WO2011091377A1 - Semi-portable fire suppression system - Google Patents

Semi-portable fire suppression system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011091377A1
WO2011091377A1 PCT/US2011/022284 US2011022284W WO2011091377A1 WO 2011091377 A1 WO2011091377 A1 WO 2011091377A1 US 2011022284 W US2011022284 W US 2011022284W WO 2011091377 A1 WO2011091377 A1 WO 2011091377A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fire suppression
cargo
semi
suppression agent
loaded
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/022284
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jon W. Carlisle
Original Assignee
Tyco Fire Products Lp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Fire Products Lp filed Critical Tyco Fire Products Lp
Publication of WO2011091377A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011091377A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/07—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles
    • A62C3/10—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in vehicles, e.g. in road vehicles in ships
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
    • A62C35/02—Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance
    • A62C35/11—Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance controlled by a signal from the danger zone
    • A62C35/13—Permanently-installed equipment with containers for delivering the extinguishing substance controlled by a signal from the danger zone with a finite supply of extinguishing material
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
    • A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
    • A62C35/60—Pipe-line systems wet, i.e. containing extinguishing material even when not in use
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C37/00—Control of fire-fighting equipment
    • A62C37/36—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device
    • A62C37/38—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone
    • A62C37/40—Control of fire-fighting equipment an actuating signal being generated by a sensor separate from an outlet device by both sensor and actuator, e.g. valve, being in the danger zone with electric connection between sensor and actuator

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to semi-portable systems for providing fire suppression protection for material in a space.
  • this invention relates to semi- portable carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) fire suppression systems for protecting commodities aboard a marine vessel.
  • CO 2 semi- portable carbon dioxide
  • the present invention provides a semi-portable fire protection system.
  • the semi- portable fire protection system provides temporary protection for a commodity in a defined space.
  • the semi-portable fire protection system provides for new and useful approaches to protecting commodities.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system is utilized to protect the cargo in a cargo hold of a marine vessel. Due to the portability of the fire protection system, vessels become more flexible in that they can transport an expanded range of cargo. With this semi-portable fire protection system, methods of protecting this expanded range of cargo are realized, and a new configuration of vessels is provided.
  • a method of providing fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a vessel includes transferring a semi-portable fire suppression system to the vessel, installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo, and
  • unloaded-time refers to a condition or situation wherein a space contains material to be protected, and therefore “unloaded-time” refers to a condition or situation wherein the space is substantially devoid of the material to be protected by the suppression agent.
  • Some embodiments of the method preferably can include transferring the fire suppression system off the vessel and/or transferring the fire suppression system to another vessel.
  • Some embodiments of transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system include loading a kit aboard the marine vessel, wherein the kit includes a plurality of components of the semi-portable fire suppression system and/or wherein the kit is self-contained in a container.
  • Some embodiments of installing the fire suppression distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system include removing from the container at least a portion of the components of the kit and assembling those components removed from the container to provide the fire suppression agent distribution system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo.
  • Some embodiments preferably can include stowing in the container the fire suppression agent distribution system for the unloaded-time.
  • a method of fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel including loading a first kit of components onto the marine vessel.
  • the first kit of components includes (1) a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent, (2) a piping set, and (3) a set of controls.
  • the method further includes assembling at least a portion of the piping set configured to distribute the fire suppression agent for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo, disassembling at least a portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo, and unloading a second kit of components from the marine vessel.
  • the second kit of components includes the portion of the piping set that is disassembled.
  • the first and second kits preferably can include the same components.
  • Some embodiments of the first kit preferably can include at least one container configured to store (1) the tank, (2) the piping set, and (3) the set of controls for
  • the second kit is stowed in the at least one container before unloading the second kit from the vessel.
  • the container preferably can also include at least one of an agent distribution system coupling and an electrical coupling.
  • the agent distribution system coupling is configured to couple the piping set to the tank through a wall of the container, and the electrical coupling is configured to couple the set of controls through the wall of the container.
  • Some embodiments preferably can include coupling the tank to the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo, and coupling the set of controls to at least one of the tank and the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
  • the tank is preferably disposed on the marine vessel and separated from the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
  • Assembling the piping set preferably can include blocking and/or hanging at least a portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
  • a kit of components for fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel includes a marine shipping container, a tank disposed in the marine shipping container, a piping set stowed in the marine shipping container for unloaded-time and configured to be assembled for loaded- time, and a set of controls stowed in the marine shipping container for the unloaded-time.
  • the tank contains a fire suppression agent and the set of controls are configured to control dispensing the fire suppression agent for the loaded-time.
  • the marine shipping container includes a wall and a coupling located on the wall.
  • the coupling is configured to supply the fire suppression agent from the tank in the marine shipping container to the piping set assembled for the loaded-tune.
  • a vessel for carrying a commodity from a first port to a second port includes (1) a cargo hold configured to have the commodity loaded at the first port and to have the commodity unloaded at the second port, and (2) a semi-portable fire suppression system configured to protect the commodity between the first and second ports.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system is loaded on the vessel at the first port and is unloaded at the second port.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system preferably can include a storage tank and a pipe system.
  • the tank is configured to contain a fire suppression agent, and the pipe system is configured to distribute the fire suppression agent.
  • the pipe system is configured to be installed in the cargo hold at the first port and is configured to be removed from the cargo hold at the second port.
  • a method for retrofitting at least one marine vessel for carrying first and second cargos requiring different first and second certifications, respectively includes transferring to a first marine vessel a semi- portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo, and transferring from the first marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the second cargo.
  • the method preferably can include installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo, and removing the fire suppression agent distribution system for unloaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo.
  • the method preferably can include transferring to a second marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo.
  • a method of fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel includes transferring to the marine vessel a container.
  • the marine container preferably can include a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent, a means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and a means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent
  • the method further includes assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent to provide loaded-time protection for the cargo, and disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent for unloaded-time.
  • the method preferably can include removing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent from the container before assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and stowing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the container after disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent
  • the method preferably can include transferring to another marine vessel the container including (1) the tank, (2) the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and/or (3) the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent
  • the method preferably can include coupling the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent to the means for distributing the fire suppression agent Brief Descriptions of the Drawings
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a marine shipping container including a semi-portable fire suppression system according to the present disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating components of the semi-portable fire suppression system shown in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the loaded-time arrangement of the semi-portable fire suppression system on a marine vessel.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an installation of the fire suppression agent distribution system with respect to a cargo hold of the marine vessel shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a marine shipping container 10 according to the present disclosure.
  • a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 including a tank 110, a piping system 130 and a control system 180.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 is stowed in an at least partially disassembled, unloaded-time arrangement in the marine shipping container 10.
