Power Generation Bulletin #OOlO

CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESS/ON -

co2 Steam Turbine Generator

& Associated Equipment

Bearings

c c
0
mm The protection of the oil hazards associated with a steam
I turbine generator by the /oca/ application of Carbon Dioxide is

n
shown on the accompanying drawing.
= UJ Many such systems have been installed in large utility gener-
ating stations. In most of these installations, the bearings are often
protected with individual controls for each bearing, or for a group
of bearings located in close proximity to each other. In some
cases, the CO, protection is backed up by a manually operated
water system. The CO, is favored because there is no need to be
concerned about rapid cooling (quenching) of hot metal parts on
and around the turbine (see note on the following page). For the
unit shown, all bearings are protected as a single entity. CO, is
used to protect the other components of the lube oil system,
including oil storage, filtering, cooling, and pumping equipment.
The controls are arranged to protect the equipment in close prox-
imity to each other as an entity. In large plants, this equipment is
covered by water spray or water/foam sprinklers installed on the
levels below and underneath the turbine deck. For smaller gener-
ating units found in cogeneration plants or the smaller utility (muni-
cipals, etc.), the use of a single CO, system can be more cost
effective. Automatic controls direct discharges at the equipment
involved in the fire. Provisions are made for simultaneous dis-
charges where needed.

CARDOX One of the important provisions of the protection shown is to

minimize as much as possible any concerns over the use of a
limited supply extinguishing system. In a limited supply system, if
the agent is exhausted but the fire not controlled, the system has
not done its job. The fire protection system designers job is to
4801 Southwick Drive see that adequate agent is available to prevent this.
Third Floor
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
0 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (g/96)
CWEmETROn
Fire Systemi
Power Generation Bulletin #00 10
Cooling Effects of CO, Discharges
Since a discharge of liquid carbon dioxide
creates fine particles of dry ice at approxi-
mately -40gF, there is a misunderstanding
of the thermal effects of this discharge on
massive equipment, such as discussed
here.
The total heat absorbing capacity of low
pressure CO, is only about 125 BJUs per
pound. For the limited quantity of CO,
used, the cooling capability of the discharge
is really quite small. When the CO, is
discharged from a fire system nozzle, the
dry ice particles should sublime almost im-
mediately as they are dispersed, avoiding
any buildup of S~CXM
In addition, the heat transfer between the
hot surfaces and the CO, gas is not good.
There is no wetting and the only contact is
gas to metal, with the gas heated very
rapidly. There is little heat absorbed by
change of state, such as occurs when water
turns to steam.
The direct impingement on metal of CO,
from an orifice, which could result in local-
ized cooling, is avoided by the type of CO,
discharge nozzles used.
With a turbine that is hot (surfaces above
auto-ignition temperatures) and which is de-
signed to maintain oil pressure during a long
run-down period after shutdown, the need for
continuous application of fire extinguishant for
long periods of time should be obvious. The
system shown is often designed to give cycling
of continuous discharges for an hour or more on
the bearings and connecting oil lines. This
maintains the fire suppression condition until the
co 2 Application Bull&in
Page 2
oil pressure can be reduced and the fire con-
trolled by eliminating the fuel source.
The protection consists of the local appli-
cation of CO, to cover the equipment and asso-
ciated oil line connections. The equipment is
enveloped in the CO, discharge at rates calcu-
lated from the ratings of the nozzles used and
the requirements of NFPA Standard No. 12.
The bearing inside the exciter enclosure is pro-
tected by flooding the exciter and then main-
taining an inert concentration. Where bearings
and oil lines are beneath turbine lagging, a
combination of local application and total flood-
ing is used.
While the protection system shown is just
covering the oil hazards, obviously the same
system can protect coal pulverizers, cable ar- -,
eas, switchgear - any other hazard that is suit-
able to CO, protection. It can also serve high
capacity LPCO, hose lines (high flow rate with
30-35 ft. projection). (All of these applications
are covered by other CO, Application Bulletins.)
The unit shown has a hydrogen cooled
generator and the CO, storage unit would be the
supply of CO, for purging the hydrogen (this is
not shown).
In the case of the industrial steam turbine,
where the generator is air cooled, it may be ap-
propriate to protect the generator as well. (Pro-
tection of rotating electrical equipment is anoth-
er application covered by a bulletin.)
When the carbon dioxide system is de-
signed, the provision for personnel safety must
be considered as strongly as the fire protection.
A safe system includes provision for:
n Alarms that absolutely, positively indicate
that the system is about to discharge. .-
 CHEmETROn
--
Fire Systems co2 Application Bulldin

Power Generation Bulletin #00 10 Page 3

n Analysis of the CO, gas flow to identify
where the CO, will be after a discharge.
(Provision for odorizing the CO, may be
appropriate.)
n Adequate instructions and training, includ-
ing warning and instructional signs.
NFPA Standard No. 12 provides good informa-
tion in this regard.
When plants go into an Extended Life Pro-
_.
gram, it is reasonable to review the fire protec-
tion. The LPCO, system really fits the bill here
as it is self-contained and eliminates concerns
for water supply, drainage, and the effects of
water discharges on older equipment.
Detailed design information on this applica-
tion is available from Chemetron.

Fire protection practices in power generation

facilities have changed over the years, resulting
in more protection being installed today than
years ago.

-
CHEmETROn
Fire Svstems co2 Application Bulktin

Power Generation Bulletin #00 10 Page 4

-
 Power Generation Bulletin #0015

CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

co2
Supplement A:

Steam Turbine Generator Bearings

& Associated Equipment

Power Generation Bulletin #OOlO described a three hazard

system, where CO, is discharged on the bearings of a simple
turbine generator as one of the three hazards. The hazard also
included exciter protection. Two additional hazards were illustrat-
ed: Lube Oil Tank/Oil Coolers/Filters and Pumps combined as a
second hazard, and the Hydrogen Seal Oil Unit was the third.
.-
The purpose of this supplement is twofold: First, to expand
on the reasons for protecting the lube oil equipment as well as the
bearings with CO,; and secondly, to describe an alternate scope of
protection wherein the protection includes fixed fire protection for
the bearings and exciter, but uses Low Pressure CO, hand hose
lines for protection of other oil and electrical equipment in the
turbine area.

This scope of protection was recently used in the protection

of a 65 MW unit in the cogeneration power plant of a large paper
mill. Chemetron has a video (VHS) describing this installation,
including the test of the system, which was done while the unit was
operating at full load. (This video is available for viewing upon
request.)

As many of you are aware, there are differences of opinion

as to whether bearings should be protected with water or CO,, or

CAaJDoX both. The advantages of CO, were stated in Bulletin #OOlO.

