What is Fixed Fire Fighting Installations for enclosed Spaces rules and regulations as per SOLAS ?

• 1 actuator;
• 1 flexible hose (cylinder to manifold); and
• the cylinder bursting discs and sealing washers for all cylinders.

Carbon dioxide systems

The volume of free carbon dioxide is to be calculated at 0,56 m3/kg.

For machinery spaces:

• The quantity of carbon dioxide carried is to be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to the larger of: 30 per cent of the gross volume of the largest machinery space protected, including the casing;
• The fixed piping system is to be such that 85 per cent of the gas can be discharged into the space within two minutes; and
• The distribution arrangements are to be such that approximately 15 per cent of the required quantity of carbon dioxide is led to the bilge areas.

Two separate controls are to be provided for releasing carbon dioxide into a protected space and each is to ensure the activation of the alarm. One control is to be used to discharge the gas from its storage cylinder(s).

A second control is to be used for opening the valve of the piping which conveys the gas into the protected space. The two controls are to be located inside a release box clearly identified for the particular space. If the box containing the controls is to be locked, a key to the box is to be in a break-glass type enclosure conspicuously located adjacent to the box. There is to be a dedicated release box for each protected space, in which personnel normally work or to which they have access, see also 7.1.7. The space served is to be identified at the release box.

Distribution pipes for carbon dioxide are not to be smaller than 20 mm bore.

High-expansion foam systems

Any required fixed high-expansion foam system in machinery spaces is to be capable of rapidly discharging through fixed discharge outlets a quantity of foam sufficient to fill the greatest space to be protected at a rate of at least 1 m in depth per minute. The quantity of foam-forming liquid available is to be sufficient to produce a volume of foam equal to five times the volume of the largest space to be protected.

The expansion ratio of the foam is not to exceed 1000 to 1.

Alternative arrangements and discharge rates will be permitted provided that equivalent protection is achieved.

Supply ducts for delivering foam, air intakes to the foam generator and the number of foam-generating units are to be such as will provide effective foam production and distribution.

The arrangement of the foam generator delivery ducting is to be such that a fire in the protected space will not affect the foam-generating equipment.

The foam generator, its sources of power supply, foam-forming liquid and means of controlling the system are to be readily accessible and simple to operate and are to be grouped in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut off by fire in the protected space.

Foam concentrates carried for use in fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems are to be of an approved type. They are to be tested at least twice during each five year period to verify that they remain fit for service. Evidence in the form of a report from the foam manufacturer or an independent laboratory will be accepted.

Pressure water-spraying systems

Any required fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces is to be provided with spraying nozzles of an approved type.

The number and arrangement of the nozzles is to be such as to ensure an effective average distribution of water of at least five litres per square metre per minute in the spaces to be protected. Where increased application rates are considered necessary, these will be specially considered. Nozzles are to be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and also above other specific fire hazards in the machinery spaces.

The system may be divided into sections, the distribution valves of which are to be operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected and which are not to be readily cut off by fire in the protected space.

The system is to be kept charged at the necessary pressure, and the pump supplying the water for the system is to be put automatically into action by a pressure drop in the system.

The pump is to be capable of simultaneously supplying, at the necessary pressure, all sections of the system in any one compartment to be protected. The pump and its controls are to be installed outside the space(s) to be protected. It is not to be possible for a fire in the space(s) protected by the water-spraying system to put the system out of action.

The pump may be driven by independent internal combustion type machinery, but if it is dependent upon power being supplied from the emergency generator, that generator is to be arranged to start automatically in case of main power failure so that power for the pump required by 7.4.5 is immediately available. When the pump is driven by independent internal combustion machinery, it is to be so situated that a fire in the protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery.

Precautions are to be taken to prevent the nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water or corrosion of the piping, nozzles, valves and pump.