CHAPTER 8

FIRE

One of the most dangerous hazards that seafarers may en-

counter on shipboard is that of fire. Prevention is better than cure,
is a well worn axiom that was never more appropriate.
(I
"
PRINCIPLE OF FIRE
This may be stated in general terms as the chemical combination
of combustible elements or compounds with oxygen, resulting
in the liberation of heat.
Materials such as coal, wood, paper and any goods which are
manufactured from them contain carbon which is a combustible
element. So that any of these materials if subjected to heat will
ignite, in other words, the carbon will combine readily with the
oxygen from the atmosphere because conditions are correct and
.heat energy will be liberated.
Oils, and vapours given off from the oils are basically hydro-
carbon, i.e. they contain the combustible elements hydrogen and
carbon, which again, if conditions are correct, i.e. teIllperature and
pressure, will ignite in the presence of oxygen.
II

FIRE PREVENTION AND PRECAUTIONS

Cleanliness, vigilance and common sense are the principle
weapons with which to prevent fire.
Tank tops should be kept clean and well lighted, it is recom- 'I
mended that tank tops be painted white so that any oil leakages
from drip trays, pipes, joints, filters and valves may be easily spot-
AS 27185760 0 ted and the leakage dealt with promptly before any dangerous ac-
cumulation of oil arises.
~"Wf~. Lt..; ~~
""-""-' .~ Bilges must be kept clean and the pumps and strainers for the
~ bilges maintained in good working order.
All fire fighting appliances'must be kept in good working order
and tested regularly. Emergency pump and fan stops, collapsible
bridge oil valves, watertight doors, etc., should all be tested
frequently and kept in good operative order.
 ~
274 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE
All engine room personnel should be fully conversant with the
recognised procedure for dealing with a fire aboard ship and should
know the whereabouts and method of operating all fire fighting
equipment.
When coal is carried, either as bunkers or cargo, the com-
partment or compartments where it is situated should be well
ventilated and the coal should, as far as possible, be stacked in
such a way so that it presents as large a surface area as possible to
the atmosphere. This will reduce risk of an outbreak of fire due to
spontaneous combustion of the coal.
TYPES§OF FIRES AND METHODS OF EXTINGUISHING
(I) OIL FIRES
The vapours given off from the oil can be ignited, causing a rise
in temperature of the oil so that more oil vapour is readily given
off from the oil to replace that already burnt. The methods of
extinguishing oil fires are as follows:
(a) Sand, used for small oil fires, it serves as a blanket so excluding
the atmosphere.
(b) Water spray, this must completely cover the surface of the
burning oil, the water has a cooling effect that will reduce the rate
at which vapour is given off from the oil. The water spray also
smothers.
(c) Foam, serves as a blanketto smothsr the fire.
(d) Dry powder, serves as a blanket to smother the fire.
(e) Inert gas, e.g. Carbon dioxide, heavier than air hence it dis-
places the oxygen bearing atmosphere.
(f) Steam, smothers the fire.
(g) Asbestos blanket, used for smothering small fires.
(2) COAL FIRES
The methods by which a coal fire is extinguished are principally
by cooling. Hence water is generally used. Soda-acid, carbon
dioxide and water portable extinguishers, may be used to ex-
tinguish small coal fires.
(3) MATERIAL FIRES
Wood, paper, waste, bedding and other similar materials when
burning may be extinguished by cooling, principally with water or,
again, soda-acid, carbon dioxide and water. Dry powder portable
extinguishers may be used.
FIRE 275
(4) ELECTRICAL FIRES
Electrical equipment may take fire due to overheating of some
component or components or some other such cause. If it is
possible to interrupt the supply of current to the electrical appli-
ance the fire may then be extinguished by using water. If it is not
possible to interrupt the supply of current the following may be
used to extinguish the fire (a) Dry powder, (b) Inert gas, e.g. CO2,
FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES
FOAM GENERATION
Foam, which is used principally for extinguishing oil fires, may
be generated chemically or mechanically. "-
Chemical generation of foam is accomplished by mixing to-
gether a solution of sodium bicarbonate and a solution of alu-
minium sulphate in the presence of a stabiliser (e.g. soap or
liquorice). The result of the chemical reaction which takes place
between these two solutions, is a mass of tough skinned bubbles
containing carbon dioxide. An increase in volume also ac-
companies the reaction, in the proportion of approximately one of
. solutions to eight of foam.
Mechanical generation of foam is done by mixing, using a
suitable agitator, a dry powdered protein compound of hoof, horn
and hydrolised blood with water and air.
A recent type of foam known as High expansion foam is made
by mixing a synthetic detergent concentrate with water and air.
The expansion ratio of this mechanical foam is approximately
1000:I (i.e. volume of foam produced to w.aterused). ----
,
NINE LITRE FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHER
CONSTRUCTION
A 9 litre portable foam fire extinguisher of the inverting type is
shown in Fig. 97. The inner and outer containers are made of lead
or zinc coated steel, the outer container being of riveted construc-
tion. Cap and nozzle are made of brass and a loosely fitting lead
valve may be situated at the top of the inner container to provide a
seal. The brass <caphas a series of small radial holes drilled through
it that communicate the inside of the extinguisher with theatmos-
phere when the cap is being unscrewed, hence these holes serve as
a vent ifthe nozzle is blocked.
 .~
Ii

