Different Types of Fire Extinguishers Used on

Ships
Different types of fire extinguishers are used on ships depending on the type of material acting as
fuel. As fires are classified on the basis of the type of fuel which sources them, fire extinguishers
are also classified on the same grounds.

ortable fire extinguishers are installed at different parts of the ship according to the type of the
fire sources present in that area. Portable fire fighter is one of the most convenient and speedy
way to fight fire on ships.

Fire extinguishers are mainly classified into five main classes

Class A: These types of fire extinguishers are used in fires which are result of burning of wood,
glass fibre, upholstery and furnishing

Class B: These fire fighters are used for fires which occur from liquids such as lubricating oils
and fuels

Class C: Fires resulting from involvement of energized electrical equipment such as motors,
switches, wiring etc are extinguished by Class C type of fire extinguishers

Class D: Fires occurring as a result of combustible materials such as magnesium and aluminium
are extinguished by this type of fire extinguishers

Class E: This type of fire extinguisher is used for subsiding fire resulting from any of the above
mentioned materials along with high voltage electricity
Type of Portable Fire Extinguishers

Based on the above mentioned classification, portable fire extinguishers are classified and used
according to the type of fire.

There are five main types of fire extinguishers used on ships:

1. Soda Acid Extinguisher

2. Water Extinguisher

3. Foam Extinguisher – Chemical and Mechanical

4. Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher

5. Dry Powder Extinguisher

1. Soda Acid Extinguisher

The soda acid extinguisher is used to fight Class A Fires and can be found in accommodation
area of the ship.

Sodium bicarbonate (soda) and sulphuric acid are the prime components of the extinguisher.
They combine to form a chemical reaction to produce carbon dioxide gas, which is used to
smother the fire.
The arrangement of the extinguishers comprises of a container which holds the sodium
bicarbonate solution. A small glass bottle (phial) containing sulphuric acid is placed below a
plunger mechanism, which is covered by a safety glass along with a screw and cap at the top.

When the plunger is struck hard, the glass bottle breaks, resulting in mixing of acid and soda. A
chemical reaction takes place which produces carbon dioxide gas.

The carbon dioxide gas pressurises the space above the liquid (used for extinguishing fire) and
forces it out through the internal pipe of the nozzle.

Note: Soda Acid Extinguishers are now banned on ships because of the poisonous effect
which the gas can create.

2. Water Extinguisher

To counter the A- Class fire, portable water extinguisher of 9Ltr are used. The outer container is
filled with water and fitted with a CO2 Cartridge (inner container) which forces the water out of
the container with pressure.

To operate the extinguisher, first the safety pin/clip is released . When pressure is applied on the
plunger, the CO2 cartridge ruptures and forces the water out of the extinguisher.

3. Foam Extinguisher – Chemical and Mechanical

Foam extinguishers are used to extinguish Class B fires and are located near flammable liquids.

Chemical foam – Sodium bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate are the two prime components of
this extinguisher.

The main container is filled with sodium bicarbonate, whereas the inner container is filled with
aluminium sulphate.

The inner container has a cap at the top which is kept in place by a plunger.

The plunger is turned to release the cap and the extinguisher is then inverted for both the
chemicals to mix. Carbon dioxide is produced from the chemical reaction which pressurizes the
container from inside and forces out the foam.

Note: Chemical Foam Extinguishers are now banned on ships because of the poisonous
effect which the gas can create.

Mechanical foam - This extinguisher type also consists of two containers- the outer one is filled
with water, whereas the central one has carbon dioxide charge and foam solution.

The central container has a plunger mechanism at the top which when depressed releases the
carbon dioxide and allows foam and water to mix.

The foam and water comes out of the nozzle, creating mechanical foam. This extinguisher is
operated in upright position.

4. Carbon Dioxide extinguisher

Carbon dioxide extinguishers are mainly used for class B or class C fires. They are not used for
accommodation areas and confined spaces because the gas used in lethal. These extinguishers are
mainly found in machinery spaces.

Carbon dioxide is stored in liquid form under pressure. A central tube acts as an outlet for the
carbon dioxide gas. A plunger attached to a bursting disc at one end and a trigger at the other is
used to release the carbon dioxide gas. The liquid changes to gas as it comes out of the
extinguisher through a hose.

