Key Components of A Marine External Fire Fighting System

1. System Definition

The marine external fire fighting system (FIFI) is a fire fighting system specifically designed for ships, primarily used to extinguish fires on the ship itself and in the surrounding waters. This system combines a high-efficiency fire pump, fire monitor, and control system to ensure rapid response in emergencies.

2. Application Scenarios

FIFI systems are widely used on various types of vessels, especially high-risk vessels such as oil tankers and liquefied gas carriers. Their design considers multiple fire types, including oil fires and electrical fires, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

3. Common standard vessel speeds based on hull size are divided into four types:

1/2 FIFI: 1200 m³/h

FIFI 1: 2400 m³/h

FIFI 2: 7200 m³/h

FIFI 3: 9600 m³/h

4. FIFI System Components

•Fire Pump

• The core of the FIFI system is a high-pressure water pump, capable of rapidly drawing seawater or fresh water and delivering it to the fire scene via pipelines. The pump's power and efficiency directly determine the system's fire-fighting capability.

• Drive methods include main unit drive, diesel engine drive, and electric motor drive.

• The main body is made of ductile iron, and the impeller is made of bronze.

•Fire Monitor

• A fire monitor is a long-range, high-volume spray of seawater/fresh water, which can be mixed with extinguishing agents/foam to extinguish fires.

• Spraying methods: direct spray, column mist

• Actuation methods: electric control, manual control

•Fire Pump Drive

• Diesel Engine: Independently driven, no external connection required.

• Main Engine PTO: The main engine of a marine propulsion system typically has a port for driving other equipment, including fire pumps. It requires connection to a clutch or gearbox.

• Electric Motor: The electric motor requires onboard power; it is generally high-power and requires a starter cabinet.

•Valves / •Control System

• The valves in the FIFI system are divided into electric and manual types, controlling the water flow and shut-off of the fire pumps and fire monitors.

• Installed in the bridge control room, it is equipped with control buttons for other equipment, from starting the diesel engine to directional control of the fire monitors. It is equipped with a wireless controller, allowing operation within a 100m range.

•Water Curtain System / •Proportioning Mixer

• Pressurized water is distributed into a curtain-like water curtain of a certain width and thickness, serving as a fire barrier, fire compartment, and localized cooling.

• Draws foam concentrate and delivers it to the fire pump pipeline to mix with it, creating foam water.

• Range: 1-6%