Description of the Local Protection System

Page

1 Table of Contents

1.0 System requirements 2

1.1 Description of System 2

1.2 Description of Main Components 3

1.3 Testing for Maintenance 5

1.4 Overhaul and Maintenance 6

1.5 Commissioning Procedures 7

1.6 Fire Instruction 8

1.7 False Alarm 9

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 1 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.0 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

In order to meet the requirements in the Reg. 10.5.6 of new SOLAS chapter II-2 with regard to
fire fighting, NOVENCO Fire Fighting has developed a system for fire fighting on Local
Protection using the new NOVENCO Fire Fighting NHP2 and NHP4 nozzle in machinery spaces
as shown schematically on the enclosed layout drawing. The system is capable of fire
suppression with forced ventilation fans running and supplying air to the protected area, provided
that ventilation outlet are not directed across the protected areas.
The system is approved according to IMO/MSC/Circ. 913 by all major classification societies.
As standard the system is an automatically operated dry system, i.e. there is no water in the
system until the system is activated, water mist pump is started and the relevant section valve is
opened.

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM

The system is build up to protect local hazardous areas where a fire most often occur, this could
be by spray fire from a leaking fuel pipe or a small pool fire of diesel or lubrication oil.
When fire occurs the detection system will raise the alarm locally, and on the bridge, so that you
will have a warning. The alarm is indicated as specified in SOLAS Reg. ll-2/10.5.6.4 “Activation
of any local application system shall give a visual and distinct audible alarm in the protected
space and at continuously manned stations. The alarm shall indicate the specific system
activated”.
When the second detector, in the same section, is activated the water mist will be released in this
specific area. It takes 2 detector signals from the same area to release the system; this is to avoid
a release by mistake, if welding or other repair is ongoing.

The 2 signals from the detectors goes to the Fire Control Panel and from there communication to
the Pump Starter Panel and, if ordered, the E/R ventilation fan control output. The pump will start,
the section valve will open, and at the same time the ventilation fan will be shut off in this specific
area. When there is a water flow, this will be indicated on the FCP as “System released”. The
system will be able to operate for at least 20 minutes; this is assured by the level switch placed in
the F.W Tank, giving alarm if the water level is too low.

In case there is a failure in the detector loops, it is possible manually to release the system on the
FCP or at the locally placed “Sprinkler release button”. And in worst case the release can be
performed from the pump unit, this is described on the Instruction board placed at the pump unit.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 2 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.2 DESCRIPTION OF MAIN COMPONENTS

Local protection nozzle

The NOVENCO Fire Fighting NHP2 and NHP4 nozzles are of the open type.
The nozzles in the system are arranged with spacing according to layout drawing.

Detector system
The detector system is addressable which means that you will have an indication on the FCP
where the fire is located when the detector is activated.
It is arranged in loops to save wiring, and is equipped with isolators which assures that the system
is still operative in case of a wire break, short cut or grounding, in which case you will also have an
alarm, which enables the maintenance engineer to locate and repair the fault as soon as possible.

Pump starter panel

Get signals from the FCP to the pump, and section valves.
Is normally in AUTO position, so that in case of fire it will operate automatically.
It can be operated manually; this is described on the instruction board placed at the pump unit.

See wiring diagram in section 5.

Pump
Is activated by the pump starter panel, and is dimensioned to cover the largest area regarding
pressure and water flow. This area is shown in section 3, hydraulic calculation, and compared to
the pump curve shown in section 4.
During testing it is not possible to compare pump capacity, and hydraulic calculation, unless the
flow from the “Test connection” is measured, but maximum pressure against closed valve can be
compared.
Pump data is described in the “Grundfos” manual

Section valves
The section valves are placed on an anodised aluminium block. Each section valve will open
according to the signal coming from the FCP.
In case of electric failure the valve can be manually opened, by turning the marked release button
on the solenoid valve.
During testing it can be verified if the valve opens by checking the pressure gauge. At the same
time check the other pressure gauges, with open output valve, to see if a non-activated valve is
leaking.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 3 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

Ball valve
The valves are standard marine type resistant to the marine environment, they are equipped with
a lockable device that ensures the valve will be kept locked in the correct position.

