The Experts below are selected from a list of 219 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Gerard G. Back - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An Evaluation of Total Flooding High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems for Machinery Space Applications
Fire Technology, 2006Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Alison J Wakelin, Lou NashAbstract:Full-scale fire tests were conducted to identify the fire extinguishing capabilities and limitations of High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems (HEFFSS) in shipboard Machinery Space applications. A total of 35 tests were conducted in this evaluation utilizing the equipment and foam concentrates from three manufacturers. Each manufacturer was responsible for the design of their respective system. These designs were based on the minimum SOLAS/FSS Code requirements plus some additional capacity to provide a factor of safety for these tests. Each system was evaluated against the three large fire scenarios described in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) gaseous agent test protocol (MSC/Circ. 848). The reason the HEFFSS test protocol (MSC/Circ. 670) was not used is discussed in the article. In addition to the tests in MSC/Circ. 848, parametric assessments of fill rate, fire size and type, and the use of inside air (the products of combustions) to make the foam were also conducted (one parameter for each of the three systems). In summary, there were significant differences in capabilities between the three systems. All three systems easily extinguished the pan fires included in this evaluation independent of the type of fuel (heptane or diesel). The differences in system capabilities were observed during the extinguishment of the spray fires (namely the heptane spray fires). The heptane spray fires presented a major challenge to the HEFFSS and in some cases, were not extinguished.
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an evaluation of total flooding high expansion foam fire suppression systems for Machinery Space applications
Fire Technology, 2006Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Alison J Wakelin, Lou NashAbstract:Full-scale fire tests were conducted to identify the fire extinguishing capabilities and limitations of High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems (HEFFSS) in shipboard Machinery Space applications. A total of 35 tests were conducted in this evaluation utilizing the equipment and foam concentrates from three manufacturers. Each manufacturer was responsible for the design of their respective system. These designs were based on the minimum SOLAS/FSS Code requirements plus some additional capacity to provide a factor of safety for these tests. Each system was evaluated against the three large fire scenarios described in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) gaseous agent test protocol (MSC/Circ. 848). The reason the HEFFSS test protocol (MSC/Circ. 670) was not used is discussed in the article. In addition to the tests in MSC/Circ. 848, parametric assessments of fill rate, fire size and type, and the use of inside air (the products of combustions) to make the foam were also conducted (one parameter for each of the three systems).
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Water Spray Protection of Machinery Spaces
Fire Technology, 2001Co-Authors: Richard L. Hansen, Gerard G. BackAbstract:This report provides an evaluation of the firefighting capabilities of fixed pressure water spray systems for Machinery Spaces as described in Regulation 10 of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The objective of this evaluation was to determine if a system meeting the minimum SOLAS requirement can provide adequate protection of shipboard Machinery Spaces. To meet this objective, the capabilities and limitations of twelve water spray systems were determined using the International Maritime Organization (IMO) test protocol for water mist systems (MSC 668 and 728) as the basis for this analysis. The tests were conducted in a simulated 500-m^3 Machinery Space onboard the U.S. Coast Guard's test vessel STATE OF MAINE. Generally speaking, the trends in performance of water spray systems were similar to those observed for water mist systems. All systems were capable of extinguishing larger fires (4 kW/m^3 and greater) with variations in system capabilities becoming apparent as the fire size was reduced (2 kW/m^3 and below). Only about half of the systems were capable of extinguishing the 1.0 MW obstructed spray fire located on the side of the engine mock-up (similar to IMO-6). Water mist systems typically exhibit slightly better capabilities primarily against the smaller fires. It was concluded that the capabilities of these systems cannot be associated with a single parameter such as application rate and must be determined empirically. As a result, the approval of these systems needs to be performance based as with all other fire suppression systems required by SOLAS. It was recommended that SOLAS Regulation 10 be re-written to cover all water based Machinery Space systems with the caveat that they pass a modified IMO test protocol based on the one currently used for approving water mist systems [MSC 668 and 728].