I
I
276 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 277
j
CONTENTS PERFORMANCE
~

The inner container is filled with a solution of aluminium sul-

phate and the annular space formed by the inner and outer con-
i 9 litre foam fire extinguisher generates approximately 72 litres
of foam. Working pressure 7 bar [0'7 MN/m2], testing pressure
I

tainers is filled up to the level indicator with a solution of sodium I 25 bar [2'5 MN/m2], length of jet 7,5 to 9 m, duration of discharge
bicarbonate and foam stabiliser. Proportions of solutions approxi- I t minutes approximately.
mately I : 3 inner and outer containers respectively, total solutions 'I
9litres. IJ6-LlTRE FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHER
This fire extinguisher is similar to the 9 litre type apart from the
OPERA nON
screw down valve, hose and frame.
By inverting the extinguisher the lead seal will fall, clearing the To operate, the hose is uncoiled, valve opened, stop pin re-
moved and the extinguisher is pivoted until it rests on the cross-
SCItEWe.O,IJtrASSNI!a; I'IU:". bar. This causes the two solutions to mix and generate foam.
LANOIN Go "'-o.;t;,

4UNMETAL VALVE
liRA» NOZZ<.c..
LOOSEFITT,.", ~ SC~EWED C.UNMETAL CAP
WITH RADIAL RELIEF
LEAO SEAL, ' HOLES

. MI"'NG, pohs

- , -- --
LEVEL INDICATO':
RI""'ToOD STEEL LONTp,INfE-R, ~
[OR WELDED J 15 OF /~--.

-
-., - -
Col1.ED HosE
IN S~DDLc
""NE-"- CONP>IN""-, - I
i ~-!
. TRLJNN ION
ALUMINIUM SULPHATE SOluTIO", --h .,---

.::--
SODIVM B"'AIi:I!DNATE SOLUTION .,.
!'ND STABIUSER ~

- ~-I
/
FRAME. C<:OSSBAR
~TA"D f3RASS NOZZ LE

.- FRAME

9 LITRE PORTABlE
FOAM FIRE E)(TiNGiUISHER

Fig. 97

ports in the inner container and the two solutions can then freely
mix. As the solutions mix they react, generating foam under 13(, LlTK'E FOAM EXTINGUISHER
pressure which is discharged through the nozzle. Fig. 97a
278 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 279