Air supply
Requirements to the air quality: Normal clean and dry air at 5 to 10 bar.
The air is intended for:
- Purging the pipes after use.
- Testing the system (instead of using water).

E/R Ventilation fan

If required by class or ordered, the system can be delivered with outputs for ventilation fan stop
function.
In order not to disperse the water mist in case of a system release, the system is then delivered
with outputs for the ventilation fan, so that these will shut off in the specific area where water mist
is released. Novenco only prepare the outputs; other such as cabling, output combination and
controlling is yard responsibility.

Shock & vibration

To ensure that our pump unit is capable to withstand the vibrations that are normally present on
the vessels, we have had our pump unit tested at DANAK, an institute that specializes in these
phenomenons. The test is according to EN/IEC 60068-2-64 (1993), a random vibration test that
covers the requirements of the sinusoidal vibration test according to IACS E10 and IEC 60945.
Further more it has been shock tested according to EN 60068-2-27 (15 g in 11 ms.). The pump
unit passed all tests.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 4 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.3 TESTING FOR MAINTENANCE

Testing procedure must be done once a month.

1. Close all outlet valves.

2. Open the test valves.
3. Release one section manually by activating the “F1” menu on the FCP, select a section for
release and press “OK”.
4. Check that the correct fan stops if ordered and programmed, pump starts, the correct
section valve opens, the water is being discharged through drain valve, and display on the
Fire Control Panel indicates: "System released".
5. Reset the alarm on the FCP.
6. Stop the manual release by “F1” menu.
7. Check that the section valve is closed and the pump is stopped.
8. Close the test valve.
9. Check that the fan is started or do it manually.
10. Repeat the test for other sections.
11. Open all outlet valves.
12. Refill F.W. tank with freshwater.
13. Check strainer if fitted in suction line.

The test is to be recorded in log book.

The test must be co-ordinated with the duty officer on bridge in order to avoid any mistakes.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 5 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.4 OVERHAUL AND MAINTENANCE

Nozzles
The nozzle heads must never be painted or damaged, as this will reduce their capacity.
10% of the nozzles must be inspected each year regarding damage to the nozzle and
deflector pins.

Ball valve
Activate the valves from time to time to make sure that the valves are operating as intended.

Section Valves (Solenoid Valves)

The Section valves are checked during testing, if the valve has difficulties closing it might be that
the “pilot orifice” is clogged. Dismantle and clean with air, at the same time it is recommended to
check the diaphragm and O-rings for cracks due to aging.

Pump
Examine the centrifugal pump at regular intervals. During testing it must be observed that it can
maintain a constant pressure, and that there is no cacophony. If the pump is not performing as
intended, please check the “Grundfos” manual for guidance.

Strainer
If a strainer is fitted in suction line before pump, it must be cleaned at regular intervals e.g. in
association with testing.

Pump starter panel

Check that electrical equipment inside the panel has not loosened.
Check that wires and screws are tightened. Check that the insulation for the wires is not damaged
due to vibrations.

Fire Control Panel (FCP)

Check that electrical equipment inside the panel has not loosened.
Check that wires and screws are tightened. Check that the insulation for the wires is not damaged
due to vibrations.
The system must be checked at regular intervals, if problems occur during testing, please check
the “Consilium” manual for guidance.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS SOME RISK THAT WATER WILL BE LEFT IN THE SYSTEM
EVEN AFTER PURGING, THEREFORE PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN IN CASE THE
VESSEL WILL ENTER FROSTY AREAS, AS THE PUMPUNIT IS NOT DESIGNED FOR THIS.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 6 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.5 COMMISSIONING PROCEDURES

1. Check the entire installation with regards to workmanship.

2. Test the entire water pipe system (before mounting of nozzles) to at least 1.5 times
maximum working pressure and flush pipes with water using the pump.

3. Check that the nozzle and detector installations are correct according to installation
guidelines.

4. Close the section outlet valves. Start the pump manually from the pump starter panel
and check the pump outlet pressure. If the pump is working against closed outlet valve
the pressure can be compared to the pump data - index 4. Correct pressure and flow
can only be compared to the data sheet if you are able to determine the flow coming
from the test/drain valve.