  • components of the piping system 130 may be partially or completely disassembled and stowed in the marine shipping container 10.
  • Some or all of the components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can
  • a wall 12 of the marine shipping container 10 preferably can include one or more couplings 14 (e.g., two couplings 14a and 14b are shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate fluid and/or electric connections in the loaded-time arrangement.
  • a fluid coupling 14a preferably can couple a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is outside the marine shipping container 10.
  • an electric coupling 14b preferably can couple a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is outside the marine shipping container 10.
  • the marine shipping container 10 preferably can also include one or more access doors 20.
  • FIG. 1 shows a first set of access doors 20a at one end of the marine shipping container 10 and a second set of access doors 20b at an opposite end of the marine shipping container 10.
  • the door(s) 20 provide access to the components of the semi- portable fire suppression system 100 that are stowed in the marine shipping container 10 in the unloaded-time arrangement
  • the door(s) preferably can also provide access to the components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that remain in the marine shipping container 10 in the loaded-time arrangement.
  • the marine shipping container 10 preferably can also include one or more partitions 30 to partially or fully divide the marine shipping container 10 into a plurality of compartments 32. For example, FIG.
  • the first compartment 32a preferably can include the tank 110 and stowage space for the components of the piping system 130.
  • the second compartment 32b preferably can include a portion or all of the control system 180 for activating, operating and/or deactivating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 from within the marine shipping container 10.
  • An individual partition 30 preferably can provide a barrier to prevent or at least limit the passage of a fire suppression agent between the compartments 32.
  • the compartments) 32 preferably can be provided with a sensor to detect at least one of (1) the amount of oxygen present in the compartment or (2 the amount of fire suppression agent present in the compartment. Such sensors may be components of the control system 180.
  • the compartments 32 preferably can also include a station for servicing pressure cylinders (not shown) that contain pressurized gases, e.g., CO2, nitrogen (N2), oxygen ( ⁇ 1 ⁇ 4), acetylene (C2H2), or other fluids contained under pressure.
  • a divider (not shown) can partially or fully provide a servicing compartment (not shown) in the marine shipping container 10. Examples of services that can be provided preferably include filling, hydrotesting and certifying, exterior conditioning (e.g., bead blasting, painting, applying labels, etc.), or replacing a valve.
  • the second compartment 32b of the marine shipping container 10 includes a servicing station for refilling fire extinguisher bottles with CO2 from the tank 110.
  • Services that otherwise can require a technician to travel to/from a vessel to (1) recover a discharged fire extinguisher bottle; (2) transport the discharged bottle to a filling station; (3) return to the vessel after refilling the bottle; and (4) exit the vessel, can be performed aboard the vessel, e.g., eliminate two of the legs traveled by the technician.
  • Construction of the marine shipping container 10 preferably can be in accordance with applicable rules, e.g., Title 46 ("Shipping") of the United States Code of Federal Regulations; established standards, e.g., Annex II of the International Convention for Safe Containers; and/or be approved by appropriate authorities, e.g., United States Coast Guard, for use aboard vessels operating in domestic or international waters.
  • the shipping container 10 preferably can be constructed for use aboard marine vessels, and can also be constructed for shipping the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 via other container transporters, e.g., cranes, forkliits, airplanes, trucks or trains.
  • Marine vessels of different types and sizes may carry the marine shipping container 10 according to the present disclosure.
  • bulk vessels, container vessels, breakbulk vessels, roU-on-roll-off vessels, tanker vessels, or other types of cargo vessels may carry the marine shipping container 10.
  • the size of marine vessels that may carry the marine shipping container 10 can vary from smaller than handy size, e.g., less man approximately 40,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), to greater than supertanker size, e.g., greater than approximately 300,000 DWT.
  • the marine shipping container 10 preferably can be carried aboard a bulk vessel having two or more cargo holds with a maximum capacity of 500,000 cubic feet each.
  • Such vessels may be certified for hauling a first cargo, e.g., iron ore, but require a different, second certification for carrying a second, e.g., relatively combustible cargo such as dried distillers grain (DDG), which can produce alcohol if combined with water.
  • a first cargo e.g., iron ore
  • second certification for carrying a second, e.g., relatively combustible cargo such as dried distillers grain (DDG), which can produce alcohol if combined with water.
  • DDG dried distillers grain
  • the tank 110 preferably can include one or more pressure vessels with a total storage capacity of less than approximately one-half ton to more than approximately 60 tons of fire suppression agent
  • the tank 110 preferably can have a storage capacity of approximately 10 tons of C(3 ⁇ 4 to provide multiple discharge capabilities between recharging the tank 110.
  • Construction of the tank 110 preferably can be in accordance with applicable standards and codes, e.g., ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and/or be approved by appropriate authorities, e.g., United States Coast Guard, for use aboard vessels operating in domestic or international waters.
  • fire suppression agents examples include C ⁇ 3 ⁇ 4, Inergen® (manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin), various halocarbon compounds (e.g., NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection Fluid manufactured by 3MTM; St Paul, Minnesota), inert gases, foam concentrate or other oxygen reducing or isolating agents.
  • Inergen® manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin
  • various halocarbon compounds e.g., NovecTM 1230 Fire Protection Fluid manufactured by 3MTM; St Paul, Minnesota
  • inert gases foam concentrate or other oxygen reducing or isolating agents.
  • a refrigeration system 120 preferably can provide cooling for the tank 110, e.g., for a tank 110 containing a low-pressure gas such as C0 2 .
  • the refrigeration system 120 preferably can be entirely associated with the tank 110.
  • portions of the refrigeration system 120 e.g., a compressor or a condenser, may be spaced from the tank 110, e.g., placed in a different compartment 32 of the marine shipping container 10 or located at the wall 12 of the marine shipping container 10.
  • the refrigeration system 120 preferably can cool the tank 110 to a temperature below the ambient temperature in/around the marine shipping container 10, and preferably can cool the tank 110 to sub-freezing temperatures, e.g., 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Such temperatures correspond to an internal pressure in the tank 110 of approximately 300 pounds per square inch (psi).
  • Power for operating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can be provided externally or internally.
  • a marine vessel on which the marine shipping container 10 is loaded preferably can provide electricity for operating the refrigeration system 120.
  • Alternate power sources such as an internal combustion engine, a battery pack, or a fuel cell may also provide the power for operating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100.
  • the tank 110 and the refrigeration system 120 preferably can use low-pressure gas, e.g., CO2, as a fire suppression agent.
  • low-pressure gas e.g., CO2
  • Other embodiments of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 may use high-pressure gas or other fire suppression agents.
