^ 1^ A^METHOD^FOR^TESTING^FIRE^PROTECTING^WATER^DRENCHER^SYSTEM^OF^MOUNTED^ SUSPENDED/FREEFALL^TOTALLY^ENCLOSED^LIFEBOATS^ Technical^field^ The^present^disclosure^relates^to^a^method^for^testing^fire^protecting^water^drencher^^ system^of^mounted^suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^lifeboats.^More^specifically,^the^ disclosure^relates^to^a^method^for^testing^fire^protecting^water^drencher^system^of^mounted^ suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^lifeboats^as^defined^in^the^introductory^parts^of^and^claim^ 1.^ Background^art^ ^ A^totally^enclosed^lifeboats^are^lifeboats^that^is^provided^with^a^rigid^watertight^ enclosure^which^completely^encloses^the^lifeboat.^They^afford^the^maximum^protection^from^ the^elements^for^their^occupants.^ Totally^enclosed^lifeboats^are^designed^to^give^more^protection^to^their^occupants^than^ either^open^or^partially^enclosed^lifeboats.^Their^rigid^watertight^enclosure^means^that^they^^ are^much^better^at^keeping^occupants^safe^and^dry^in^adverse^conditions.^ These^kind^of^lifeboats^are^used^on^rigs^and^ships,^often^operating^in^harsh^and^rough^ climates,^and^common^to^them^all^is^that^they^shall^be^able^to^operate^under^fire^and^heat^ threats.^ In WO 2022140625 A1 it is disclosed features of an in-davit run kit for a lifeboat. ^ In JPS 596592 U it is shown A water sprinkler system for a lifeboat equipped on a tanker or the like. The publication VIKING NORSAFE – LIFE SAVING EQUIPMENT, “Effective operation^ and maintenance of offshore boats and davits”, [according to WayBackMachine (https://web.archive.org/web/20210414095616/https:/www.viking- life.com/en/boatsdavits-offshore/operation)] shows a free fall lifeboat. In US 2016054158 A1 it is demonstrated an invention providing a method and ^ apparatus for of performing a test on a deluge system. ^
In US 10919607 B1 it is shown a built-in system for testing the sprinkler system of a lifeboat.^ Despite^their^total^enclosure,^however,^they^do^not^offer^much^protection^from^ extremes^of^temperature,^and^therefore^such^lifeboats^also^comprise^water^drencher^systems.^^ A^problem^with^the^solutions^of^the^prior^art^is^that^boats^must^be^released^to^sea^to^be^ able^to^perform^full^scale^test^of^the^fire^protecting^water^drencher^system.^This^is^an^ operation^wherein^high^risks^are^involved,^and^accident^and^damage^to^equipment^and^people^ are^frequently^experienced.^It^has^not^been^possible^to^fully^test^the^fire^protecting^water^ drencher^system^without^relying^on^the^water^intake^on^the^underside^of^the^boat,^a^location^^ where^the^surplus^of^water^is^plentiful^once^the^boat^is^floating^on^the^water.^ The^problems^are^linked^to^the^physical^operation^of^getting^the^lifeboat^to^a^floating^ position,^and^the^danger^of^letting^a^free^fall^boat^be^free^fall^launched^with^operating^crew^on^ board,^or^even^lowered^into^the^water^by^means^of^the^secondary^means^of^launching^with^or^ without^the^crew^on^board.^The^preferred^emergency^drill^procedure^tends^to^let^the^lifeboat^^ remain^in^the^lifeboat^davit,^and^only^test^loading^procedure^and^simulate^free^fall,^or^winching^ of^lifeboat.^^ When^fire^protecting^water^drencher^system^^is^to^be^tested,^this^requires^a^launch^of^ the^lifeboat^to^the^water.^When^operating^in^salt^water,^the^testing^is^associated^with^a^lot^of^ wear^and^tear^as^salt^will^eventually^degrade^the^piping^and^the^nozzles^of^the^systems.^The^^ testing^of^the^fire^protecting^water^drencher^system^and^repair^of^failing^portions^of^the^same^ then^is^an^expensive^and^time^consuming^task^which^combined^with^the^heighted^risk^to^man^ and^equipment^makes^this^an^ever^returning^problem^for^ship^and^rig^operators.^^ There^is^thus^a^need^for^improved^test^method^for^fire^protecting^water^drencher^ system^for^suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^lifeboats.^ ^ It^is^an^object^of^the^present^disclosure^to^mitigate,^alleviate^or^eliminate^one^or^more^ of^the^above^identified^deficiencies^and^disadvantages^in^the^prior^art^and^solve^at^least^the^ above^mentioned^problem.^According^to^a^first^aspect^there^is^provided^a^method^for^testing^ fire^protecting^water^drencher^system^of^mounted^suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^^ lifeboats,^the^method^comprising^the^steps:^providing^a^fluid^reservoir^comprising^a^test^fluid^ providing^a^reservoir^pipe,^connecting^a^first^end^of^a^reservoir^pipe^to^the^test^fluid^reservoir,^ connecting^a^second^end^of^the^reservoir^pipe^to^the^water^intake^of^a^sea^reservoir^valve^and^ ^
pipe^of^a^water^drencher^system^pump^provided^inside^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats,^and^ activating^the^water^drencher^system^pump^for^pumping^test^fluid^from^the^test^fluid^reservoir^ through^the^reservoir^pipe,^the^water^drencher^system^pump,^and^through^the^water^drencher^ pipes^and^nozzles.^ ^ Thus^making^use^of^all^the^water^drencher^system^without^needing^to^operate^the^ lifeboat^in^the^sea.^Using^a^test^fluid^is^important^to^avoid^any^damages^for^example^sea^water^ may^inflict^on^pump,^^piping^and^nozzles.^^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^method^comprises^for^connecting^a^second^end^ of^the^reservoir^pipe^to^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^of^a^water^drencher^system^pump^^ provided^inside^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats,^the^second^end^of^the^reservoir^pipe^is^ provided^with^an^inflow^connector^for^connecting^the^reservoir^pipe^directly^to^the^sea^ reservoir^valve^and^pipe.