[Nhcoll-l] [EXTERN] Sprinkler system in wet collections
Esther Dondorp
esther.dondorp at naturalis.nl
Fri Feb 6 03:56:30 EST 2026
For our fluid collection rooms we have an Argon gas extinguishing system.
The system contains High-pressure cylinders containing argon which will
release the gas when fire is detected (there is also a possibility to
activate it yourself with a secured button). Because argon is heavier than
air, it displaces oxygen by pushing it out of the room. This will put out
the fire very quickly and leaves no or less damage to the collection.
Best wishes,
Esther Dondorp
Senior Collectiebeheerder
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+31648704107 - +31648704107
esther.dondorp at naturalis.nl - www.naturalis.nl
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Op do 5 feb 2026 om 21:26 schreef Bentley, Andrew Charles <abentley at ku.edu>:
> The biggest problem we have is that there are no fire regulations
> specifically for our tap of storage and so the existing regs are up for
> interpretation and are interpreted in multiple different ways at different
> institutions and in different countries.
>
> Andy
>
> A : A : A :
> }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°>
> V V V
> Andy Bentley
> Ichthyology Collection Manager
> University of Kansas
> Biodiversity Institute
>
> Dyche Hall
> 1345 Jayhawk Boulevard
> Lawrence, KS, 66045-7561
> USA
>
> Tel: (785) 864-3863 <%28785%29%20864-3863>
> Fax: (785) 864-5335 <%28785%29%20864-5335>
> Email: abentley at ku.edu
>
> ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3093-1258
>
> http://ichthyology.biodiversity.ku.edu
>
> A : A : A :
> }<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<(((_°>.,.,.,.}<)))_°>
> V V V
>
>
> *From: *Nhcoll-l <nhcoll-l-bounces at mailman.yale.edu> on behalf of Dirk
> Neumann <d.neumann at leibniz-lib.de>
> *Date: *Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 2:04 PM
> *To: *nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu <nhcoll-l at mailman.yale.edu>
> *Subject: *Re: [Nhcoll-l] [EXTERN] Sprinkler system in wet collections
>
> 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
>
>
>
>
>
> [image: Logotyp för Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet]
>
> [image: Naturhistoriska riksmuseet, Forskar, Bevarar och Förklarar, NRM.SE]
>
>
>
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> --
>
> ******
>
>
>
> *Dirk Neumann*
>
> Collection Manager, Hamburg
>
>
>
> Postal address:
>
> *Museum of Nature Hamburg*
> Leibniz Institute for the Analysis
>
> of Biodiversity Change
>
> Dirk Neumann
>
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>
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>
> *d.neumann at leibniz-lib.de <d.neumann at leibniz-lib.de>*
>
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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
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> Natural History Collections (SPNHC), an international society whose
> mission is to improve the preservation, conservation and management of
> natural history collections to ensure their continuing value to
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