5. Switch off power supply on the pump starter panel, a pump unit fault alarm will appear
on the FCP display.

6. Check the fire detection by manually activating one detector at a time. Make sure that
detector lamp is lit and check that the right section/detector is indicated on the FCP
display.

7. Check that the automatic release and fan stop is activated, when the two detectors in
the same section are activated. Make sure that corresponding alarm is activated.

8. Switch on power supply on the pump starter panel, reset the pump unit fault alarm on
the FCP

9. When all detectors are checked, open the test/drain valve and activate two detectors in
the same section: Check that the pump starts, fan stops, and that there is pressure at
the right section valve (Right solenoid valve operates).
Close the outlet valve. Repeat the test for other sections. When the test is completed
the valves must be set in stand-by position, ready for automatic operation.

10. A 30 seconds water mist discharge is to be carried out for at least one section.

11. After testing, the pipes must be purged with compressed air through valve (air supply).

12. NOVENCO Fire Fighting recommends that a filter is installed in the suction line, if fitted,
it must be checked when commissioning is completed.
It is advisable to flush all piping with water from the section control valves to the
nozzles, as experience has shown that many impurities are found here. During
flushing nozzles should be removed.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 7 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.6 FIRE INSTRUCTION

Alarm
In case of fire in any part of the machinery spaces with automatic/manual local protection system,
the alarm in the Fire Control Station and bridge will sound incessantly. Moreover, the alarm lamps
on the FCP will light up, as will the warning siren/flashlight placed in the protected area.

Actions in Case of Alarm

Locate the fire immediately. Follow the ships fire muster plan.

Disconnection of the System when the Fire is extinguished.

Assure that the fire has been extinguished; the pump will be stopped by turning the “Auto-0-Man”
switch to -0- position on the Pump Starter Panel at Pump Unit. The system can be set back to
standby position when all fire-alarms are reset on the FCP and the “Auto-0-Man” switch on the
Pump Starter Panel is in -Auto- position, then the “pump unit fault” must be reset..
Purge pipes with compressed air through valve (air supply) after fire.

Normal Standby Condition (Automatic Release).

All manual valves at the pump unit must be open, except the air supply valve and the test
valves, which should be closed. Switch for the sprinkler pump to be in AUTO position. All valves
can be locked in required position.

IF WELDING OR SCHEDULED WORK IS CAUSING SMOKE, HEAT OR FLAME IN THE

ENGINE ROOM, SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE MADE IN ORDER TO AVOID
AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER RELEASE BY SWITCHING OFF RELEVANT SECTIONS BY “F3”
MENU ON FCP IN FIRE CONTROL STATION.
See instruction board 30020458 for disabling/enabling of the automatic release function.

Manual Release
Manuel release can be done from the FCP, or breaking the glass on the sprinkler release
button will activate the system, even when the auto release is disabled (off).

Mechanical Release
The system can also be started manually from the pump starter panel by turning the “Auto-0-
Man” to -MAN- position. Open the relevant section valve manually by rotates the small “screw”
on the solenoid valve. (This “screw” must in normal conditions always be kept in closed
position)
Each valve is marked with section area.

Additional Remote Release

If the Engine Control Room is not classified as a Fire Control Station, the control panel can not
be placed there, in this case the FCP must be placed in the Fire Control Station, and then an
extra operator panel must be placed in the ECR, so that manual remote release can be done
from an area outside the engine room.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 8 of 9

Description of the Local Protection System

1.7 False Alarm

False alarm may occur in the following case:

A. Electric malfunction in the system.

B. Temperature higher than limit of the smoke/heat detectors.
C. UV light in the wave length of 185 – 260 nm at the flame detectors.
D. Exhaust gas due to leak at gasket or broken pipe.

TRACE THE CAUSE OF A FALSE ALARM IMMEDIATELY, RECTIFY THE FAULT AND
NOTE IT IN THE LOG BOOK.

Date: 28.03.2007 Page 9 of 9