Survitec upgrades fire extinguishing system for LNG and LPG fuels

The company said that its upgraded DCP system has a new nozzle design, more precise propellant and powder mixing control. Combined with longer lengths of discharge piping, the system allows for the use of smaller volumes of powder protect bunkering stations and fuel-switching operations.

The type approval from DNV increases pipe length limites to 69 metres, compared to the previous limit of 20 metres, with the option for longer pipe lengths on a case-by-case basis. For shorter pipe runs, a new solution for sending powder will allow for the use of smaller nitrogen tanks.

Piotr Bulas, Product Manager for DCP solutions at Survitec, said: “Overall delivery pipework length is ultimately governed by the number of elbows required. However, a key differentiator with our solution is that it has been designed to support potassium bicarbonate or sulphate salts as the dry power medium. This important choice of powder presents multiple advantages, from allowing smaller, lighter, and more easily accommodated hardware to the lower overall cost of consumables."

LNG bunkering stations are often position on both sides of a vessel to increase operational flexibility, and the upgraded DCP system means a single unit can often safeguard both bunkering stations, cutting costs. 

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“Dry chemical powder systems have long safeguarded LNG and LPG cargo vessels, but as the industry embraces liquefied gases as a propulsion fuel, the unique requirements for protecting bunkering stations on a wider range of vessels, such as large cruise ships, containerships, and tankers, is becoming increasingly important,” said Rafal Kolodziejski, Head of Product Support & Development - Fire Systems, Survitec.