[Nhcoll-l] [EXTERN] Sprinkler system in wet collections

[Dirk Neumann]

Hi Bo,

the allowed quantity usually is not the point, but the total air volume of the room; for the renovation of the air-handling system while I was still in Munich, I did a calculation how much jars I would need to knock of the shelves to create a combustible atmosphere. This depends on the total air volume in cubic metres of the respective room (which differs from room to room). The assumption was that the entire air handling/safety systems fail and that ignitable alcohol fumes can build up. Even in this scenario, the next relevant question to answer is the nearest ignition source.

We had a similar discussion with the fire safety people for the new infrastructure in Hamburg, and there was some sort of (early) consent, that the alcohol is not the problem, but alcohol fumes and ignition sources.

Also with regard to compartmentalisation and designated fire zones, total room volume usually is the more critical factor than total alcohol volume stored (others may correct me if I am wrong).

For our new infrastructure in Hamburg, we will have sprinklers; water mist systems can be an alternative. But just pure water without additives. Water reduces the heat and thus lowers the temperature and flash point, however, it may disperse the (burning) ethanol (even though sprinklers convey a lot of water on the floor fast, which helps to dilute the 70% ethanol, and thus also lowers the vapour pressure of the off-gasing alcohol vapour).

Maybe these are some useful thoughts for your considerations.

All the best
Dirk


Am 05.02.2026 um 17:54 schrieb Bo Delling:
Dear all

I have a few questions about fire safety in wet collection facilities, especially regarding sprinkler systems with or without foam. I start with the questions, followed by some background information

1.                   Do you have a sprinkler system in your wet collection? (Y/N)
2.                   If yes, is it pure water or are foaming chemicals added?
3.                   What is the allowed quantity in litres of 70-80% EtOH in your collection?

At NRM in Stockholm, we have an underground storage room with max 200 000 litres of EtOH. Security includes different alarm systems connected to the fire brigade. We also have sensors for EtOH vapour, starting forced ventilation, already at a concentration of 10% of the ignitable concentration. Finally, we also have a water sprinkler with foaming chemicals added.

We have some problems with the maintenance of the sprinkler system, especially the system supplying foaming chemicals. We are about to start a dialogue with the fire safety authorities in Sweden, to perhaps get rid of the foam, and it would be great to have some international feedback.

Best Regards,
Bo


Bo Delling Ph. D

Curator of fishes
Zoology
Swedish Museum of Natural History
Box 50007 | SE-104 05 Stockholm | Sweden
+46 8-5195 4240 | +46 723970978


[Logotyp för Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet]
[Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Forskar, Bevarar och Förklarar, NRM.SE]




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--
Stiftung Leibniz-Institut zur Analyse des Biodiversitätswandels
Postanschrift: Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany

Stiftung des öffentlichen Rechts;
Generaldirektion: Prof. Dr. Bernhard Misof (Generaldirektor), Adrian Grüter (Kaufm. Geschäftsführer)
Sitz der Stiftung: Adenauerallee 160 in Bonn
Vorsitzender des Stiftungsrates: Dr. Michael H. Wappelhorst
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