  • a high-pressure gas semi-portable fire suppression system 100 typically does not include a refrigeration system, typically uses a plurality of high-pressure cylinders to store the fire suppression agent, and typically needs to be recharged after a single discharge of the fire suppression agent
  • Fire suppression agents other than gases preferably include FORAY®, MET-L-X®, LITH-X®, Williams PKW (Puiple-K), PLUS-FIFTY® C, (all manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin), other dry chemical fire suppression agents, and other suitable fire suppression agents.
  • the piping system 130 provides a means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the tank 110.
  • the means for distributing the fire suppression agent includes a pipe set 140 and discharge devices 160.
  • the means for distributing the fire suppression agent can also include valves 150.
  • Braces 170 preferably can be used to support the means for distributing the fire suppression agent with respect to a marine vessel.
  • the components of the piping system 130 preferably can be stowed in the marine shipping container 10 individually or in
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the piping system 130 for the loaded-time.
  • the pipe set 140 preferably can include straight pipes 142, unions 144, elbows 146, tees 148 and/or other fittings.
  • the pipe set 140 preferably can be coupled by threaded joints, quick-connect fittings, glue, solder, or other types of couplings suitable for assembling a distribution network for the fire suppression agent.
  • the piping system 130 preferably can also include different lengths of the straight pipe 142, e.g., two-foot lengths, four-foot lengths, eight-foot lengths, etc.
  • the piping system 130 preferably can also include various lengths and sizes of hoses (not shown) to provide, for example, longer piping runs and or sinuous piping runs.
  • the piping system 130 stowed in the marine shipping container 10 preferably can include more than one size and/or material.
  • the piping system 130 preferably can include pipe sizes less than approximately one-half inch diameter to more than approximately two-inch diameter, and the pipe material preferably can include iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other types of material suitable for distributing the fire suppression agent.
  • FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of the valves 150 coupled in the piping system 130.
  • the valves 150 preferably can include, for example, selector valves 152 and lock-out valves 154.
  • the selector valves 152 provide flow control of the fire suppression agent to one or more hazards.
  • the selector valves 152 can be manually operated or can be automatically operated remotely by the control system 180. Remote control of the selector valves 152 preferably can be accomplished, for example, electrically, pneumatically, electro- pneumatically, or by other systems for conveying a control signal to the selector valves 152.
  • the lock-out valves 154 provide manual flow control of the fire suppression agent for individual hazards.
  • the valves 150 can be different types, e.g., ball or butterfly valves, and can include different operating mechanisms.
  • the valves 1 SO can include spring-return, pneumatic valve operators or three-way electronically operated solenoid valves.
  • the piping system can include various accessories used to monitor the agent distribution system and provide safety features. These can include pressure switches 150, relief valves 151, and other devices to allow the control system to monitor the condition of the fire suppression system and provide protection for system components and personnel.
  • the discharge devices 160 preferably can include, for example, nozzles 162 and odorizers 164.
  • the nozzles 162 discharge the fire suppression agent into a space being protected.
  • the number, type, size and location of the nozzles 162 in the space being protected are selected in accordance with applicable requirements, e.g., NFPA Standard 12, 2008 Edition (as per Chapter 9 pertaining to Marine Systems), and/or based on the material being protected and the space containing the material.
  • the odorizers 164 preferably can emit a particular scent, e.g., winter green, to alert a person in the space being protected that the nozzles 162 are discharging the fire suppression agent into the space.
  • an audible device (not shown) can be located in the space being protected to audibly alert a person in the space that the nozzles 162 are discharging the fire suppression agent into the space.
  • a marine vessel 200 includes at least one cargo hold 210 (eight cargo holds 210a-210h are shown) and a plurality of semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 (four semi-portable fire suppression systems lOOa-lOOd are shown).
  • Individual cargo holds 210 are examples of spaces that can be protected by the semi-portable fire suppression system 100.
  • the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 shows individual semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 protecting pairs of the cargo holds 210; however, the relative numbers of cargo holds 210 and semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 preferably can be selected based on the sizes of the cargo hold(s) 210 and the fire suppression agent capacity of the tank 110.
  • a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 including a tank 110 containing 10 tons of C ⁇ 3 ⁇ 4 preferably can provide fire suppression protection for two cargo holds 210 having a maximum capacity of 500,000 cubic feet each that are loaded with DDG.
  • a single semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect more man two cargo holds 210, a single semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect a single cargo hold 210, or more than one semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect a single cargo hold 210.
  • At least a portion of the piping system 130 that is outside the marine shipping container 10 preferably can be supported in the cargo hold 210 by the braces 170.
  • the braces 170 preferably can include hangers 172 and blocking devices 174.
  • the hangers 172 provide vertical support with respect to the available structure of the cargo hold 210
  • the blocking devices 174 provide horizontal support with respect to the available structure of the cargo hold 210.
  • FIG. 4 shows an individual cargo hold 210 including an opening 212 through which there is access to the cargo hold 210.
  • the opening 212 provided a means of ingress egress for cargo, e.g., DDG, and for the portion of the piping system 130 mat is disposed in the cargo hold 210 to provide fire suppression protection for the cargo.
  • the opening 212 can be occluded by a cover (not shown) that is movable with respect to the cargo hold 210.
  • the hangers 172 and the blocking devices 174 preferably can be provided between the piping system 130 and elements of the marine vessel 200 that are in or around the cargo hold 210.
  • the hangers 172 preferably can include clamps, loops, bands, straps or another type of couplings suitable for vertically supporting the piping system 130 relative to the marine vessel 200.
  • the blocking devices 174 preferably can include ratchet blocks, threaded rods, straps, or another type of couplings suitable for horizontally fixing the piping system 130 relative to the marine vessel 200.
  • the cargo hold 210 preferably can also be provided with one or more couplings 214 (e.g., two couplings 214a and 214b are shown in FIG. 4) to facilitate fluid and/or electric connections in the loaded-time arrangement.
  • a fluid coupling 214a preferably can couple a portion of the piping system 130 that is inside the cargo hold 210 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10.
  • an electric coupling 214b preferably can couple a portion of the piping system 130 and/or control system 180 that is inside the cargo hold 210 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10.
  • the couplings 214 preferably can be provided on a wall of the cargo hold 210 or on the cover for the cargo hold.
  • the control system 180 preferably can include a control panel 182 coupled by signaling lines 184 to the valves 150 and/or sensors 186.
  • the control panel 182 preferably can be provided in the marine shipping container 10 and include, for example, (1) controls for activating, deactivating and/or testing the semi-portable fire suppression system 100; (2) output devices, e.g., gauges or level indicators, for monitoring the status of the semi- portable fire suppression system 100; and/or (3) monitoring devices for the ambient conditions in or around the marine shipping container 10 or the cargo hold 210.
