CO2 Flooding System – Fixed Fire Fighting on Ships

CO2 flooding system or central bank CO2 system is one of the common fixed fire
fighting system installed on most of the ships. It releases carbon dioxide (CO2) in bulk
quantity to a protected space (such as engine room, cargo hold, purifier room, pump
room, etc.) under fire. Smothering action of CO2 extinguishes the fire thereby
preventing spreading of fire to other parts of the ship. It consist of several CO2
cylinders located in a separate room, called CO2 room. These bottles contain CO2 in
liquid state. When the fire in a protected space goes out of control or in a situation
when the fire is not able to extinguish by local fire fighting media, CO2 flooding system
comes into picture. CO2 from the bottles directed via common manifold, main valve
and distribution pipe lines to nozzles through which it is released to the protected
space for fire extinction. Due to safety reasons, the CO2 flooding system is manually
released from a release cabinet located outside the protected space.
Carbon dioxide is the fire extinguising medium used in CO2 flooding system. It is an effective
fire suppression agent applicable to a wide range of fire hazards. It has a high rate of
expansion which allows it to work fast. When applied to a fire, CO2 provides a heavy blanket
of gas that reduces the oxygen level to a point where combustion cannot occur. Since carbon
dioxide is a gas, there is no clean up associated with a system discharge. CO2, a compound of
carbon and oxygen, is a colorless gas which cause coughing to occur when inhaled. At higher
concentrations it is acutely toxic. Low and high pressure CO2 is used for the fire protection of
machinery spaces, pump rooms, cargo holds, paint stores and galley exhaust ventilation
ducts on board ships.
There are several advantages for the CO2 as a fire fighting medium.
They are:
*Density is 1.5 times higher than air. So CO2 settles down and displaces air.
*It can be easily liquefied and bottled.
*20% – 30% CO2 concentration extinguishes fire by smothering
*Non-corrosive,
*Non- conductor of electricity
No residues left after application
No deterioration with age.
Disadvantages of CO2 :-
*CO2 is highly asphyxiating. 9% concentration causes unconsciousness within minutes
*Very little cooling effect. So there is danger of re-ignition.
*When discharged, solid CO2 particles present and generate sufficient static electricity to
produce spark.
CO 2 Total Flooding System
Working of CO2 Flooding System
As mentioned earlier CO2 flooding system floods the protected space under fire with carbon dioxide,
which displaces air, thereby removing one leg of fire triangle for the extinction of fire. CO2 flooding
system consist of main CO2 bottles, common manifold, master valve or distribution valve and
distribution pipe lines with nozzles as shown in the figure . Main CO2 bottles contain carbon dioxide in
liquid state with a pressure of 56 bar at 20 degree Celsius. Pressure of CO2 at 25 and 30 degree Celsius
are 64 bar and 71 bar respectively. So it is important to keep the temperature of CO2 bottles low for
limiting the pressure inside bottles. CO2 from the main bottle is released by a ‘CO2 release cabinet’ as
shown in the figure. As soon as the release cabinet door is opened, a micro switch is activated. The
micro switch will ensure the activation of CO2 warning alarms and ventilation shut off. CO2 release
cabinet or release box consist of two pilot CO2 cylinders or bottles containing CO2 gas inside. The
pressure of CO2 inside these pilot bottles is same as that of main CO2 bottles. Only quantity of gas is
different. For releasing CO2 to the protected space, one of the pilot bottle valve is opened. Now CO2
reaches two valves marked 1 and 2. First valve 1 is to be opened. Then CO2 passes through a non
return valve and opens pneumatically operated master valve. Now master valve is opened. Next, open
valve 2 in the release cabinet, which supply CO2 to main CO2 bottle head assembly through a non
return valve and ‘time delay unit’. Function of the time delay unit is explained below. Head assembly