The Recommended Practices of NFPA (No. 850), Fire

Protection for Electric Generating Plants, in paragraph 5-7.4.2
recommends as follows:
4801 Southwick Drive
Third Floor
._ Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
o 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (S/96)
CHEmErRon
Fire Systemi
Power Generation Bulletin #OO15
Turbinegenerator bearings should be
protected with a manually or aufomatically
operated closed-head sprinkler system
utilizing directional nozzles. Fire protec-
tion systems for turbine generator bear-
ings should be designed for a density of
0.25 gpm per sq. ft. (0.7 7 L/set-mJ over
the protected area.
Accidental water discharge on bearing
points and hot turbine parts should be
considered. If necessary, these areas
may be protected by shields and encasing
insulation with metal covers.
If a manually operated water system is
installed, consideration should be given to
a supplemental automatic gaseous fire
extinguishing system.
John Corcoran, fellow of the Society of Fire
Protection Engineers (SFPE), in his paper SFPE
Technology Report 85-6, Fire Protection For
Power Plants Past, Present and Future, rec-
ommends:
Considering the value of the machine,
providing both water and carbon dioxide
or dry chemical protection may be pru-
dent, and a gas system is highly desirable
inside the exciter housing. Much greater
ffexibility in handling different type and
size fires is thus attained.
Therefore, it can be seen that even with basic
recommendations for water protection on bear-
ings, which are often motivated by insurance
considerations, the value of CO, protection is
also established.
To help you better understand the place for
CO,, we would like to explain some other con-
siderations that not only relate to protecting
bearings, but also to CO, protection for lube oil
co2 Application Bulktin
Page 2
storage and processing equipment.
It should be noted that on some installations
in the past, CO, and water system costs have
been a factor. CO, has been used where the
cost of the self-contained CO, system was less
than the cost necessary to provide an upgraded
water supply for fire protection purposes.
Other Important Design Considerations
A number of serious power plant losses have
resulted from three dimensional running oil fires
when the fire sprinkler coverage provided has
been unable to suppress the running fire.
CO, on the other hand has been used many,
many times to suppress large, three dimensional
fires not unlike what might be experienced in a
lube oil fire.
During World War II and the Korean War, the
militarys basic aircraft crash fire rescue involved
using Low Pressure CO, to knock down running
Avgas fires to effect crew rescue. Very high
rate CO, discharges from overhead boom noz-
zles, ground sweeps and handlines quickly sup-
pressed the burning gasoline, while water or
foam cooled metal surfaces. The CARDOX
crash/fire trucks of that era put out hundreds of
large fires, resulting in valuable suppression
experience.
Carbon dioxide local application fire protec-
tion in this context can be thought of as local-
ized inerting, using the placement of the noz-
zles and the resulting CO, discharge pattern to
create a volume of reduced oxygen within the
discharged gas envelope. This lack of oxygen
will totally suppress open burning within the en-
velope. If the combustible of flammable liquid is
contained and the ignition source removed, fire
extinguishment will result.
I
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems
Power Generation Bulletin #0015
This total containment and extinguishment of
three dimensional running fires is exactly what
happens in aluminum mill fires where hundreds
of gallons per minute of kerosene are sprayed
onto the mill to cascade down across the rolls
and drip into the pit below, while the metal strip
is fed through the mill.
For many of the larger mills protected with
CO,, the volume of the assumed enclosure,
which contains the coolant manifold, rolls, and
open oil pan, is larger than the assumed enclo-
sure required to cover the lube oil equipment
discussed here. Thus, the experience gained
in these two applications, plus many others,
can translate to the application discussed here.
One of our customers kept records on over
1,100 fires extinguished by such protection on
just two mills over an 18 year period. Thus,
this is not unproven technology.
Therefore, for those concerned about how to
control three dimensional oil fires, the thou-
sands of successful extinguishments in these
other applications involving three dimensional
fires offer a starting point to a solution.
Low Pressure CO, Hand Hose Lines
Because of the larger size hose available
with Low Pressure CO, and the projection abili-
ty of the special discharge nozzles used, the
LPCO, hand hose lines have been used for
years to afford clean, nonconducting, dry, por-
table fire protection for interior oil and electrical
hazards.
co2 Application Bulldin
Page 3
Oil fires of approximately 500 sq. ft. can be
expected to be extinguished with each hose
line. Projection capabilities are 25-30 feet or
more with discharge rates (with 1 hose) to 300
Ibs./minute.
Many installations are arranged to allow
simultaneous use of two handlines in critical
areas.
The projection capability allows a discharge
to reach cable trays located at ceiling levels.
Plus, the back-up of the entire CO, supply
allows the operator to discharge for many min-
utes to fight a stubborn, smoldering electrical
fire.
Carbon dioxide handlines are often placed
alongside water hose stations to give the oper-
ator a choice of agents based on the type of
fire experienced.
The drawing accompanying this supplement
illustrates the system at the paper mill power
plant mentioned earlier, which protects turbine
generator bearings and exciter, plus CO, hose-
reels at ground and turbine level (+ 140). This
is a less costly approach than full CO, protec-
tion on the turbine lube oil system, but still
offers the potential for fighting even a large fire.
CHEmErRon
Fire Svstems co2 Application Bull&in

Power Generation Bulletin #00 75

CHElllETROn
Power Generation Bullefin #0020

Fire System;
CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

Gas Turbine Generators

co
2
The protection of the lubricating and hydraulic oil hazards
associated with the operation of a gas turbine is shown on the
accompanying drawing.

The protection of gas turbines with carbon dioxide has been

a common practice for many years. In many turbine configura-
tions, the turbine is in an enclosure; the enclosure is flooded to a
34% CO, concentration and the CO, held for the time period
required, until the exposed metal surfaces cool below the auto-
3 ignition temperature of the combustibles present. However, in the

n
m larger turbines used in the big cogeneration facilities, the turbine
is not enclosed, except by the building that contains it. Protection
by water spray creates a real problem for the turbine, and at the
same time, protection with CO, is more difficult because of the lack
of an enclosure immediately around the unit.

n This problem is dealt with by the local application of carbon

dioxide in accordance with the ratings of the nozzles used and
NFPA Standard No. 12. Provision is made to maintain CO, around
the unit for the run-down time of the unit (usually 10 to 20 min-
a
utes), plus a safety factor of 10 minutes. The application of CO,
at the rates required for local application coverage will usually
result in low level flooding of the turbine room in a reasonable time
period. Because of noise and other considerations, the turbine
room is usually well sealed and the CO, contained.

cAsu>oX
While its been done successfully many times in the past, the
concept of low level flooding with carbon dioxide may be new to
the reader and deserves a word of explanation.