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^inflow^connector^for^connecting^the^reservoir^ pipe^directly^to^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^is^provided^as^a^Camlock^device.^ ^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^inflow^connector^for^connecting^the^reservoir^ pipe^directly^to^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^is^provided^with^an^open^end^vacuum^housing^ as^designed^to^fit^snuggly^around^the^water^intake^of^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe,^the^ vacuum^housing^as^further^being^connected^to^a^vacuum^pipe^for^creating^a^vacuum^in^the^ vacuum^housing^when^arranged^over^the^water^intake^of^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe.^^ According^to^some^embodiments,^a^reservoir^pipe^is^provided^as^a^preinstalled^ midsection^reservoir^pipe^and^a^reservoir^pipe.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^comprise^the^step:^providing^a^spring^connecting^ device^for^providing^a^pre^tension^force^to^the^inflow^connector^to^hold^it^with^a^pre^tension^ force^towards^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe.^ ^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^pre^tension^force^may^be^provided^by^one^or^ more^of:^^^a^spring^connecting^device^arranged^on^the^lifeboat^davit,^^^a^spring^connecting^ device^arranged^around^the^hull^and^keel^of^the^lifeboat,^or^^^a^spring^connecting^device^ arranged^on^the^ship/rig^the^lifeboat^is^installed^on.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^test^fluid^reservoir^is^a^test^fluid^reservoir^tank^^ arranged^at^a^height^above^the^level^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump.^ ^
Height^is^an^important^added^feature^of^testing^the^piping^and^nozzles^of^the^water^ drenching^system,^and^enables^the^pump^to^work^more^efficient.^^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^test^fluid^is^one^of^freshwater,^or^freshwater^the^ method^comprises^additives^for^anti^corrosion^and/or^lubrication.^ ^ In^addition^to^not^damage^the^equipment^with^salt^water,^the^test^fluid^may^include^ equipment^preservation^or^lubricating^additives^to^improve^efficiency^and/or^prolong^lifetime^ of^the^water^drenching^system^parts.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^first^conduit^is^a^prearranged^fluid^conduit^ providing^a^conduit^reaching^through^the^wall^of^the^lifeboat^comprising^fluid^pipe^connectors^^ on^both^outside^and^inside^of^the^lifeboat,^and^^ the^reservoir^pipe^is^divided^in^a^first^outside^pipe^portion^and^a^second^inside^pipe^ portion,^the^first^outside^pipe^portion,^connecting^an^outside^end^of^the^prearranged^fluid^ conduit^to^the^test^fluid^reservoir,^and^the^second^inside^pipe^portion^connecting^an^inside^end^ of^the^conduit^to^the^fluid^input^port^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump.^ ^ If^pre^arranging^a^conduit^with^connectors^inside^and^outside^the^lifeboat^may^facilitate^ for^a^timesaving^installation^and^performance^of^the^test^routines.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^water^drencher^system^comprise^at^least^a^ deluge^fire^protecting^system,^and^when^the^water^drencher^system^pump^is^started,^test^fluid^ from^the^fluid^reservoir^is^pumped^through^deluge^pipes^arranged^along^the^topside^and^stern^^ of^the^lifeboat,^and^out^through^nozzles^arranged^at^intervals^in^the^deluge^pipes,^such^that^ test^fluid^will^be^covering^boat^outer^surface^with^test^fluid.^ This^way^all^nozzles^may^be^tested^and^verified^to^be^working^or^not^without^running^ the^lifeboat^on^the^sea^itself.^^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^method^comprises^the^step:^verifying^that^all^^ nozzles^of^the^deluge^fire^protecting^system^is^outputting^test^fluid^at^required^flow^rate.^ According^to^some^embodiments,^the^verification^of^a^working^nozzle^is^automated^by^ providing^nozzles^the^method^comprises^flow^sensors,^and^the^nozzle^flow^sensors^are^ surveyed^and^recorded^by^a^processing^device^being^in^a^wired^or^wireless^communication^ with^the^flow^sensors.^ ^
In^various^embodiments^the^method^may^be^a^^manual^verification,^or^as^disclosed:^ sensors^may^be^installed^to^enable^automation^of^the^verification^process.^^ According^to^some^embodiments,^wherein^the^pipe^connections^are^secured^by^double^ hose^clamps.^ ^ According^to^some^embodiments,^wherein^when^the^fire^protecting^water^drencher^ system^test^has^completed,^the^method^comprise^the^further^steps:^disconnecting^and^ draining^piping^from^the^test^fluid^reservoir^and^the^water^drencher^system^pump.^ The^test^method^is^not^completed^until^the^lifeboat^is^returned^to^active^duty^state.^ The^present^disclosure^will^become^apparent^from^the^detailed^description^given^^ below.^The^detailed^description^and^specific^examples^disclose^preferred^embodiments^of^the^ disclosure^by^way^of^illustration^only.^Those^skilled^in^the^art^understand^from^guidance^in^the^ detailed^description^that^changes^and^modifications^may^be^made^within^the^scope^of^the^ disclosure.^ Hence,^it^is^to^be^understood^that^the^herein^disclosed^disclosure^is^not^limited^to^the^^ particular^component^parts^of^the^device^described^or^steps^of^the^methods^described^since^ such^device^and^method^may^vary.