Fire Safety Strategy for Submarine under Construction - Term Paper Example

Topic: Fire Safety Strategy for Submarine Under Construction Name: Course: Tutor: Date: TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.Introduction 3 2.Phase 1 3 Figure 1. Phase 1 of the Construction of the Submarine 4 2.1.Prevention Measures 4 2.2.Detection and Alarm System 4 2.3.Escape Provisions 5 2.4.Assets Protection Measures 5 2.5.Means of Extinguishment 5 3.Phase 2 5 Figure 2. Phase 2 of the Construction of the Submarine 6 3.1.Prevention Measures 6 3.2.Detection and Alarm System 6 3.3.Escape Provisions 7 3.4.Assets Protection Measures 8 3.5.Means of Extinguishment 8 4.Phase 3 8 Figure 3. Phase 3 of the Construction of the Submarine 9 4.1.Prevention Measures 9 4.2.Detection and Alarm System 10 4.3.Escape Provisions 10 4.4.Assets Protection Measures 10 4.5.Means of Extinguishment 11 5.Phase 4 11 Figure 4. Phase 4 of the Construction of the Submarine 12 5.1.Prevention Measures 12 5.2.Detection and Alarm System 13 5.3.Escape Provisions 13 5.4.Assets Protection Measures 13 5.5.Means of Extinguishment 14 Conclusion 14 LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1. Phase 1 of the Construction of the Submarine 4 Figure 2. Phase 2 of the Construction of the Submarine 6 Figure 3. Phase 3 of the Construction of the Submarine 9 Figure 4. Phase 4 of the Construction of the Submarine 12 1. Introduction The operation of submarines requires that safety measures must be ensured so that the users of the naval ships are safe and any dangers are prevented. This includes protection of the occupants from fire as well as other dangers that are likely to be encountered during operation of submarines. This is because, submarines are resource and time consuming to construct and also require high level of expertise. Assurance is the extent to which a vessel is likely to offer protection to the users as well as comply with safety requirements during its life from concept until it is disposed (Ardenmark 2011, p. 44). Irrespective of the level of assurance, the construction of a submarine must take place at the earliest stage of the lifecycle of the vessel and should enable clear communication as well as reduce risks and thus act as a cost driver. A part from safety, the construction of a submarine must ensure cost of construction is kept as low as possible and the vessel is able to operate with a high level of efficiency as possible. Thus, protecting them from damaging effects of fire can be important in ensuring their functionality as well as protecting the users from fire and other accidents. This article illustrates strategies in which Fire Safety can be implemented when constructing a submarine by providing cost effective recommendations 2. Phase 1 This is the phase where pressure hull and module construction will take place. It is a phase that will take 18 months to complete. This is a process that mainly takes place in the shop floor and involves the use of a number of tools, jogs and plans in order to facilitate activities taking place. Shop floor is preferred because the supervisors are able to provide guidance during the construction as well as correct deficiencies in the work performed (Christian and British Standards Institution 2003, p. 138). During the process of assembling the work into larger units called modules, heavier units are aligned into the hull sections. Figure 1. Phase 1 of the Construction of the Submarine 2.1. Prevention Measures Various passive prevention measures will be observed during construction of the submarine such as constructing the hull using enclosing materials that are resistant to fire and has impact pressure. A pressure tight cylinder will be used during the construction of the hull that is composed of the fore and the aft (Håkansson 2011, p. 293). These compartments will be divided by two pressure tight walls, an airlock and pressure-tight hatches that enable passage of people between the compartments. In addition, compartments called fire zones will be constructed during this stage so that smoke and extinguisher agent cannot enter into it. 2.2. Detection and Alarm System The constriction of the hull will account for locations of fire alarms. The locations will be in each compartment of the hull where the alarms can be accessed by occupant of the vessel (Institute of Marine Engineers 1994, p. 302). For instance, in the walkways of the hull there will be alarms that are accessible by any person in case of fire outbreak during operation of the vessel. 2.3. Escape Provisions Escape provisions will be provided by the pressure tight hatches that enable people move freely between compartments to a safe compartment in case of fire outbreak. In addition, the pressure tight hatches will enable the users of the vessel move from a compartment where fire outbreak has occurred to a safe compartment. The materials used to construct the hull will be fire resistant so that it cannot be easily damaged in case of fire outbreak (LeSage and Sarkisov 1996, p. 43). This will involve selection of a material with a high boiling point. 