The performance figures are different to the 9 litre type, foam
generated 1100 litres. Working pressure] 5 bar [1'5 MN/m2],
testing pressure 25 bar [2'5 MN/m2], length of jet ]8 m, duration of
discharge 15 minutes approximately.
OPERATION
When the plunger is depressed this pierces the thin copper sea]
releasing CO2 which then ruptures the plastic bag and forces out
the liquid foam concentr;1te into. the water where rapid mixing

TESTING PLUN6~K --

HANOLE -".
In order to test the extinguisher contents, 5 ml of the acid
:rOlNT -
solution should be mixed with] 5 ml of the alkali solution in a VENT VALVE-.
graduated vessel and this should produce about ]60 ml of foam.
co.. CAPSuLE-
Testing should be carried out a.bout every four months and a
thorough inspection and test every 12 months.
HOSE cup---I
I

NINE LITRE PORTABLE MECHANICAL FOAM FOAM SOL~ IN

FIRE EXTINGUISHER PLASTIC BAt,-

CONSTRUCTION CHAR4E CONTAINE.R

The body is made of welded steel, zinc coated, with a solid brass
neck ring silver soldered to it. The removable head assembly,
WATER - - I- j I . :

Jo.
'
HOSE.L\m]
I
which incorporates the plunger, is made from a solid brass i
".DlPTuBE I
pressing. When the head assembly is screwed into the neck ring it I ~-
presses down onto a thick rubber washer and flange on charge
container thus providing a sea] and securing in place the charge
container. ST£E.L BODY-"

A nozzle made of aluminium alloy with fin-protected air holes

STRAIN"Eii: --.
is connected to a reinforced hose one metre in length. The hose is
coupled to a brass elbow coupling which is soldered to the stainless
steel diptube.
To prevent accidental discharge a swivel safety-guard is pro-
vided which also, when in position, holds the spring-loaded p]un-
ger valve open which vents the extinguisher thus preventing
dribbling from the nozzle.

NO~~LE
CONTENTS AIR ~OLES

The body is filled with 8.25 litres of water and the charge con- PORTABLE MECHANICAL FOAM
tainer is made up of 1. a 0.85 litre liquid air foam concentrate FIRE
in a sealed plastic bag; 2. a sealed 0.074 kg capsule of CO2 at a EXTINGUISHER"
pressure of 53 bar, both of which are contained in an aluminium
alloy tube. Fig. 97b
T
280 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEOqE FIRE 281
I.
\
takes place. The foam solution is then driven up the steel diptube, ships mains is injected into the generator through a series of
through the hose to the nozzle, here it is aerated into good quality obliquely arranged nozzles at the top of the generator. The foam
fire-smothering air foam. powder immediately goes into solution and the chemical reaction
which takes place produces carbon dioxide foam under pressure.
PERFORMANCE The foam then passes out of the generator through relatively large
bore carrying pipes, from which, it is distributed to the affected
The 9litres of solution produce approximately 72 litres of foam, compartment.
length of jet approximately 7 m. Duration of discharge is about 50
seconds and the body is pressure-tested to 25 bar.
This type of extinguisher can be rapidly reloaded, all that is
needed is to fill body with water to required le~el, drop in a new
charge container and replace head assembly.
FOAM SPREADING INSTALLATIONS I
I
When fitted, permanently piped foam spreading installations,
operated external to boiler or machinery space, which supply foam
to boiler and/or engine room tank tops must have sufficient ilLJ(ALI SOLVT,.,.,
ALJO SOL1lT,.,..,
I
caNT1lDL VALV£~.
capacity to give a depth offoam of at least 152 mm over the whole ~L VAL\l5~. ~ I

tank top. ! j
Two chemical, Figs. 98 and 99, and two mechanical, Figs. 100 :1
and lOt, foam spreading installations are shown and they operate ,'y' ~HoI>I'IiO
as follows. ,."",- SOZAHal
"- ),'S<lAf'£O
,."","'" EI<l""""". j'
WATe..
StI~ ...-
.~Y NOM
!'
Oo;OZ,ZLe
- 'I
I
/IIOZ.ZLe.!>
--- Fo- Sf'l1:eH>EIls. fb-- ~e-
-- - - - -,-- CHE/II\IC:AL FoAM INSTALL-A-nON
FOA'" poWO'Ut ~ - -- Fa ""'UATDIt ~ITII/IT1!O4>UlJtoe Fig. 99
I