^It^is^also^to^be^understood^that^the^terminology^used^ herein^is^for^purpose^of^describing^particular^embodiments^only,^and^is^not^intended^to^be^ limiting.^It^should^be^noted^that,^as^used^in^the^specification^and^the^appended^claim,^the^ articles^"a",^"an",^"the",^and^"said"^are^intended^to^mean^that^there^are^one^or^more^of^the^^ elements^unless^the^context^explicitly^dictates^otherwise.^Thus,^for^example,^reference^to^"a^ unit"^or^"the^unit"^may^include^several^devices,^and^the^like.^Furthermore,^the^words^ "comprising",^"including",^"containing"^and^similar^wordings^does^not^exclude^other^elements^ or^steps.^ Terminology^^^^The^term^"freefall"^and^“suspended”^lifeboat^is^to^be^interpreted^as^any^^ lifeboats^that^are^arranged^to^be^installed^n^ship^or^platform^such^as^oil^rig^platforms,^typically^ being^semi^or^fully^enclosed.^Such^lifeboats^have^water^deluge^systems^wherein^water^is^ pumped^from^the^sea,^pressurized^by^pumps,^and^flushed^out^of^piping^and^nozzles^in^a^way^to^ create^a^water^mist^blanket^over^the^complete^lifeboat.^
Brief^descriptions^of^the^drawings^ ^ The^above^objects,^as^well^as^additional^objects,^features^and^advantages^of^the^ present^disclosure,^will^be^more^fully^appreciated^by^reference^to^the^following^illustrative^and^ ^
non^limiting^detailed^description^of^example^embodiments^of^the^present^disclosure,^when^ taken^in^conjunction^with^the^accompanying^drawings.^ Figure^1A^shows^typical^setup^from^a^free^fall^totally^enclosed^lifeboat^hanging^in^a^ davit^ready^for^launch^from^a^ship,^as^well^known^from^prior^art^ ^ Figure^1B^is^a^schematic^drawing^of^a^lifeboat^in^a^davit^according^to^prior^art^ Figure^1C^show^a^lifeboat^on^sea^testing^the^water^deluge^system^pumping^seawater^ through^the^system^ Figure^2^shows^a^side^view^according^to^an^embodiment^of^the^present^disclosure^ Figure^3^shows^the^rear^end^of^the^lifeboat^wherein^an^escape^door^is^arranged^^ according^to^an^embodiment^of^the^present^disclosure^ Figure^4^show^a^principle^drawing^of^a^3^lifeboat^test^setup^according^to^an^ embodiment^of^the^present^disclosure^ Figure^5A^shows^a^prearranged^fluid^conduit^with^hose^valves^for^connecting^fluid^ pipes/hoses^ ^ Figure^5B^shows^details^of^the^provision^of^a^Y^connector^at^the^inflow^side^of^the^water^ drencher^system^pump^ Figure^6^shows^one^example^of^pre^^and^post^^test^procedure^steps^^ Figure^7^show^an^example^flow^chart^of^a^test^procedure^ Figure^8A^show^a^side^view^according^to^an^embodiment^of^the^present^disclosure^^ Figure^8B^show^a^section^of^the^water^intake^in^figure^8A^ Figure^8C^show^an^embodiment^of^the^connection^of^the^water^intake^in^figure^8A^ Figure^8D^shows^a^further^embodiment^of^the^connection^of^the^water^intake^in^figure^ 8A^ Detailed^description^ ^ The^present^disclosure^will^now^be^described^with^reference^to^the^accompanying^ drawings,^in^which^preferred^example^embodiments^of^the^disclosure^are^shown.^The^ ^
disclosed^embodiments^are^provided^to^fully^convey^the^scope^of^the^disclosure^to^the^skilled^ person.^^ In^the^following^description^of^embodiments,^reference^will^be^made^to^the^drawings,^ in^which^like^reference^numerals^denote^the^same^or^corresponding^elements.^It^should^be^^ noted^that,^unless^otherwise^stated,^different^features^or^elements^may^be^combined^with^ each^other^whether^or^not^they^have^been^described^together^as^part^of^the^same^ embodiment^below.^The^combination^of^features^or^elements^in^the^exemplary^embodiments^ are^done^in^order^to^facilitate^understanding^of^the^invention^rather^than^limit^its^scope^to^a^ limited^set^of^embodiments,^and^to^the^extent^that^alternative^elements^with^substantially^the^^ same^functionality^are^shown^in^respective^embodiments,^they^are^intended^to^be^ interchangeable,^but^for^the^sake^of^brevity,^no^attempt^has^been^made^to^disclose^a^complete^ description^of^all^possible^permutations^of^features.^ Figure^1^A^C^show^various^elements^known^from^prior^art,^and^exemplifies^some^of^the^ challenges^when^required^to^test^the^deluge^systems^of^fire^protection^systems^of^totally^^ enclosed^lifeboats.^The^examples^are^taken^from^ship^installation,^but^the^problems^are^ equally^present,^or^even^more,^in^lifeboat^installations^on^off^shore^oil/drilling^rigs.^In^many^ industries^and^jurisdictions^there^are^strict^limitations^to^how^a^lifeboat^may^be^operated^when^ in^standby^operation.^It^is^associated^with^grate^risk^to^personnel^and^equipment^if^a^freefall^ lifeboat^is^to^be^released^from^an^oilrig^installation,^where^a^drop^of^30^m^is^not^uncommon.^^ When^the^lifeboat^is^not^able^to^be^put^to^sea,^floated^on^the^sea^surface,^it^becomes^almost^ impossible^to^test^portion^of^the^emergency^protection^features,^one^such^is^the^water^ drenching^systems.^Since^these^systems^rely^on^the^intake^of^seawater^from^an^inflow^port^ arrange^on^the^lower^portion^of^the^ship^hull,^and^being^formed^to^allow^a^large^volume^intake^ of^sea^water,^it^is^^difficult^or^impossible^to^check^the^water^drenching^system^when^the^^ lifeboat^is^locked^in^the^davit^on^board^the^ship^or^platform.^^The^same^goes^for^lifeboats^ operating^from^a^suspension^davit^meant^to^be^winched^down^to^sea^level^in^an^emergency.^ A^further^huge^drawback^of^prior^art^is^obviously^that^when^running^the^tests^using^ seawater^after^lowering^the^lifeboats^to^the^sea^is^that^the^seawater^itself^may^inflict^huge^ damage^to^the^pump,^piping^and^the^nozzles.^^^ ^ Figure^2^and^8A^shows^an^embodiment^of^the^present^disclosure^wherein^a^fully^ enclosed^freefall^lifeboat^1^is^arranged^in^a^lifeboat^davit^20.^Normally^the^boat^is^suspended^ by^locking^device^21^comprising^a^mix^of^wire^and^pneumatic^locks.^Suspension^angle^ɲ^may^be^ as^steep^as^30^^or^more.^ ^
