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A machinery space carbon dioxide smothering system is a type of fixed fire extinguishing system designed to protect machinery spaces, such as engine rooms, on ships from fires.

It works by flooding the space with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas, which displaces oxygen and suffocates the fire.

1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CO2 Flooding System – Fixed Fire Fighting on Ships – Google Sites

2. Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Key components and operation:

• CO2 Cylinders: The system consists of a bank of high-pressure CO2 cylinders stored in a dedicated CO2 room.   1. Fixed CO2 & HALON Installation for cargo ships – Bulk Carrier Guide.com bulkcarrierguide.com
• Distribution System: A network of pipes and nozzles is connected to the cylinders, leading to various discharge points within the protected machinery spaces.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CO2 Flooding System – Fixed Fire Fighting on Ships – Google Sites sites.google.com
• Control Panel: A control panel located outside the protected area allows for manual or automatic activation of the system.
• Alarms and Warnings: Audible and visual alarms are installed to warn personnel before CO2 is released.   1. Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishing Systems – Fire Engineering: Firefighter Training and Fire Service News, Rescue www.fireengineering.com
• Time Delay: A time delay mechanism is typically incorporated to allow sufficient time for personnel to evacuate the machinery space before CO2 is discharged.

How it works:

1. Activation: In the event of a fire, the system is activated either manually from the control panel or automatically through fire detection sensors.
2. CO2 Release: The high-pressure CO2 is released from the cylinders and flows through the distribution system into the machinery space.
3. Oxygen Displacement: The CO2 gas, being heavier than air, rapidly fills the space, displacing oxygen and creating an inert atmosphere.   1. Carbon Dioxide vs Carbon Monoxide – What’s the difference? | CO2Meter.com www.co2meter.com
4. Fire Suppression: The lack of oxygen suffocates the fire, extinguishing the flames.   1. When Would It Be Dangerous to Use a Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguisher? www.cityfire.co.uk
5. Cooling Effect: The rapid expansion of CO2 also has a cooling effect, helping to reduce the temperature in the space.

Advantages:

• Effective on various fire types: CO2 is effective on Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires.   1. CO2 fire extinguisher – everything you need to know surreyfire.co.uk
• Clean Agent: CO2 leaves no residue after discharge, minimizing cleanup and damage to equipment.
• Non-conductive: Safe for use on electrical equipment and machinery.   1. MARINE ENGINEERING KNOWLEDGE BY RAJAN – CO2 Flooding System – Fixed Fire Fighting on Ships – Google Sites sites.google.com
• Large Area Coverage: A single CO2 system can protect multiple compartments with a centralized bank of cylinders.

Disadvantages:

• Dangerous to Personnel: CO2 is hazardous to humans in high concentrations. It displaces oxygen, leading to asphyxiation. Therefore, it’s crucial to evacuate the space before discharge and ensure proper ventilation after the fire is extinguished.   1. Carbon Dioxide | Wisconsin Department of Health Services www.dhs.wisconsin.gov
• Limited Penetration: CO2 may not be effective in reaching deep-seated fires or those involving materials that can smolder.
• Environmental Impact: While CO2 is not directly toxic, it’s a greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. Efforts are being made to explore alternative firefighting agents with lower environmental impact.   1. Overview of Greenhouse Gases | US EPA www.epa.gov

Regulations and Safety:

• SOLAS: The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) mandates the installation and maintenance of fixed fire extinguishing systems, including CO2 systems, in machinery spaces on certain types of ships.
• Safety Measures: Strict safety procedures, including alarms, delays, and ventilation requirements, must be followed to minimize risks to personnel during and after CO2 discharge.

In conclusion, a machinery space carbon dioxide smothering system is a crucial safety feature on many ships, providing effective fire suppression in critical areas like engine rooms. While it has some limitations and safety considerations, its ability to quickly extinguish fires and minimize damage makes it an important component of a vessel’s fire protection strategy.Sources and related content

The regulations regarding the rate of flooding for a machinery space carbon dioxide smothering system are designed to ensure that the fire is extinguished quickly and effectively, while also allowing sufficient time for personnel to evacuate the space safely.

