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By: BlazeMaster EMEA on 18-Jun-2019 04:00:00
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Chemical Compatibility Makes All the Difference

While CPVC pipe and fittings are used daily in concrete tower blocks and private homes as the best choice for fire protection, one brand – BlazeMaster® CPVC – has performed well for years. Today, we would like to focus on one reason that is so: the FBCTM System Compatible Programthe original and most trusted chemical compatibility program in the industry. 

The program provides information that, when followed, assures contractors, designers and engineers of a high-quality installation. The program helps you avoid costly system failures that can be caused by using the wrong ancillary construction products.

BlazeMaster® CPVC prides itself on leading the industry in its commitment to chemical compatibility for ancillary products, going above and beyond to participate in and support extensive testing – even when it is not required by law.

We take a scientific approach that has proven to be the gold standard in our industry, eliminating guesswork at every turn.

 

The Most Comprehensive Guide in the Industry

We make it easy and simple for anyone involved in specifying or installing a fire sprinkler system to know which brands and products are approved for planned interaction with BlazeMaster CPVC piping and fittings. Lubrizol’s FBCTM System Compatible Program, established in 2002, covers all its CPVC pipe and fitting products: BlazeMaster®, FlowGuard®, Corzan®. Currently, 50 manufacturers have certified products through the FBC System Compatible Program in 25 European countries including the UK and Norway, the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, India and China.

To participate in the program, manufacturers of ancillary products from 13 categories voluntarily submit products for third-party certification testing and auditing developed in conjunction with Lubrizol. Approved products are fully compatible with BlazeMaster CPVC, having been tested fairly and properly. Product manufacturers may make no formulation changes to the tested and approved products. Should this occur, re-evaluation must take place. Products must be re-certified annually. A manufacturer’s facilities and processes are also audited.

Certified products are given the right to display the FBC System Compatible mark on their labels and/or products.

The program goes far beyond the listing of approved products. It is unique within the industry as it also posts a regularly updated guide of incompatible products – those that should never be used in conjunction with BlazeMaster pipe and fittings. Rationale for each listing is provided that describes why the ancillary product is not appropriate for use with BlazeMaster CPVC – eliminating guesswork and helping protect against system failures. We’re not aware of any competitive CPVC brand that provides such a guide.

 

More Information at Your Fingertips

If questions remain beyond the guides to compatible and incompatible products, there is an additional Other Compatibility Topics discussion page. This is a broad platform that covers 28 topics and provides the user the opportunity to question/or an opportunity to ask questions. The information and guidance provided as it is, has been fully evaluated by engineering and legal experts in terms of compatibility and interaction with BlazeMaster CPVC. A regularly published change notification page indicates products that have been added to the compatibility list as well as those that have been removed.

Access to the FBC System Compatible Program is quick and easy beyond the online links. If you’re in the field and have a question, apps with full functionality are available for iPhone and Android devices.

It’s important to understand that the information provided in the FBC System Compatible Program is appropriate only to the BlazeMaster CPVC brand when it comes to fire sprinkler protection systems. It does not, nor is it intended to, cover chemical compatibility for any other CPVC fire sprinkler brands – even though other brands refer their customers to the FBC System Compatible Program. We don’t recommend or support that. Every manufacturer’s product formula is different. 

To learn more, download the free white paper Understanding Chemical Compatibility.

 

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