Fixed Systems

Fixed fire extinguishing systems are the heart of the marine and offshore industries fire safety arrangements, and choosing the most effective medium for each risk is vital to ensure the effectiveness of the system in a fire situation, we have the expertise to make the correct recommendation. Halon has been banned as a fire extinguishing medium, and should have been removed by the end of 2004, some of the alternatives designed and supplied by us are shown below.

CARBON DIOXIDE CO2 SYSTEMS Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as an extinguishing agent is very fast and thorough. It smothers a fire within seconds and creates no damage to the surrounding area. Stored under pressure as a liquid, 51bars at 20oC (720 PSIG at 70oF) carbon dioxide when released through a Nozzle(s, expands to vapour then quickly and effectively permeates through the protected hazard and by reducing the oxygen in the atmosphere with its extreme density rapidly suppresses the fire. A Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression system consists of one or more bank of cylinder storage containers to supply the CO2 extinguishing agent. Flexible discharge loops, or hoses, connect the cylinders to a high pressure steel manifold. The manifold in turn distributes the agent into the piping network. Nozzles regulate the flow of CO2 gas into the protected area. CO2 is clean and leaves no residue, which eliminates costly after-fire clean-up and keeping expensive “downtime” to a minimum. Most materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and other metals as well as plastics, rubber and electronic components are unaffected by exposure to CO2.

FM-200 SYSTEMS HFC 227ea or FM-200 as it is more commonly known can be used in almost every aspect of the marine and offshore industry. FM-200 (1,1,1,2,3,3,3,- heptafluoropropane) is a compound of carbon, fluorine and hydrogen (CF3CHFCF3). It is colourless, odourless and electrically non-conductive. It suppresses fire by a combination of chemical and physical mechanisms without directly affecting the available oxygen. This allows personnel to see and breath, permitting them to leave the area safely. FM-200 is clean and leaves no residue and like CO2, eliminates costly after-fire clean-up. Most materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass and other metals as well as plastics, rubber and electronic components are unaffected by exposure to FM-200. In tests, the acute toxicity of FM-200 was shown to be equivalent to that of Halon 1301. FM-200 has been evaluated for cardiac sensation through test protocols approved by the US EPA, which classifies FM-200 as acceptable for use as a total flooding agent in occupied spaces with specific limitations.

HIGH PRESSURE WATER FOG SYSTEMS Water fog systems represent the advances in technology which have made the use of water acceptable as a fire fighting medium in a greater range of applications in the marine fire industry. Total flooding arrangements for engine rooms up to 3000 cum are available now, with further testing being carried out to cover larger spaces. Water fog systems are the preferred medium in use to comply with the new regulations for local protection on both passenger ships and cargo vessels. Local protection for major items of machinery means that vessels have an early alternative to dealing with fires without using the main flooding system. Fog systems are safe in occupied areas and are environmentally friendly. Ultra-fog was one of the early companies to develop marine approved systems, and has remained a market leader. Ocean Engineering are the UK agent for Ultra-Fog AB marine systems.

PYROGEN SYSTEMS A revolution is taking place in Fire Suppression. Developed from solid rocket fuel technology, Pyrogen is the worlds first Commercially available Aerosol Fire Extinguishing System. Designed as a safe and practical alternative to halon, Halocarbons, Chemical Powders and Inert Gases. Pyrogen is available from stock in a wide range of canister sizes. Pyrogen is an inert non-toxic solid that remains stable until electrically or thermally activated, where upon it produces a gas-like extinguishing aerosol. The aerosol attacks the fire both chemically and physically, giving instant extinguishing and preventing re-ignition, and in certain instances, explosions. For many applications, Pyrogen is the only practical alternative to halon. Unlike some Halon alternatives, Pyrogen produces no aggressive acids such as Hydrogen Fluoride upon contact with hot surfaces. It produces no chlorine or bromide and does not deplete oxygen to suppress the fire. Pyrogen is an ideal alternative to Halon within the marine industry simply because of its very unique compact properties, which allows it to be fitted to the smallest of engine rooms.