It is applicable to hazards where the combustible is contained

4801 Southwick Drive in the lower portion of a room with a relatively high ceiling, and
Third Floor where a long holding time is needed. If done properly, this ends
Matteson, IL 60443 up using much less CO, than flooding the entire room.
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
0 1996 CHEMETRONFIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (g/96)

CHEmETROn
Fire System;
Power Generation Bulletin #0020
The process involves:
n First shutting down all ventilation which
will exhaust CO, or mix it throughout the
room.
n Next, the CO, must be discharged in such
a way that the fire is initially extinguished
to prevent the rapid updraft of the open
burning from moving the CO, up.
n Testing has shown that when an area is
flooded with CO,, the CO, will not rise
much above the height of the discharge
nozzles, if the nozzles are aimed down.
The velocity of the CO, discharge will en-
train any rising CO, and force it back to-
ward the bottom of the area. Therefore,
the nozzles (not necessarily all of them)
should be at the height at which you want
to maintain the CO, concentration (usually
a minimum of 2 feet above the highest
combustible).
n Lastly, loss of CO, laterally out of the
room must be minimized by closing all
dampers, doors, etc. If losses occur dur-
ing the required soak time, (the cooling
period), follow-up discharges can be
made. The need for these and their du-
ration is determined when the system is
tested.
Besides protection of the gas turbine lube-
hydraulic oil system, other uses of the CO, sys-
tem would include protection of the fuel prepara-
tion equipment if oil is used as fuel, and to sup-
ply high capacity low pressure CO, hose lines.
I
CO2 Application Bulletin
Page 2
Low Pressure CO, hose lines - with a high
CO, discharge rate and projection capabilities of
30-35 feet - are unique fire fighters. They are
especially popular for use during maintenance
and repair. The unit can be removed from its
support, thereby charging the hose, and set
alongside the area where any cutting or welding
is to take place. In case of fire, the unit can be
discharged using the squeeze valve and play-
pipe. If not used, it can be returned to its brack-
et at its reel with little or no CO, having been
used. (The accompanying drawing does not
show hose line coverage.)
When the carbon dioxide system is designed,
the provision for personnel safety must be con-
sidered as strongly as the fire protection. A
safe system includes provision for:
n Alarms that absolutely, positively indicate
that the system is about to discharge.
n Analysis of the CO, gas flow to identify
where the CO, will be after a discharge.
(Provision for odorizing the CO, may be
appropriate.)
n Adequate instructions and training, includ-
ing warning and instructional signs.
NFPA Standard No. 12 provides good informa-
tion in this regard.
Detailed design information on this application
can be obtained from Chemetron.
 Low Pressure CO, Protection
Gas Turbine Generator

BEARING 7

GEAR REDUCER
AND BEARING

kf-ti! 1 / RESERVOIR >c

EXHAUST BEARING

r MASTER-SELECTOR
VALVES
I

HYDRAULIC UNIT

- \ FUEL PREPARATION
CO2 STORAGE UNIT
SKID
 Power Generation Bulletin #0025
CHEmETROn
Fire System6
CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

Compartmentized Gas Turbines

Power Generation Bulletin #0020 covered the larger type gas

turbines used in some of the newer high capacity cogeneration
plants. This is the type of unit which is housed in a building built
as a power station or as part of a combined cycle plant, wherein
the station holds gas turbines and a steam turbine, with the ex-
haust gasses from the gas turbines used as a heat source for
generating steam. However, many more gas turbines are built and
housed in enclosures, shipped to the job site and quickly placed in
service with little on-site construction. We choose to call these
compartmentized turbines packaged units.This application bulletin
covers these units.

The material contained herein is an update of the March,

1970 issue of Hot Spots, which was a technical publication of the
Cardox Division of Chemetron Corporation.

a
Well present a description of the recommended Chemetron
Fire Systems protection, along with a background of the develop-
ment work done to assure that this protection is properly designed
to meet the unusual demands of this equipment.

Several basic considerations of carbon dioxide fire protection

system design which are often overlooked, such as losses through
unclosable openings and adequate cooling periods, are empha-
sized. We call these to your specific attention as they would apply
to the design of protection of many other hazards.

