The location and operational mode of Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessels make fire detection and evacuation more complex, especially in the adoption oils and the Gas sector where the possibility of High Hazard combustible liquids and gasses (Class B) propagated fires are high.
The floating vessels often have many enclosures and circulation ways calling for robust fire detection systems and emergency response planning. The adoption of weatherproof, explosion proof and vandal-proof fire safety (MARINE) products is a result of the intensity of fire action due to the combustible fluids that are used in mariners. Adequate marine fire safety products design, selection, and installation are possible due to the modeling of different fire and smoke scenarios in other to meet the high standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Smoke is a visible suspension of carbon and other products of combustion. Smoke may be fatal by means of suffocation due to its choking effect on blood circulation by the formation of carboxyhemoglobin. Smoke inevitably leads to air contamination and pollution by reducing air quality through the concentration of high carbon content in the air. Smoke forms carbon or graphite residue which affects the aesthetics and hygiene of a facility or asset.
Smoke dispersion or diffusion is modeled by means of a study of motion by smoke effect using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software applications. Smoke modeling helps in smoke mapping for fire safety engineering. It is applied in planning for smoke and fire detection sensors, fire suppression, alert systems for fire emergency evacuation, means of egress, smoke assembly, smoke curtains, smoke extraction equipment for clearing smoke escape routes of heat, fumes, and visibility, door smoke assemblies, smoke louvers, passive smoke compartmentalization, smoke dampers, and smoke and fire doors.
Air circulation considerations like – wind speed, wind direction, altitude, and other atmospheric conditions are considered to help in determining smoke dispersion and spread within spaces of vessels. Travel time of smoke, smoke diffusion pattern, evacuation plans, the sensitivity of fire detection equipment, and spatial arrangement of fire safety equipment.
William Nwaogu
Technical Advisor
Safety Consultants & Solution Providers Limited