  • control panel 182 preferably can include an AUTOPULSE® control panel (manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin) for processing detection signals from protected areas, sounding alarms, shutting down equipment, and/or releasing the fire suppression agent.
  • AUTOPULSE® control panel manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin
  • Another embodiment can include preemptively providing an environmental condition in a cargo hold that minimizes the opportunity for combustion, e.g., reducing the level of oxygen in the cargo hold to a level that is insufficient for ignition.
  • Other embodiments of the control panel 182 preferably can include an apparatus suitable for early smoke detection.
  • the signaling lines 184 preferably can include wires, tubing, wireless transceivers, or other suitable communication devices for conveying control signals between the valves 150, the control panel 182, and/or the sensors 186.
  • the sensors 186 preferably can be provided in the marine shipping container 10, in the cargo hold 210, or anywhere suitable for sensing the status of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100, the marine vessel 200, or the cargo in the cargo hold 210.
  • a method of providing the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200 with the semi- portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can include transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 to the marine vessel 200 and installing at least a portion of the piping system 130 in the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 defines a kit of components that are available to be assembled. It may frequently be the case that only a portion of the kit is used for a particular loaded-time arrangement That arrangement is subsequently disassembled and stowed in the marine shipping container 10. The kit is thus available to be reused in the same or a different arrangement on the same or a different marine vessel 200.
  • the kit includes the marine shipping container 10 therefore allowing the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 to be substantially self-contained.
  • Installing the piping system 130 in the cargo hold 210 occurs during a loaded-time when the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200 has been loaded with cargo.
  • Installing the piping system 130 preferably can also include selecting and removing from the marine shipping container 10 at least a portion of the available kit to be used for the piping system 130 and/or control system 180. This portion of the kit is then assembled onboard the vessel in a loaded-time arrangement that is configured to supply the fire suppression agent to the cargo in the cargo hold 210.
  • the loaded-time arrangement is partially or completely disassembled prior to an unloaded-time when the cargo has been unloaded from the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200.
  • the disassembled components and/or subassemblies can thereafter be stowed in the marine shipping container 10.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 is thereafter available to be transferred off the marine vessel 200 and/or transferred to another marine vessel.
  • the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can subsequently be installed in a cargo hold of the other marine vessel.
  • the marine shipping container 10 including the tank 110 is disposed outside the cargo hold 210 and only a portion of the piping system 130 is disposed inside the cargo hold 210.
  • the portion of the piping system 130 inside the cargo hold 210 is vertically supported by hanging the piping system 130 from the available structure of the marine vessel 200, and is horizontally secured by blocking the piping system 130 against the available structure of the marine vessel 200.
  • FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a vessel 200 for carrying a commodity from a first port to a second port.
  • the vessel 200 preferably can include a cargo hold 210 that contains the commodity loaded at the first port, and a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that protects the commodity between the be first and second ports.
  • Semi-portable refers to the ability to install and uninstall the fire protection system based on the load-time and unload-time.
  • the commodities that a vessel can carry between ports are specified in the vessel's certification ⁇ ), and the preferred embodiments of the semi-portable fire
  • Marine vessels are certified by the appropriate regulations and/or authority for a particular type of cargo.
  • any parameter such as for example, a length, area, volume, rate or pressure that is described as being "about” some value includes the express value described, and could further includes the integer, decimal or fractional value thereabout or therebetween.
  • semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can be used to protect spaces other than cargo holds of marine vessels.
  • more than one container 10 may be used to store a semi-portable fire suppression system 100.
  • a first container preferably can include a means for storing a fire suppression agent, e.g., tank 110, and a second container preferably can include a means for distributing the fire suppression agent, e.g., piping system 130.
  • a modular approach including different combinations of containers and system components preferably can be used to create a fire suppression protection strategy.

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Abstract

A semi-portable fire protection system that provides temporary protection for a commodity in a defined space, such as protecting the cargo of a marine vessel. The portability of the fire protection system allows vessels to become more flexible in that they can transport an expanded range of cargo. With this semi-portable fire protection system, methods of protecting this expanded range of cargo are realized, and a new configuration of vessels is provided.

Description

SEMI-PORTABLE FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM Priority Data and Incorporation by Reference
[0001] This international application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/298,084, filed January 25, 2010, entitled "SEMI-PORTABLE
FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM", and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
[0002] This invention relates generally to semi-portable systems for providing fire suppression protection for material in a space. In particular, this invention relates to semi- portable carbon dioxide (CO2) fire suppression systems for protecting commodities aboard a marine vessel.
Summary of the Invention
[0003] The present invention provides a semi-portable fire protection system. The semi- portable fire protection system provides temporary protection for a commodity in a defined space. The semi-portable fire protection system provides for new and useful approaches to protecting commodities. In a preferred embodiment, the semi-portable fire suppression system is utilized to protect the cargo in a cargo hold of a marine vessel. Due to the portability of the fire protection system, vessels become more flexible in that they can transport an expanded range of cargo. With this semi-portable fire protection system, methods of protecting this expanded range of cargo are realized, and a new configuration of vessels is provided.
[0004] In one preferred embodiment, a method of providing fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a vessel includes transferring a semi-portable fire suppression system to the vessel, installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo, and
disassembling the semi-portable fire suppression agent distribution system for
unloaded-time. "Loaded-time" refers to a condition or situation wherein a space contains material to be protected, and therefore "unloaded-time" refers to a condition or situation wherein the space is substantially devoid of the material to be protected by the suppression agent. Some embodiments of the method preferably can include transferring the fire suppression system off the vessel and/or transferring the fire suppression system to another vessel.
[0005] Some embodiments of transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system include loading a kit aboard the marine vessel, wherein the kit includes a plurality of components of the semi-portable fire suppression system and/or wherein the kit is self-contained in a container. Some embodiments of installing the fire suppression distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system include removing from the container at least a portion of the components of the kit and assembling those components removed from the container to provide the fire suppression agent distribution system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo. Some embodiments preferably can include stowing in the container the fire suppression agent distribution system for the unloaded-time.
[0006] In a further embodiment, a method of fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel including loading a first kit of components onto the marine vessel is provided. The first kit of components includes (1) a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent, (2) a piping set, and (3) a set of controls. The method further includes assembling at least a portion of the piping set configured to distribute the fire suppression agent for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo, disassembling at least a portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo, and unloading a second kit of components from the marine vessel. The second kit of components includes the portion of the piping set that is disassembled. According to some embodiments, the first and second kits preferably can include the same components.
[0007] Some embodiments of the first kit preferably can include at least one container configured to store (1) the tank, (2) the piping set, and (3) the set of controls for
unloaded-time. According to some embodiments, the second kit is stowed in the at least one container before unloading the second kit from the vessel. The container preferably can also include at least one of an agent distribution system coupling and an electrical coupling. The agent distribution system coupling is configured to couple the piping set to the tank through a wall of the container, and the electrical coupling is configured to couple the set of controls through the wall of the container.