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Water Mist Protection Requirements for Very Large Machinery Spaces
2000Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, Phil J. Dinenno, Richard L. HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the fire fighting capabilities of water mist fire suppression systems in large (^3000 m(exp 3) Machinery Spaces. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization test protocol to larger, Class 3 Machinery Spaces (>3000 m(exp 3). Four generic water mist systems produced using off-the-shelf industrial spray nozzles were included in this evaluation. The capabilities of both total protection and zoned total protection systems were identified during this investigation. The zoned systems demonstrated the same extinguishment capabilities as the total protection systems. The systems were evaluated against a series of heptanes spray and pan fires ranging in size from 2.5 - 10.0 MW. The fires were located under a 1.0 m horizontal obstruction plate adjacent to a bullhead similar to the fires conducted in MSC Circular 668. The capabilities observed for the water mist systems (both zoned and total flooding) in the 3000 m(exp 3) Machinery Space followed the same trends found throughout literature on water mist. The steady-state extinguishment model developed during previous phases with this investigation showed reasonably good agreement with the results of these tests. The strengths and weal messes of the IMO test protocol were also identified. The conservative nature of the protocol (due to the high ventilation rates and smaller fire sizes (i.e., 1.0 MW)) will limit the use of water mist in larger Machinery Spaces. Based on this analysis, it was concluded that it is highly unlikely that any system discharging only water will ever successfully complete the protocol for volumes greater than 2000 m(exp 3).
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The Capabilities and Limitations of Total Flooding, Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems in Machinery Space Applications
Fire Technology, 2000Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, Rich HansenAbstract:Water mist fire suppression systems are being seriously considered as replacements for Halon 1301 total flooding systems in Machinery Space applications. A “total flooding” water mist system is designed to discharge mist uniformly throughout the entire enclosure/compartment. The tests conducted to date form a substantial database for water mist systems installed in Machinery Spaces with volumes from 100 m^3 to 1,000 m^3 and varying degrees of ventilation. These tests have also identified the strengths and limitations of water mist in these applications. This report describes the capabilities of total flooding water mist fire suppression systems in Machinery Space applications.
Lou Nash - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An Evaluation of Aerosol Extinguishing Systems for Machinery Space Applications
Fire Technology, 2009Co-Authors: Gerard Back, Michael Boosinger, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Elizabeth Weaver, Lou NashAbstract:Full-scale fire tests were conducted by the United States Coast Guard to identify the fire extinguishing capabilities and limitations of Aerosol Extinguishing Systems (AES) in shipboard Machinery Space applications. A total of 18 tests were conducted in this evaluation utilizing the equipment from three AES manufacturers (Ansul, FirePro, and Flame Guard). The systems were tested against the current International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) test protocol (MSC/Circ. 1007) for approving AES for Machinery Space applications. All three systems exhibited good capabilities against Class B fires but had difficulty extinguishing the Class A fires. As a result of these limited capabilities against Class A fires, none of the three systems successfully met the requirements of the IMO test protocol (as currently written). The conditions in the Space produced by the discharge of the systems were also quantified during these tests (visibility, temperature, particle densities, and gas concentrations). Based on the results of these tests, a number of modifications to the procedures, instrumentation, and fire scenarios in the test protocol were recommended.
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an evaluation of pre engineered fire extinguishing systems for Machinery Space applications
2008Co-Authors: Eric Forssell, Gerard Back, Michael Boosinger, Elizabeth Weaver, Lou Nash, David BeeneAbstract:Abstract : 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.
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An Evaluation of Total Flooding High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems for Machinery Space Applications
Fire Technology, 2006Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Alison J Wakelin, Lou NashAbstract:Full-scale fire tests were conducted to identify the fire extinguishing capabilities and limitations of High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems (HEFFSS) in shipboard Machinery Space applications. A total of 35 tests were conducted in this evaluation utilizing the equipment and foam concentrates from three manufacturers. Each manufacturer was responsible for the design of their respective system. These designs were based on the minimum SOLAS/FSS Code requirements plus some additional capacity to provide a factor of safety for these tests. Each system was evaluated against the three large fire scenarios described in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) gaseous agent test protocol (MSC/Circ. 848). The reason the HEFFSS test protocol (MSC/Circ. 670) was not used is discussed in the article. In addition to the tests in MSC/Circ. 848, parametric assessments of fill rate, fire size and type, and the use of inside air (the products of combustions) to make the foam were also conducted (one parameter for each of the three systems). In summary, there were significant differences in capabilities between the three systems. All three systems easily extinguished the pan fires included in this evaluation independent of the type of fuel (heptane or diesel). The differences in system capabilities were observed during the extinguishment of the spray fires (namely the heptane spray fires). The heptane spray fires presented a major challenge to the HEFFSS and in some cases, were not extinguished.