CkSRDO!X Description of Hazard

A gas turbine unit essentially consists of an axial compressor

section and an expansion turbine section on a common shaft,
4801 Southwick Drive coupled to drive an electric generator or centrifugal compressor.
Third Floor A diesel starting engine, electric motor, or small separate turbine
Matteson, IL 60443 is utilized for starting.
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
Q 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. W96)
CHEmErRon
Fire System:
Power Generafion Bulletin #0025
Air is drawn into the compressor and com-
pressed before entering the combustion cham-
ber, where it is mixed with fuel and burned. The
expanding burned gasses drive the turbine,
which in turn powers the equipment being op-
erated.
The areas of protection considered for any
gas turbine power facility are the Turbine Com-
partment, the Accessories Areas, the Electrical
Control and Switchgear Areas, the Fuel Pump
Area, and the Generator. Protection of the
Accessories Areas, Control Room, and Pump
House present no unique problems of protec-
tion. Protection of the generator, usually of the
straight-through air cooled type, requires the
same protection techniques developed by
Chemetron for the protection of large rotating
equipment in steel mills or similar facilities, and
will not be discussed here. The protection of
the Turbine Compartment is of primary concern
in this presentation.
The fire problem in the turbine compartment
is represented by failure of the fuel (natural gas,
No. 2 fuel oil, or jet fuel) system, or by leakage
of lubrication oils used on the shaft bearings.
The problem is that when the gas turbine is
operating, it gets very hot, and when it is shut
down, it cools rather slowly. Outer surface tem-
peratures of the combustion chamber and tur-
bine expander reach 850F - 9OOF, which is
well above the approximate 494F auto-ignition
temperature of No. 2 fuel oil, or the approximate
700F auto-ignition temperature of bearing lubri-
cating oil. Therefore, if this fuel comes in con-
tact with these hot surfaces in an air atmos-
phere, a fire can occur. To put this fire out mo-
mentarily means nothing if, when the agent is
dissipated, contact between the fuel and the
ignition source still exists. Since these units are
often unattended and not accessible to follow-up
fire fighting, there is no way to effect total extin-
guishment except through the fire protection
co2 Application Bulktin
Page 2
system itself. Shutting off the fuel to the gas
turbine by closing a valve in the fuel line is a
part of system design and should limit the fire
producing material to the residue in the bottom
of the unit. This residue may not be in contact
with the hot turbine. However, contact could
exist through failure of the fuel shutoff valve or
other abnormal occurrence. The pressure in the
bearing lubrication system is specifically de-
signed to be maintained while the shaft is rotat-
ing so that a loss in the integrity of the lube oil
system could force oil under pressure onto met-
al parts close by. If these parts are hot, and if
this rotation is for an extended period, momen-
tary fire extinguishment is of very little value.
Cool Down Time
The critical question in gas turbine protection
is how long does it take for exposed hot surfac-
es to cool below the ignition temperature of the
fuel involved. To answer this question, it was
necessary to run a series of tests in which sur-
face temperatures at suspected locations were
recorded during operation and shutdown. These
tests were conducted on actual installations on
several different makes of turbines, one type of
which is illustrated on the drawing accompany-
ing this bulletin.
Recordings were made of surface tempera-
tures at three locations. Item A represents the
external surface over the combustors. In indus-
trial type turbines, the combustion chamber is
separated from the exposed surface metal, al-
lowing access to incoming cool air. Therefore,
the temperature does not get as high as might
be expected. The temperature may be higher
downstream of the combustion chamber just be-
fore entering the expansion section of the tur-
bine. In aircraft type turbines, the surface tem-
peratures get somewhat higher.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems
Power Generation 5detin #0025
Item B represents temperatures in the ex-
haust section not visible on the drawing. These
surfaces are largely insulated; however, there
are some thin, exposed sections in the exhaust
bearing tunnel, and also some heavy support
sections that have direct metallic contact with
the inside of the exhaust passageway. Heavy
support sections may not get as hot as thinner
sections, but cooling will be slower because of
the sheer mass of metal.
Item C represents the exhaust manifold of a
diesel starting engine for those systems provid-
ed with this method of starting. The diesel
engine runs only during the starting cycle.
However, the exhaust manifold does get hot
enough to ignite fuel oil before the diesel en-
gine is shut down after starting.
The actual temperatures attained and the
cool-down time depend upon operating con-
ditions. The greater the load or output, the
higher the gas temperature must be to drive
the load. Therefore, maximum surface tem-
peratures are developed when operating at
maximum load with maximum ambient air tem-
perature.
Cooling time will be influenced somewhat by
the ambient temperature and also by the shut-
down procedure. Normal shutdown procedure
is to run the turbine under no load conditions
for about five minutes before finally shutting off
the fuel. The internal parts of the exhaust sec-
tion cool down rapidly under these conditions
because of the cooler gas flowing through the
system. Emergency shutdown for fire extin-
guishing requires an immediate fuel cut off after
load is removed so that the turbine slows down
immediately and the air flow through the sys-
tem falls off very rapidly. Under emergency
shutdown conditions, there is no time for inter-
nal cooling and the exposed surfaces will not
cool off as rapidly. On the other hand, the
co 2 Application Bulktin
Page 3
discharge of CO, for fire protection will be of
some help in reducing surface temperatures.
Figure 1 represents typical temperature
curves during a test operating cycle for a tur-
bine system with a diesel starting engine. It will
be noted that the diesel exhaust manifold (C)
reaches a temperature over 800F during the
starting cycle. The cooling time is based on
cooling to 49OF, the auto-ignition temperature
of diesel fuel.
Combustor surface temperatures (A) may not
get as hot as the starting engine exhaust mani-
fold, however, cool down time may be longer
depending on the type of turbine. Highest sur-
face temperatures were found in the exhaust
section (B). Heavy metal sections required the
longest cooling time. Where the only fuel ex-
posure is turbine lubricating oil, the cooling
time can be based on its auto-ignition tempera-
ture of 700F. Its necessary to add a safety
factor to all of these figures to compensate for
the possible effect of operation at unduly high
loads or high ambient temperatures.
Air Leakage
In any turbine installation, there must be a
substantial flow of cooling air around the out-
side of the turbine to maintain reasonable ambi-
ent temperatures within the turbine compart-
ment. This may be accomplished by aspirating
air from the turbine enclosure into the exhaust
duct. Alternately, fans or special eductors may
be used. The cooling air often enters through
openings on the side of the enclosure. The air
inlets may be designed to bring the air in near
the bottom of the turbine enclosure so that it
must pass over the turbine before being ex-
hausted to the outside. It is also necessary to
cool the turbine lubricating oil by drawing air
through a fin tube heat exchanger.
CHEmErRon
Fire Systems
Power Generation Bulletin #0025
When the turbine is shut down, the flow rate
of the secondary cooling air drops off rapidly;
however, air leakage remains much too high to
permit practical total flooding without prohibitive
loss of CO,. The obvious leakage openings
must be sealed or provided with dampers that
can be closed when the CO, system is actuat-
ed. In some systems, there is an annular gap
around the turbine air intake bell. In others,
there may be bottom openings through which
pipes and conduit are brought into the enclo-
sure. Doors and panels must close tightly and
have soft seals. Even so, the leakage rate will
still be sufficient to dissipate any atmosphere of
CO, in a couple of minutes or so, unless an
extended discharge is used to compensate for
losses. The extended discharge rate should be
no higher than necessary to maintain a mini-
mum of 30 to 35 percent CO, in the protected
space for the cooling off period. Figure 2 rep-
resents typical CO, concentration curves re-
corded during the temperature cool down test
illustrated in Figure 1. With this technique, it is
possible to maintain an extinguishing concen-
tration as long as necessary to permit proper
cool down without risking reignition. CO, loss
rates were established by separate discharge
tests.
Fire Detection
The high secondary air flow rate required for
compartment cooling also makes it difficult to
detect small fires with heat detectors located
near the ceiling. It takes a substantially sized
fire burning near the floor level to raise the
temperature of the total air flow sufficiently to
actuate the heat detectors. Heat detectors are
obviously needed over the turbine sections to
assure detection of a fire that may originate on
the side or top of the turbine due to a broken
fuel line. On the other hand, to detect a small
fire near the floor level, it is desirable to install
co 2 Application Bull&in
Page 4
detectors below the turbine in critical areas
where such fires might occur.
The important limitation is to make sure that
the temperature setting is high enough to avoid
false actuation by radiant heat from the turbine
itself. This point was actually tested by install-
ing dummy thermostats with internal thermo-
couples for recording the temperature during a
test cycle. It was found that such temperatures
did not exceed 200F and that therefore, a tem-
perature setting of about 325F should be satis-
factory.
Because of their inherent simplicity and reli-
ability, heat actuated detectors are considered
best for automatic discharge of the CO, system.
Flame or other special detectors may be used
in critical units.
Carbon Dioxide System
The piping and nozzle arrangement of a CO,
fire protection system for this application is
illustrated on the drawing. When a fire is de-
tected in any one of the protected compart-
ments, the first action is to automatically shut
down the turbine by shutting off the fuel supply
and disconnecting the generator from the line.
An alarm is also sounded to warn personnel of
the impending discharge. After a brief delay to
allow time for evacuation in the event someone
happens to be in one of the protected compart-
ments, the discharge is started by the opening
of both main and extended discharge valves
(not shown). The turbine compartment is not
normally occupied during operation, so delay of
the discharge is not provided if provisions are
made to lock out the discharge when the tur-
bine compartment is occupied.
When opened, the valves at the central low
pressure supply tank (not shown) permit the
CHEmErRon
Fire Systems
Power Generation Bulletin #0025
flow of carbon dioxide through the supply
header into the hazard discharge piping. The
flow through the main discharge line provides
rapid total flooding for fast extinguishment.
Pressure in this line also trips automatic damp-
er closers to shut off major ventilation openings
at the beginning of the discharge. The peak
design concentration is attained in less than
one minute to extinguish the fire.
The main discharge valve is then closed by
means of the timing system. The extended
discharge valve remains open as long as the
concentration is to be maintained for protection
against reignition. A simple orifice nozzle is
used in each compartment on extended dis-
charge to provide ample velocity for stirring the
atmosphere. This action is designed to fore-
stall stratification because of leakage. At the
end of the cooling period, the extended dis-
charge valve is also closed, ending the dis-
charge sequence.
The alarm circuit for the affected hazard
must be manually reset to be certain that oper-
ating personnel are aware of the discharge.
The fire detection circuit is also locked out until
manually reset to avoid a possible second dis-
charge in the event of a shorted detector or
circuit. This does not prevent a second dis-
charge by manual means if this should be
needed.
Of course, none of the lock out features
would interfere with simultaneous or later auto-
matic fire protection of another hazard protect-
ed by the same low pressure storage unit.
co 2 Application Bulletin
Page 5
After a fire, the turbine, itself, must obviously
be checked to correct fuel leakage or whatever
caused the fire in the first place. Before the
turbine can be operated, any dampers or other
shutdowns tripped by the CO, system must be
reset to allow proper flow of cooling air or fuel,
as the case may be.
Instances have occurred where the fire start-
ed with an explosion in the compartments and
the doors were blown open. If this is to be a
design basis, then it should be considered at
the time of design and CO, quantities and noz-
zle placement designed to ensure flooding,
even with the doors open.
Some have used foam to supplement CO,
protection by covering any fuel or lubricant in
the bottom of the unit. High expansion foam is
the usual choice for this.
The CO, will quickly flood the unit to the
ceiling and from wall to wall. Foam will not do
this, so the foam is considered a supplement.
The 1990 edition of NFPA No. 850 Recom-
mended Practices: Fire Protection for Fossil
Fueled Steam Electric Generating Plants (to
be renamed), will include combustion turbines
and is recommended as a reference source.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems co2 Application Bull&in

