FIRE

Fire fighting on board ship can be defined in three separate categories:

Fire protection, by design features in the construction of the vessel and subsequent control of human behaviour

Fire Detection, using artificial systems or human senses.

Fire suppression using a number of fixed or portable systems.

2

All fire fighting starts with the idea of what is needed for FIRE

All fire fighting breaks the triangle Reduce to less than 10% Oxygen

REMOVAL Or STOPPAGE

FIRE PROTECTION
Construction of ships materials

details of construction as defined in SOLAS bulkheads (strength, Fire rating, position)

Air trunking including fire flaps

Electrical protection
Human behaviour

Good Supervision
Training
5

FIRE DETECTION
Fire detection systems are compulsory in ships which have periodically unattended machinery spaces.

FIRE DETECTION
A fire detection system consists of the following elements: Human observation Manual fire alarms Automatic Fire detectors-smoke, flame, heat (gas, H2S) Combinations of the above For reference purposes Fire detection system requirements are detailed in SOLAS CHAPTER II-2

FIRE DETECTION
Human observation relies on the human senses: Sight Sound Smell

Taste
Touch

FIRE DETECTION
Most Human observations can be mimicked by the following detectors SightInfra red flame detectors, sensing flicker patterns, smoke detectors using light sources in go or no go light transmission and reception.

Smell and Tastecombustion products entering an ionized chamber. TouchHeat detectors, including absolute temperature and rate of rise temperatures.

FIRE DETECTION
Manual systems usually involve some form of manual fire patrol. The question about fire patrols is the only common question occurring in class 1 deck and class 1/2 motor. Call points, a recognised route, regular communications, timing and record keeping are essential.

10

FIRE DETECTION
Automatic Fire detection
An automatic fire detection system has the following components 1. 2. Electrical feed, both normal and emergency (including battery backup) Main control unit (usually housed in the wheelhouse( with repeater units

3.
4.

Fire detection sensors and manual call points

Electrical circuits to connect 1,2 and 3.
11

FIRE DETECTION
Detector Units
Detector units detect outbreak of fire by sensing Heat Smoke Flame Detector heads are positioned throughout the vessel, in machinery, accommodation and in some cases, cargo spaces.
12

FIRE DETECTION
Detector Units
On some systems each individual detector head has its own address, so that in the event of an alarm detection, the head position is indicated on the control panel and the seat of the fire is determined Overall Fire alarms are automatically sounded, usually by the activation of one alarm.

13

FIRE DETECTION
A simplified view of the layout of a fire detection system, featuring normal/emergency power supply, UPS,Loop,Zone Indicators, Alarms, Test switch and Fire Zones.

14

FIRE DETECTION
Contacts in any detector head are normally open, and in the event of a fire they close and complete the alarm circuit. Power supply is usually 24V and emergency UPS is provided by fully charged stand by batteries.

The emergency supply must be capable of powering the system for a mi9nimum of 18 hours on a cargo ship and 36 hours on a passenger ship.

15

FIRE DETECTION
The choice of detector head to be fitted in the alarm circuit will depend on a number of factors:

1. Fire risk 2. Position 3. Area to be monitored 4. Volume of space 5. Height of compartment 6. Atmosphere in space
Different types of detector head are used on common bases.
16

FIRE DETECTION
Smoke detectors must not operate below 2% obscuration per metre, but must activate before 12.5% obscuration. Heat detectors must not operate below 540C but must operate before 780C. However, in certain cases the heat detector limits may be increased by 300C

17

FIRE DETECTION
SENSOR OPERATING PERAMETERS
Type AREA ( MAX) DISTANCE APART Distance From Bulkhead

HEAT

37m2

9m

4.5m

SMOKE

74m2

11m

5.5m

18

FIRE DETECTION
Smoke and heat detectors must also be sited to avoid stratification: that is the detector must not be blanketed by layers of hot air.

19

FIRE DETECTION
In this case, the increasing convection air currents have created a flow of combustion products across the detectors.

20

FIRE DETECTION
As shown, detector heads must be positioned to allow easy passage of combustion products in all fire scenarios

21

FIRE DETECTION

HEAT DETECTION

BI METALLIC STRIP

22

FIRE DETECTION

HEAT DETECTION RATE OF RISE: TWO BI METALLIC STRIPS

23

FIRE DETECTION

HEAT DETECTION
RATE OF RISE: TWO BI METALLIC STRIPS

24

FIRE DETECTION

HEAT DETECTION RATE OF RISE:

TWO BI METALLIC
STRIPS

25

FIRE DETECTION

HEAT DETECTION;RATE OF RISE:PNEUMATIC

26

FIRE DETECTION

27

FIRE DETECTION

28

FIRE DETECTION

SMOKE DETECTION
IONISATION RADIOACTIVE SOURCE AMERICIUM

29

FIRE DETECTION
NORMAL
In normal conditions, the Ions flow easily across the air gap and thus maintain an electric circuit.

30

FIRE DETECTION
FIRE
In fire conditions, smoke particles slow down the flow of ions and the circuit is broken.