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an evaluation of total flooding high expansion foam fire suppression systems for Machinery Space applications
Fire Technology, 2006Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Eric Forssell, David Beene, Alison J Wakelin, Lou NashAbstract:Full-scale fire tests were conducted to identify the fire extinguishing capabilities and limitations of High Expansion Foam Fire Suppression Systems (HEFFSS) in shipboard Machinery Space applications. A total of 35 tests were conducted in this evaluation utilizing the equipment and foam concentrates from three manufacturers. Each manufacturer was responsible for the design of their respective system. These designs were based on the minimum SOLAS/FSS Code requirements plus some additional capacity to provide a factor of safety for these tests. Each system was evaluated against the three large fire scenarios described in the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) gaseous agent test protocol (MSC/Circ. 848). The reason the HEFFSS test protocol (MSC/Circ. 670) was not used is discussed in the article. In addition to the tests in MSC/Circ. 848, parametric assessments of fill rate, fire size and type, and the use of inside air (the products of combustions) to make the foam were also conducted (one parameter for each of the three systems).
P J Dinenno - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Full-Scale Testing of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems for Small Machinery Spaces and Spaces with Combustible Boundaries. Volume II
1999Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, Brian Y. Lattimer, R HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the firefighting capabilities of the state-of-the-air water mist fire suppression systems in smaller (approx. 100 cu m) Machinery Space applications. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) test protocol and design requirements to smaller Machinery Spaces and to Machinery Spaces with combustible boundaries. The following water mist systems were included in this evaluation: Chemetron CFs, Fike Micromist, Grinnell AquaMist, Fogtec Fire Protection Systems, and the U.S. Navy's water mist system. The five water mist systems were each capable of extinguishing a majority (at least nine out of fifteen) of the test fires included in this evaluation. Variations in system capabilities were observed primarily during the tests conducted with forced ventilation. Machinery Spaces with combustible boundaries were shown not to pose a significant challenge to the water mist systems. The results of these tests suggest that the current IMO design requirements can be reduced for smaller Machinery Spaces. The amount of reduction needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. An approach for defining the protection requirements (i.e., duration of protection) for these smaller Machinery Spaces is also described in this report. The report and Appendix A (Instrumentation and Camera Details) are contained in Volume I. Volume II consists of Appendix B (Test Data) and Appendix C (Combustible Boundary Test Data). Appendices B and C are available in paper copy only from the Research and Development Center.
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full scale Machinery Space water mist tests final design validation
1999Co-Authors: F W Williams, G G Beck, P J Dinenno, R L Darwin, S A HillAbstract:Abstract : The water mist nozzle developed in the early stages of the Navy's investigation into the use of water mist in Machinery Space applications was redesigned and revaluated during this test program. The nozzle was evaluated in a system design consisting of two levels of nozzles installed with a nominal 3.0 m (10 ft) nozzle spacing. With the Space secured (doors closed and the ventilation system secured), the water mist system was capable of extinguishing all the unobstructed fires in less than one minute, and all of the obstructed fires 1.0 MW or larger in less than three minutes and thirty seconds. The results of these tests were then scaled to the larger Machinery Spaces on the LPD-17. The scaling analysis suggests that the unobstructed fires would still be extinguished in less than one minute, and all of the obstructed fires 2.0 MW or larger would be extinguished in less than three minutes and thirty seconds. These extinguishment times were based on fires produced using heptane as the fuel and should be significantly less for typical Navy fuels (i.e., F76). It was also shown that fires requiring a longer time to extinguish can be easily approached and extinguished using a standard Navy portable extinguisher. This prototype system (nozzles and system design) has been validated for use in the Machinery Spaced on the LPD-17.
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an evaluation of the international maritime organization s gaseous agents test protocol with halocarbon agents and an inert gas 180 deg nozzles and low temperature conditioned cylinders
1998Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, E W Forssell, R HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of four gaseous halon alternatives (CEA-308, NAF-SIII, FM-200, and Inergen) in full-scale Machinery Space applications The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the IMO's test protocol for gaseous halon alternative fire extinguishing systems for use with an "inert" gaseous agent (Inergen), with discharge systems containing 180 deg (Sidewall) nozzles, and with agent discharge cylinders conditioned to low temperatures. The evaluation focused on whether the protocol requires modification to properly evaluate these systems.