- - - - a" ""LU"""" of( ", e lIDO",

- -- - -- ---- Fig. 99
Shows a gravity installation por the chemical generation of foam.
The divided solution tank would be situated in an elevated posi-
LA<t~eBOlte FOAM f""e.
tion external to the boiler or engine room. When both tank valves
for a particular compartment are opened simultaneously, correctly
'- 1b ""'""" ~8lIT1!J<S,
measured quantities of each solution flow down due to 'gravity to
the "Y" shaped mixing branch, where a chemical reaction takes
CHE.MICAL fOAM ~E:NERATolt
place producing foam under pressure which is then freely dis-
Fig. 98 charged out of the foam spreaders.

Fig. 98 Fig. 100

The foam generator shown contains a dry foam making com- Water at a pressure of at least 6 bar [0'6 MN/m2] supplied
pound consisting of an acid, alkali and stabiliser. Water from the from the ships mains, passes through the water control valve into

j
I
282 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 283

-
VE..TV'" ".,OuClO£ UNIT
NOO/-It£!lJCN V~LVE

.._41ON
FtW"", <:OW:C""""
~- ~ i/;, .r'\ LW.m!ll. -~C
QIl.FIC E. f'{.J<rE
~
I=+-
""<o'ecn,,.. L F,UJ"'"
"""'" ' N""~"'ET""N
-""""""-
COM"""'"

-",fiE
"""'"
.::a.EF VAlVE \ vALVE

IN~,.,dIDN /lNO ~
f'tl1.J"(~ cov""

---INy """"- - ------

- - / IW-("~
OUT
- - - CONNe""""
CD>.eo
"".""".-'-, V£"""" ~'m""
A'" / - F"eSH WATEOi: -
FoA""
C:O"'POVNO
T_"
w « ly

W"'" COOfTCOL
VALva
WATE.
"To
~ ~ ~~;,,~.=.,
...-.... -
SToCA4E

-
TAN"

- - Dell""
c.oCK "/fAIN -I,
MECllAI'I,CALR>AM INS~UJlTIOIII

Fig. 100
WATlUZ /41<17
FaoM COMI\>UI'IO
the venturi fitting. Two small bore pipes are connected to the TO FMM MAI<a:$

venturi fitting, pipe "A" is the high pressure pipe led through a
water meter to the top of the foam compound tank, pipe "B" is
the low pressure pipe which permits a cOl1,trolledquantity of foam
compound to be entrained into the venturi fittin&. The protein
foam compound and water pass along the main delivery pipe to
the foam makers situated in the boiler or engine room, as the
mixture passes through the foam maker air is entrained which then
produces a stable foam which is delivered to the foam spreaders.
A diagrammatic representation of a foam maker is included with
Fig. 100.
Fig. 101
This type of mechanical foam installation is self contained, i.e.
does not require motive power from the ships pumps. To put the
system in operation it is only necessary to pierce the CO2 bottle
seals by means of the operating gear provided. The CO2 is then
delivered at a pressure of approximately 42 bar [4,2 MN/m2]
to the orifice plate. As the CO2 passes through the orifice plate it
falls in pressure to 8 bar [0'8 MN/m2] or less. The water in
the storage tank is driven out via the delivery pipe to the venturi
inductor unit where a controlled quantity of protein foam com-
pound is induced. Water and foam compound are then led to the
foam makers situated in the boiler or engine room space, wherein,
air enters the system and foam is produced for distribution to the
foam spreaders.
SELF CONTAINED MECHANICAL FOAM
INSTALLATION
Fig. 10I
In the chemical foam installations the principle disadvantage is
the deterioration of the chemicals and cqemical solutions, hence
regular checking is necessary to ensure ~he system is at all times
capable of effective operation. However, with the chemical foam
system good quality uniform foam is capable of being produced.
Both of the foregoing mechimical foam installations have one
disadvantage, water can precede and follow the delivery of the
foam to the fire, which is sometimes undesirable. This disadvan-
tage has been overcome however, by using a pre-mixed mechanical
foam compound solution system see Fig. 102, which is a more
recent development. With mechanical foam systems, storage and
deterioration of the foam compound presents no difficulty, which
is one of the reasons why this particular type of system is generally
preferable.
The pre-mixed mechanical foam installation shown in Fig. 102
operates as follows: In the event of an outbreak of fire in a com-
partment (area of fire in diagram) the fusible link breaks due to
heat and the weight falls, this automatically releases carbon dioxide
under pressure to the foam solution tank. The foam solution, which
is a mixture of protein foam compound and water, is driven out of