2.4. Assets Protection Measures Assets protection measures are methods that need to be used o ensure assets in the submarine are protected from fire. This can be achieved by designing the assets location with materials that are resistant to fire and also resistant to contamination with smoke. During the construction of the hull section, a partition will be created for storage of various assets after which the partitioned area will be protected with metallic cover that has a high heat resistance to offer protection to the assets. 2.5. Means of Extinguishment There are various extinguishment strategies that will be used to ensure fire breakout are prevented during the operation of the submarine. For instance, water mist section will be created to act as a primary heat extraction measure during the reactions that take place at the water works sections (McCartney 2003, p. 57). This is because on the property of high heat capacity of water as well as the ability of water to absorb heat from flames and fuel, thus acting as an effective extinguisher. This measure will result into vaporization of water thus acting as oxygen replacement particularly in areas where there are low ventilations thus creating cold conditions. 3. Phase 2 This is the phase where the routing of module shipping into pressure and hull sections will be performed. It will also involve construction of external sections of the hull in parallel. It is expected that this stage will take 18 months to reach completion and transition to the next phase. During this phase, major doors into compartments will be constructed and the enclosing doors. Hot works will be carried out so that parts that require welding are welded to achieve the required joints. The activities will take place in the shop floor to enable supervision. Figure 2. Phase 2 of the Construction of the Submarine 3.1. Prevention Measures Prevention measures will include safety measures that will minimise the possibilities of fire outbreak in the vessel. For instance, the possibilities of electric fault that can result into fire outbreak will be minimised by ensuring sections that have electric cables are effectively insulated and also provided with cover plates that prevents possibilities of being damaged by users of the vessel (Parker and Naval Research Lab Washington DC 1998, p. 31). This is based on the fact that most fire incidents are likely to because by electric shocks. In addition, the engine part will be constructed with a material that is resistant to heat and any leakage that can result into fire is prevented by the use of leakage-proof engine. The electrical cabinet that acts as the switchboard for operation of the vessel will be unmanned so that errors that can result into damage of electrical terminals and causing fire outbreak can be prevented. 3.2. Detection and Alarm System During the construction of the fire detection and alarm systems, the design will account for the requirements of fire detection and fire extinguishing systems of submarine according to the rules recommended for submarines. The submarine will be equipped with automatic fire alarms in various compartments. These alarms should be located in the control station of the submarine. The main fire detection systems that will be fitted into the submarine include central fire detectors and the construction of the fire detection system will involve considerations for supply fault, short-circuit and breakage of wire in the detection loop. It will also involve removal of a trigger from its bases so that a visual and audible signal at the central fire detection station can be triggered (Purkiss 2006, p. 130). The distance between the location of one alarm and another should be 3 meters in length and 1.5 meters width. The fire alarms will be mounted on the spaces in the compartments of the submarine. The operation of the fire alarms will be through manual actuation from the control station or through automatic fire detection system. Fire extinguishers will be located in the hull section of the submarine in each compartment by providing for the fast and efficient distribution of the extinguishing agent to all parts of the submarine without obstructions. The fire extinguishing systems will be designed in such a way that they are able to deal with any possible outbreak under the environmental conditions that the submarine is operating. The operation of the fire extinguishers will be controlled so that they do not cause pressure change within the submarine (Romanov and Moore 2006, p. 93). In addition to installed fire extinguisher, there will be manual extinguishers or permanently installed appliances for fire extinguishing. Accessibility will be a factor to consider when installing manual extinguishers. Permanently installed extinguishers will only be actuated into manual operation and will be installed as far as possible and also protected from improper and accidental operation. The operation of the system will take place from outside the space and its operation will only be actuated after the actuation of the fire alarm and evacuation of crew members from the compartment. The extinguishing agents that will be avoided include those that are toxic or have stifling effects. In the case of separated compartments, carbon dioxide will only be used as an extinguisher with the acceptance of the Naval Administration special procedures and will be