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Full-Scale Testing of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems in Machinery Spaces.
1998Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, R Hansen, R. ZaloshAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the fire fighting capabilities of the state-of-the-art water mist fire suppression systems in Machinery Space applications. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization's test protocol to Machinery Spaces with larger volumes, high ceilings and larger vent openings. In addition, the effects of compartment parameters (shape and height), mist system parameters (nozzle height and discharge rate), and fire parameters (heat release rate, fire type, and location) were also evaluated. Extinguishment times in the over 150 tests ranged from under one minute to as long as twelve minutes with some fires never extinguished. The following water mist systems were included in this evaluation: Grinnell AquaMist, Kidde Fenwal, Reliable, Securiplex, and Spraying Systems.
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Full Scale Tests of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems for Navy Shipboard Machinery Spaces: Phase 1 - Unobstructed Spaces.
1996Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, P J Dinenno, Joseph T. Leonard, R L DarwinAbstract:Abstract : Full scale tests of candidate water mist systems were conducted in a simulated Machinery Space on the ex-USS Shadwell. There were no obstructions in the Space and the fire threats were both pan and spray fires of up to 10 MW. These tests demonstrated the potential ability of water mist to extinguish both shielded and unshielded Class B fires in full scale, relatively uncluttered Machinery Space applications. Of particular importance from the standpoint of minimization of damage is the rapid reduction in the temperature of the Space almost immediately after mist system activation. These tests also demonstrate the differences in firefighting capabilities of the candidate systems tested. While these results are extremely encouraging, modifications to the systems will be needed to shorten the extinguishment times and minimize potential fire damage. These modifications will be included in the Phase II tests.
Craig L. Beyler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Water Mist Protection Requirements for Very Large Machinery Spaces
2000Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, Phil J. Dinenno, Richard L. HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the fire fighting capabilities of water mist fire suppression systems in large (^3000 m(exp 3) Machinery Spaces. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization test protocol to larger, Class 3 Machinery Spaces (>3000 m(exp 3). Four generic water mist systems produced using off-the-shelf industrial spray nozzles were included in this evaluation. The capabilities of both total protection and zoned total protection systems were identified during this investigation. The zoned systems demonstrated the same extinguishment capabilities as the total protection systems. The systems were evaluated against a series of heptanes spray and pan fires ranging in size from 2.5 - 10.0 MW. The fires were located under a 1.0 m horizontal obstruction plate adjacent to a bullhead similar to the fires conducted in MSC Circular 668. The capabilities observed for the water mist systems (both zoned and total flooding) in the 3000 m(exp 3) Machinery Space followed the same trends found throughout literature on water mist. The steady-state extinguishment model developed during previous phases with this investigation showed reasonably good agreement with the results of these tests. The strengths and weal messes of the IMO test protocol were also identified. The conservative nature of the protocol (due to the high ventilation rates and smaller fire sizes (i.e., 1.0 MW)) will limit the use of water mist in larger Machinery Spaces. Based on this analysis, it was concluded that it is highly unlikely that any system discharging only water will ever successfully complete the protocol for volumes greater than 2000 m(exp 3).
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The Capabilities and Limitations of Total Flooding, Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems in Machinery Space Applications
Fire Technology, 2000Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, Rich HansenAbstract:Water mist fire suppression systems are being seriously considered as replacements for Halon 1301 total flooding systems in Machinery Space applications. A “total flooding” water mist system is designed to discharge mist uniformly throughout the entire enclosure/compartment. The tests conducted to date form a substantial database for water mist systems installed in Machinery Spaces with volumes from 100 m^3 to 1,000 m^3 and varying degrees of ventilation. These tests have also identified the strengths and limitations of water mist in these applications. This report describes the capabilities of total flooding water mist fire suppression systems in Machinery Space applications.