consist of a pressure operated cylinder valve. This pressure operated cylinder valve prevents CO2 from
bottle coming to the common manifold. As CO2 reaches the head assembly from pilot bottle,
pneumatic actuator in the head moves and opens the pressure operated cylinder valve. Then CO2
from main bottle escapes to the common manifold via non return valve as shown. Each of the main
CO2 cylinder have a head assembly and non return valve. The pilot CO2 line is connected to all these
heads. All the CO2 from the main bottles now release to common manifold. Since the master valve is
already open before, CO2 from manifold is released to the protected space through distribution pipe
lines and nozzles.
As you can see in the diagram, there are two CO2 release cabinets. One is local release
cabinet and is located in the CO2 room itself. One more remote release cabinet is used,
which is located in a remote place such as fire control station. This facilitates operation of
CO2 flooding system from a remote place other than CO2 room. Both release cabinets are
connected in parallel and non return valves fitted in the lines prevent back flow of CO2. Also
two pilot CO2 bottles are placed in the release cabinet. Only one is sufficient for the
operation of both master valve and CO2 bottle head assembly.
CO2 flooding system explained here protects only a single space. There are systems which
can protect multiple spaces such as engine room and pump room together. In that case
separate release cabinets will be there for engine room and pump room. Main CO2 bottles
are shared for engine room and pump room according to the volume of the spaces.
Time Delay Unit in CO2 Flooding System
CO2 from the pilot bottles in release cabinet reaches main CO2 bottle head assembly
through a time delay unit. Function of this time delay unit is to delay the supply of CO2 to
the head assembly for 60 – 90 seconds. In other words, when valve 2 in the release cabinet
is opened, CO2 reaches only after 60 to 90 seconds to the head assembly. Reasons for
providing such a s delay in CO2 flooding system are given below.
As soon as CO2 release cabinet opens, alarm is sounded in the protected space. A time
delay of 60 to 90 seconds give sufficient time for any personnel in the protected space to
escape, even after the operation of both valves in the release cabinet.
If CO2 is released from main bottles to the common manifold before opening master valve,
there may be difficulty in opening master valve because of the bulk CO2 pressure acting on it.
Because of the time delay, positive opening of the master valve is ensured before releasing CO2.
Regulation per International Code for Fire Safety System (FSS Code) 2.1.3.2 says, “The pre-
discharge alarm can be automatically activated (e. g. by opening the release cabinet door). The
alarm shall operate for the length of time needed to evacuate the space, but in no case less than
20 seconds before the medium is released.”
The time delay can be achieved in different ways. Out of these, two types of time delay unit is
commonly used in CO2 flooding system on board ships. One is electrical type, which has an AC
220 V power supply, a pressure switch, timer and a solenoid valve as shown in the figure below.
Time Delay Unit
Power source is always available for the unit. Solenoid valve is normally in closed position.
When CO2 from pilot cylinder (CO2 release cabinet) reaches the time delay unit, the
pressure acts on the pressure switch. This closes the pressure switch. But the timer allows
power supply to the solenoid only after 60-90 seconds, the timing can be adjusted as
required. As soon as the specified time is reached, solenoid becomes energize and the
solenoid valve will open. This allow passage of CO2 to the pressure operated cylinder
valve of main bottle. Normally a by pass valve is also fitted across this time delay unit
which can be used in case the unit goes defective.
Another type of time delay unit uses an empty bottle fitted just before the head
assembly. This empty bottle fills first before supplying pressurized CO2 to the head
assembly. This is more reliable since there is no electrical components involved.