determined and trained to ensure safety of the people in the vessel. Suitable means will be provided that ensure the amount of extinguishing agent ejected is within the concentration required to extinguish fire. 3.3. Escape Provisions Escape measures will be achieved by constructing doors in each compartment which enable the movement of people from the compartment where there is a fire outbreak to a compartment where there is no fire outbreak. In addition, there will be provision of walkways within the submarine so that users of the vessel can move physically from one location to another (Sarkisov and Clos 1999, p.95). Each compartment will be connected to the main chimney that leads smoke to the surface of the water whenever there is a fire outbreak and there is the need to remove the smoke. The travel distance of each compartment will be kept to a maximum of 10 meters and the modules will be open sided so that people in are able to escape from either side of the compartment. Thus, the travel distance from the centre of the module will be kept at a distance of 5 meters. 3.4. Assets Protection Measures During this phase, assets protection will be provided for by ensuring the compartment where assets are to be kept is made of welded steel plates which are resistant to fire. The process will involve partitioning the hull to a compartment that measures 2.5 meters by 1.2 meters after which ribs will be welded to the outer hull to create the framework of the assets protection section. This will be followed by welding specially selected steel plates to the ribs. The welded steel plates will be tested for existence of holes that can allow entry of smoke or water and any identified holes will be filled using fillers and welds. 3.5. Means of Extinguishment Means of fire extinguishing will involve fitting the compartments with fire extinguishers that have been filled with liquefied carbon dioxide or power. The fire extinguisher cylinders will be placed in various locations that are easily accessible by those on board the vessel (Ardenmark 2011, p. 33). The carbon dioxide filled fire extinguishers will be complemented with breathing apparatus and they will be reloaded on regular basis so that they are always full when the vessel is under operation. The locations where fire extinguishers are located will be fitted with protective clothing and helmets that can be worn by the person operating the fire extinguisher. The w 4. Phase 3 This is the stage where section assembly, service connections and out fittings will be added. It is estimated that this process will take 6 months to complete and this phase will include construction in all parts of the vessel. The main hazards that the vessel will be subjected to include dangerous substances and electric faults when the switches are put on. In this stage, the vessel will be dry docked in the Construction Hall (Christian and British Standards Institution 2003, p. 88). In addition, this is the stage where external components such as rudders and propellers will be fitted using various metal working techniques. The hull will be surrounded by scaffolding, enabling workers to reach all parts of the hull. The constructors of the submarine will also be involved in attaching certain equipment to the hull and covering with sheets of steel for the purpose of reducing friction during travel under the water. Figure 3. Phase 3 of the Construction of the Submarine 4.1. Prevention Measures Prevention measure to be taken during this stage will be a fire suppression system using a Halon cylinder. This is a cylinder that is able to open automatically and release Halon when the cylinder is subjected to a temperature of up to 67oC or higher. During the operation of the submarine, Halon will only undergo manual activation by the crew members for the purpose of avoiding unnecessary activation (Håkansson 2011, p. 56). Each zone of the system will be activated separately. Activation will be achieved form a release box connected to the Halon cylinder or from the main switchboard located in the control room from the switchboard in the space where electrical equipment are located. The use of Halon is important in efficient suppressing fire as well as its ability to use less space when stored in comparison with other fire extinguishing agents. In addition, its installation does not require many pipes and nozzles. However, there are other alternatives to fire protection that can be used instead of Halon because of the impact of Halon on the environment. 4.2. Detection and Alarm System Additional fire detection equipment will be put in place to ensure the crew of the submarine are able to know hen there is a fire outbreak so the intervention measures can be taken. An example of a fire detection system that will be used is the extinguishing and suppression systems. The crew will be taught how to use these systems so that they can operate them when there is a fire outbreak in the submarine. In addition, ventilations and air conditioning will be enhanced in the submarine. This is where the submarine will be able to exhaust smoke whenever there is a fire outbreak. Ventilation will be enhanced by connecting chimneys that can direct smoke and dust from the submarine through the conning tower to the surface of the water. 