[0008] Some embodiments preferably can include coupling the tank to the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo, and coupling the set of controls to at least one of the tank and the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo. According to some embodiments, the tank is preferably disposed on the marine vessel and separated from the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
Assembling the piping set preferably can include blocking and/or hanging at least a portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
[0009] In a further embodiment, a kit of components for fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel is provided. The kit of components includes a marine shipping container, a tank disposed in the marine shipping container, a piping set stowed in the marine shipping container for unloaded-time and configured to be assembled for loaded- time, and a set of controls stowed in the marine shipping container for the unloaded-time. The tank contains a fire suppression agent and the set of controls are configured to control dispensing the fire suppression agent for the loaded-time.
[0010] In some embodiments, the marine shipping container includes a wall and a coupling located on the wall. The coupling is configured to supply the fire suppression agent from the tank in the marine shipping container to the piping set assembled for the loaded-tune.
[0011] In a further embodiment, a vessel for carrying a commodity from a first port to a second port is provided. The vessel includes (1) a cargo hold configured to have the commodity loaded at the first port and to have the commodity unloaded at the second port, and (2) a semi-portable fire suppression system configured to protect the commodity between the first and second ports. The semi-portable fire suppression system is loaded on the vessel at the first port and is unloaded at the second port. The semi-portable fire suppression system preferably can include a storage tank and a pipe system. The tank is configured to contain a fire suppression agent, and the pipe system is configured to distribute the fire suppression agent. In some embodiments, the pipe system is configured to be installed in the cargo hold at the first port and is configured to be removed from the cargo hold at the second port.
[0012] In a further embodiment, a method for retrofitting at least one marine vessel for carrying first and second cargos requiring different first and second certifications, respectively, is provided. The method includes transferring to a first marine vessel a semi- portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo, and transferring from the first marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the second cargo.
[0013] In some embodiments the method preferably can include installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo, and removing the fire suppression agent distribution system for unloaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo. In some embodiments, the method preferably can include transferring to a second marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo.
[0014] In a further embodiment, a method of fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel is provided. The method includes transferring to the marine vessel a container. The marine container preferably can include a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent, a means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and a means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent The method further includes assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent to provide loaded-time protection for the cargo, and disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent for unloaded-time.
[0015] In some embodiments the method preferably can include removing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent from the container before assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and stowing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the container after disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent In some embodiments the method preferably can include transferring to another marine vessel the container including (1) the tank, (2) the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and/or (3) the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent In some embodiments the method preferably can include coupling the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent to the means for distributing the fire suppression agent Brief Descriptions of the Drawings
[0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the description given above, serve to explain the features of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a marine shipping container including a semi-portable fire suppression system according to the present disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating components of the semi-portable fire suppression system shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the loaded-time arrangement of the semi-portable fire suppression system on a marine vessel.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an installation of the fire suppression agent distribution system with respect to a cargo hold of the marine vessel shown in FIG. 3.
Detailed Description
[0021] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a marine shipping container 10 according to the present disclosure. Contained within the marine shipping container 10 are the components of a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 including a tank 110, a piping system 130 and a control system 180. The semi-portable fire suppression system 100 is stowed in an at least partially disassembled, unloaded-time arrangement in the marine shipping container 10. For example, components of the piping system 130 may be partially or completely disassembled and stowed in the marine shipping container 10. Some or all of the components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can
subsequently be coupled in a loaded-time arrangement for providing fire suppression protection to a space, e.g., a cargo hold of a marine vessel. In particular, some of the components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can remain in the marine shipping container 10 and other components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can be assembled outside of the marine shipping container 10. A wall 12 of the marine shipping container 10 preferably can include one or more couplings 14 (e.g., two couplings 14a and 14b are shown in FIG. 1) to facilitate fluid and/or electric connections in the loaded-time arrangement. For example, a fluid coupling 14a preferably can couple a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is outside the marine shipping container 10. Similarly, an electric coupling 14b preferably can couple a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is outside the marine shipping container 10.
[0022] The marine shipping container 10 preferably can also include one or more access doors 20. For example, FIG. 1 shows a first set of access doors 20a at one end of the marine shipping container 10 and a second set of access doors 20b at an opposite end of the marine shipping container 10. The door(s) 20 provide access to the components of the semi- portable fire suppression system 100 that are stowed in the marine shipping container 10 in the unloaded-time arrangement The door(s) preferably can also provide access to the components of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that remain in the marine shipping container 10 in the loaded-time arrangement. The marine shipping container 10 preferably can also include one or more partitions 30 to partially or fully divide the marine shipping container 10 into a plurality of compartments 32. For example, FIG. 1 shows one partition 30 fully dividing the marine shipping container 10 into a first compartment 32a and a second compartment 32b. The first compartment 32a preferably can include the tank 110 and stowage space for the components of the piping system 130. The second compartment 32b preferably can include a portion or all of the control system 180 for activating, operating and/or deactivating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 from within the marine shipping container 10. An individual partition 30 preferably can provide a barrier to prevent or at least limit the passage of a fire suppression agent between the compartments 32. The compartments) 32 preferably can be provided with a sensor to detect at least one of (1) the amount of oxygen present in the compartment or (2 the amount of fire suppression agent present in the compartment. Such sensors may be components of the control system 180.
[0023] The compartments 32 preferably can also include a station for servicing pressure cylinders (not shown) that contain pressurized gases, e.g., CO2, nitrogen (N2), oxygen (<¼), acetylene (C2H2), or other fluids contained under pressure. A divider (not shown) can partially or fully provide a servicing compartment (not shown) in the marine shipping container 10. Examples of services that can be provided preferably include filling, hydrotesting and certifying, exterior conditioning (e.g., bead blasting, painting, applying labels, etc.), or replacing a valve. Preferably, the second compartment 32b of the marine shipping container 10 includes a servicing station for refilling fire extinguisher bottles with CO2 from the tank 110. Services that otherwise can require a technician to travel to/from a vessel to (1) recover a discharged fire extinguisher bottle; (2) transport the discharged bottle to a filling station; (3) return to the vessel after refilling the bottle; and (4) exit the vessel, can be performed aboard the vessel, e.g., eliminate two of the legs traveled by the technician.
[0024] Construction of the marine shipping container 10 preferably can be in accordance with applicable rules, e.g., Title 46 ("Shipping") of the United States Code of Federal Regulations; established standards, e.g., Annex II of the International Convention for Safe Containers; and/or be approved by appropriate authorities, e.g., United States Coast Guard, for use aboard vessels operating in domestic or international waters. The shipping container 10 preferably can be constructed for use aboard marine vessels, and can also be constructed for shipping the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 via other container transporters, e.g., cranes, forkliits, airplanes, trucks or trains.