The^first^aspect^of^this^disclosure^shows^a^method^for^testing^fire^protecting^water^ drencher^system^of^mounted^suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^lifeboats^1,^the^method^ comprising^according^to^figure^8A^the^steps:^providing^a^fluid^reservoir^10^comprising^a^test^ fluid^8^providing^a^reservoir^pipe^13,13’,^connecting^a^first^end^of^a^reservoir^pipe^13,13’^to^the^^ test^fluid^reservoir^10,^connecting^a^second^end^of^the^reservoir^pipe^13,13’^to^the^water^ intake^of^a^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,23’^of^a^water^drencher^system^pump^22^provided^ inside^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats^1,^and^activating^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^ for^pumping^test^fluid^8^from^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^through^the^reservoir^pipe^13,13’,^the^ water^drencher^system^pump^22,^and^through^the^water^drencher^pipes^and^nozzles^3,4,24,25.^^^ In^a^further^embodiment^as^exemplified^in^figure^8A^figure^8D^of^present^disclosure^the^ reservoir^pipe^13^is^connected^in^a^firs^end^to^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^and^the^second^end^ comprise^an^inflow^connector^14,^16^for^connecting^the^reservoir^pipe^13^directly^to^the^sea^ reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’.^In^this^embodiment^the^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’^and^ the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^need^not^be^mechanically^altered.^^ ^ Depending^on^the^layout^of^the^lifeboat^1^freefall/hanging^davit^preinstalled^midsection^ of^the^reservoir^pipe^13^may^be^preinstalled^in^order^to^avoid^complex^maneuvers^for^ preparations^for^a^deluge^test.^^^ The^inflow^connector^14,^16^must^be^provided^to^withstand^a^fair^amount^of^weight^ stress,^as^the^pipe^has^typically^a^diameter^of^more^than^50^mm^or^more^advantageously^^ approximately^110^mm.^^The^mere^size^of^the^reservoir^pipe^13^means^that^the^a^minimum^ length^of^the^reservoir^pipe^13^will^when^filled^with^water^typically^be^of^a^weight^of^more^than^ 100^kg,^and^often^between^100^and^200^kg.^^ In^figure^8B^it^is^shown^how^the^inflow^connector^14,^16^is^connected^directly^to^the^sea^ reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’.^Depending^on^availability^of^the^sea^reservoir^valve^23’^this^^ may^be^in^one^embodiment^be^done^by^providing^the^inflow^connector^14,^as^shown^in^figure^ 8D,^^with^a^Camlock^device^16^and^providing^the^^sea^reservoir^valve^23’^with^a^corresponding^ Camlock^device16^^for^providing^a^tight^solid^connection^when^the^inflow^connector^14^is^ connected.^An^alternative^to^the^Camlock^paired^device^may^be^to^provide^a^Twist/Bayonet^ Fitting^as^the^connecting^element^(not^shown).^^Other^connectors^may^also^be^provided^as^^ alternatives^to^the^Camlock^device.^^ In^figure^8C^it^is^provided^an^inflow^connector^14’^being^less^intrusive^that^the^Camlock^ connector^described^above.^The^inflow^connector^14’^may^be^arranged^as^an^open^end^ ^
vacuum^housing^designed^to^fit^snuggly^around^the^water^intake^of^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^ pipe^23,^23’,^such^that^the^hull^of^the^lifeboat^1^provides^for^closing^the^open^end^of^the^ housing.^It^is^further^provided^a^vacuum^pipe^15^to^the^vacuum^housing^14’.^When^vacuum^ pipe^15^is^connected^to^a^vacuum^pump^(not^shown)^creating^a^vacuum^in^the^vacuum^pipe^15^^ and^the^vacuum^housing^14’,^such^that^when^it^is^arranged^over^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^ pipe^23,^23’^it^will^stay^firmly^in^place^until^and^during^the^test^phase^is^performed.^^It^may^be^ assumed^that^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22,^when^started,^will^add^vacuum^pressure^to^ the^connection^and^thus^add^connecting^effect^during^the^test^phase.^^ The^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’^inflow^arrangement^may^be^difficult^to^alter^^ when^installing^the^deluge^system,^and^one^alternative^may^be^to^prearrange^a^midsection^ reservoir^pipe^13’^having^in^a^first^end^a^connector^13’’^for^connecting^with^the^second^end^of^ the^reservoir^pipe^13.^This^connector^^may^typically^be^a^Camlock^device^as^used^in^various^ other^connectors^discussed^above.^^The^midsection^reservoir^pipe^13’^may^be^pre^connected^in^ a^second^end^to^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’^in^a^manner^that^is^semi^permanently^^ connected.^Semi^permanently^in^that^it^will^always^be^connected^when^lifeboat^1^is^not^used^ for^real^life^mission,^and^being^disconnected^when^a^real^life^mission^is^executed.^It^may^be^ advantageous^that^the^midsection^reservoir^pipe^13’^and^the^first^end^a^connector^13’’^is^ arranged^to^be^horizontal^lower^than^the^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’,^such^that^when^ draining^the^test^fluid^8^after^a^test,^all^test^fluid^residing^in^the^midsection^reservoir^pipe^13’^^ may^be^naturally^drained^when^the^second^end^of^the^reservoir^pipe^13^is^disconnected^after^ end^of^test.