This Dry Chemical Powder System is now branded Survitec.
KEY FEATURES
- Effective, non-toxic alternative and is harmless to people and the environment
- extensively and independently tested, ensuring regulatory compliance
- Design is in accordance with IGC and IBC codes
- Proven time release and capacity capabilities
- A wide range of pressure vessels for powder are available to meet the demands for various system sizes
- Can be deployed by hand held hoses, fixed monitors, or a combination of both
- Up to 190 meter pipe and 33 meter hose for handheld pistol
- Up to 140 meter pipe for monitor
- Tested in minus 28 °C in long pipes
- Provides complete coverage to all the areas that need protection
- Powder penetrates into the smallest and even partially covered locations
- Can be installed as a central-, modular- or hybrid system
BENEFITS
- Designed to keep material and installation costs low
- Standardised system components minimise maintenance and operational cost
- Modular units provide a flexible solution, reduce piping routes and eliminate the need for distribution piping
- Components can be installed on skid for reduced installation time and cost
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION AND CONFIGURATION
The DCP system comprises steel pressure vessel(s), cylinder banks with manifolds, distribution valves, gas release arrangements, hose stations, monitors, pressure gauges and safety valves.
After the system is released, nitrogen gas pressurises the tank, and nozzles fitted in the bottom fluidize the powder. When a certain pressure is achieved, the dry powder flows through the distribution manifold to the monitor or handheld hose line.
The central system is designed as a single or twin storage pressure vessel located centrally inside a powder room. The system can be used to discharge powder across the whole cargo area at required capacity, or linked together; the entire capacity can be used on a single area. A central system feeds powder from the central storage tanks to the on deck hose stations and monitors.
The hose stations are organised in a way that all deck areas can be reached by two hose stations. These stations have a local release arrangement inclusive with 33 metres of hose and a powder pistol. In modular systems each hose station unit and monitor unit has its own self-contained powder storage vessel.
The system can be remotely operated from the release boxes utilising pilot cylinders, or manually at the dry powder unit. This ensures that there is operational flexibility.
Extinguishing fire using dry chemical powder
The Survitec DCP System utilises dry chemical powder based on Potassium Sulphate in accordance with IMO Circ 1315. This ensure highest performance with flow capability and extinguishing effect. The powder is mixed with additives that protect against lumping and moisturising. The Survitec DCP System is a highly effective medium to extinguish flammable gas fires. When powder is released directly to a fire, the extinguishing effect is caused by suffocation and an anti-catalytic effect, a chemical intervention into the combustion process. The dry powder is non-toxic and stable at both low and high temperatures. However, it should be kept tightly closed and stored in a dry location in order to prevent absorption of moisture.
SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
SYSTEM APPLICATIONS
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The new IMO regulation requires the powder used to be based on Potassium Sulphate and that testing is carried out with this type of powder. Potassium Sulphate offers better compatibility with foam compared to the historical choice, Sodium Bicarbonate and hence the system can be used together with foam fire-fighting systems.
The regulation also states that any Type Approval test shall be carried out using the same type of powder that will be supplied with the unit, a test the system was able to satisfy.
Germanischer Lloyd was selected to witness the testing for the DCP system. GL requires Type Approval of shipboard equipment for all the ships it classes, regardless of their flag state so the result would have a wider impact than on European Union flag ships.
Further approvals are being considered by other Flag States and Classification Societies in order to adopt the test standard into their requirements.
The DCP system is extensively and independently tested:
- MED -B & -D certified, fulfilling the mandatory IMO MSC.1/Circ. 1315
- DNV-GL type approval certificate
- DNV-QS - Certificate of assessment - EC
The system can be applied on merchant marine and offshore structures as design is in accordance to IGC or IBC code and IMO MODU Code
In addition the DCP system is tested down to -28°C and in 190 meter + 33 meter pipes and hoses.