[0025] Marine vessels of different types and sizes may carry the marine shipping container 10 according to the present disclosure. For example, bulk vessels, container vessels, breakbulk vessels, roU-on-roll-off vessels, tanker vessels, or other types of cargo vessels may carry the marine shipping container 10. The size of marine vessels that may carry the marine shipping container 10 can vary from smaller than handy size, e.g., less man approximately 40,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT), to greater than supertanker size, e.g., greater than approximately 300,000 DWT. The marine shipping container 10 preferably can be carried aboard a bulk vessel having two or more cargo holds with a maximum capacity of 500,000 cubic feet each. Such vessels may be certified for hauling a first cargo, e.g., iron ore, but require a different, second certification for carrying a second, e.g., relatively combustible cargo such as dried distillers grain (DDG), which can produce alcohol if combined with water.
[0026] The tank 110 preferably can include one or more pressure vessels with a total storage capacity of less than approximately one-half ton to more than approximately 60 tons of fire suppression agent For example, the tank 110 preferably can have a storage capacity of approximately 10 tons of C(¾ to provide multiple discharge capabilities between recharging the tank 110. Construction of the tank 110 preferably can be in accordance with applicable standards and codes, e.g., ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, and/or be approved by appropriate authorities, e.g., United States Coast Guard, for use aboard vessels operating in domestic or international waters. Examples of fire suppression agents that may be stored in the tank 110 include C<¾, Inergen® (manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin), various halocarbon compounds (e.g., Novec™ 1230 Fire Protection Fluid manufactured by 3M™; St Paul, Minnesota), inert gases, foam concentrate or other oxygen reducing or isolating agents.
[0027] A refrigeration system 120 preferably can provide cooling for the tank 110, e.g., for a tank 110 containing a low-pressure gas such as C02. The refrigeration system 120 preferably can be entirely associated with the tank 110. Alternatively, portions of the refrigeration system 120, e.g., a compressor or a condenser, may be spaced from the tank 110, e.g., placed in a different compartment 32 of the marine shipping container 10 or located at the wall 12 of the marine shipping container 10. The refrigeration system 120 preferably can cool the tank 110 to a temperature below the ambient temperature in/around the marine shipping container 10, and preferably can cool the tank 110 to sub-freezing temperatures, e.g., 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Such temperatures correspond to an internal pressure in the tank 110 of approximately 300 pounds per square inch (psi). Power for operating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100, including the refrigeration system 20, preferably can be provided externally or internally. For example, a marine vessel on which the marine shipping container 10 is loaded preferably can provide electricity for operating the refrigeration system 120. Alternate power sources such as an internal combustion engine, a battery pack, or a fuel cell may also provide the power for operating the semi-portable fire suppression system 100.
{0028] The tank 110 and the refrigeration system 120 preferably can use low-pressure gas, e.g., CO2, as a fire suppression agent. Other embodiments of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 may use high-pressure gas or other fire suppression agents. A high-pressure gas semi-portable fire suppression system 100 typically does not include a refrigeration system, typically uses a plurality of high-pressure cylinders to store the fire suppression agent, and typically needs to be recharged after a single discharge of the fire suppression agent Fire suppression agents other than gases preferably include FORAY®, MET-L-X®, LITH-X®, Williams PKW (Puiple-K), PLUS-FIFTY® C, (all manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin), other dry chemical fire suppression agents, and other suitable fire suppression agents.
[0029] The piping system 130 provides a means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the tank 110. The means for distributing the fire suppression agent includes a pipe set 140 and discharge devices 160. The means for distributing the fire suppression agent can also include valves 150. Braces 170 preferably can be used to support the means for distributing the fire suppression agent with respect to a marine vessel. In the unloaded-time for the semi-portable fire suppression system 100, the components of the piping system 130 preferably can be stowed in the marine shipping container 10 individually or in
subassemblies. FIG. 2 shows an example of a preferred embodiment of the piping system 130 for the loaded-time. The pipe set 140 preferably can include straight pipes 142, unions 144, elbows 146, tees 148 and/or other fittings. The pipe set 140 preferably can be coupled by threaded joints, quick-connect fittings, glue, solder, or other types of couplings suitable for assembling a distribution network for the fire suppression agent. The piping system 130 preferably can also include different lengths of the straight pipe 142, e.g., two-foot lengths, four-foot lengths, eight-foot lengths, etc. The piping system 130 preferably can also include various lengths and sizes of hoses (not shown) to provide, for example, longer piping runs and or sinuous piping runs.
[0030] The piping system 130 stowed in the marine shipping container 10 preferably can include more than one size and/or material. For example, the piping system 130 preferably can include pipe sizes less than approximately one-half inch diameter to more than approximately two-inch diameter, and the pipe material preferably can include iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or other types of material suitable for distributing the fire suppression agent. [0031] FIG. 2 also shows a plurality of the valves 150 coupled in the piping system 130. The valves 150 preferably can include, for example, selector valves 152 and lock-out valves 154. The selector valves 152 provide flow control of the fire suppression agent to one or more hazards. The selector valves 152 can be manually operated or can be automatically operated remotely by the control system 180. Remote control of the selector valves 152 preferably can be accomplished, for example, electrically, pneumatically, electro- pneumatically, or by other systems for conveying a control signal to the selector valves 152. The lock-out valves 154 provide manual flow control of the fire suppression agent for individual hazards. The valves 150 can be different types, e.g., ball or butterfly valves, and can include different operating mechanisms. For example, the valves 1 SO can include spring-return, pneumatic valve operators or three-way electronically operated solenoid valves.
[0032] The piping system can include various accessories used to monitor the agent distribution system and provide safety features. These can include pressure switches 150, relief valves 151, and other devices to allow the control system to monitor the condition of the fire suppression system and provide protection for system components and personnel.
[0033] The discharge devices 160 preferably can include, for example, nozzles 162 and odorizers 164. The nozzles 162 discharge the fire suppression agent into a space being protected. The number, type, size and location of the nozzles 162 in the space being protected are selected in accordance with applicable requirements, e.g., NFPA Standard 12, 2008 Edition (as per Chapter 9 pertaining to Marine Systems), and/or based on the material being protected and the space containing the material. The odorizers 164 preferably can emit a particular scent, e.g., winter green, to alert a person in the space being protected that the nozzles 162 are discharging the fire suppression agent into the space. Additionally or alternatively, an audible device (not shown) can be located in the space being protected to audibly alert a person in the space that the nozzles 162 are discharging the fire suppression agent into the space.