Bursting Disc in CO2 Flooding System

The pressure of CO2 inside the bottle depends on the temperature of the surroundings.
As temperature increases, pressure also increases. Therefore to safeguard against
abnormally high pressures inside the bottle, a bursting disc is provided on the head
assembly as shown in the figure above. When the CO2 pressure inside the bottle
increases to about 200 bar, bursting disc burst and releases CO2 to the CO2 room.
Pressure inside the bottle build up to such a high value means there is a fire inside CO2
room. Here, CO2 released from the bottle itself extinguishes fire inside the room. For
better understanding have a look at the pressure- temperature relationship at different
filling densities from the graph below.
Function of Pressure Switch, Pressure Gauge in Manifold
Pressure switch is fitted in the common manifold to identify any leakage of CO2 gas from
bottles to the manifold. The pressure switch activates warning alarm for the leakage.
Similarly pressure switch will activate alarms while actual operation of CO2 flooding
system. A pressure gauge is also fitted on the manifold to read any gas pressure inside. A
valve for pressure testing of the system is also connected to the pressure gauge
connection as shown in CO2 line diagram.
Why Relief Valve is Required?
There is a relief valve fitted in the manifold of CO2 flooding system. Function of the relief
valve is to release the CO2 pressure in the manifold to the atmosphere outside CO2 room.
Such a situation arises when CO2 get released from the bottle and master valve is still
closed. Set pressure of relief valve is about 180 bar. Again, set pressure varies with the
system design and regulations. A relief valve is required for two purposes:
If the pressure of fluid in a pipe line increases beyond the designed working pressure,
there must be a pressure relief mechanism for bringing down the pressure to safe guard
the system. In the case of CO2 flooding system, CO2 will accumulate in the manifold when
it is released from the bottle and master valve is closed. Pressure of CO2 is 55 bar at 20
degree Celsius. As CO2 takes temperature from surroundings, its pressure also increases
to dangerous levels. Since these pipes are pressure tested to 190 bar only, a relief valve is
necessary in the manifold.
Any pressure accumulate in the manifold may release other CO2 bottles which are intact,
if the non return valve between bottle and manifold is damaged.
 What is the Purpose of Dip Tube in CO2 Extinguisher?

Whether it is portable CO2 fire extinguisher or cylinder in CO2 flooding system, a

siphon tube or dip tube is necessary inside bottle.

The function of dip tube is to deliver liquid carbon dioxide outside the bottle. If dip tube in
not provided, CO2 evaporates from the surface while discharge taking latent heat of
vaporization and remaining liquid CO2 will freeze inside and hence failure of CO2
discharge. Therefore it is necessary to operate CO2 fire extinguishers in up right position.
.
Maintenance of CO2 Flooding System
Fixed carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems should be kept in good working order and
readily available for immediate use. Maintenance and inspections should be carried out in
accordance with the ship’s maintenance plan having due regard to ensuring the reliability
of the system. The on board maintenance plan should be included in the ship’s safety
management system and should be based on the system manufacturer’s
recommendations.
Monthly
Alarms, Machinery trips, Door alarm, Quick closing valves, Flaps, Skylights, Ventilation fan
trips to be tested. Maintenance of CO2 Flooding System
Yearly
General inspection of the installation, pipe lines to be checked
10 Yearly
CO2 bottles to be inspected internally. Siphon tube or dip tube to be checked. Cylinders
to be pressure tested at 250 bar. If permanent change in volume is observed, those
cylinders to be discarded. After 20 years of installation of CO2 flooding system, these tests
to be carried out every 5 years thereafter.
Procedure of Releasing CO2 to the Engine Room on Ships
Muster and take head count.
Master will take decision, depending upon the situation and as per the company policy.
If total CO2 flooding of engine room is to be done, master will consult with chief engineer.
Nearest coast guard to be informed as soon as possible.
Ensure proper sealing of the engine room.
Make sure emergency generator is running and on load. Power is required for running
emergency fire pump for boundary cooling.
All access doors, vent flaps, blower flaps, skylights, hatches, fire flaps, to be closed.
Quick closing valves to be closed.
Emergency stops for lube oil pumps, fuel oil pumps to be operated.
All machinery in engine room to be stopped.
Ensure all personnel vacated engine room.
CO2 must be released by competent engineer.
Break the glass and take out key for CO2 release cabinet from key box. Using local CO2 release
cabinet is preferred.
Open the release cabinet. Audio visual alarms will sound and ventilation blower trips will
activate.
In the CO2 release cabinet, open pilot cylinder valve first. Now open valve 1 for master valve
first. Then open valve 2 for CO2 releasing mechanism. Co2 will be released after 60-90 seconds
of time delay.
Now the system pressure can be checked from the pressure gauge on the manifold.
If CO2 is not released, then follow emergency releasing procedure. Open master valve
manually and open each CO2 main bottle by manual actuation lever.