I
L
- ~-~ --~
284 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 285

A."""F F"'. 5URSTI"'G, DISC

-... \

\
'"
VALVE OPHAT'N~
I'vllE'"

I \ LE.YER. ~: t

- TAPER OHRfAD

" h
SOLtD DRAWN STEEL -
BonlE: -rES"TED 22b bar
""EO""'- ZINC COATED AND
PAINTED ExTERNALLY
-- DIP TUB\;
--
t'Ii;E-MIXED MECHANICAL fOAM INSfALUlTION

Fig. 102
- LIquID CO..

the tank and led to the foam maker, wherein air is introduced and
foam is made which is then delivered to the fire through the foam
spreaders. This system can be arranged to operate automatically
--, -, --
as described, or manually.
The foam solution storage tank is cylindrical and its maximum
working pressure is approximately 11 bar [1'1 MNfm2], the
capacity of the tank depends upon the area of fire risk space to
be covered.
The CO2 bottles are arranged to give a steady delivery of CO2 at
a pressure of approximately 8 bar [0.8 MNfm2] to 10 bar [1'0 - --
MNfm2] thus ensuring a uniform delivery offoam.

CO~ FIRE EXTING.UISHE.R.

CO2 PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

CONSTRUCTION Fig. 103

A 4,5 kg portable CO2 fire extinguisher is shown in Fig. 103.

The body is made of solid drawn steel which is hydraulically
tested to 227 bar [22'7 MNfm2] and it is coated internally and
externally with zinc, the external surface being finally painted.
A solid brass pres~ing forms the head assembly and this is
screwed into the neck of the steel bottle. The head assembly
incorporates a lever-operated valve, copper dip tube, bursting
disc and a discharge horn made of non-conducting (electrically)
material that can be swivelled in one plane only into the desired
position.
 l
,\
286 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 287

CONTENTS PJEl/:Ct:R
SWiVEl-. SAFETY 6oVAR:O
The body is charged with 4.5 kg of liquid CO2 at a pressure of HANDLII
53 bar [5.3 MNjm2] approximately.
',. SR:ASS N""" !lINe. SILVI'R SoU>EJO.EO "R> 801>1"

OPERATION
A safety pin (not shown in sketch) would first be removed and ~E CLlP-
then the valve operating lever would be depressed. The liquid CO2
would pass into the discharge horn and emerge as a cloud of CO2. 1M R:RINFOI!Ceo IlUllll62 Hos&.