According to SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations, the system must be capable of discharging:

• At least 50% of the required CO2 quantity within the first minute of operation.
• At least 85% of the required CO2 quantity within two minutes of operation.   1. Vessel Fire Safety Regulations ( SOR /2017-14) laws-lois.justice.gc.ca

These timeframes are crucial for achieving the following:

1. Rapid Fire Suppression:

• Fires in machinery spaces can escalate quickly due to the presence of flammable liquids, electrical equipment, and other combustible materials. The rapid discharge of CO2 ensures that the fire is suppressed before it can spread extensively and cause major damage or endanger the vessel’s safety.

2. Personnel Evacuation:

• The time delay between activation and full discharge allows personnel to evacuate the machinery space safely.   1. All About CO2 Fire Suppression Systems – Blog – Koorsen Fire & Security blog.koorsen.com
• The initial 50% discharge within the first minute helps to create an immediate oxygen-deficient environment, discouraging the fire’s growth and providing additional time for evacuation.

3. Effective Smothering:

• The 85% discharge within two minutes ensures a sufficient concentration of CO2 in the space to displace oxygen and effectively smother the fire. This concentration typically needs to be at least 30% of the gross volume of the machinery space.

These regulations strike a balance between rapid fire suppression and ensuring the safety of personnel. By adhering to these requirements, the CO2 smothering system can effectively extinguish fires in machinery spaces while minimizing the risk to human life.

Activating a machinery space carbon dioxide (CO2) smothering system is a critical decision that must be made with utmost care, as it involves releasing a gas that is hazardous to humans. Therefore, several crucial precautions must be taken before activation to ensure the safety of personnel and the effectiveness of the system:

1. Confirm the Fire:

• Verify Fire Existence: Ensure that there is an actual fire in the machinery space that necessitates the use of the CO2 system. False alarms or minor incidents should not trigger its activation.
• Assess Fire Severity: Evaluate the extent and intensity of the fire to determine if the CO2 system is the appropriate response or if other firefighting methods should be attempted first.

2. Alert Personnel and Initiate Evacuation:

• Sound Alarms: Activate the CO2 alarm system to alert all personnel in the machinery space and initiate evacuation procedures.
• Verbal Warnings: Make announcements over the ship’s public address system and use other communication means to ensure everyone is aware of the impending CO2 release.
• Headcount: Conduct a headcount to ensure all personnel have safely evacuated the machinery space.

3. Secure the Machinery Space:

• Close Openings: Close all ventilation flaps, doors, hatches, and other openings to the machinery space to prevent the escape of CO2 and ensure effective flooding of the space.
• Stop Machinery: Shut down all machinery and equipment in the affected area to minimize the risk of further damage and potential reignition.
• Isolate Fuel and Oil Systems: Activate remote quick-closing valves to shut off fuel and oil supplies to the machinery space, reducing the fuel source for the fire.

4. Inform the Bridge:

• Notify the Master or Officer on Watch: Inform the bridge team about the activation of the CO2 system, providing details about the location of the fire and the actions being taken.
• Communication: Maintain continuous communication with the bridge throughout the process to provide updates and receive further instructions.

5. System Checks:

• Verify CO2 Supply: Check the pressure gauges on the CO2 cylinders to ensure an adequate supply of gas is available for discharge.
• Check Alarms and Controls: Confirm that all alarms and control systems are functioning correctly before proceeding with activation.

6. Final Checks and Activation:

• Double-Check Evacuation: Conduct a final sweep of the machinery space to ensure no one is left behind.
• Activate System: If all safety checks are complete and the space is clear, activate the CO2 system from the designated control panel, following the established procedures.

Additional Precautions:

• Emergency Breathing Apparatus (EBA): Ensure that crew members involved in the firefighting operation have access to and are trained in the use of EBAs in case they need to re-enter the space for rescue or other critical tasks.
• Boundary Cooling: If the fire is close to a bulkhead or deck, consider boundary cooling measures to prevent heat transfer and potential damage to adjacent spaces.
• Post-Discharge Ventilation: After the fire is extinguished, ventilate the machinery space thoroughly before allowing re-entry to ensure a safe atmosphere.

By meticulously following these precautions, the risk to personnel and the potential for ineffective fire suppression can be significantly reduced, ensuring the safe and successful operation of the CO2 smothering system in a machinery space emergency.