^ It^may^further^be^provided^in^an^alternative^embodiment^for^the^inflow^connector^14,^ 14’^wherein^the^the^inflow^connector^14,^14’^held^with^^a^pre^tension^force^towards^the^sea^ reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’,^and^connection^is^fully^provided^with^the^pre^tension^force^^ and^the^vacuum^provided^by^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^when^started.^^Pre^tension^ force^may^be^provided^by^a^spring^connecting^device^(not^shown)^arranged^on^the^lifeboat^ davit^20,^a^^spring^connecting^device^arranged^around^the^hull^and^keel^of^the^lifeboat^1,^or^a^ spring^connecting^device^arranged^^on^the^ship/rig^the^lifeboat^1^is^installed^on,^or^a^ combination^of^any^two^or^three^of^these.^^ ^ When^running^the^test^according^to^figure^8A^8D^the^sea^reservoir^valve^23’^shall^be^ open^and^remain^open^during^the^complete^test.^^ According^to^figure^2^a^second^method^is^outlined^comprising^the^steps:^providing^a^ first^conduit^5^for^test^fluid^8^in^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats^1^for^providing^a^fluid^path^ ^
between^the^outside^of^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats^1^to^the^inside^of^the^ suspended/freefall^lifeboats^1,^connecting^a^first^end^of^a^reservoir^pipe^12^to^a^test^fluid^ reservoir^10,^threading^the^reservoir^pipe^12^through^the^conduit^5,^and^connecting^a^second^ end^of^the^reservoir^pipe^12^to^the^fluid^input^port^26^of^a^water^drencher^system^pump^22^^ provided^inside^the^suspended/freefall^lifeboats^1,^activating^the^water^drencher^system^pump^ 22^for^pumping^test^fluid^8^from^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^through^the^reservoir^pipe^12,^the^ water^drencher^system^pump^22,^and^through^the^water^drencher^pipes^and^nozzles^3,4,24,25.^^ An^example^of^pre^^and^post^^process^steps^for^method^for^testing^fire^protecting^water^ drencher^system^of^mounted^suspended/freefall^totally^enclosed^lifeboats^1^is^shown^in^figure^^ 6,^whilst^a^float^diagram^for^the^test^itself^is^illustrated^in^figure^7.^Obviously^each^illustrated^ steps^may^be^split^in^sub^tasks^or^may^be^performed^in^alternative^ways^as^long^as^they^not^ deviate^from^the^general^idea^of^the^process^and^method^explained^in^present^disclosure.^^ The^embodiment^makes^use^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^arranged^in^the^ lifeboat^1.^This^is^mandatory^to^test^that^the^complete^emergency^water^drencher^system^^ work^properly.^The^water^drencher^pipes^and^nozzles^are^typically^arranged^in^to^or^more^ drencher^pipes^running^elongated^along^the^complete^length^of^the^outside^top^roof^and^ around^and^down^the^whole^aft^of^the^boat.^The^aft^normally^comprise^the^escape^door,^ connectors^for^electricity/battery^charging^and^HVAC^conduits^for^attaching^air/vent/heat^ systems.^Nozzles^3^for^spraying/flushing^water^from^the^drencher^pipes^4^and^to^provide^a^^ water^blanket^over^the^complete^over^sea^line^portions^of^the^lifeboat^is^arranged^at^intervals^ along^the^complete^length^of^the^drencher^pipes^4.^^ The^reservoir^pipe^12^may^in^the^second^method^be^threaded^through^a^prearranged^ conduit^5,^often^found^in^the^aft^side^of^the^lifeboat^as^illustrated^in^the^figure.^Sometimes^ such^a^conduit^may^be^found^on^the^side^or^the^topside^of^the^lifeboat.^The^conduit^5^is^^ arranged^to^provide^an^opening^through^the^enclosing^material^of^the^lifeboat,^such^that^when^ unobstructed^the^conduit^5^provides^an^opening^from^the^outside^of^the^lifeboat^to^the^inside^ of^the^lifeboat.^^ If^the^conduit^is^arranged^with^locking^elements,^outside^and/or^inside^the^lifeboat,^ such^locking^elements^must^be^removed^and^stored^away^before^the^reservoir^pipe^12^is^^ threaded^through^the^conduit^5.^^When^attaching^the^reservoir^pipe^12^to^the^test^fluid^ reservoir^10^it^is^important^to^make^sure^the^valve^closing^off^the^test^reservoir^output^port^10’^ of^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^is^closed.^^ ^
When^the^reservoir^pipe^12^is^threaded^through^the^conduit^5^it^is^securely^attached^to^ the^inflow^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22.^A^Y^coupling^101,^102,^104^is^provided^on^ the^inflow^side^of^the^pump^24,^where^a^first^inflow^leg^102^is^provided^for^being^in^fluid^ connection^with^the^reservoir^pipe^12,^12’,^12’’^via^a^fluid^pipe^connector^103,^wherein^the^^^ fluid^pipe^connector^103^may^typically^be^provided^as^a^Camlock^coupling^connector,^a^second^ inflow^leg^101^is^provided^for^being^connected^to^a^sea^reservoir^valve^and^pipe^23,^23’,^and^an^ outflow^leg^104^is^provided^for^being^connected^to^the^fluid^input^port^26^of^the^water^ drencher^system^pump^22.^ If^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^is^not^set^up^with^the^two^inflow^Y^coupling^^ valve^101,^102,^104^as^shown^in^figure^5B^,^then^the^sea^water^pipe^23^must^first^be^detached^ from^the^inflow^pipe^26^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^before^the^reservoir^pipe^12,^ 12’,^12’’^^can^be^connected^to^the^pump^24^before^deluge^test^is^started.^ The^first^inflow^leg^102^is^connected^at^an^angle^ɴ,^the^angle^^ɴ^being^less^than^90^^and^ preferably^less^than^60^,^and^even^more^preferably^less^than^45^,^to^the^second^inflow^leg^101.^^ A^more^narrow^angel^ɴ^reduces^the^effects^of^turbulence,^cavitation^and^bubbles^which^may^ appeared^downstream^of^the^Y^coupling^when^test^fluid^is^ran^through^the^deluge^system^from^ the^test^fluid^reservoir^10,^and^thus^provides^for^a^higher^efficiency^of^the^test.