PERFORMANCE
V", Tu6E
Range about 3 to 4 m in still air, duration of discharge about welOED STn"1

ZINC.eM""'"
20 s, about 2.5 m3of gas is produced.
Note: CO2 extinguishes a fire by cooling and smothering, the gas
has the advantage that it can get into inaccessible places. CO2
extinguisher contents, can only be checked by regular weighing, q WTRE5
OF W.4T'EK
- --
this should be done about every four months.
POV8LEPU_pOSE ~~
1'IOzz.U; . ('>I'I!tAY 0", -:JilT)

CO2 AND WATER PORTABLE

FIRE EXTINGUISHER CO2. AND WATER pORTABLE FIR:E EXTINGUISHER
CONSTRUCTION Fig. 104
The body of the extinguisher is of welded steel zinc coated, with
the external surface painted. A brass neck ring is silver soldered to CONTENTS
the top of the steel body and the brass head assembly, which in-
corporates plunger, handle and swivel safety guard, is screwed into The body contains 9 litres of fresh water, usually a wetting
it and seals on a thick rubber washer. Small radial vent holes are agent is added to the water which enables the water to spread more
drilled in the head assembly which serve to relieve internal pressure readily. The inner container is welded steel, zinc coated, and is
when the head is being unscrewed in the event of the nozzle being charged with 74 mg of CO2 at a pressure of approximately 36
blocked. bar [3.6 MNjm2].
A brass double purpose nozzle is fitted to the delivery end of the
reinforced rubber hose and the nozzle can be operated to give OPERATION
water jet or spray as desired.
When the swivel guard is in the protective position the spring- The hose is first uncoiled from the body and the swivel guard is
loaded piercer is slightly depressed, this serves to keep the ex- sWungto uncover the plunger. The plunger is then depressed, this
tinguisher vented when not in use and prevents water overflow due releases the CO2which then drives the water out of the extinguisher
to change in atmospheric conditions. via the dip tube and hose.
 i'"
d

288 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 289 It

PERFORMANCE CONSTRUCTION
1

Length of jet 10.6 m approximately, spray 6.06 m with about
36 m2 of cover. Duration of discharge approximately 60 seconds.
Body tested hydraulically to 25 bar [2.5 MNjm2].
DRY POWDER PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Body is of riveted or welded steel with a brass neck ring. The
neck ring incorporates the CO2 injection tube. Screwed over the
neck ring is the head assembly which is fitted with a spring-loaded
plunger and has screwed into it, a replaceable CO2bottle.
Connected to the outlet end of tl}e discharge tube is a rein-
forced hose which leads to a brass nozzle that is fitted with a
lever-operated control valve.

SAFETY CAP
CONTENTS
The body of the extinguisher contains approximately 4.5 kg of
----
PLUNG,ER,~
" dry powder, this powder charge is principally sodium bicarbonate
CA~I<YINc. HANDLE
\ ~
I
I
1
I
I
I
with some magnesium stearate added to prevent the powder from
caking. The CO2 bottle contains about 600 mg of CO2.

HEAD ASSE.M&ly [SRASS) OPERATION

X~'EW"D ONTO
NEO<. RING,
The extinguisher is removed from its supporting bracket and
CO. BoTTLE the safety cap is removed.. When the plunger is depressed it
pierces the COa bottle seal, CO2 then blows out the powder
charge.

PERFORMANCE

D~y POWDER:--..-
OISC.HAR4E Range about 3 to 4 m, duration of discharge about 15 s.
TuaE
Body is tested to 35 bar [3.5 MNjm2].
Dry powder acts to smother a fire in a similar way to a blanket.
Owing to the great shielding properties of the powder cloud the
INTEcme ToaE VALve operator can approach quite close to the fire.
-- I
NozzLE
CD0Jr2oLLED The sodium bicarbonate powder will, due to the heat from the
--- fire, produce CO2 which should further assist in smothering the
fire.