31

FIRE DETECTION

SMOKE DETECTION: DEFLECTION OF LIGHT- GO

32

FIRE DETECTION

NORMAL CONDITION NO-GO

33

FIRE DETECTION

FIRE CONDITION NO-GO

34

FIRE DETECTION

LIGHT OBSCURATION - PHOTO ELECTRIC CELL

35

FIRE DETECTION
INFRA RED DETECTOR Detects radiation in a particular narrow band flame flicker Can be confused by flickering lights, hence built in time delay.

36

FIRE DETECTION
This multi wavelength flame detector is monitoring the flame generated when a hydrocarbon mixture burns.

37

FIRE DETECTION

This slide shows how different components in a fuel mixture generate different radiation wavelengths-the different colours in 38 a flame.

FIRE DETECTION

The overall flame appearance consists of a number of wavelengths. Most marine flame detectors detect the wave length of carbon dioxide 39 produced in combustion ( just like human vision)

FIRE DETECTION

The filter only allows wavelengths in a certain bandwidth to pass through-this prevents false alarms from other sources. 40

FIRE DETECTION

However, certain other false alarms may be initiated by sunlight, engine room lighting or reflections from rotating equipment. In 41 addition, the detector may be blind from smoke.

FIRE DETECTION

This detector must not be used as a stand alone unit, but in conjunction with other types of detector. Its positioning must be chosen carefully, usually above a slow speed engine.
42

FIRE DETECTION

This detector senses the ultra violet spectrum of a flame and is less sensitive to false alarms.

43

TESTING A SMOKE DETECTOR

44

FIRE DETECTION
CABLE LAYOUT LOOP and LINE

Monitoring
LOOP MONITORING The continuity of the cable is checked by both circuits a-d and b-c. In the event of either cable failing due to damage the an alarm sounds.

45

FIRE DETECTION
CABLE LAYOUT

LOOP MONITORING
Failure modes-damage causes open or short circuit on cables. Short circuit, no discrimination between faults and FIRE activation. Open circuit, fault alarm on one wire
46

FIRE DETECTION
CABLE LAYOUT
LOOP MONITORING In each case faults must be examined immediately Whilst the fault condition exists subsequent fire detection is inhibited Easier for accurate fault detection, discriminates between fault and fire but more expensive.

47

FIRE DETECTION

Line monitoring:

Damage to loop

Short circuit shuts down the system and gives Fire alarm.

Open circuit raises fault indication

Less reliable, harder to pinpoint faults but cheaper.
48

FIRE DETECTION

When the reference resistance becomes LESS than the end resistance ( due to heat effect on cables) the FIRE alarm sounds. When reference resistance is GREATER than the end 49 resistance a Fault alarm sounds.

FIRE DETECTION
Fire Zones
The system is subdivided into ZONES to allow easy identification of the seat of the Fire. Clear information must be displayed near the panel which shows the actual location of the Fire source or the location may be directly displayed on a MIMIC panel.

50

FIRE DETECTION
Fire Zones
Regulations covering Fire detection are set out in SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 13, Section 1. Point 1.15 concerns modifications made to detection systems post 10/94 and deals with single addressable heads. Section 2 deals with Installation requirements including details of areas to be monitored.

51

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Currently, the classifications of Fires are as follows Class A SOLIDS or Carbonaceous fires

Class B Liquids or LIQUIFIABLE solids

CLASS C Gases CLASS D Metals

CLASS E Electrical Equipment

Class F Cooking Oil or Fat

52

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

All fire fighting systems are used to either:
Remove Heat Remove Oxygen

Remove fuel
or CHAINBREAK-stop the chemical reaction

53

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

IMO defines FOUR CLASSES of FIRE Class A cooling-use WATER

Class B- DO NOT USE water UNLESS you use a FINE FOG or MIST.
Class C remove FUEL!!! Class D- Chain breakers or smothering ( removal of Oxygen)

Class E CO2 or Dry Powder

Class F - CO2 or Dry Powder

54

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

How is Heat Removed from a Fire WATER

Freshwater
Sprinklers, curtains and Hi Fog Seawater (via fire-pumps)

Hydrants, hoses, coarse sprinklers (and drenchers!) and fire mains ( hoses, hydrants and nozzles)

55

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

FIRE MAIN
A sea water supply system to fire hydrants is fitted to every ship. Several pumps in the engine room will be arranged to supply the system, their number and capacity being dictated by legislation (MCA for UK registered vessels as well as LLOYDS RULES)

An emergency fire pump will also be located remote from the machinery space and with independent means of power.
A system of hydrant outlets, each with an isolating valve, located around the ship, and hoses with appropriate snap-in connectors are strategically located together with fire hose nozzles. 56

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Fire Hose Nozzles
These nozzles are usually of the jet/spray type providing either type of discharge as required. All the working areas of the ship are thus covered, and a constant supply of seawater can be brought to bear at any point to fight a fire.
While sea water is best used as a cooling agent in fighting Class A fires it is possible, if all else fails, to use it to fight Class B fires.

The jet/spray nozzle would be adjusted to provide a fine water spray which could be played over the fire to cool it without 57 spreading.

