Which engine room fire extinguisher?

[JoeQ]

Hi Folks,

I have to replace the halon fire extinguishers in my engine room. It's probably about 18 cubic meters. I want something automatic. Any recommendations please?

Cheers,

Joe

 

[yachtie8]

Automatic foam is your best bet for an engine room. Seems quite a large space...what vessel is it?!

 

[cliff]

I would look at CO2 to avoid damaging the engines in the event they did go off.
Dry powder, water and foam can all cause severe engine damage. I am not too sure but I think the Cats would be expensive to repair/replace not to mention your genny(s). The down side of CO2 is you will need some way of venting the engine room and or a scott-pak. Can the boys next door to you in PG not offer any guidance?
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[steverow]

That seems very large for a leisure vessel.
You will probably need something commercial.
You na only have one auto...unless they are linked to go off at exatly the same time.

Try these people.

www.mfs-fire-extinguishers.co.uk/acatalog



Steve

 

[cliff]

[ QUOTE ]
That seems very large for a leisure vessel.

[/ QUOTE ]Having been through Joe's boat I think he has actually underestimated the volume a bit.

I agree he should be looking at commercial setups.
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"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"

 

[Graham_Wright]

For general interest;-

The point on destroying the engines is of great importance. However, CO2 will just be injested by the air intake(s) and not be effective in consequence. If, on the other hand, the air intake is supplied by ducted air, this problem can be avoided. The engine room can then be flooded with CO2 (or for that matter water spray, foam or powder) and the fire extinguished. The downside to ducted air seems to be that the ambient air in the engine room will not be ventilated. Also the alternator will not be air cooled. Is a possible solution that the engine room is ventilated as normal but, in the event of a fire, the air intake can be shut off? If that were possible, the fire would be starved of air (notwithstanding leaks) and the engine would stop anyway. Another possibility may be that the engine air intake is kept separate from the engine room ventilation both of which can be shut off if necessary.

I would be very grateful to see this discussion continued for the benefit of all of us.