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Full-Scale Testing of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems for Small Machinery Spaces and Spaces with Combustible Boundaries. Volume II
1999Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, Brian Y. Lattimer, R HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the firefighting capabilities of the state-of-the-air water mist fire suppression systems in smaller (approx. 100 cu m) Machinery Space applications. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) test protocol and design requirements to smaller Machinery Spaces and to Machinery Spaces with combustible boundaries. The following water mist systems were included in this evaluation: Chemetron CFs, Fike Micromist, Grinnell AquaMist, Fogtec Fire Protection Systems, and the U.S. Navy's water mist system. The five water mist systems were each capable of extinguishing a majority (at least nine out of fifteen) of the test fires included in this evaluation. Variations in system capabilities were observed primarily during the tests conducted with forced ventilation. Machinery Spaces with combustible boundaries were shown not to pose a significant challenge to the water mist systems. The results of these tests suggest that the current IMO design requirements can be reduced for smaller Machinery Spaces. The amount of reduction needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis. An approach for defining the protection requirements (i.e., duration of protection) for these smaller Machinery Spaces is also described in this report. The report and Appendix A (Instrumentation and Camera Details) are contained in Volume I. Volume II consists of Appendix B (Test Data) and Appendix C (Combustible Boundary Test Data). Appendices B and C are available in paper copy only from the Research and Development Center.
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an evaluation of the international maritime organization s gaseous agents test protocol with halocarbon agents and an inert gas 180 deg nozzles and low temperature conditioned cylinders
1998Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, E W Forssell, R HansenAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of four gaseous halon alternatives (CEA-308, NAF-SIII, FM-200, and Inergen) in full-scale Machinery Space applications The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the IMO's test protocol for gaseous halon alternative fire extinguishing systems for use with an "inert" gaseous agent (Inergen), with discharge systems containing 180 deg (Sidewall) nozzles, and with agent discharge cylinders conditioned to low temperatures. The evaluation focused on whether the protocol requires modification to properly evaluate these systems.
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Full-Scale Testing of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems in Machinery Spaces.
1998Co-Authors: Gerard G. Back, Craig L. Beyler, P J Dinenno, R Hansen, R. ZaloshAbstract:Abstract : This report provides an evaluation of the fire fighting capabilities of the state-of-the-art water mist fire suppression systems in Machinery Space applications. The primary objective of this investigation was to evaluate the applicability of the International Maritime Organization's test protocol to Machinery Spaces with larger volumes, high ceilings and larger vent openings. In addition, the effects of compartment parameters (shape and height), mist system parameters (nozzle height and discharge rate), and fire parameters (heat release rate, fire type, and location) were also evaluated. Extinguishment times in the over 150 tests ranged from under one minute to as long as twelve minutes with some fires never extinguished. The following water mist systems were included in this evaluation: Grinnell AquaMist, Kidde Fenwal, Reliable, Securiplex, and Spraying Systems.
M. J. Peatross - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Real Scale Halon Replacement Testing Aboard the Ex-USS SHADWELL: Phase II - Post Fire Suppression Compartment Characterization.
1997Co-Authors: R. S. Sheinson, J. P. Farley, B. H. Black, A. Maranghides, M. J. PeatrossAbstract:Abstract : This report describes real scale Halon 1301 replacement tests conducted aboard the ex-USS SHADWELL. These tests were conducted in a simulated shipboard Machinery Space. The floodable volume of the Space was 370 cu M (13,000 cu ft.). Most tests were conducted with heptafluoropropane with limited baseline comparison tests conducted with Halon 1301. Parameters such as fire extinguishment, oxygen depletion, agent concentration inhomogeneities, thermal stratification and hydrogen fluoride production were examined. Compartment reentry after a fire incident on a U.S. Navy ship may be the most critical part of the firefighting event and potentially the most dangerous.
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The Effects of a Water Spray Cooling System During Real Scale Halon 1301 Replacement Testing on Post Fire Suppression Compartment Reclamation.
1997Co-Authors: R. S. Sheinson, B. H. Black, A. Maranghides, M. J. PeatrossAbstract:Abstract : Real scale tests were conducted aboard me ex-USS SHADWELL with HFP with limited baseline comparison tests with Halon 1301. Two of the objectives of the full scale Machinery Space testing were to determine the optimum post fire suppression hold time (time prior to venting) and to evaluate the option of using a water spray cooling system (WSCS) to reduce compartment temperature and acid decomposition products and therefore expedite compartment reclamation. Results show that the WSCS system employed is a viable option for rapid reduction of compartment temperature. The low water pressure WSCS tested provided very rapid compartment temperature reduction in 15 seconds with less than 20 gallons of water.
