An Evaluation of Pre-Engineered Fire Extinguishing Systems for Machinery Space Applications

A full-scale fire performance evaluation was conducted to assist the USCG in developing a position on using pre-engineered fire extinguishing systems (PFESs) in larger compartments. Specifically the tests evaluated (1) the reliability of PFESs in irregular- shaped compartments with volumes up to 150...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Forssell, E, Boosinger, M, Back, G, Weaver, E, Nash, L, Beene, D
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ACTUATION
BOAT AND SHIP SAFETY
COAST GUARD RESEARCH
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
FIRE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
FIRE SCENARIOS
FIRE TESTS
GASEOUS AGENTS
HALON
HYDROGEN FLUORIDE
LABORATORY TESTS
MACHINERY SPACE
Marine Engineering
PFES(PRE-ENGINEERED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS)
PRE-ENGINEERED
Safety Engineering
Test Facilities, Equipment and Methods
TEST METHODS
TOTAL FLOODING
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Summary:A full-scale fire performance evaluation was conducted to assist the USCG in developing a position on using pre-engineered fire extinguishing systems (PFESs) in larger compartments. Specifically the tests evaluated (1) the reliability of PFESs in irregular- shaped compartments with volumes up to 150 cubic m (5,297 cubic ft); (2) the ability of the systems to distribute the agent in larger/irregular spaces; (3) the effects of ventilation on the extinguishing capability of the pre-engineered systems, and (4) the effect of the agents on diesel engine operations during the discharge of a fire extinguishing agent. This test series was broken down into two parts. The initial set of tests assessed the capabilities of two type approved PFESs over a range of potential compartment configurations (a sensitivity analysis of application parameters). This assessment was performed in an enclosure(s) with a volume equivalent to the maximum allowed by the type approval. The second set of tests assessed the ability to protect larger volumes/spaces with similar types of systems. The results of these tests suggest that the approved systems have good actuation and fire extinguishing capabilities for their approved volumes; however, the results of these tests suggest that the current technology(s) need to be modified (e.g. increased agent design concentration) when applied to larger spaces in order to provide the same level of protection as that provided in the smaller volumes. Testing of the agents on an operating diesel engine showed the engine shut down immediately upon exposure to the agent without any sign of a run-away, and the diesel engine was successfully restarted after the test. Prepared in collaboration with Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), Mistic, CT. The original document contains color images.