^If^cavitation^ and^bubbles^in^the^fluid^enters^the^drencher^system^pump^22,^the^efficiency^of^the^pump^may^ be^drastically^reduced,^with^the^effect^that^the^deluge^system^is^not^tested^to^its^full^potential^^ capacity/operation^mode.^^ The^first^inflow^leg^102^of^the^Y^coupling^101,^102,^104^is^preferably^of^a^length^long^ enough^to^reach^from^the^inflow^of^the^pump^portion^to^an^easily^accessible^location^inside^a^ pump^housing^protecting^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^where^the^fluid^pipe^connector^ 103^is^arranged^waiting^to^receive^the^reservoir^pipe^12,^12’,^12’’.^The^process^or^method^is^^ thus^defined^by^test^personnel^attach^the^reservoir^pipe^12,^12’,^12’’^to^the^first^inflow^leg^102^ of^the^Y^coupling^101,^102,^104.^When^Y^coupling^is^used^and^test^is^started^the^sea^reservoir^ valve^23’^at^the^sea^interface^of^the^vessel^1^of^the^second^inflow^leg^101^is^closed^before^ starting^the^pump.^When^water^drencher^system^pump^22^motor^runs^at^full^speed,^the^fluid^ pipe^connector^103^is^opened,^and^water^is^flowing^at^high^speed^into^the^Y^coupling^101,^102,^^ 104^and^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22.^^ When^test^is^performed^and^all^required^water^has^passed^through^the^deluge^system,^ there^will^be^water^residing^in^the^piping^and^pump,^which^will^be^a^problem^if^not^remedied.^ The^system^may^now^provide^an^efficient^draining^routine^by^simply^opening^the^sea^reservoir^ ^
valve^23’.^Water^still^residing^in^the^nozzles^3^and^piping^4^can^now^flow^freely^back^through^ the^pump,^the^second^inflow^leg^101^and^out^through^the^sea^reservoir^valve^23’.^ Common^to^all^embodiments^as^described^above,^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^must^be^ holding^enough^test^fluid^for^a^full^flow^performance^test^for^sufficient^time^to^inspect^all^^ nozzles^3^output.^Typically^this^requires^in^the^range^of^3000l^for^a^45^seconds^operation^ period^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^at^full^speed/pressure.^The^teat^fluid^reservoir^ 10^may^be^filled^onsite^using^a^reservoir^filing^pipe^11.^When^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^is^ sufficiently^filled^the^test^procedure^may^be^executed.^The^teat^reservoir^10^must^have^a^large^ air^vent^opening^11’^large^enough^to^allow^enough^air^to^enter^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^once^^ the^test^fluid^is^streaming^to^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^at^full^speed/pressure.^ meaning^more^than^4000l/min.^Otherwise^there^will^build^up^a^vacuum^in^the^test^fluid^ reservoir,^and^the^efficiency^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^will^not^be^achieved.^^ The^reservoir^pipe^12^must^have^a^sufficiently^size^to^be^able^to^transfer^up^to^at^least^ 4000^l/min.^Typically^a^108^mm^pipe^is^used^for^this^purpose,^and^in^such^a^configuration^of^the^^ piping^4^may^be^54^mm^pipes.^It^is^obvious^that^different^sizes^and^volumes^may^apply^if^the^ system^as^here^described^is^used^in^testing^^equipment^of^other^scale.^ Once^the^test^is^ready^to^commence,^the^pump^is^started^and^run^at^full^speed,^then^ the^test^fluid^reservoir^output^port^10’^is^opened.^The^test^fluid^8^is^then^pushed^through^the^ piping^and^nozzles^and^a^blanket^of^test^fluid^is^jetted^out^over^the^complete^upper^side^of^the^^ lifeboat^1.^^^ It^is^an^important^element^of^the^present^disclosure^to^provide^for^a^full^effect^test^ using^test^fluid^not^being^made^of^salt^water^or^fluids^being^damaging^to^the^equipment.^^ Figure^6^shows^a^typical^routine^instruction^for^preparing^and^performing^a^test^as^ defined^in^this^disclosure.^Other^elements^and^order^may^apply.^ ^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^first^conduit^is^provided^in^an^ existing^preformed^conduit^5^providing^a^conduit^5^between^the^outside^and^the^inside^of^the^ hanging/mounted^lifeboats^1.^^ Such^pre^existing^conduits^may^be^provided^during^production^of^the^lifeboat,^or^may^ be^prepared^upon^deployment^of^the^lifeboat^when^intended^to^be^used^on^a^ship^or^rig.^^ ^
In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^is^a^test^fluid^ reservoir^tank^10^arranged^at^a^height^h^above^the^level^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^ 22,^as^illustrated^in^figure^2^and^figure^4.^ Figure^4^illustrates^a^test^setup^where^several^lifeboats^1^may^be^using^the^same^test^^ equipment.^The^procedure^would^then^include^a^test^fluid^tank^sufficiently^large^to^hold^ enough^test^fluid^to^perform^the^test^for^a^required^number^of^lifeboats.^Alternatively^the^test^ fluid^tank^must^be^refilled^if^needed^between^lifeboat^tests.^^ Typically^only^one^lifeboat^is^tested^at^a^time.^^ Thus,^the^placement^arrangement^of^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^will^enable^the^pump^to^^ reach^a^test^fluid^pressure^sufficient^to^test^all^pipes^4^and^nozzles^3^quickly^and^efficiently.^ The^teast^fluid^reservoir^10^may^be^permanently^arranged^at^such^height^h,^or^it^may^be^ stored^and^filled^at^different^location,^as^long^as^it^can^be^brought^in^place^at^a^height^h^ sufficiently^above^the^level^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^when^test^procedure^steps^ as^defined^in^figure^6^is^commenced.^ ^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^test^fluid^8^is^one^of^freshwater,^or^ freshwater^comprising^additives^for^anti^corrosion^and/or^lubrication.