FIRE
1
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
3
All fire fighting breaks the triangle
Reduce
to less
REMOVAL than
Or 10%
Oxygen
STOPPAGE
4
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.
6
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
7
FIRE DETECTION
Human observation relies on the human
senses:
Sight
Sound
Smell
Taste
Touch
8
FIRE DETECTION
Most Human observations can be mimicked by
the following detectors
Sight-
Infra red flame detectors, sensing flicker
patterns, smoke detectors using light sources
in “go” or “no go” light transmission and
reception.
Smell and Taste-
combustion products entering an ionized
chamber.
Touch-
9
Heat detectors, including absolute temperature
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. Electrical feed, both normal and
emergency (including battery backup)
2. Main control unit (usually housed in the
wheelhouse( with repeater units
3. Fire detection sensors and manual call
points
4. 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 Distance
APART 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-the38
different colours in a flame.
FIRE DETECTION
The overall flame appearance consists of a number of wavelengths.
Most marine flame detectors detect the wave length of carbon39
dioxide 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 other40
sources.
FIRE DETECTION
However, certain other false alarms may be initiated by
sunlight, engine room lighting or reflections from rotating
41
equipment. In addition, the detector may be “blind” from
FIRE DETECTION
This detector must not be used as a stand alone unit, but in
conjunction with other types of detector.
42
Its positioning must be chosen carefully, usually above a slow speed
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 45
sounds.
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 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 49
GREATER than the end resistance a Fault alarm
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
spreading. 57
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
61
systems, supplied by the Fire main.
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
FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS
HEAD is
pressurised by
Fresh water
BULB
keeps
valve
closed.
Heat causes alcohol inside bulb to 65
expand, shatter bulb and water
FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS
FRESHWATER
SPRINKLER SYSTEM
66
Supply for up to 200
sprinkler heads
EXPANSIO
N
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 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 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 84
