CO2 System

A ship is a place where probability of accidents and mishaps taking place due to fire is too high.
Various types of precautions are taken to prevent spreading of fire on ship. Out of these, Co2
extinguishing system is the most widely used system which is now found on all the ships.

Introduction

Probability of accidents caused due to fire is very high on ships, mainly because of high quantity of
fuel oils and inflammable cargo that they carry. In case of a small intensity fire on ship, portable fire
extinguishers or other handy means of extinguishing fire can be used. But in case, the intensity of
fire is high or it is humanly impossible to control the fire, Co2 fire extinguishing system is used.

CO2 Fire Extinguishing System

Due to its physical and chemical properties, Co2 is the most commonly used gas on-board ships in
order to extinguish fire during accidents. Co2 is used in a number of ways, mainly depending on the
intensity of fire.

If the intensity of fire is less, it can be extinguished by using a small CO2 extinguisher which are
often portable. But incase the intensity of fire is high then a fixed fire fighting system with higher
capability is used.

Arrangement Of CO2 system

A fixed type of Co2 fire fighting system includes a large no of CO2 bottles arranged together. This
system is mainly used for large areas on ships, such as cargo holds or machinery spaces of engine
room, where fighting fire gets difficult due to extended spaces and fire intensity. This system is also
known as Total flooding system, for the spaces affected with fire are totally flooded with Co2 in order
to quench the flames.
 In this system, the cylinders are grouped together in banks, in totally separate rooms away from the
machinery or cargo spaces. All the cylinders are joined together with the help of a common manifold.
The outlet of each cylinder discharges through a connecting pipe into this common manifold. A non-
return valve is provided to each of this connecting pipes so that incase any of the CO2 cylinder has to
be replaced or recharged , it can be done so without the loss of pressure.

Why Only CO2?

CO2 gas mainly used for extinguishing fires because of the following properties:-

1. At normal temperature,CO2 remains in the gaseous state.Co2 is also 1.5 times denser than
air.This heaviness helps in displacing the air by making Co2 act as a blanket to cuts off the supply of
oxygen to the fire.

2. CO2 is easily available and can be liquefied and bottled smoothly. It is normally contained under a
pressure of approx. 50 bars in cylinders made out of steel.

3. When the liquid CO2 is released on fire,it boils off rapidly as a gas into the atmosphere, taking
away the heat from the surrounding atmosphere and cooling down the environment.

4. CO2 is a non-flammable gas .

Advantages of using CO2 Gas

1. It is a non corrosive gas.

2. It is available everywhere

3. It does not conduct electricity.

4. It does not leaves any kind of residue.

5. It is non-flammable.
Disadvantages Of Using CO2 Gas

1. CO2 is the most toxic gas when it comes to human health. It is a highly suffocating gas, whose
concentration of even 9% in the breathing air would make a person unconscious within minutes.

2. Though it provides a perfect smothering effect, the condition does not last for a long time. In case
of non-continuous supply of CO2, chances of re-ignition increases if air is re-admitted to the
compartment too soon after the fire.

12 Things to do before using CO2 system

In case of a major engine room fire on merchant ships, CO2 fixed fire extinguishing system is
the most common method used for fire fighting. The chief engineer of the ship is responsible
for operating the CO2 extinguishing system,after taking all precautionary measures regarding
handling of engine room machinery.

There have been several cases in the past, wherein people have lost lives in the engine room
not because of the fire but because of suffocation after CO2 was released in the engine room.
Suffocation of the crew combined with re-ignition of fire due to lack of air tight engine room
has resulted in gruesome condition, as the CO2 system is the last resort for fighting fire and no
more firefighting method is available after using that (CO2 system can be used only once).
The CO2 operator in-charge i.e. Chief engineer (or 2nd engineer in C/E’s absence) has to be
extremely careful when it comes to following procedure to avoid fire from spreading or any
casualty. Following steps are to be followed without fail for extinguishing major find in engine
room.
1.   On outbreak of fire, the fire alarm will sound and the bridge officer will know the location of
fire. If the fire is big enough to fight with portable extinguishers, all crew should be gathered in
muster station for a head count.
2.   Inform the wheel house about the situation of the fire. The chief engineer should take the
decision in consent with the master to flood the engine room with CO2 for extinguishing the
fire.
3.   The Emergency generator should be started as CO2 flooding requires all engine room
machinery, including the auxiliary power generator to be stopped.
4.   Reduce ship speed and stop the main engine at a safe location. Captain should inform the
nearest coastal authority if the ship is inside a coastal zone.
5.   Open the cabinet of the CO2 operating system in the fire station with the “Key” provided
nearby in the glass case. This will give an audible CO2 Alarm in the engine room.
6.   Some systems and machinery like engine room blowers and fans etc. will trip with opening
of CO2 cabinet. Counter check all the tripped system for surety.
7.   Make sure there is no one left inside the engine room by repeating the head count.
8.   Operate all remote closing switches for quick closing valve, funnel flaps, fire flaps, engine
room pumps and machinery, water tight doors etc.
9.   Air condition unit of ECR should be stopped.
10.   Close all the entrance doors of the engine room and make sure the room is air tight.
11.  Operate the control and master valve in the CO2 cabinet. This will sound another alarm and
after 60 seconds time delay CO2 will be released for fire extinguishing.
12.  If there is a need to enter the engine room for rescuing a person (which must be avoided),
SCBA sets and life lines should be used. Safety of personnel should be of the highest priority
during such incidences.