3.1 The system should be capable of manual release.
A manual release station should be located adjacent to each hand hose
line storage area and each monitor. A back-up release station should
be provided at the fixed dry chemical powder unit. The operation of
any manual release station should initiate the pressurization of the
fixed dry chemical powder unit and begin the discharge of dry chemical
powder to all connected hand hose lines and monitors.
3.2 The system and its components should be designed
to withstand ambient temperature changes, vibration, humidity, shock,
impact and corrosion normally encountered on the open deck of ships,
and manufactured and tested to the satisfaction of the Administration
in accordance with the criteria given in the appendix.
3.3 Systems should be designed for the discharge
characteristics and flow rates of a specific dry chemical medium.
The type of dry chemical in the system should not be changed unless
testing to verify performance is conducted by a laboratory to the
satisfaction of the Administration. Different dry chemical media should
not be mixed.
3.4 Only chemicals based on the salts of potassium
should be used. Dry chemical storage containers should be designed
to pressure codes of practice acceptable to the Administration, for
the maximum system pressure developed at 55ºC.
3.5 A means for pressurizing the system using
an inert gas, which is normally dry nitrogen, in high pressure cylinders
should be provided. The nitrogen should be industrial grade with a
dewpoint of -50ºC or lower. Pressure gauges should be provided
for monitoring the contents of the cylinders. A pressure regulator
should be installed to reduce the gas pressure to the required system
operating pressure.
3.6 The quantity of expellant gas should be adequate
for the system to discharge the entire charge of dry chemical powder
within the time period specified in paragraph 4.1 below. If multiple
gas cylinders are provided, they should be arranged with normally
closed cylinder valves that are automatically opened by a pilot system
when a release station is actuated. Each cylinder should have, in
addition, the capability of manual operation.
3.7 System piping should be arranged to ensure
that the required flow rates are achieved at each hand hose line and
monitor. Flow through the piping should be based on flow calculation
methods determined by the test laboratory for the specific dry chemical
powder medium and equipment used.
3.8 Hand hose line nozzles, monitors and hose
couplings should be constructed of brass or stainless steel. Piping,
fittings and related components, except gaskets, should be designed
to withstand 925ºC.
3.9 Dry chemical storage container pick-up tubes
and related internal structures should be shown to be resistant to
corrosive effects of the dry chemical medium.
3.10 Dry chemical storage containers should have
a fill opening of at least 100 mm to allow onboard recharging, and
suitable connections to allow the dry powder charge to be fully agitated
with nitrogen, in accordance with the system manufacturer’s
maintenance instructions.
3.11 Operating instructions for the system should
be placed at each operating station.
3.12 Recharging instructions should be provided
on a permanent nameplate affixed to the fixed dry chemical powder
unit. As a minimum, the instructions should indicate the required
type of dry chemical powder, the manufacturer of the powder and the
required charge. The required pressurizing medium pressure, number
of cylinders and regulator valve setting should also be provided.
3.13 An approved design, installation, operation
and maintenance manual should be provided to the shipowner for each
type of fixed dry chemical powder unit.