@TecniTipsGANB #128

VIKING RETARD CHAMBER 

MODEL C-1

1. DESCRIPTION

The Viking Model C-1 Retard Chamber is a surge tank used with Viking Alarm Check Valves to reduce the possibility of false alarms due to changes in the water supply pressure.

Features

   1. Ductile iron body
   2. Self draining
   3. Required Accessories:
       a. P/N 01611A - 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Drain Restriction (included in Viking Alarm Check Valve Trim Sets designed for use with “variable pressure” water supplies).

   4. Optional Accessories:

       a. P/N 01973A - Circuit closer vent assembly (Required when an electric Alarm Pressure Switch is installed without a Water Motor Alarm.)

       b. Alarm Devices: A Water Motor Alarm and/or electric Alarm Pressure Switch, with approved connected alarms, are required for a complete system.

2. Listings and Approvals

• cULus Listed: VPLX and VPLX7 - 300 psi (20.7 bar) MWP
• FM Approved: Waterflow Alarm Valves - 300 psi (20.7 bar) MWP
• New York City Board of Standards and Appeals: Calendar Number 219-76-SA - 250 psi (17.2 bar) MWP
• VdS Approved: Wet Alarm Valve Stations - 250 psi (17.2 bar) MWP
• LPC Approved - 250 psi (17.2 bar) MWP

3. TECHNICAL DATA

Specifications:

Pressure Rating - 300 psi (20.7 bar) water working pressure.

Factory tested hydrostatically to 600 psi (41.4 bar).

Connections: ½” (15 mm) NPT inlet and 3/4” (20 mm) NPT outlet.

Capacity: 1 Gallon (4 Liters) Approx.

Material Standards:

Body: Ductile Iron 65-45-12.

Bushings: Cast Iron UNS-F12102

Coating: Viking black E-coat Spec SPF02 W01

Ordering Information:

Part Number - 05904B

Shipping Weight - 22 lbs. (10 kg.)

Available Since - 1986

4. INSTALLATION

1. The Retard Chamber and associated trim must be installed as shown on the Viking Alarm Check Valve Trim Sheets. The trim size and arrangement shown on Viking Trim Charts is required for proper operation.
2. Circuit Closer Vent Trim must be galvanized steel unless other materials are specified in the Technical Data for the system used.
3. The 1/8 inch Drain Restriction must be installed in the Retard Chamber drain piping. The alarm supply trim piping must be restricted as shown on Viking Alarm Check Valve Trim Charts. Model J-1 Alarm Check Valve trim requires a 7/32” Restricted Orifice (Part No. 06980A).
4. The Retard Chamber must drain automatically to a non-pressurized drain.
5. For the Retard Chamber to properly drain, it must be vented. This is normally accomplished through the Water Motor Alarm connection. However, when the line to the Water Motor is trapped or an electric Alarm Pressure Switch is used without the Water Motor Alarm, Circuit Closer Vent Trim must be installed and kept clean to allow the Retard Chamber to drain.
6. Verify that all system components are rated for the water working pressure of the system.

5. OPERATION

When the clapper of the Alarm Check Valve opens, water flows through the restricted alarm supply piping into the inlet of the Retard Chamber. The Retard Chamber begins to fill while simultaneously draining through the 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Drain Restriction.

During a sustained flow of water, the Retard Chamber fills faster than water can drain through the Drain Restriction. Pressurized water fills the Retard Chamber and pressurizes the Water Motor Alarm and/or Alarm Pressure Switch. Pressure surges insufficient to overcome the volume and drain capacity of the Retard Chamber will not activate an alarm. Two Retard Chambers may be installed in series to combat false alarms from systems subject to excessive pressure surges.

6. INSPECTION, TESTS AND MAINTENANCE

After installation and prior to each Waterflow Alarm Test:

1. Verify that the Alarm Check Valve and Retard Chamber are trimmed exactly as shown on Viking Trim Sheets with no deviations. The trim size and arrangement is required for proper operation.
2. Inspect and clean the 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) Drain Restriction at least annually.

After each operation and Waterflow Alarm Test:

1. Verify that the Retard Chamber and alarm line piping has drained completely and associated alarm equipment has properly reset.
2. Refer to Technical Data for the Water Motor Alarm, Alarm Pressure Switch, and other associated equipment for additional testing and maintenance requirements.

WARNING: Any system maintenance involving placing a control valve or alarm system out of service may eliminate the fire protection capabilities of that system. Prior to proceeding, notify all Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Consideration should be given to employment of a fire patrol in the affected areas.

For minimum maintenance requirements, refer to NFPA 25. In addition, the Authority Having Jurisdiction may have additional maintenance requirements that must be followed.

MORE INFO: http://www.vikinggroupinc.com/en/node/2595