FIRE SUPPRESSION
 

Marine High-Pressure CO2

Marine Low-Pressure CO2

FM-200

Fixed Foam

Marine HotFoam

Fine Water Mist

 

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MARINE HIGH-PRESSURE CO2 SYSTEMS 

FyrGuard 2000

ENGINEERED UL/USCG-APPROVED CO2 SYSTEM
SOTEC's USCG-approved marine high-pressure carbon-dioxide (CO2) suppression systems are typically installed to protect engine rooms, pump rooms, incinerator rooms, generator rooms, cargo holds and paint lockers and other small storage areas from fire. All of the systems are manually-operated from either a remote station (away from the cylinder storage area) or at the local station (beside the storage cylinders).
SOTEC provides complete engineering, design, installation and service of all varieties of marine CO2 systems.  These systems can be custom designed to meet specific needs of all regulations and requirements set forth by the various regulatory bodies.

There are three basic design types:  The first includes small systems (less than three hundred pounds of CO2) usually used for paint lockers or other small unmanned areas. A second type consists of a single bank of cylinders protecting a single area, and the third is a single bank of cylinders protecting multiple areas.

The banked systems employ a remote actuation station, a local station, a stop valve and a timer to delay the stop valve opening. These systems operate on a two-stage principle:   The first activates all of the cylinders in the bank and fills the manifold up to the stop valve.  The second stage allows CO2 to flow into the timer, then open the main stop valve to allow CO2 to flow into the protected area.

The multi-zone systems employ a stop valve specific to each zone protected and may also employ controlled release of cylinders, via non-return in the actuator line, to discharge an appropriate quantity of gas into the proper area. 

 

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MARINE LOW-PRESSURE CO2 SYSTEMS

ADVANTAGES:

•    Economy

•    Multiple Hazard Protection

•    Multiple Shot Capability

•    Reserve Supply

•    Hydrostatic Testing

•    Ease of Filling

•    Conserves Storage Space

•    Monitoring CO2 Supply
Low-pressure carbon-dioxide protection has replaced high-pressure systems, in a variety of large scale applications, such as engine rooms and cargo spaces, and for protection of liquefied natural gas transit ships. Low-pressure and high-pressure carbon-dioxide systems have equal extinguishing capabilities, and each is designed to handle a specific hazard.  In many cases, however, low-pressure systems have clear advantages in meeting specific application requirements.

A large supply of agent is usually required,  for handling larger hazards or where reserve capacity is needed for repeat or extended discharge periods.

When used for total flooding of a hazard, low-pressure provides better dispersion of CO2. It also provides more finely divided particles of dry ice for local applications.

Generally, a low-pressure system becomes more economical when coverage requires 4000 lbs. of agent or more (2000 lbs. for reserve).

•  Economy

As much as one-hundred (100) tons (90,900 kg) or more of  liquid CO2 can be stored in low-pressure units, in a single lightweight vessel filled to over 90% of its water capacity. In contrast, cylinders have a maximum capacity of one-hundred (100) pounds each (filled to 68% of their water capacity). This results in lower storage costs for high-capacity systems.

•  Multiple Hazard Protection

Low-pressure systems facilitate the design of simultaneous protection of more than one hazard from one piping system.

•  Multiple Shot Capability

A second (or multiple) discharge, based on storage unit capacity, is immediately available without any switch-over to the reserve.

•  Reserve Supply

A reserve supply is easily obtained, by merely increasing the storage unit size; no complicated manifolding and valving is required. After one discharge, the reserve supply provides uninterrupted protection, during the interval preceding recharge of the unit to full capacity.

•  Hydrostatic Testing

Low-pressure CO2 units, constantly in service, do not require hydrostatic testing as cylinders do; i.e., before refilling if over five (5) years from last test date, or after twelve (12) years even if the cylinder has not been discharged.

•  Ease of Filling

Storage unit fill connections are extended to a point accessible to a transport truck, allowing the unit to be filled solely by transfer of liquid through a pump on the truck. Ship personnel need not be involved. In contrast, high- pressure cylinders must be disconnected and transported to a filling plant. The cost of CO2 delivered as low- pressure liquid is normally much less than that delivered in cylinders on a per-pound (kg) basis.

