CO2 Total flooding extinguishing system for fire protection onboard chemical tankers
Many chemical tankers have a CO2 “total flooding" system for the cargo pump rooms. This is a most effective method for
extinguishing a fire in a closed compartment. Certain dangers, however, are involved :
i) make sure the room has been evacuated before admission of CO2 . No one will have a chance of escaping once the gas has been admitted.
ii) the released CO2 may assume a strong electrostatic charge which may cause incendive sparks. This is of no consequence if the room is already on fire, but if the room is to be inerted with CO2 as a preventive, measure this should only be done knowing that the room is gas free.
i) make sure the room has been evacuated before admission of CO2 . No one will have a chance of escaping once the gas has been admitted.
ii) the released CO2 may assume a strong electrostatic charge which may cause incendive sparks. This is of no consequence if the room is already on fire, but if the room is to be inerted with CO2 as a preventive, measure this should only be done knowing that the room is gas free.
Lately halogen gas total flooding systems have been installed on a trial basis. This gas does not possess the above
disadvantages and is easier to install.
Inert gas in the cargo tanks, is to be considered a preventive safety measure only. The delivery capacity of inert gas generators etc is far below the requirements for active fire fighting.
Carbon dioxide and vaporising liquids
Carbon dioxide is an excellent smothering agent for extinguishing fires when used in conditions where it will not be widely diffused. However, it has poor cooling qualities and the possibility of re-ignition by hot surfaces should be borne in mind. Due to the possibility of static electricity generation, carbon dioxide should not be injected into any space containing a flammable atmosphere which is not already on fire.
Carbon dioxide is asphyxiating and cannot be detected by sight or smell. Halogenated hydrocarbons are vaporising liquids which have a flame inhibiting effect, similar to dry chemical powder, and also have a slight smothering effect. The different liquids available are identified by a system of halon numbers. The environmental disadvantages of halons are well known, and modern ships are not fitted with them. But where fitted, their use in emergency may be necessary and appropriate to save lives or the ship.
As with carbon dioxide, halons and other chemical fire extinguishing gases are most effective in enclosed spaces, where they will not be widely diffused. All halons are considered to be toxic to some degree because contact with hot surfaces and flame causes them to break down, yielding toxic substances. After a fire has been extinguished, it is necessary to use suitable breathing apparatus to enter the space.
Related Info pages
Water extinguishing method for fire protection
Foam extinguishing method for chemical tankers
Dry powder fire extinguishing method
Main Info pages!
Home page ||| Chemical hazards ||| Cargo planning & Stowage ||| Cargo loading ||| Cargo documents ||| Safe stability ||| Cargo care ||| Preparation for unloading ||| Inert gas systems |||Gas freeing ||| Nitrogen handling ||| Chemical handling Safe practice |||Handling equipments ||| Cargo & Ballast pumps ||| Cargo tanks |||Tank cleaning |||Special cargoes |||Spills emergencies |||Fire protection
Copyright © 2011 Chemical Tanker Guide.com. All rights reserved.
Chemicaltankerguide.com is merely an informational site about various aspects of chemical tankers safe practice that should be adopted by any prudent mariner. If you are interested in finding out more about chemical tanker guideline please visit IMO official website.
Inert gas in the cargo tanks, is to be considered a preventive safety measure only. The delivery capacity of inert gas generators etc is far below the requirements for active fire fighting.
Carbon dioxide and vaporising liquids
Carbon dioxide is an excellent smothering agent for extinguishing fires when used in conditions where it will not be widely diffused. However, it has poor cooling qualities and the possibility of re-ignition by hot surfaces should be borne in mind. Due to the possibility of static electricity generation, carbon dioxide should not be injected into any space containing a flammable atmosphere which is not already on fire.
Carbon dioxide is asphyxiating and cannot be detected by sight or smell. Halogenated hydrocarbons are vaporising liquids which have a flame inhibiting effect, similar to dry chemical powder, and also have a slight smothering effect. The different liquids available are identified by a system of halon numbers. The environmental disadvantages of halons are well known, and modern ships are not fitted with them. But where fitted, their use in emergency may be necessary and appropriate to save lives or the ship.
As with carbon dioxide, halons and other chemical fire extinguishing gases are most effective in enclosed spaces, where they will not be widely diffused. All halons are considered to be toxic to some degree because contact with hot surfaces and flame causes them to break down, yielding toxic substances. After a fire has been extinguished, it is necessary to use suitable breathing apparatus to enter the space.
Related Info pages
Water extinguishing method for fire protection
Foam extinguishing method for chemical tankers
Dry powder fire extinguishing method
Main Info pages!
Home page ||| Chemical hazards ||| Cargo planning & Stowage ||| Cargo loading ||| Cargo documents ||| Safe stability ||| Cargo care ||| Preparation for unloading ||| Inert gas systems |||Gas freeing ||| Nitrogen handling ||| Chemical handling Safe practice |||Handling equipments ||| Cargo & Ballast pumps ||| Cargo tanks |||Tank cleaning |||Special cargoes |||Spills emergencies |||Fire protection
Copyright © 2011 Chemical Tanker Guide.com. All rights reserved.
Chemicaltankerguide.com is merely an informational site about various aspects of chemical tankers safe practice that should be adopted by any prudent mariner. If you are interested in finding out more about chemical tanker guideline please visit IMO official website.