^ Freshwater^is^the^normal,^because^freshwater^will^not^lead^to^long^term^deterioration^ at^the^same^extent^as^would^be^the^effect^of^using^saltwater^in^the^test,.^If^the^system^is^ operated^in^arctic^areas^for^example,^it^may^be^advantageous^also^to^include^antifreeze^^ additives^in^the^test^fluid^to^prevention^of^icing.^Other^additives,^for^example^for^lubrication,^ may^provide^longer^lifetime^of^pump,^piping^and^nozzles.^^ ^In^a^further^embodiment^as^exemplified^in^figure^5A^of^present^disclosure^the^first^ conduit^5^is^a^prearranged^fluid^conduit^providing^a^conduit^5’^reaching^through^the^wall^29^of^ the^lifeboat^1^comprising^fluid^pipe^connectors^28’,^28’’^on^both^outside^and^inside^of^the^^ lifeboat^1,^and^the^reservoir^pipe^12^is^divided^in^a^first^outside^pipe^portion^12’^and^a^second^ inside^pipe^portion^12’’,^the^first^outside^pipe^portion^12’^connecting^an^outside^end^of^the^ prearranged^fluid^conduit^5’^to^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10,^and^the^second^inside^pipe^portion^ 12’’^connecting^an^inside^end^of^the^conduit^to^the^fluid^input^port^of^the^water^drencher^ system^pump^22.^The^fluid^pipe^connectors^28’,^28’’^and^the^outside^and^inside^pipe^portions^^ 12’,^12’’^are^provided^with^coupling^devices^arranged^on^the^end^facing^the^fluid^pipe^ connectors^28’,^28’’,^and^may^typically^be^provided^as^Camlock^coupling^connectors,^but^all^the^ ^
embodiments^of^the^present^disclosure^is^not^limited^to^this^type^of^connectors.^Any^ connector^able^to^hold^the^connection^during^the^massive^flow^phase^during^test^of^up^to^ 4000l/min^throughput.^^^ The^wall^29^through^which^the^conduit^5’^is^prearranged^in^may^be^the^aft^wall^or^any^side^^ or^top^wall^of^the^lifeboat^being^locates^so^it^is^easy^to^attach^both^the^first^outside^pipe^ portion^12’^connecting^the^outside^end^of^the^outside^fluid^pipe^connector^28’^of^the^ prearranged^fluid^conduit^5’^to^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10,^and^the^second^inside^pipe^portion^ 12’’^connecting^the^inside^fluid^pipe^connector^28’’^of^the^conduit^to^the^fluid^input^port^of^the^ water^drencher^system^pump^22.^ ^ The^prearranged^fluid^conduit^may^even^be^arranged^on^the^hull^of^the^lifeboat^if^that^is^ an^advantageous^position^in^a^use^case,^as^long^as^the^fluid^pipe^connectors^28’,^28’’^is^made^ to^withstand^the^use^environment^when^the^lifeboat^is^deployed.^^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^existing^preformed^conduit^5^is^a^ Heating,^Ventilation^and^Air^Conditioning,^HVAC^conduit,^and^the^step^of^providing^a^first^^ conduit^for^test^fluid^in^the^HVAC^conduit^is^preceded^by^disconnecting^and^removing^from^the^ HVAC^any^installed^equipment/items^from^the^HVAC^conduit^5.^^ In^many^lifeboats^there^is^a^HVAC^conduit^for^leading^ventilation^and^heat^into^the^ interior^of^the^lifeboat^whilst^being^at^rest^unemployed.^This^heating^and^airing^provides^ healthy^inside^environment^that^will^keep^condensing^and^molding^under^control.^Using^this^^ conduit^may^simply^be^done^by^dismounting^enough,^all^or^some,^equipment^already^ occupying^the^conduit^to^allow^threading^the^reservoir^pipe^12^through^the^HVAC^conduit.^ When^test^has^completed^all^equipment^that^was^removed^should^be^reinstalled.^^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^step^of^connecting^the^second^end^ of^the^reservoir^pipe^12^to^the^fluid^input^port^26^of^a^water^drencher^system^pump^is^ ^ preceded^by^disconnecting^a^sea^water^inflow^pipe^23^from^the^fluid^input^port^26^of^the^water^ drencher^system^pump.^^ It^may^be^advantageous^to^arrange^an^Y^connector^valve^on^the^inflow^side^of^the^ water^drencher^system^pump^22,^to^allow^connecting^the^reservoir^pipe^to^the^water^drencher^ system^pump^22^without^dismounting^the^seawater^inflow^fluid^pipe^23,^but^if^not^installed,^^ the^connection^of^the^reservoir^pipe^12^must^be^preceded^by^disconnecting^the^seawater^ inflow^fluid^pipe^23.^After^test^is^performed,^the^seawater^inflow^pipe^23^must^be^reconnected^ to^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22.^ ^
^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^water^drencher^system^comprise^at^ least^a^deluge^fire^protecting^system^3,4,^and^when^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22^is^ started,^test^fluid^8^from^the^fluid^reservoir^10^is^pumped^through^deluge^pipes^4^arranged^^ along^the^topside^and^stern^of^the^lifeboat^1,1’,^and^out^through^nozzles^3^arranged^at^ intervals^in^the^deluge^pipes^4,^such^that^test^fluid^8^will^be^covering^boat^outer^surface^1,1’^ with^test^fluid^8.^Such^that^running^test^fluid^through^the^pipes^4^and^nozzles^3^in^fact^will^ activate^all^nozzles^even^when^lifeboat^1^is^still^mounted^in^its^freefall/hanging^davit.^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^method^comprises^the^step:^^ verifying^that^all^nozzles^3^of^the^deluge^fire^protecting^system^is^outputting^test^fluid^8^at^ required^flow^rate.^^ The^main^purpose^with^a^test^setup^as^shown^in^this^disclosure^is^for^enabling^testing^ and^verification^of^that^all^nozzles^3^in^the^deluge^system^works,^and^an^important^element^of^ the^test^is^that^a^person^or^sensor^may^verify^that^all^nozzles^are^working.^When^non^working^^ nozzles^3^are^identified,^this^should^be^reported^and/or^mitigated.