David,

I believe that the oil from the pipe joints is not from cutting pipes.  It
is an oil filled joint that leaks oil as the pipe contracts to maintain the
seal.  We have them in our storage areas and are in the process of hanging
small pans with blotter material below the joint.  Fortunately the joints
were not over any sensitive areas.  Neither the architect nor the contractor
said anything about the joints leaking oil.

Alan

Alan K. Lester, Senior Curator
The Mary Baker Eddy Library for the Betterment of Humanity
[log in to unmask]
617.450.7125



-----Original Message-----
From: David Harvey [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Monday, January 31, 2005 2:40 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Fires suppression

Just a note of caution here.

I have seen several dry-pipe fire systems that leak drips of oil from the 
pipe joins in collections areas as diverse as textiles and archives. This is
most 
likely the oil used to cut the metal threading into the pipes and it is
comes 
out (sometimes along with rust in solution). If you are putting in a new 
system you should specifically spec in the contract that all machine oil
will be 
totally removed before assembly and have the pipes inspected to verify this.


If you have an existing dry-pipe system you should inspect all of the pipes 
that run over ALL areas that contain exhibits and collections regularly, as
the 
oil tends to leave a drip hanging on the pipe joins and can be easily
spotted 
from below.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Conservator
Los Angeles, California  USA

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