•  Conserves Storage Space

In most cases, low-pressure storage units require less floor space than equal storage in cylinders. Storage weights can also be significantly less. Low-pressure storage requires approximately one (1) pound (kg) of steel to store one (1) pound (kg) of CO2. The high-pressure cylinder storage ratio is approximately two (2) pounds (kg) of steel to one (1) pound (kg) of CO2.

•  Monitoring CO2 Supply

The low-pressure storage unit has a liquid level gauge designed to continuously monitor the amount of CO2 in storage.

 

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FM-200 SYSTEMS

In the spring of 1997, the United States Coast Guard moved to begin evaluation and recognition of "Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems" for use on board USCG regulated vessels. FM-200 is one of the agents being considered for marine use, at this time. Offshore drilling and deep-water production units falling under USCG have already gained acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

Great Lakes Chemical Corp.
FM-200 is fast and effective, penetrating all spaces of the protected area, as it snuffs out fires in seconds. FM-200 is environmentally friendly, with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), low atmospheric lifetime (31-42 years) and no EPA use restrictions.
FM-200 is clean, minimizing fire-related downtime and leaving no residue behind to damage electronic equipment, vital software or irreplaceable equipment. FM-200 is tested and accepted by Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual and the National Fire Protection Association (2001 Standard).
FM-200 is people-safe because it is non-toxic and, when used in accordance with NFPA Standard 2001, causes no breathing problems and won't obscure vision in an emergency situation. FM-200 is the most versatile  clean agent available today and has been tested on the widest range of Class A and Class B fuels, from heptane to ethanol, from wood to sensitive electronics.
LESS SPACE, LESS INSTALLATION COST

Unlike many other systems that take up tremendous amounts of space to house their containers, Fenwal FM-200 Systems are designed to provide maximum fire protection, with minimum hardware that blends in with their surroundings. The end result is a lower installed cost.

100% FENWAL QUALITY

Fenwal, a worldwide organization having more hands-on experience in designing, building and installing clean agent systems than any other company, manufacturers FM-200 systems to world-class quality standards, so make sure you insist on a 100% Fenwal FM-200 System
TROUBLE-FREE RECHARGING

When you consider the merits of a clean agent fire suppression system, keep in mind what could occur if the system discharges. 

•    Are recharge supplies of the fire suppression agent readily available throughout the world?

•    Is the quality consistent or do local suppliers "blend" their own mixtures?

•    Can you get a full range of services from emergency recharging and spare parts to annual inspections and required maintenance?

With FM-200 and the Fenwal/SOTEC Service Network, the answer to these three questions is "YES".
A CHOICE OF MODULAR OR ENGINEERED SYSTEMS

Fenwal offers two types of FM-200 Systems:  engineered central storage and modular. The former protects multiple hazards and gives you the ultimate in future expansion ability. The latter fits into tight spaces in a cost-effective manner. Depending upon the characteristics of the facility to be protected, SOTEC can recommend a system that is suitable for your application.
SOTEC AS A FENWAL DISTRIBUTOR

SOTEC, as a Fenwal distributor, is perhaps the most compelling reason of all to specify Fenwal. Throughout the world, SOTEC can offer consistent (and convenient) capabilities of trained engineers and technicians for fire protection surveys, design, installation, service and training.
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FIXED FOAM FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEMS

The main uses of a fixed foam system for offshore protection are:
•  to extinguish spill fires and also preclude ignition of spilled oil not yet ignited;

•  to combat fires in ruptured piping and tanks and

•  to extinguish fire occurring on and around the heliport operations deck.
   
When extinguishing a burning liquid fire, like oil, gasoline or solvents, the extinguishing agent should be lighter than the burning liquid. The use of water will be useless, in the extinguishment of these types of fires. The burning liquid will float on the water and continue burning, and the water may even spread the fire.

Expanded foam has a low density and will, therefore, float on top of the burning liquid. The foam spreads quickly to form a blanket covering the burning surface, cutting off the oxygen supply needed to maintain the fire, as well cooling down the burning product.

When a hydrocarbon fuel is ignited, it is not the liquid itself that is burning, but the vapor given off by the fuel. Foam works very efficiently by blocking off the oxygen supply to the fire. It acts as a vapor seal, and the surface area is cooled down by the water content of the foam.

The fixed foam firefighting system is designed for simple and rapid operation. The foam liquid tank, pump and proportioner will normally be situated in a foam room, and foam delivery capacity will be sized according to the hazard the system protects and the Authorities Having Jurisdiction.