^^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^verification^of^a^working^nozzle^3^is^ automated^by^providing^nozzles^the^method^comprises^flow^sensors^3’,^and^the^nozzle^flow^ sensors^3’^are^surveyed^and^recorded^by^a^processing^device^100^being^in^a^wired^or^wireless^ 110,^110’^communication^with^the^flow^sensors^3’.^^ ^ An^automatic^verification^may^be^facilitated^when^nozzles^3^comprise^flow^sensors^3’.^ These^may^communicate^with^a^computer/smartphone/other^processing^device.^It^may^even^ be^connected^to^a^remote^server^process,^run^remotely^or^via^a^cloud^based^system.^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^pipe^connections^are^secured^by^ double^hose^clamps.^^ ^ In^a^further^embodiment^of^present^disclosure^the^fire^protecting^water^drencher^ system^test^has^completed,^the^method^comprise^the^further^steps:^disconnecting^the^first^ piping^from^the^test^fluid^reservoir^10^and^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22,^remove^the^ reservoir^pipe^12,^reinstall^and^reconnect^previously^connected^piping^and^equipment.^^ A^complete^test^process^would^in^one^example^be^following^the^following^process:^ ^
Following^the^pretest^procedure^as^exemplified^in^figure^6^by^firstly^fill^out^and^perform^ disconnection^of^safety^system,^for^example^as^regulated^in^“088^Recommended^guidelines^for^ common^model^for^work^permits”^from^Norsk^Olje^&^gass.The^next^step^is^to^close^the^access^ to^the^lifeboat^by^a^chain^and^a^guide^to^next^usable^lifeboat^in^case^of^an^emergency^ ^ happening^during^the^test.^^ Make^sure^the^rescue^plan^is^sufficient^by^reviewing^and^getting^it^approved^by^ authorized^resource,^as^well^as^execute^the^pre^test^meeting^to^ensure^that^all^cooperating^ resources^are^familiar^with^the^test^plan.^^ All^equipment^that^is^going^to^be^used^must^be^checked^and^approved.^^ ^ When^hose/pipe^being^arranged^between^the^test^fluid^tank^and^the^boat^it^is^ necessary^to^make^sure^the^hose/pipe^will^be^safe^in^regards^of^accidently^movement^and^ other,^such^as^falling^objects^and^the^like.^When^the^hose^pipe^has^been^attached^as^instructed^ all^camlock^couplings^must^be^secured^with^strips^against^accidental^opening.^^ Now^the^test^itself^may^be^ran,^and^one^example^test^flow^is^illustrated^in^figure^7.^^^ Test^starts^by^making^sure^the^test^fluid^tank^valve^is^securely^closed^before^tank^is^ filled^with^test^^fluid.^Make^sure^enough^test^fluid^for^the^complete^test^is^filled^in^the^tank.^^ When^test^fluid^tank^10^is^sufficiently^filled^up,^and^the^hose/pipes^12,^12’,^13,^13’^are^ connected^providing^a^fluid^path^from^the^test^fluid^tank,^optionally^through^the^back^ door/wall^5^of^the^lifeboat,^and^to^inlet^of^the^water^drencher^system^pump^22,^the^engine^of^^ the^lifeboat/pump^may^be^started.^On^^the^inlet^to^the^pump,^the^original^hose^from^the^inlet^ under^the^lifeboat^may^need^to^be^disconnected^before^attaching^the^test^fluid^hose/pipe.^ Alternatively^the^inlet^provides^a^Y^valve^where^it^is^sufficient^to^close^the^Y^branch^being^ connected^to^the^original^hose,^and^connect^the^test^fluid^hose/pipe^to^the^second^Y^branch^ and^open^this.^^^ ^ Often^the^pump^is^driven^by^the^lifeboat^engine.^If^not,^then^only^the^pump^may^be^ started.^^ Before^opening^up^for^test^fluid^to^feed^the^pump,^it^is^very^important^to^ensure^the^ test^fluid^tank^has^sufficient^access^to^ambient^air^through^a^top^^valve.^If^the^test^starts^ without^this^air^access,^there^will^buildup^of^a^vacuum^in^the^test^fluid^tank^under^the^test,^and^^ fluid^flow^will^be^restricted.^^ ^
Now,^open^the^test^fluid^tank^valve,^allowing^the^test^fluid^to^feed^the^pump.^This^will^ result^in^a^short,^approximately^40^seconds^for^a^3000^l^reservoir^of^test^fluid,^massive^flow^ output^through^the^piping^4^and^all^the^nozzles^3.^^Test^personnel^verifies^that^all^nozzles^ outputs^a^spray^of^test^fluid^during^the^test^period.^If^all^is^well^and^no^defects^are^found^,^the^^ test^is^passed,^and^test^report^is^written^and^lifeboat^is^approved.^^ If,^on^the^other^hand^some^nozzles^or^piping^is^defect,^by^insufficiently^providing^a^ cover^of^test^fluid^over^the^lifeboat,^or^pipes^are^leaking^or^do^not^feed^the^nozzles^sufficiently,^ this^is^either^repaired^immediately^and^test^may^be^ran^again^from^start,^or^the^fault^is^ reported^and^the^test^failed.^Lifeboat^is^not^approved/or^will^carry^a^fault^identified.^^ ^ When^the^test^has^been^executed^to^end,^the^post^test^process^may^be^followed^as^ exemplified^by^last^part^of^the^table^in^figure^6^by:^ Remove^test^fluid^hose^from^pump.^and^refit/open^the^original^hose^to^the^pump^inlet.^ When^a^test^has^been^run,^there^is^residue^test^fluid^in^the^hoses,^piping^system,^ nozzles.^Make^sure^all^of^this^residual^test^fluid^is^drained^away.^^ ^ Check^that^all^equipment^that^has^been^altered^for^the^test,^are^reconnected/refitted^ and^operates^as^required.^ Remove^barriers^and^signposts^used^for^the^test,^and^seal^the^hatch.^^ Sign^off^necessary^test^protocols.^^ The^person^skilled^in^the^art^realizes^that^the^present^disclosure^is^not^limited^to^the^^ preferred^embodiments^described^above.^The^person^skilled^in^the^art^further^realizes^that^ modifications^and^variations^are^possible^within^the^scope^of^the^appended^claims.^ Additionally,^variations^to^the^disclosed^embodiments^can^be^understood^and^effected^by^the^ skilled^person^in^practicing^the^claimed^disclosure,^from^a^study^of^the^drawings,^the^ disclosure,^and^the^appended^claims.^^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^