FireDOC Search

Author
Back, G. G. | DiNenno, P. J. | Leonard, J. T. | Darwin, R. L.
Title
Full Scale Tests of Water Mist Fire Suppression Systems for Navy Shipboard Machinery Spaces. Part 1. Unobstructed Spaces. September 1993-December 1994.
Coporate
Hughes Associates, Inc., Baltimore, MD Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC
Sponsor
Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, DC
Report
NRL/MR/6180-96-7830, March 8, 1996, 24 p.
Keywords
water mist | fire suppression | ships | machinery | halon alternatives | large scale fire tests | nozzles | fire fighting | extinguishment times
Identifiers
machinery space fires
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. Whild 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 2 tests.