The foam liquid is stored in a steel-pressure vessel, with an internal bladder better known as a  "bladder tank".

A foam liquid pump is not required, as the bladder tank supplies the proportioner with foam liquid at a pressure equal to the pressure in the main fire line. The proportioner unit functions automatically. The preset percentage of foam liquid will be supplied, irrespective of water flow and pressure from the platform's main fire pumps.
The number and capacity, as well as the exact location, of the monitors are calculated as part of the total design of the system.

Monitors and hand lines will always be situated on the helideck deck, while the other monitors generally are located near production and product storage areas, in order to give the best possible protection. 

A number of foam hand lines are connected to the foam/water line. These hand lines are for fighting spill fires. The use of both monitors and hand lines will give a high grade of flexibility.

Fixed foam deluge systems are installed at refueling equipment, mud pits, product storage and production equipment.
 

 

 

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Marine HotFoam 

FIXED FOAM FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM

BENEFITS OF A  HotFoam SYSTEM

•  Local and/or flooding system options                       •  Low weight system

•  Well tested extinguishing capabilities                        •  Environmentally-safe

•  Flexible positioning of the foam generators               •  Safe for personnel

•  Simple installation

  

Maintenance

The system has a simple design, requiring less maintenance.

Approvals

The system holds type approval certificates for the major Classification Societies and National Authorities.

 

Service

Even a reliable system will need service by a specialist. SOTEC offers the customer service worldwide.
HotFoam is the new extinguishing system within marine fire fighting. With Halon being phased out due to environmental reasons, HotFoam is a good replacement.

When installing HotFoam, there is no need for large air ducts or unnatural hull openings to produce foam. Simplified piping system and low weight generators, in combination with a traditionally and well-proven central foam proportioning unit, makes the whole system easy to install.

HotFoam is suitable for installation in engine rooms, together with adjacent spaces, as local and/or total flooding. The system is manually operated, but, upon request,  may be supplied with remote operation.

When a fire occurs, firefighting can immediately begin by the use of HotFoam.  There is a further advantage of reduced damage, due to the cooling effect created by the water and the foam on surfaces.

HotFoam has been extensively full-scale tested for fires in machinery spaces (Classes 1, 2 & 3), following IMO guidelines.

HotFoam extinguishes fires, with a combination of water and foam. Foam fills all the voids and seals the fire from the air supply, and steam absorbs heat energy when water is vaporized. An inert atmosphere is created and the fire is extinguished.

 

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FINE WATER SPRAY SYSTEM

INTRODUCING THE FIRE SCOPE 2000
Securiplex, a leader in water mist technology, has developed and certified a unique pre-engineered water mist system specifically for the protection of machinery spaces--the Securiplex Fire-Scope 2000 Fine Water Spray (FWS) system.

The Fire-Scope 2000 technology is based on a major development in spray nozzle design. A proprietary twin-fluid atomizing nozzle is used to suppress most types of fires, including those involving highly volatile hydrocarbons, while using minimal quantities of water.
0 Seconds10-liter gasoline poolfire.
3 Seconds after activation of F.W.S.
5 Seconds after activation of F.W.S.  Fire is completely extinguished.
Fire-Scope 2000 is a sophisticated low-pressure, water-mist system that provides highly-effective, ultra-fast fire suppression without the environmental problems normally associated with gas and chemical systems. Fire-Scope 2000 is ideally suited as a halon or CO2 alternative.

Fire-Scope 2000 delivers a fine spray of water mist, which is completely harmless to hot metal surfaces, such as the casing of a marine engine. The patented twin fluid nozzle is an ingenious device that combines water and air to produce controlled size water droplets. These droplets are transported into the base of the fire, allowing for rapid extinguishing of large, intense fires with very limited quantities of water.
Securiplex's twin fluid atomizing nozzle is specially designed to mix the water and air in a mixing chamber for optimum and controlled water droplet size, at a nominal operating pressure of 5 bar, or 75 psi. The nozzle contains no moving parts. The water droplet is, instead, generated by the shearing effect of the air, when the water is brought into contact with it within the mixing chamber.

The effect of the combined air and water pressure improves the penetrating capability of the water spray-- an essential element for effective fire suppression.

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