Power Generation Bulletin #0025 Page 6

1200

1100

1000

900

5 800

; 700

$ 600

2 500

g 400

300

200

100
0

(STARTING) MINUTES

Represents typical temperature curves during a test operating cycle

for a turbine system with a diesel starting engine.

Figure 1

0 5 10 15 20
TIME

Represents typical CO, concentration curves recorded during the temperature

cool down test illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 2
 TOTAL FLOOD NOZZLE
DIRECTED
EQUIPMENT
AT PROTECTED

r
4

6
1
I- EXTENDED
\ NOZZLE
DISCHARGE

rlll I

FROM CO2 STORAGE UNIT

Compartmentized Gas Turbine

 Power Generation Bulletin #0030
CHEmETROn
Fire System;
CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

Hydroelectric Generators
co
2
One of the more traditional applications of carbon dioxide as
a fire extinguishant is in the protection of air cooled rotating electric
machinery. This bulletin covers the protection of hydraulic turbine
driven enclosed electric generators. Other bulletins will cover other
electric motor/generator configurations.

The protection of hydroelectric generators has been covered

by Standard No. 12 since its very inception (now an NFPA Stan-
dard.) It was recognized that if an adequate amount of CO1 is in-
troduced into the generator housing and held long enough, the fire
would be completely extinguished, and the damage limited to the
initial fire damage and whatever electrical problems initiated the
fire. It was also recognized that CO*, being an inert gas, is a non-
conductor and could be introduced in the machine even if the power
is not, or cannot be, shut off. In addition, CO2 is three dimension-
al, making it capable of reaching all internal parts of the machine
that the fire supporting air can reach.

Over the years, many improvements in electrical insulating

materials have been made, resulting in reduced combustibility.
These have caused some to believe that the need for fire protection
has been eliminated. Not so!

The introduction of mica epoxy insulating materials has re-

duced the effects of aging, hopefully reducing the incidence of
failure. Also, insulation materials have been tested to show they are

