Fires on board ships are one of the most dangerous and real risks, both for everyone who is in it and for the same boat. The origin and the causes they present can be multiple. It must be borne in mind that on board, more than 75% of the materials are flammable. Among the most effective methods to fight fires on board, are the nautical fire extinguishers , which are one of the main elements in terms of safety that are required on board the boats.
Classification of nautical fires
The fires are classified by groups according to their nature and the combustion material.
A different component class is needed for each type of fire, in order to turn it off. This is the reason why there are several categories of extinguishers classified according to type.
- Type A: Combustion of solid organic materials such as wood, cardboard, papers, and rags.
- Type B: Combustion of flammable liquids such as waxes, paraffins, fats, solvents, alcohol, and gasoline.
- Type C: Electric combustions and flammable gases such as acetylene, butane, propane, and methane.
- Type D: Combustible metals and alloys: magnesium, sodium, potassium, aluminum powder, and titanium.
Classification of nautical extinguishers
- Water extinguishers
Its application is recommended in type A fire. In them the ejection is carried out by means of a pressurized gas, which is incorporated into the body of the bottle or through an auxiliary bottle.
- Foam extinguishers.
Its application is recommended for fire of the type B type, and can also be used in type A fire.
- Dust extinguishers.
There are several powder extinguishers, the first the dry powder, for fires of the class type B and C, it is second it is effective antibrases powder in the class fires type A, B and C, and the third special powder that are for fire of type D. The dust is driven by the pressure of CO2 or N2 gas compressed in an additional bottle, or also by the pressure incorporated in the same bottle containing the powder.
- CO2 fire extinguishers.
Its application is very useful and recommended for small fire of the type B type and fires in electrical installations. They are also called carbonic snow, generate the impulse by the own pressure of the CO2 that the bottle contains.