4.3. Escape Provisions In order to ensure an effective escape of occupants of the submarine, there should be protective equipment such as life buoys, life jackets and immersion suits that can ensure thermal protection to the crew members of the submarine whenever there is a fire outbreak. The escape appliances will include all systems and equipment that facilitate the recovery of members of the submarine such as emergency gas supply that blows the driving tank such as compressed hydrazine generators (Institute of Marine Engineers 1994, p. 49). They also include mating flanges that enables external submarine rescue and the rescue sphere. In the case where hard ballast is used for emergency surfacing, there will be a calculation of proof that after release of the hard ballast, the submarine will be able to float safely to the surface to remain in a stable position. Appliances for jettison of ballast will be designed in a manner such that two mutually independent actions will be performed in order to initiate a release action. 4.4. Assets Protection Measures The location where there are valuables on transit should be fitted with fire alarms so that the fire alarms can be rung and rescue efforts commenced. There should be two exit doors in the compartment where there are assets so that the assets are moved easily from one compartment to another. In addition, various fire fighting equipment such as portable fire extinguishers should be fitted into the submarine for the purpose of ensuring fire is put under control. There should be easy access to cylinders containing water mist so that the water mist can be spayed into the location where fire has occurred and ensuring the assets are protected from consumption by fire (LeSage and Sarkisov 1996, p. 96). Assets protections will also be enhanced by use of flame detectors and heat detectors that will be able to activate the alarm so that the crew can know when fire outbreak has occurred. A multisensory detector will be installed into the compartment of the submarine. This is a combination of detection signals that detects fire in the quickest time possible and sounds an alarm. 4.5. Means of Extinguishment The means of fire extinguishment that will be installed in this stage is the water mist. This is a spray that contains 99% droplets with a size of 1000 microns. The operating principle of this extinguisher is through extraction of water works as thermal ballast during a reaction. Due to its thermal properties, high heat capacity and heat of vaporization, water will absorb a considerable amount of heat from the flame and fuel; consequently it is an efficient extinguisher (McCartney 2003, p. 66). The advantages of this method of fire extinguishing are that it is non toxic and there is no risk on human health when it is used during fire extinguishing. 5. Phase 4 This phase will involve boat launch and snagging. All the activities in this phase are expected to take 3 months to complete. The civilian occupancy will be 90 and evenly spread throughout the boat and various exits and escape routes will be effectively designed and finished to prepare the vessel for operation. In addition, the conning tower will be created and all components that facilitate its operation will be included (Parker and Naval Research Lab Washington DC 1998, p. 73). The interior sections of the submarine will be finished and large equipment will be placed in the inner hull, smaller equipment will be brought into the hull after its completion. This will be followed by launching the submarine before installation of the interior equipment. When the launch is complete, the submarine will be towed into the fitting-out dock, where interior work will be done. The activities that will take place in this stage include inserting the periscopes, snorkels, engines and equipment that ensure comfort of the crew such as refrigerators and electric stoves, air conditioners. This will be followed by performing the first trials of the submarine. Figure 4. Phase 4 of the Construction of the Submarine 5.1. Prevention Measures During this stage, prevention measures will be those that are relevant during operation of the submarine. For instance, crew organization will play a significant role in ensuring protection from fire outbreak. Consequently, surveillance will play a significant role in fire protection and will involve the contributions of the Commanding Officer (Purkiss 2006, p. 50). He will be in charge of other crew members as well as the Chief Engineer. He will ensure mechanical and technical operations are safe so that fire outbreak does not occur. The crew will be the organizational fire protection agents by ensuring the exercise caution when performing their tasks so that fire outbreak does not occur. The survival of members of the crew is determined by the role they perform so that fire outbreak does not occur. 