[0034] Referring additionally to FIG. 3, a marine vessel 200 includes at least one cargo hold 210 (eight cargo holds 210a-210h are shown) and a plurality of semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 (four semi-portable fire suppression systems lOOa-lOOd are shown). Individual cargo holds 210 are examples of spaces that can be protected by the semi-portable fire suppression system 100. The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 shows individual semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 protecting pairs of the cargo holds 210; however, the relative numbers of cargo holds 210 and semi-portable fire suppression systems 100 preferably can be selected based on the sizes of the cargo hold(s) 210 and the fire suppression agent capacity of the tank 110. For example, a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 including a tank 110 containing 10 tons of C<¾ preferably can provide fire suppression protection for two cargo holds 210 having a maximum capacity of 500,000 cubic feet each that are loaded with DDG. According to other embodiments, a single semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect more man two cargo holds 210, a single semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect a single cargo hold 210, or more than one semi-portable fire suppression system 100 can be used to protect a single cargo hold 210.
[0035] At least a portion of the piping system 130 that is outside the marine shipping container 10 preferably can be supported in the cargo hold 210 by the braces 170. The braces 170 preferably can include hangers 172 and blocking devices 174. The hangers 172 provide vertical support with respect to the available structure of the cargo hold 210, and the blocking devices 174 provide horizontal support with respect to the available structure of the cargo hold 210. For example, FIG. 4 shows an individual cargo hold 210 including an opening 212 through which there is access to the cargo hold 210. The opening 212 provided a means of ingress egress for cargo, e.g., DDG, and for the portion of the piping system 130 mat is disposed in the cargo hold 210 to provide fire suppression protection for the cargo. The opening 212 can be occluded by a cover (not shown) that is movable with respect to the cargo hold 210.
[0036] The hangers 172 and the blocking devices 174 preferably can be provided between the piping system 130 and elements of the marine vessel 200 that are in or around the cargo hold 210. The hangers 172 preferably can include clamps, loops, bands, straps or another type of couplings suitable for vertically supporting the piping system 130 relative to the marine vessel 200. The blocking devices 174 preferably can include ratchet blocks, threaded rods, straps, or another type of couplings suitable for horizontally fixing the piping system 130 relative to the marine vessel 200.
[0037] The cargo hold 210 preferably can also be provided with one or more couplings 214 (e.g., two couplings 214a and 214b are shown in FIG. 4) to facilitate fluid and/or electric connections in the loaded-time arrangement. For example, a fluid coupling 214a preferably can couple a portion of the piping system 130 that is inside the cargo hold 210 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10. Similarly, an electric coupling 214b preferably can couple a portion of the piping system 130 and/or control system 180 that is inside the cargo hold 210 with a portion of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that is inside the marine shipping container 10. The couplings 214 preferably can be provided on a wall of the cargo hold 210 or on the cover for the cargo hold.
[0038] The control system 180 preferably can include a control panel 182 coupled by signaling lines 184 to the valves 150 and/or sensors 186. The control panel 182 preferably can be provided in the marine shipping container 10 and include, for example, (1) controls for activating, deactivating and/or testing the semi-portable fire suppression system 100; (2) output devices, e.g., gauges or level indicators, for monitoring the status of the semi- portable fire suppression system 100; and/or (3) monitoring devices for the ambient conditions in or around the marine shipping container 10 or the cargo hold 210. According to an embodiment, the control panel 182 preferably can include an AUTOPULSE® control panel (manufactured by Ansul® Incorporated, Marinette, Wisconsin) for processing detection signals from protected areas, sounding alarms, shutting down equipment, and/or releasing the fire suppression agent. Another embodiment can include preemptively providing an environmental condition in a cargo hold that minimizes the opportunity for combustion, e.g., reducing the level of oxygen in the cargo hold to a level that is insufficient for ignition. Other embodiments of the control panel 182 preferably can include an apparatus suitable for early smoke detection. The signaling lines 184 preferably can include wires, tubing, wireless transceivers, or other suitable communication devices for conveying control signals between the valves 150, the control panel 182, and/or the sensors 186. The sensors 186 preferably can be provided in the marine shipping container 10, in the cargo hold 210, or anywhere suitable for sensing the status of the semi-portable fire suppression system 100, the marine vessel 200, or the cargo in the cargo hold 210.
[0039] A method of providing the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200 with the semi- portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can include transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 to the marine vessel 200 and installing at least a portion of the piping system 130 in the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 defines a kit of components that are available to be assembled. It may frequently be the case that only a portion of the kit is used for a particular loaded-time arrangement That arrangement is subsequently disassembled and stowed in the marine shipping container 10. The kit is thus available to be reused in the same or a different arrangement on the same or a different marine vessel 200. The kit includes the marine shipping container 10 therefore allowing the semi-portable fire suppression system 100 to be substantially self-contained.
{0040] Installing the piping system 130 in the cargo hold 210 occurs during a loaded-time when the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200 has been loaded with cargo. Installing the piping system 130 preferably can also include selecting and removing from the marine shipping container 10 at least a portion of the available kit to be used for the piping system 130 and/or control system 180. This portion of the kit is then assembled onboard the vessel in a loaded-time arrangement that is configured to supply the fire suppression agent to the cargo in the cargo hold 210. The loaded-time arrangement is partially or completely disassembled prior to an unloaded-time when the cargo has been unloaded from the cargo hold 210 of the marine vessel 200. The disassembled components and/or subassemblies can thereafter be stowed in the marine shipping container 10. The semi-portable fire suppression system 100 is thereafter available to be transferred off the marine vessel 200 and/or transferred to another marine vessel. The semi-portable fire suppression system 100 preferably can subsequently be installed in a cargo hold of the other marine vessel.
[0041 ] The marine shipping container 10 including the tank 110 is disposed outside the cargo hold 210 and only a portion of the piping system 130 is disposed inside the cargo hold 210. The portion of the piping system 130 inside the cargo hold 210 is vertically supported by hanging the piping system 130 from the available structure of the marine vessel 200, and is horizontally secured by blocking the piping system 130 against the available structure of the marine vessel 200.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a vessel 200 for carrying a commodity from a first port to a second port. The vessel 200 preferably can include a cargo hold 210 that contains the commodity loaded at the first port, and a semi-portable fire suppression system 100 that protects the commodity between the be first and second ports. " Semi-portable" refers to the ability to install and uninstall the fire protection system based on the load-time and unload-time. The commodities that a vessel can carry between ports are specified in the vessel's certification^), and the preferred embodiments of the semi-portable fire
suppression system allow for the vessel to carry cargo for which they did not previously have a certification. Marine vessels are certified by the appropriate regulations and/or authority for a particular type of cargo.