SODA-ACID PORTABLE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

CONSTRUCTION
Riveted mild steel, lead coated internally and externally, is use4
for the body of the extinguisher. A screwed brass neck ring is
DRY POWDER FIRE EXTINC,.uISHER.
riveted to the top dome of the mild steel body and the brass head
assembly, which incorporates plunger and acid bottle carrying
Fig. 105 cage, is screwed into it. The head assembly joint is either acid

-~ .
 --r-- ,r,
I

290 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE FIRE 291

resisting rubber or greased leather. Nozzle is made of brass and the OPERATION
dolivery tube with loose gauze filter, generally copper. -
To ensure that the solution does not leak out of the nozzle due When the plunger is depressed the acid bottle is shattered and
to increase of air pressure in the enclosed space above the solution the acid is released. The sulphuric acid will then react with the
surface of the sodium bicarbonate solution and the result of this
due to increase of temperature, a non-return vent valve is usually .. /
incorporated in the head assembly. chemical reaction is CO2, The CO2 builds up in pressure and the
solution is then driven out of the extinguisher through the dip tube
and nozzle. The chemical reaction which takes-place is as follows.
CONTENTS H2SO4 + 2Na(HCOa) = 2CO2 + Na2S04 + 2H2O
Sulphuric + Sodium = Carbon + Sodium + Water
A 9 litre sodium bicarbonate solution fills the body to the limit acid bicarbonate dioxide sulphate
of the level indicator and the glass bottle in the carrying cage con-
tains sulphuric acid. PERFORMANCE
~FE'tV 411""'1> Length of jet 9 m approximately, working pressure 2.7 bar to J~
PlVOU,Eo< 3 bar, duration of discharge Ii minutes. Body is tested hydrauli-
cally to a pressure of25 bar [2'5 MN/m2] approximately.
-- 15""" "EAn""~"'.LY
Soda-acid fire extinguishers should not be used in machinery
- --- l'<'"lIE
C""""'" spaces for fighting oil fires as the principle substance discharged
-- ~Il"" ~O£ ZLIE
from such extinguishers is water.

CO2 FLOODING SYSTEM

This system of smoke detection, alarm and CO2 flooding is
-1- ,,-OPPER DIP Tvee
frequently used for hold spaces and -in some instances may be
found as additional fire fighting equipment for engine rooms.
For the detection of smoke, 20 mm diameter sampling pipes are
led from the various hold compartments in the vessel to a cabinet
- ,-
Ht\Nf'L£

~J >001l"" ~CA"'B~~ <,DlUTOQN

on the bridge. Air is drawn-continuously through these pipes to the
cabinet by suction fans, which deliver the air through a diverting
valve into the wheel house.
I<'VETED STEEL BOoY
When a fire breaks out in a compartment, smoke issues from the
diverting valve into the wheelhouse, warning bridge personnel of
the outbreak. Simultaneously, an electronic smoke detector in the
cabinet sets off audible alarms, hence if the bridge is unoccupied
(e.g. in,port) the notice of outbreak of fire is still obtained.
Within the cabinet is a dark chamber wherein the sampling
pipes terminate in labelled chimneys. Diffused light illuminates
strongly any smoke issuing from a chimney, hence the com-
,,"VZE F'LTE" partment which is affected by fire can easily be identified. Below
the dark chamber in the cabinet is a well lighted compartment
fitted with a glass window and hinged flap cover. Inside this com-
SODA-ACID PORTABLE FIRE. EXTINGUISHER partment, 13 mm diameter glass tubes are fitted which are the
ends of the sampling pipes, these glass tubes protrude into the
Fig. 106 metal chimneys in the dark chamber above. Small nylon pro-
 r

292 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE

FIRE 293
.
frigerated holds will be blanked-off in the detector cabinet. These
. r
"'~.eTO"<' V"'-VE o

00;'" blanks can be removed once per watch as a test for a few days after

~TliCT""" c_HST

UOBOLLUO "'H.........
-n> "">00£OF
WW..CHOV'.
eLe.cTO:O"C ...-..
",,:recTO'"
/
t woa.l-
wou,O.

j
loading cargo and removed altogether when the hold is open and
defrosted.