5.2. Detection and Alarm System The general alarm during this stage will be the role to be played by the crew in ensuring the submarine is protected from destruction during fire outbreak. It will involve closing pipes, ventilations and other openings that can enable the spread of fire, water or pressure. The duty officer will be in charge of activating the alarm so that the control is activated (Romanov and Moore 2006, p. 75). The general alarm will be rung repeatedly in the internal communication system and more information about the danger of the source of fire and where there is a water intake. When fire is detected on board, the actions that should be taken include shutting down the diesel engine, Stirling engine and the ventilations of the submarine so that fire-fighters of the vessels are prepared to control the fire. 5.3. Escape Provisions The escape strategy in case of fire can involve movement of the crew from unsafe zone to safe zone. Due to the nature of the submarine, there are difficulties in using two emergency doors from the fire zone. Another escape option can be the use of URF. This is a specially designed vessel that can be carried with an aircraft or on a trailer and then towed to the point where emergency situation has occurred. It can then be connected to the submarine and the submarine crew can enter into the URF through the rescue hatch and move into the pressurized chamber after which they are taken to the surface (Sarkisov and Clos 1999, p.114). The URF has special handling systems that can facilitate the transfer of crew from the chamber to the point where they can be provided with medical treatment. If the URF is not efficient in evacuation of the crew in the submarine or when the situation is such that there is the need for an immediate escape, the option available is manual exit from the submarine one by one and floating to the surface. This can be done through the escape trunk from the airlock located in the middle section of the submarine. During the process of moving out of the submarine, the crew must be equipped with special rescue suit and life jackets. 5.4. Assets Protection Measures Asset protection measures will involve ensuring the compartments where vital assets are stored are protected from fire. For instance, it will involve spraying the walls of the sections of assets stores with water mist so that it becomes resistant to fire. It will also involve movement of assets from the compartment where there is fire outbreak to the area where fire outbreak has not occurred. 5.5. Means of Extinguishment If there is a fire outbreak in the vessel, the means of extinguishment will include a variety of methods that have been installed in the vessels. For instance, water mist may be used to put out the fire. In addition, carbon dioxide power fire extinguishers may be used as a fire extinguishing agent (McCartney 2003, p. 82). Another form of fire extinguishing agent that will be used is Halon fire extinguishers. The extinguishers will be operated by the crew who have the skills in operating principles of fire extinguishers. Conclusion This paper shows that the safety of crew in a submarine is of great importance and can be assured when there is adequate fire protection equipment and expertise. The installation of fire protection equipment is explained from the beginning of the construction of the submarine to the moment when the vessel is tested in the sea. It is found that the most important considerations during fire safety design are to ensure there are various fires fighting equipment. These include fire fighting cylinders containing carbon dioxide powder of liquid as well as the use of water mist. This paper also shows that proper insulation of electrical circuits can prevent short-circuit that is a major contributing factor to fire outbreak. In addition, this paper illustrates rescue mechanisms that are important in rescuing the crew from a vessel that is under fire. For instance, it illustrates the importance of URF and safety facilities such as life jackets in enabling escape from a submarine. From the outcome of the design, it is concluded that a submarine design that accounts for the considerations explained in this paper can be efficient in offering protection from fire and preventing the destruction of a submarine. References Ardenmark, M. 2011. Fire safety engineer, FireTech. (A. Olofsson, & S. Bohlin, Interviewers. Christian, S. D., & British Standards Institution. 2003. A guide to fire safety engineering. London: BSI. Håkansson, A. 2011. Senior system engineer, Kockums AB. (A. Olofsson, & S. Bohlin, Interviewers). Institute of Marine Engineers. 1994. Fire safety on ships: Developments into the 21st century : London, 26-27 May 1994. London: Institute of Marine Engineers. LeSage, L. G., & Sarkisov, A. A. 1996. Nuclear Submarine Decommissioning and Related Problems. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. McCartney, I. 2003. Lost patrols: Submarine wrecks of the English Channel. Penzance: Periscope. Parker, A., & Naval Research Lab Washington DC. 1998. Full-Scale Submarine Ventilation Doctrine and Tactics Tests. United States: Naval research lab washington dc. Purkiss, J. A. 2006. Fire Safety Engineering: Design of Structures. Burlington: Elsevier. Romanov, D. A., & Moore, K. J. 2006. Fire at sea: The tragedy of the Soviet submarine Komsomolets. Washington, DC: Potomac Books. Sarkisov, A. A., & Clos, A. T. 1999. Analysis of Risks Associated with Nuclear Submarine Decommissioning, Dismantling and Disposal. Dordrecht: Springer Netherlands. Read More