[0043] The terms "about" or "approximately," as used throughout this application in the context of numerical values and ranges, refers to values or ranges that approximate or are close to the recited values or ranges such that the described embodiments can perform and/or function as intended or apparent to the skilled person from the teachings and descriptions contained herein. Thus, these terms, "about" or "approximately," encompass values beyond those resulting from systematic error. These terms make explicit what is implicit. It should be understood that all ranges set forth herein in throughout the application include all numbers or values thereabout or therebetween of the numbers of the range. The ranges of values associated with the various preferred embodiments expressly denominate and set forth all integers, decimals and fractional values in the range.
Therefore, any parameter such as for example, a length, area, volume, rate or pressure that is described as being "about" some value, includes the express value described, and could further includes the integer, decimal or fractional value thereabout or therebetween.
Moreover, for any numerical values provided herein, it should be understood that the stated value further includes the value itself and an integer, decimal or fractional value thereabout.
[0044] While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain
embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described
embodiments are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention. Therefore features of one embodiment of the semi-portable fire suppression system can be combined with the features of another embodiment provided the resultant configuration functionally provides a semi-portable fire suppression system as described herein. As an example, certain embodiments of semi-portable fire suppression system 100 according to the present disclosure preferably can be used to protect spaces other than cargo holds of marine vessels. As another example, more than one container 10 may be used to store a semi-portable fire suppression system 100. A first container preferably can include a means for storing a fire suppression agent, e.g., tank 110, and a second container preferably can include a means for distributing the fire suppression agent, e.g., piping system 130. Thus, a modular approach including different combinations of containers and system components preferably can be used to create a fire suppression protection strategy.
Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

What is Claimed is:
1. A method of providing fire suppression protection for cargo in a cargo hold of a marine vessel, comprising:
transferring a semi-portable fire suppression system to the marine vessel; installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo; and disassembling the semi-portable fire suppression agent distribution system for unloaded-time.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system comprises loading a kit aboard the marine vessel, wherein the kit includes a plurality of components of the semi-portable fire suppression system.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein the kit is self-contained in a container.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein installing the fire suppression distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system comprises:
removing from the container at least a portion of the kit; and assembling the portion of the kit removed from the container to provide the fire suppression agent distribution system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising stowing in the container the fire suppression agent distribution system for the unloaded-time.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system off the vessel.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising transferring the semi-portable fire suppression system to another vessel.
8. A method of providing fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel, comprising:
loading a kit of components onto the marine vessel, the components including at least one of - a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent;
a piping set; and
a set of controls;
assembling at least a portion of the piping set configured to distribute the fire suppression agent for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the cargo;
disassembling at least a portion of the piping set configured for the loaded- time fire suppression protection for the cargo; and
unloading at least a portion of the kit from the marine vessel.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the kit is self-contained in at least one container.
10. The method of claim 9 further comprising stowing the portion of the kit in the at least one container before unloading the second kit from the vessel.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the container comprises at least one of a fluid coupling and an electrical coupling, the fluid coupling is configured to couple the piping set to the tank through a wall of the container, and the electrical coupling is configured to couple the set of controls to the tank through the wall of the container. 12. The method of claim 8, wherein the kit loaded onto the marine vessel and the portion of the kit unloaded from the marine vessel comprise the same components.
The method of claim 8, further comprising:
coupling the tank to the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo; and
coupling the set of controls to at least one of the tank and the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the tank is disposed on the marine vessel and separated from the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
15. The method of claim 13 further comprising blocking with respect to the marine vessel the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising hanging with respect to the marine vessel the portion of the piping set configured for the loaded-time fire suppression protection for the cargo. 17. A kit of components for providing fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel, comprising:
a tank containing a fire suppression agent;
a piping set assembled for loaded-time;
a set of controls to control dispensing the fire suppression agent for the loaded-time; and
a marine shipping container;
wherein at least one of the tank, the piping set and the set of controls is stowed in the marine shipping container for the unloaded-time.
18. The kit of claim 17, further comprising a filling station disposed in the marine shipping station, the filling station including at least one of a refilling apparatus coupled to the tank, a hydrotesting apparatus, and a painting apparatus.
19. The kit of claim 17, wherein the marine shipping container comprises a wall and a coupling located on the wall, and the coupling is configured to supply the fire suppression agent from the tank in the marine shipping container to the piping set assembled for the loaded-time.
20. A vessel for carrying a commodity from a first port to a second port, comprising: a cargo hold that contains the commodity loaded at the first port; and a semi-portable fire suppression system that protects the commodity between the first and second ports. 21. The vessel of claim 20, wherein the semi-portable fire suppression system comprises a storage tank and a pipe system, the tank contains a fire suppression agent, and the pipe system is configured to distribute the fire suppression agent
22. The vessel of claim 21, wherein the pipe system is installed in a cargo hold of the vessel. 23. A method of retrofitting at least one marine vessel for carrying first and second cargos requiring different first and second certifications, respectively, comprising:
transferring to a first marine vessel a semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo; and
transferring from the first marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the second cargo.
The method of claim 23, further comprising:
installing a fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo; and
removing the fire suppression agent distribution system of the semi-portable fire suppression system for unloaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising transferring to a second marine vessel the semi-portable fire suppression system for loaded-time fire suppression protection of the first cargo.
26. A method of providing fire suppression protection for cargo aboard a marine vessel, comprising:
transferring to the marine vessel a container including at least one of - a tank configured to contain a fire suppression agent;
a means for distributing the fire suppression agent; and a means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent;
assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent to provide loaded-time protection for the cargo; and
disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent for unloaded-time.
The method of claim 26, further comprising:
removing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent from the container before assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent; and
stowing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the container after disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent
28. The method of claim 26, further comprising transferring to another marine vessel the container including the tank, the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent
29. The method of claim 26, further comprising coupling the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent to the means for distributing the fire suppression agent.
30. The method of claim 26, further comprising discharging the fire suppression agent to reduce oxygen in an environment cinturing the cargo before combustion.
31. The method of claim 26, wherein the container includes the tank, the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent.
32. The method of claim 31 , further comprising:
removing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent from the container before assembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent and
stowing the means for distributing the fire suppression agent in the container after disassembling the means for distributing the fire suppression agent 33. The method of claim 31 , further comprising transferring to another marine vessel the container including the tank, the means for distributing the fire suppression agent, and the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent.
34. The method of claim 31, further comprising coupling the means for controlling distribution of the fire suppression agent to the means for distributing the fire suppression agent
PCT/US2011/022284 2010-01-25 2011-01-24 Semi-portable fire suppression system WO2011091377A1 (en)

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