Class 4 (4th Engineer) SSEP 📅 Oct 2024

Exam Question

Considering that the engine room is the most common single space on board ships for fire to break out, discuss the merits and demerits of the following fixed fire fighting systems: (20)

(a) Carbon dioxide

(b) Pressure water spray

Reference Answer

### (a) Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fixed Fire-Fighting System
**Principle of Operation:**
The CO2 fixed fire-fighting system operates primarily by inerting the atmosphere within the protected space. When discharged, gaseous CO2 rapidly displaces oxygen to below the level required to sustain combustion (typically around 15% for most common fuels). A secondary, albeit minor, extinguishing effect comes from the rapid expansion of CO2 gas, which absorbs heat from the surrounding environment, providing a limited cooling effect.
**Merits:**

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