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

International Ship Shore Connection
An international shore connection is always carried on board ship. This is a standard size flange which is fitted with a coupling suitable for the ship's hoses.

58

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

FIREMAIN LAYOUT

59

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

The fire main has a number of dedicated fire pumps: Main fire pumps, located in the main machinery spaces

Emergency fire pumps remotely located and independently powered

In addition, isolation valves are fitted so that the main fire pumps and emergency fire pumps can independently pressurise the fire main Further isolation valves so that the accommodation and main deck can be pressurised independently.

60

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Hydrants are located around the deck, and each hydrant is equipped with a Fire hose and adjustable fire nozzle.

Materials used, types of hydrant connection and further equipment are subject to CLASS rules, SOLAS merely gives a broad definition of what should be fitted- class provides the technical expertise for the detailed construction.
Certain areas, such as the paint locker are protected by manually operated spray systems, supplied by the Fire main.
61

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Tankers and Passenger vessels have a requirement for constant pressurisation of the fire main using jockey pumps and a pneumatic pressure system, with main fire pumps stated manually or automatically. Tankers on specific operations, which may involve high sulphur fuel, can be equipped with water drencher systems to cover the accommodation and protect it from hydrocarbon gas or H2S releases Other specalised vessels provide manual water curtains at lifeboat embarkation points.
62

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Automatic FRESH water spray The automatic spray or sprinkler system provides a network of sprinkler heads throughout the protected spaces. This system may be used in accommodation areas, and in machinery spaces with certain variations in the equipment used and the method of operation.

The accommodation areas are fitted with sprinkler heads which both detect and extinguish fires. Sprinkler head is closed by a quartzoid bulb which contains a liquid that expands considerably on heating.
63

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Automatic FRESH water spray When excessively heated the liquid expands, shatters the bulb and water will issue from the sprinkler head. A deflector plate on the sprinkler head causes the water to spray out over a large area.

64

HEAD is pressurised by Fresh water

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

BULB keeps valve closed.

Heat causes alcohol inside bulb to expand, shatter bulb and water flows.

65

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

FRESHWATER SPRINKLER SYSTEM

66

Supply for up to 200 sprinkler heads

EXPANSION

67

SPRINKLER HEADS
The different colours denote different operating temperatures, but the alcohol is the same, only the size of the air bubble changes.

68

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Typical low pressure sprinkler system NOT HIGH FOG

69

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

HIGH FOG
Cool and smother, using the latent heat properties of water to cool, and expansion into steam to temporarily remove oxygen. Devised by Marioff, from an initial requirement by the Belgian air force, Marioff converted a hydraulic system of 200 bar pressure to water in 1974.

70

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

HIGH FOG
Development then followed on head technology, and pressures have reduced drastically. The following slide shows a GL approved hi fog system currently fitted to new build container ships. A single stage low pressure centrifugal pump, with a screw inducer fitted in the eye takes suction direct from the domestic fresh water tank.

71

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

72

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

The detail shown right, features the pump taking suction from the fresh water tank. The system is manually operated locally or remotely. Pump is fed via EMS.
All operations are controlled by one panel, opening valves and starting pump.

73

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Hi Fog droplets are extremely small, increased surface area causes them to flash into steam, latent heat is absorbed, steam generated displaces oxygen.

74

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

MARIOFF tested their Hi Fog systems on a carbonaceous fire, and estimated the use of 150 litres of water in a Hi fog system is as effective as 7000 litres in a sprinkler system: 46.67 to 1 !!!

75

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

SMOTHERING

Removal of Oxygen
FOAM Simple foam installation, with seawater mixing with foam compound(usually protein).

76

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Exact metering of foam compounds and water.

77

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Types of foam available for marine use:
Protein base ( PF) Flouro protein foam (FP)

Film forming fluoro protein foam (FFFP)

Synthetic detergent foam Alcohol resistant foam-chemical fires

Aqueous film forming foam ( AFFF)

78

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

A simple CO2 driven foam system

79

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

Hi-Ex- has limited use due to lightness of foam. Convection currents can easily blow the foam away. Must be delivered from overhead nozzles However you can breathe in the mixture, and there is a limited cooling and smoke clearing effect.
80

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

CHAINBREAKERS HALON

Still legal under IMO legislation but not UK legislation ( or other EU countries plus CANADA)
NOVEC 1230 is an approved drop in replacement.
81

FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

HALON is a CFC and so has the same OZONE depletion affect as R11 and R12. NOVEC 1230 is a HALON replacement, using roughly the same pipeline layout, and same mass of fluid, with a slight change in head detail, and with an ODP and GWP of 0. FM 200 requires roughly 1.5 times as much mass as HALON, has an ODP of 0 and a GWP of 1 PYROGEN has appeared briefly as a HALON substitute but has since disappeared.

Dry powder is also a chain-breaker and in addition acts as a smothering agent.

82

Flammable Range

83

Flammable Range
The flammable range is relatively narrow, so that any new gas introduced into the space will either displace oxygen or remove hydrocarbon vapours. This particular example is for crude oil, but the principle applies to all hydrocarbon based fuels.

84