5. Dry Powder Extinguisher

Sodium bicarbonate powder is used to extinguish almost all types of fires. It is mainly located in
engine room and near electrical equipment.
 D

Dry powder extinguisher contains sodium bicarbonate powder in the outer container.

A small container with carbon dioxide is placed beneath the plunger mechanism.

When the plunger is pushed, it releases the carbon dioxide gas, which in turn forces the dry
powder out of the discharge nozzle.

How to Prevent Starting Air Line Explosion

on Ships?
Fire on merchant vessels has lead to massive devastations in the past and has been the biggest
cause of causalities on ships. If such fire has its source in the main propulsion engine, then the
ship might lose its control, leading to severe damages and loss. One of the several reasons of fire
in the main engine system of the ship is Starting air line explosion.

How Can Air Line Explode?

For a fire to happen, it has to complete the three sides of the fire triangle namely-Heat, Fuel &
Air.

In an air starting system of main engine, fuel may be present in the form of lube oil carried over
from the air compressor. Moreover, oxygen is present in the system in abundance.

The heat source may come from a leaking starting air valve fitted on the cylinder head and the
combination of these three in proper ratio will lead to an air line explosion.
Precaution and Prevention

For precaution against explosion on starting air line different safety devices and arrangements
are fitted. They are

• Relief Valve: It is fitted on the common air manifold which supplies air to the cylinder
head. Normally fitted at the end of the manifold and it lifts the valve in the event of
excess pressure inside the manifold. The advantage of relief valve is it will sit back after
removing the excess pressure and thus continuous air is available to engine in case of
manoeuvring or traffic.
• Bursting Disc: It is fitted in the starting air pipe and consist of a perforated disc protected
by a sheet of material which will burst in case of excessive pressure caused due to air line
explosion. It also consist of a protective cap such constructed that if the engine is required
to run even after the disc has been ruptured, the cap will cover the holes when it is turned.
This will ensure that in manoeuvring or traffic air is available for engine at all time.

• Non Return Valve:: Positioned in between the Air Manifold and Air Receiver,
Receiver it will not
allow the explosion and its mixture to reach the aair
ir bottle because of unidirectional
property of N.R. valve.

• Flame Arrestor: It is a small unit consisting of several tubes which will arrest any flame
coming out of the cylinder through leaking start air valve. It is fitted on every cylinder
before the start air valve.
For prevention of starting air line explosion following measures to be performed:

• Ensure that all safety devices fitted are working correctly

• Draining of the air bottle is carried out every watch

• Auto drain to be checked for proper functioning

• Air compressor is well maintained to avoid oil carry over

• The oil separator at discharge of the compressor is working efficiently

• The starting air manifold pipe to be cleaned and check for paint deformation which will
indicate overheating of the pipe

• Starting air valve to be overhauled regularly to avoid leakage

• Starting air valve seat to be inspected and lapped

Video: Operation of Main Engine

Starting Air System
• The video shows the line diagram for main engine air starting system which comprises of
– air bottle to provide 30 starting air, pilot valve to start the operation, turning gear
interlock, automatic air start valve, air distributor, and cylinder head starting air valve.
• Air supply is provided by opening the main air bottle valve. As the valve is opened, the
air is passed through the pilot valve and acts on top of the automatic start valve,
providing a positive closing. The other branch supplies air until the turning gear interlock
as the interlock blocks the air to go further.

•
• To start the main engine, first turning gear has to be disengaged. This will deactivate the
interlock and the air will be supplied to the automatic start air valve.
• Since there is a spring pressure and additional positive closing by the air supplied pilot
valve, the air will not go further automatic start valve until the start command is given.
• When the air start lever is operated in the ECR, the pilot valve shifts and blocks the air on
top of automatic valve. It vents the line and there is no more positive closing.
• Air passed from turning gear interlock pushes the spring, opens the valve and closes the
vent.
• Now the air is available in the cylinder head starting air valve manifold and in the
distributor. The distributor consists of a negative type cam for positive overlap.
• When the concerned unit number 4 distributor valve comes in the cam profile, air
compresses the spring and the valve is opened to operate the same unit number 4 cylinder
head starting air valve.
• As the camshaft rotates, unit number 4 line is vented and the cylinder head starting air
valve closes. Now unit number 1 valve will be in contact with the cam profile and the air
is injected in this unit.
• The air injection is done as per the firing order of the engine