CAaDoX self-extinguishing. But these tests do not evaluate the materials in

the quantities and manner used in these machines, nor under the
high energy conditions of an electrical fault. In addition, the
materials making up the end turns are combustible and provide
4801 Southwick Drive ample fuel for a disastrous fire. Numerous fires have demonstrated
Third Floor the need for protection of large value and key generator units.
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
@ 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (91961
CHErnETROII
Fire System:
Power Generafion Bulletin #0030
Generally, the availability of the parts needed
for repairs after a fire are limited. Rewinding
requires a lengthy time period and ordering a new
rotor or starter coils could represent a very long
lead time.
The National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA) has issued a Recommended Practices,
Fire Protection for Hydroelectric Generating
Plants, (NFPA #851) and in paragraph 5-3.1,
protection for the generator windings is recom-
mended.
Machine Cons true tion
As you can see from the drawing accompa-
nying this bulletin, the dammed up water flows
under gravity through a turbine of some type, to
turn a shaft to which the rotor of an electric gen-
erator is attached. In contrast to the steam tur-
bine, the speed of rotation is much less (usually
under 360 rpm). To cool the unit, water is some-
times circulated in the windings; also, the recircu-
lated cooling air is passed over cooling coils be-
fore being circulated through the windings. In
some units, ducted air is used.
Water for driving the turbine is stored in a
dammed up reservoir, with the water flowing from
the reservoir down through the turbine to the river
or stream below.
The turbine generator can be mounted in the
vertical as shown, horizontally, or as a bulb type
with water flowing through a bulb in which a gen-
erator is housed (access is through a strut to the
inside of the bulb).
In the more commonly used vertical unit, one
or more units are placed, usually in line, in a
power house with at least part of the unit above
the supporting concrete. The generator is sepa-
co2 Application Bull&in
rated from the turbine below by what is usually a
water and air tight bulkhead. Access to the ma-
chine is by doors in the housing. These doors
should be arranged to minimize the possibility of
being blown open.
Above the generator housing is a small hou-
sing containing the collector rings, field exciter,
and generator sensing elements. It is usually
cooled by the same air as the generator and is in-
cluded in the generator air volume when calculat-
ing CO, requirements.
Oil filled gear units may connect the turbine to
the generator and require protection.
In some installations, the machine can be used
as a pump as well as a generator. In this case, the
electric machine functions as a motor with the tur-
bine working as a pump, pumping water uphill
into the power plant reservoir during the night,
when the extra power generating capacity is avail-
able. During peak demand hours, water flows
back down through the machine, now functioning
as a generator, to generate the peak electric power
needed. This is called pumped storage.
In recent years, many hydroelectric or pumped
storage plants have been remotely operated, and
therefore, most of the time they are unattended.
Some units are run of the river, or even tide
operated. There are also wind driven or com-
pressed air driven electric generators, all of which
are similar in many ways.
The protection requirements for the enclosed
electric generator portion of the machine are
identical in all cases.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systemi
Power Generation Bulletin #0030
CO, Application
The established design for generator protection
is per Table 2-4.2.1 and Paragraph 2-5.2.3 of
NFPA Standard No. 12. Referring to these you
will find that the design concentration for the gen-
erator CO, flooding is 50% by volume. Of this
total, 30% is to be achieved in the first 2 minutes,
with 50% achieved in 7 minutes, and 30% held
until the unit shuts down (but not less than 20
minutes).
As the unit rotates, it is designed to move its
own cooling air (which may be aided by fans).
This air movement creates zones of increased and
decreased pressure, which could cause loss of air/
CO> after a discharge, or the introduction of fresh
air. When the CO? is discharged and mixed with
the air, the resulting mixture is heavier than air,
so loss can also occur due to gravity flow out of
low level leak points.
Some units require a prolonged run down after
shutdown occurs. Others have braking systems
which substantially shorten the run down period.
If the CO? is discharged in the quantities re-
quired to reach 50% and the cooling system is en-
closed with air recirculating, it stands that it will
hold a 30% concentration for 20 minutes unless
there are some leak points. Experience has shown
that housings are not tight and some CO? loss is to
be expected. But in recent years, testing has
shown losses on newer machines to be less than
previously expected. In any case, the fire protec-
tion system designer must anticipate there will be
some loss and design for same. The big question
is how much? We must know how much CO? has
to be added after the initial discharge to meet the
design criteria of holding 30 % until shutdown.
For this we have been given a guide.
co 2 Application Bulletin
A table to determine the amount of CO? to be
added (Table A-2-5.3 of Standard No. 12) has
been used for years and has proven to give good,
even conservative, results.
The initial discharge is calculated at 1 lb. for
each 12 cubic feet of generator volume (50%) and
the added, or make-up COz, is estimated from the
table. For example, if the internal volume of the
machine is 4,000 cubic feet and the shutdown time
is 20 minutes, the added CO, needed is estimated
to be 450 lbs.
It is normal practice to pipe both quantities of
CO? into the machine independently. One set of
discharge nozzles floods the machine to help
achieve the initial design concentration (50 %),
while another set is used to add make-up CO: to
hold the CO, level above 30%. We call these CO1
discharges the Initial Discharge and the Extended
Discharge. The initial discharge lasts for 2 min-
utes or more. The extended discharge continues
throughout the complete holding period.
When a 50% CO: gas concentration is added
to an enclosed volume, an internal pressure will
be created. While the machine enclosure is de-
signed to withstand some internal pressure, the
protection must be designed so that the pressure
level does not exceed design levels. This can mean
the need to install pressure vents, which can be
quite simple. The formula for calculating the
need for venting and how much vent area is re-
quired is found in paragraph 2-6.2 of Standard
No. 12.
S ys tern Arrangement
Referring to the arrangement diagram, you
will note the CO? storage unit has two (2) control
valves piped to two separate discharge lines and
two separate sets of nozzles.
CHEmETROn
Fire Svstemg
Power Generation Bulletin #IO030
One line is the Initial Discharge line and the
other the Extended Discharge line. The descrip-
tion of operation is as follows:
The unit is provided with an automatic detec-
tion system, usually consisting of an optical type
smoke detection system, used in conjunction with
a rate compensated heat actuated system. System
actuation is by the detection system arranged as
the operator prefers.
This could be -
n CO, discharge and alarm upon either smoke or
heat detection.
or
. Alarm only on smoke detection, and CO? dis-
charge on heat detection.
or
n Discharge when both detectors operate togeth-
er. Alarm is given when either operates.
The ability to abort the discharge, if neces-
sary, is also a design option. A manual release is
also available (usually in the control room) to
initiate the CO2 discharge. A second release can
be by the machine.
Immediately on release by either automatic or
manual operation, audible alarms sound in the ma-
chine, under the machine, and in the power house
at the machine. Strobe or similar warning lights
are also used. Usually, the machine CO, dis-
charge starts immediately, but it must be delayed
to allow for personnel evacuation if there is any
possibility that anyone can be in the machine.
Commonly, when the doors are opened, interlocks
will switch the automatic mode to alarm only and
lock out the machine so it cannot be started until
the CO2 system is in automatic operation and the
co2 Application Bulletin
doors closed.
Many machines are also arranged so that the
CO1 is tripped automatically by electric faults
(differential relays, etc.)
At the start of the discharge, both valves open.
The total CO1 flow through the initial and extend-
ed discharge lines constitutes the initial discharge.
For example, if the initial CO2 required is 1,000
lbs/minute and the extended discharge is 100 lbs/
minute, then the larger valve flows 900 lbsiminute
and the smaller valve 100 lbs/minute to give the
1,000 lbs/minute total rate. After the initial dis-
charge is over, the controls close the larger valve,
with the smaller valve continuing to discharge for
the full holding period.
With the low pressure system, some installa-
tions have been made with one valve, one dis-
charge line, and one set of nozzles. On discharge,
the valve opens to give the required initial dis-
charge to get 30% CO2 in 2 minutes with the 50%
design achieved within 7 minutes. Sometime after
the initial discharge, if the CO1 concentration in
the machine drops near the 30 % level, the valve
is opened again for added COz. For long deceler-
ation periods, it can be opened again later on. A
full discharge test of the machine sets the length
and frequency of the discharges. Care in design
must be exercised so that too frequent discharges
are not made. Frequent discharges of short dura-
tion can cause freezing problems due to dry ice
buildup in the piping.
There may be a risk if CO, vapor is allowed to
flow from the machine to areas where it is not ex-
pected. Therefore, proper sealing of the machine
is not only beneficial for retaining the CO? for
good fire protection, but it also makes for a safer
installation as well. The system discharge test
will usually identify housing leaks. Be sure to
CHEmETROn
Fire System;
Power Generation Bulletin #0030
have adequate breathing apparatus available in
the vicinity of the machine and in the control
room.
It has become a common practice to odorize
the CO, with oil of wintergreen during the dis-
charge. Oil of wintergreen has a unique odor, can
be smelled at very low CO, concentrations, and it
doesnt hurt anything. Odorized CO1 is detectable
if it leaks from the machine and settles in low
spots. All such potential areas should be equip-
ped with alarms and be well ventilated.
NFPA Standard No. 12 should be consulted
for recommendations on the safe use of CO? extin-
guishing systems.
On occasion, a generator fire has involved an
explosion (vaporized combustible from the electri-
cal fault suddenly igniting. or fault arc plasma).
If this occurs, the access doors could be blown
open. Proper placement of CO, discharge nozzles
and increased CO2 flow rates can be used to en-
sure adequate protection even if this happens (as
we do protect straight through air flow machines
which are not enclosed). If the low pressure type
system is used, the provision for a worst case con-
dition will probably not significantly increase the
system cost.
If the cooling air of the machine is ducted and
the ducts are provided with dampers, they should
be arranged for closing upon CO, discharge. The
volume of the ducts must be included in calculat-
ing CO2 quantities. Fans are to be shut down and
any expected air flow through the damper should
be added in the CO1 discharge calculation.
If theres a fire in the machine, it is expected
that the machine will be shut down. The CO, sys-
tem is designed on this basis. However, there are
some articles recommending that the unit be kept
CO2 Application Bulletin
Page 5
running, with the air cooling the fire in the same
way a burning match is cooled by blowing on it.
If this is ever to be done, the CO: system must be
designed accordingly.
High Pressure CO, S ys tern Arrangement
The accompanying diagram shows the arrange-
ment of a high pressure CO1 system for generator
protection.
The calculated amount of CO? for the initial
discharge is stored in a bank of cylinders, man-
ifolded together and piped, in this case, to the
extended discharge line.
The pilot cylinders, which are released to
initiate the full discharge, are on the initial dis-
charge bank. When they are tripped, the mani-
fold pressure from the initial bank is piped
through a check valve to the extended discharge
manifold. Pressurization of this discharge mani-
fold releases the extended discharge cylinders.
The check valve prevents CO? flow from the
extended discharge cylinders from entering into
the initial discharge manifold and piping. The
flow rate of each discharge is, of course. deter-
mined by the size of the discharge piping and the
nozzle orifices on that line.
In plants where there are several generators in
line. its common practice to protect each genera-
tor with a separate cylinder arrangement. A third
bank of cylinders, common to two adjacent gener-
ator systems, functions as a common reserve. In
case either generator system discharges, this re-
serve can be switched into the position of the
discharged cylinder bank, thus ensuring continu-
ous protection until the other cylinders are re-
charged.
Conclusion
CHEmETROn
Fire System:
Power Generation Bulletin #0030
In conclusion, wed like to discuss the com-
mon objections to the use of CO, in these ma-
chines.
Reliability - Enormous improvements in
CO2 system detection and control, along with full
supervision of electrical and key mechanical oper-
ating controls, have been made in recent years.
Recently published data and papers indicate gas-
eous agent systems to be comparable in reliability
to water systems. Experience has shown that CO2
gas supplies that are ample to ensure total fire
extinguishment under worst case conditions can be
provided and be cost effective.
Since CO2 systems are almost always auto-
matic, and most water systems are manual (to pre-
vent discharge when the unit is energized), seems
to give the edge to CO,, especially at an unattend-
ed, remotely controlled plant.
co 2 Application Bull&in
Safety - The safety engineering of the sys-
tem must be just as important as the fire protec-
tion engineering. History has shown that acci-
dents do not occur when the equipment and sys-
tem are well maintained and personnel are fa-
miliar with what they have and how it operates.
Cost - You have to analyze what you are
protecting and how important it is to you. As-
suming a fire is always a possibility, you should
do a fire risk analysis to determine your protection
needs and get expert help in estimating costs
before selecting the type and scope of protection.
The thousands of CO2 systems in service testify to
the cost effectiveness of CO, on key units.
In addition to the generator protection, the
consideration of CO2 for protection of regulator
cabinets, oil rooms, transformers, cable vaults,
switchgear, and spaces beneath raised floors
should be made. Normally, one system can be
used to protect all.
Other bulletins will cover the protection of
nonenclosed electric machines and the other haz-
ards mentioned above.
CHElllETROn
co 2 Application Bulktin
Fire Systemi

