASME VIII Div.1:
ASME VIII Div.1 + PED:
EN 13445:
1.3 x Ps
1.43 x Ps
1.43 x Ps (c(*)=0,85) or
2.20 x Ps (c(*)=0,70)
Corrosion thickness 0,0 mm
Fluid / physical state Water-foam concentrate / Liquids
Fluid group (Art. 9 of 97/23/EC, if applicable) Gr. 2
Category (Annex II of 97/23/EC, if applicable) I
Evaluation form (Annex III of 97/23/EC, if applicable) A
(*) C is dened as Welding Joint Efciency coefcient as reected by the design calculation

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 8 of 35
For standard bladder tanks with volume from 25 to 775 liters, the following data table applies:
All tanks veried in compliance with Directive 97/23/EC are CE marked with the following exceptions
(Art. 3, Para. 3 of the aforementioned Directive):
• Tanks rated 12.1 bar with volumes equal or lower than 800 liters
• Tanks rated 16.0 bar with volumes equal or lower than 600 liters
The bladder tanks manufactured by Viking are designed taking into account the following:
1. maximum expected pressure at the design condition and at the hydraulic test condition
2. maximum temperature at the design condition and at the hydraulic test condition
3. static pressure of the uid (due to the bladder tank height)
4. stress due to handling (lifting lugs verication)
5. stress on the supporting legs
The design of the bladder tank supplied by Viking does not normally take in consideration, if not otherwise requested on the
Purchaser Order:
6. unstable uid decomposition (not expected with water and foam concentrate)
7. external re
8. corrosion allowance
9. stress due to the wind (the bladder tank shall be placed in a protected area unless it is calculated according to the actual
wind site conditions)
10. seismic stresses (the bladder tank shall be placed in a non-seismic area unless it is calculated according to the actual site
conditions)
11. stresses due to loads on the bladder tank’s nozzles (there are to be avoided, see below)
Table 3.2.2: Design data
Internal volume See nameplate (from 25 litres to 775 litres)
Design pressure Ps 12.1 barg (175 psig) or 16 barg (232 psig)
Minimum/maximum metal design temperature Ts -10 °C, +50 °C
Hydraulic test pressure ASME VIII Div.1:
ASME VIII Div.1 + PED:
EN 13445:
1.3 x Ps
1.43 x Ps
1.43 x Ps (c(*)=0,85) or
2.20 x Ps (c(*)=0,70)
Corrosion thickness 0,0 mm
Fluid / physical state Water-foam concentrate / Liquids
Fluid group (Art. 9 of 97/23/EC, if applicable) Gr. 2
Category (Annex II of 97/23/EC, if applicable) N/A (Art. 3, Par. 3)
Evaluation form (Annex III of 97/23/EC, if applicable) N/A (Art. 3, Par. 3)
(*) C is dened as Welding Joint Efciency coefcient as reected by the design calculation

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 9 of 35
3.3 Bladder tank layout
The layout and the position of the accessories of the bladder tank are shown in gure 3.3.1.
Filling Device
(Optional)
Filling Device
(Optional)
Table 3.3.2: Normal Operating Valve Positions
Item Description Normal Valve Operating Position
Automatic System Manual System
1 Bladder Tank N/A N/A
2 Water Vent Valve Normally Closed Normally Closed
3 Safety Thermal Relief Valve Automatic – Tamper Proof Automatic – Tamper Proof
4 Foam Concentrate Vent Valve Normally Closed Normally Closed
5Filling Vent Valve (Optional) Maintenance Only Maintenance Only
6Filling Pressure Gauge 1-10 kpa (Optional) Maintenance Only Maintenance Only
7Water Filling/Drain Valve Normally Closed Normally Closed
8Foam Concentrate Filling/Drain Valve Normally Closed Normally Closed
9Concentrate Level Indicator Drain Valve Normally Closed Normally Closed
10 Concentrate Level Indicator Normally Closed Normally Closed
11 Water Shut Off Valve Normally Open Normally Closed
12 Foam Concentrate Shut Off Valve Normally Open Normally Closed
Figure 3.3.1: bladder tank arrangement

BLADDER TANK MODEL VFT & FT
INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUAL
(
foam concentrate inside the bladder
)
TECHNICAL
MANUAL
F_032216 16.1 | TM1.3.1.1/14032016/en
The Viking Corporation, 210 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings MI 49058
Telephone: [phone] Technical Services: 877-384-5464 Fax: [phone] Email: [email protected]
VISIT THE VIKING WEBSITE FOR THE LATEST EDITION OF THIS TECHNICAL MANUAL
Page 10 of 35
3.4 The safety thermal relief valve
The standard design pressure - and maximum working pressure - of Viking bladder tanks is 175 psig (12.1 barg) unless otherwise
stated. Please always refer to the bladder tank nameplate placed on the shell to determine the design pressure. It is the
responsibility of the end user to provide a primary pressure regulating / relief valve, of suitable set-point and capacity, resulting
from a specic calculation, to protect the tank from rapid over-pressurization. Details of the entire re protection systems design
must be known, such as water pressure and ow capacity, to size this primary pressure regulating/relief valve.
Thermal expansion of foam concentrate and water inside the tank can also generate a pressure exceeding the rated capacity. This
slow but steady pressure increase could result in problems ranging from leaks at threaded or anged connections to a serious
physical damage of the bladder or pressure tank. For this reason a safety valve, called the thermal relief valve, is installed on all
Viking bladder tanks (see item no. 3 in gure 3.3.1.). This valve is not intended to protect the tank from an overpressure
generated by the re ghting network system, as the latter depends on the pump(s) owrate, total pump(s) head and on the
static (geodetic) pressure arising from the bladder tank elevation. This data is normally unknown to Viking and therefore outside
Viking’s scope of work.
The thermal relief valve’s only function is to prevent an over-pressurization which the isolated and self-standing bladder tank may
experience due to the volume change of its content. The thermal relief valve is provided with a locking seal that prevents pressure-
setting modication after the equipment has been despatched from the Viking factory. For any technical detail on the thermal relief
valves, please refer to the data sheet and certicates supplied by Viking.
To prevent or minimise the effect of thermal expansion, which may result in water discharge from the thermal relief valve, it is
recommended to:
1. Avoid lling the tank with cold concentrate. If possible, allow the concentrate to warm-up to room temperature and, in any case,
do not ll the bladder tank above its nominal volume if temperature increases are envisaged (the bladder tank has an effective
volume higher than the nominal. This allowance permits the foam concentrate expansion to be relieved by the thermal relief
valve placed on the water side).
2. Install a sun canopy to protect tanks installed outdoors.
3. Avoid tank exposure to high temperatures.
To prevent unwanted water discharge on the surface of the bladder tank, which may result, after a period, in a painting damage, the
thermal relief valve should be preferably piped to a drain. If piped, make sure that the piping does not limit the discharge capacity
of the thermal relief valve and consider the use of a drain cup or sight glass to give a visual indication of any thermal relief valve
activation