Dry Powder System

Dr y Powd er System
Ships carrying liquefied gas and certain chemicals/agents in bulk shall be equipped with a fixed dry powder
system ready for operation.
Danfoss Semco is one of the main suppliers of fixed dry powder systems, which comply with the IGC and IBC
codes from SOLAS.
Danfoss Semco systems are recognised by all leading classification societies and international authorities
including ABS, BV, DNV, GL, KRS, LRS, NK, PRS, CCS, RMRS and others.

Characteristics. Dry chemical powder, when introduced directly to a fire, causes the flame to go out
almost at once.

The chemical used is in principle Sodium or Potassium Bicarbonate (BC).

Various additives are mixed with the base chemicals to improve the storage, flow, and water-repellent
characteristics.

Dry powders are stable at both low and high temperatures (up to 50 deg. C.)

BC powders are non-toxic, but due to the size of the particles (10 to 50 microns) temporary breathing difficulties
may occur, and personnel must stay clear of the jets to avoid suffocation.

Application. Danfoss Semco dry powder systems have been developed to meet the increasing demands for
large capacity systems for use in the extinguishing of fires involving bulk chemical agents and liquefied gases.

SOLAS rules (IGC and IBC) require that dry powder systems protect the entire deck area, cargo manifold, and
connection areas from fixed monitors. In addition the system should be capable of supplying dry powder to any
part of the cargo deck from at least two sources i.e., hand hose or hand hose line/monitor.

In order to design and calculate a system it is necessary to know the length, breadth, and format of the cargo deck
together with details of any obstacles such as tank domes, cargo storage, and handling facilities, etc.

System Operation. Nitrogen passing through a reduction valve pressurises the tank and nozzles fitted
in the bottom atomise the contents.
When a pressure of 0.9-1 MPa bar has been achieved, a pilot valve opens the main discharge valve and the dry
powder flows through the distribution manifold to the monitor or hand hose line in question.

The pressure during discharge is kept constant by means of a reduction valve placed upstream of the dry powder
unit.

Release of the system may be remotely operated from the release boxes utilising a nitrogen pilot cylinder or al-
ternatively manually operated at the dry powder unit.

The propellant gas system is designed to contain sufficient nitrogen to maintain the pressure during release as
well as to clean the pipes and hand hose lines after discharge.

The hand hose line cabinet is delivered complete, mounted in a GRP/FRP box suitable for installation on the
weather deck and fitted with a release arrangement, trigger nozzle, and flange connection for the supply pipe.

Each hand hose line cabinet is suitably spaced along the deck in such a way that no part of the deck is more than
33 m from two cabinets.

Monitor(s) are located to ensure coverage of the cargo manifolds on each side of the vessel.

Release box(es) are provided beside the monitor(s) and in the cargo handling station.

RELEASE BOX
HOSE BOX MONITOR

5
HOSE BOX

HOSE BOX

7
ND 65

M 16 BAR
9 BAR

10 DISTRIBUTION MANIFOLD
9 BALL VALVE FOR MONITOR
5 4 ~

8 PRESSURE CYLINDER
7 BALL VALVE FOR HOSE LINE
1
2 6 CONTROL MANIFOLD
5 CONTROL CYLINDER
4 PRESSURE CYLINDER
3 N2-CYLINDER
2 PRESSURE REGULATOR
1 POWDER TANK
3 NO. DESCRIPTION
maintenanCe. In general, all dry chemical powder systems should be thoroughly inspected and checked
annually.
The inspection and maintenance of hand hose line systems will vary with the location and climate conditions.

Dry chemical powder is available in various sized packages. Whatever the container, it should be kept tightly
closed and stored in a dry location in order to prevent absorption of moisture. Once the powder has lost its free
flowing characteristic, it shall be discharged.

The Danfoss Semco QA system is in accordance with EN ISO 9001: 2000 and is certified by DNV.

Our ongoing internal training programs make our employees - naval architects, sales engineers, project managers,
service engineers etc. fully qualified to handle our fire fighting systems for the marine industry. An important
element is the use of an approved computer program for hydraulic calculations, which secures a quick and precise
system design.

www.danfoss-semco.com

For further information, please contact:

Co2, Foam, Dry Chemical Powder Water mist

Da n F o S S S e m C o a / S
Fire ProteCtion
S ta m h o l m e n 1 1 1 2 6 5 0 h V i D o V r e , D e n m a r K
t e l . : + 4 5 7 4 8 8 7 8 5 0 Fa X : + 4 5 7 4 8 8 7 8 5 1
f i r e p r o te c t i on @ d a n fo s s - s e m c o. c om
Da n F o S S S e m C o a / S
Fire ProteCtion
SVenDBorGVeJ 253 5260 oDenSe S, DenmarK
t e l . : + 4 5 7 4 8 8 7 8 0 0 Fa X : + 4 5 7 4 8 8 7 8 0 1
s e m s a fe @ d a n fo s s - s e m c o. c om

Danfoss A/S , G1 Advertising 07.02