Power Generation Bulletin #0030

CHEmErRon
Fire System< co2 Application Bull&in

Power Generation Bulletin #0030 Page 8

CnEmETROn
Power Generation Bulletin #0035

Fire Systemi
CARBON D/OXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

Hydrogen Cooled Electric Generators

Inerting/Purging Systems
co
2
When the generator rotor is turned at high speed in larger
steam turbine units, the turbine must overcome the resistance to
the turning rotor created by the atmosphere in the generator
casing. This wasted energy use is called windage loss. To re-
duce this windage loss to a minimum, the air in the casing is
replaced with hydrogen, our lightest gas.

When the unit is first installed, the casing is full of air. The
air cannot be directly replaced with hydrogen without going
through the explosive range (which is quite broad for hydrogen).
Similarly, when taking a unit from service, the hydrogen in the
unit cannot be directly bled off and replaced with air without again
going through the explosive range. To keep from creating an
explosive atmosphere, CO, is used to inert the air before the
hydrogen is introduced into the casing. Then the CO,/air mixture
is replaced by the hydrogen. To empty the casing, the hydrogen
is purged by CO, and then the unit ventilated when the casing is

a
opened.

The generator manufacturer builds a CO, manifold into the

bottom of the machine (CO, being heavy) and a hydrogen mani-
fold in the top (hydrogen being light). This helps prevent mixing
and reduces the amount of gas needed. This gas exchange is
normally done on turning gear. More gas is needed if done at
speed. (See the diagram on page 4 which illustrates this inetting/
purging operation.)