NOTE .
D."" ",.."",UIl
sTe.' LI<."""". ,I When an outbreak of fire in a compartment is detected, the fire
"'UK.S Tv""S
may be of small proportions and be capable of being extinguished
NVloooo
.............. L..HT£o """'..............-
by means other than flooding with the C()2 equipment provided.
In this event it would be necessary for personnel to enter the com-
<:tt_E OVE'" vAlvo,
partment in order to extinguish the fire. However, after inspection,
the fire may be such that CO2 flooding is necessary. Before this is
done, an audible alarm should first be operated warning person-
nel that CO2flooding of the compartment is about to be used.
After the fire has been extinguished, the compartment must be
well ventilated before entry for damage inspection, as CO2 gas is
heavier than air and does not support human life.

CO2 TOTAL FLOODING SYSTEM FOR

MACHINERY SPACES
For machinery spaces containing diesel propelling machinery,
sa"",""". ...es 7b
or auxiliary machine':y whose total power is 746 kW a fixed fire-
CD. 8.n."y UOLDS ETC fighting installation has to be provided. One such system is the
.1 CO2 total flooding system which must give a 40% saturation of
CO2 in the compartment in about two minutes.
CO2 flooding is often used for tanker engine rooms and pump
rooms even if the machinery used is steam turbine.
co" FLOODING. SYSTEM
OPERATION
Fig. 107
First ensure that the compartment is evacuated of personnel and
pellers are visible inside the glass tubes in the lighted portion of the
sealed off. This necessitates closing all doors to the engine room,
cabinet and when the fans are in operation these propellers will be . shutting down skylights, closing dampers on vents and stopping
seen to be continuously whirling if the sampling tube is not ventilation fans. Pumps should also be stopped and collapsible
blocked.
bridge valves closed. In a modern vessel the sealing off can be done
Change over valves are generally situated inside the lower
by remote control from the fire control station generally using a
portion of the cabinet, one for each of the sampling pipes. To flood compressed air or hydraulic system.
an affected compartment with CO2 gas, the operator would first The door of the steel control box situated at the fire control
operate the appropriate change over valve and secondly release the station would then be opened, this operates a switch which may
requisite number of CO2 cylinders for the compartment. CO2 gas have a dual purpose. One is to operate audible and visual alarms in
would then pass through the sampling pipe to the space on fire. the engine room spaces, the other may be to shut off ventilation
When a smoke detection system is to be used for the hold
fans. The CO2 direction valve handle would then be pulled and
compartments of a refrigerated cargo vessel the lines to the re- this would be followed by the gas release.

I~ -- - ~
294 REED'S GENERAL ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE

MAINTENANCE AND TESTING

Ensure that all moving parts are kept clean, free and welliubri-
cated. Wires must be checked for tightn~ss, toggles and pulleys
must be greased. With the use of compressed air the CO2 distri-
bution pipes could be blown through periodically. CO2 bottles
must be weighed regularly to check contents (an ultrasonic or
radioactive isotope unit detector could be used to check liquid
level).

NOTE
The CO2 storage bottles have seals which also act as bursting
discs, should there be a CO2 leakage from one or more of the
starting bottles this cannot result in CO2 discharge into the engine
room from the battery because of the cable-operated safety valve.
When leakage occurs either in the starting s(:ction or main battery
a pressure switch in the lines will cause alarms to be sounded,
vents to atmospl:Ierecan then be opened.

/'"
DlIlEcnoN
VALVE.

CONT..OL
BOX

)\'
CO~ BATTERY CYLINOEA ~WIT(.II OPUA,ES jl) EN4INE
oj
IT~ PI~ToN II1.ARM!; I!-NO couLD RoOM
~TOP VENTIL",nON
~
TO EN"'N!: ROOM]
III

(0& _TOTAL FLOODING SYSTE.M

Fig. 108

1\,

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