Purging the hydrogen from the machine is usually estimated

to require about two volumes of CO,. To replace the air before
hydrogen is introduced will take 1% volumes. Thus, it can be
estimated that it will take 3% volumes of CO, to take a unit out of
service, open the casing, and then return the unit to service. If
4801 Southwick Drive
done at speed, it could take 5 volumes.
Third Floor
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 7081748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
Q 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (9196)
CnEmETROn
Fire System:
Power Generation Bulletin #0035
Years ago, it was common practice for the
generator manufacturer to provide a CO, supply
of high pressure cylinders manifolded together.
These were not fire system cylinders, but rather
cylinders with manual valves at the cylinder
vapor spaces. With this arrangement, CO, va-
por is bled off from the cylinders into a manifold,
and then regulated pressure CO, introduced into
the generator through the controls and manifold
provided by the machine manufacturer.
Liquid CO, is not used; vapor is withdrawn,
which prevents the cooling that occurs when
liquid is discharged. As the vapor from the
cylinder is bled off, the pressure in the cylinder
drops and the flow slows. In the time usually
allotted for purging, all the CO, in the cylinders
cannot be recovered unless external heating is
used. It can be assumed that perhaps 70% is
recoverable. (If its hot and you allow enough
time, this percentage will increase.)
The disadvantages of the cylinder system
are:
1 There is only a minimum amount of CO,
I
available. Thus, if a second purge is
needed, there could be delays until a re-
placement CO, supply is obtained.
2 The CO, flow rate is determined by the
I
vapor bleed off rate, which is a function of
how many cylinders are bleeding and the
heat input to the cylinders. It is hard to
increase the rate if this should ever prove
necessary. In an emergency, it may be
appropriate to purge the hydrogen as fast
as possible.
3 Plant personnel have to handle high pres-
I
sure gas cylinders, which is always a risk.
For this reason, the industry trend is to
bulk gas systems. Special rigs for han-
co2 Application Bulletin
Page 2
dling cylinders to prevent an accident -
where the cylinder becomes a projectile -
are common.
I4 Cylinder CO, is more costly and not as
readily available as bulk liquid CO,.
Except for very small generating units, CO, in
cylinders is rarely used today. Rather, the bulk
low pressure system is favored. With the low
pressure CO, system, the CO, vapor needed is
obtained by taking liquid CO, from the unit and
putting it through a direct to process vaporizer.
This adds the heat of vaporization (about 120
BTUs/lb.), plus the additional heat required to
get the CO, temperature up to the desired level.
The CO, vapor then goes through a flow control
manifold (throttling valve, regulator with gauge)
to establish the proper flow rate. CO, is usually
used at 75 - 90 psi with a purge time of an hour
or two. The flow control schemes are normally
redundant. When the flow rate is established, it
is normally left set at that level, but can be easi-
ly increased in an emergency. If a system with
remotely actuated operating valves is required,
this is easily accomplished. Refer to the draw-
ing of the Carbon Dioxide Purging System,
which illustrates an arrangement where the CO,
main control valve is electrically operated, which
allows pushbutton operation. The electric va-
porizer is a demand type with thermostatic con-
trol; when the valve opens and cold CO, liquid
is introduced into the vaporizer, the platen heat-
ing elements are automatically turned on.
Therefore, the unit is always ready to go, but
uses no power until heating is needed.
Since the maximum flow rate is a function of
the capacity of the vaporizer, the vaporizer is
sized to a worst case condition. Increases in
vaporizer capacity do not proportionately in-
crease the cost.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems co2 Application Bulktin

Power Generation Bulletin #003.5 Page 3

The advantages of the low pressure system
and the ability to use this same storage unit for
multiple purposes (hydrogen purging, coal silo
inerting, fixed fire protection, hand hose line
coverage, etc.) has made it virtually an industry
standard.
More details on specific system arrangement
are available from Chemetron.
These direct to process vaporizers provide
standard features, including a weatherproof
enclosure, replaceable pressure cast heater
platens, low discharge temperature safety shut-
off, and circuit breaker load projection.
If only intermittent use of CO, vapor is con-
templated, one vaporizer can usually satisfy
two uses.

Other lnerfingUses

When there is any application for CO, vapor,

the setup for using the LPCO, System and the
direct to process vaporizer to give the required
quantities of vapor are virtually the same as
that described above for the hydrogen purge.
Each pound of CO, will expand to about 8.3
cubic feet of vapor at atmospheric conditions.
The volume of CO, required is calculated and
converted to pounds as this is how the vaporiz-
ers are rated.

Basic units are: 375 lb./hour 15 KW

750 lb./hour 38 KW
1 ,125 lb./hour 45 KW
1,500 lb./hour 60 Kw
CHElTlETROll
Fire Systems co 2 Application Bulktin

Power Generation Bulletin #0035 Page 4

---___--
---____-

1s
II
U
 MANUAL ISOLATION
VALVES
CO2 VAPORIZER -
REGULATOR- 7
\

RELIEF VALVE
CO2 STORAGE UNIT FILL CONNECTIONS 7 7

REFRIGERATION HOUSING \

CONTROLS CONNECTION
FOR FIRE SYSTEM
PIPING TO PURGE J
CONNECTION
CONNECTION FOR
FIRE SYSTEM
h
\, .b
\
L 1 PRESSURE
OPERATED VALVE
\
L 1 MANUAL
BY-PASS VALVE

SHUT-OFF VALVE

LIQUID AUXILIARY OU TLET

CO2 STORAGE UNIT

Low Pressure CO, Purging System

for Hydrogen Cooled Electric Generator
CHEmETROn
Power Generation Bulletin #0040

Fire System6
CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE SUPPRESSION -

Coal Storage Silos and Bunkers

Active coal storage consists of storage of coal in a bin, silo

or bunker, For the purposes of this bulletin, we will discuss silo
storage in a common power plant configuration. The coal is fed
by conveyor into the top of the silo; it then flows by gravity out
the bottom to the coal feeder (as shown on the accompanying
drawing), or to a conveyor to the coal feeder, and then to the pro-
cessing equipment (in this case, the coal pulverizer). (See Power
Generation Bulletin #0045 for information on Coal Pulverizer
lnerting and Fire Protection.)

The protection techniques discussed apply just as well if the

storage is a bin or bunker.

Coal stored in silos before it is fed into the coal mills of a

steam electric generating station (or other similar short term stor-
age application) continually oxidizes and generates heat. In the
event of an unscheduled shutdown, coal trapped in the silo will
oxidize enough to eventually start to burn. The length of time
that it takes to heat the coal to burning is a function of the reac-
tivity of the coal. Some of the Western United States coal will
reach this point in just a few days.

Fires will be more frequent if the silo/bunker is not cleaned

periodically and/or proper filling procedures are not followed. In
the event of a fire, if it is not practical to run the coal from the silo
out onto the ground, another method of fire control is necessary.
lnerting and fire control with CO, vapor is widely used.

CaRDo!! The techniques described here are based on work done by

Cardox Corporation (predecessor to Chemetron Fire Systems)
and Commonwealth Edison in 1953, and refined by hundreds of
installations at many different sites, with many different coals, in
4801 Southwick Drive the interim.
Third Floor
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
Q 1996 CHEMETRONFIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (9196)
CnEmErRon
Fire Svstem; co2 Application Bulletin
a

Power Generation Bulletin #0040 Page 2

CO, System Design Procedure Used

The principle of this protection is to push CO,
vapor through the coal, reach the level of ad-
sorption, and fill all the void spaces between the
coal particles to reduce the oxygen available to
the fire to near zero. At some point, the gen-
eration of heat by oxidation will become less
than the heat loss by conduction, and the burn-
ing mass will cool. Holding this condition long
enough will effect fire extinguishment. To inert
the coal, CO, vapor is used. If liquid CO, is
discharged to atmospheric pressure, dry ice
particles are formed, which could block the gas
flow.
It is well known that carbon will adsorb CO,.
(Carbon filters specifically designed for this pur-
pose will adsorb many volumes of CO,.) Coal,
while not particularly efficient in removing CO,
from a CO, /air mixture, will still cause CO, to
adsorb to its surface.
The U.S. Bureau of Mines has evaluated and
quantified this characteristic and Chemetron
Fire Systems has tested for this as well, which
allows estimating anticipated CO, use. If fire is
detected down in the coal, the minimum recom-
mended amount of CO, needed for inerting is
approximately three gross volumes of the silo,
assuming minimal loss out the bottom of the
silo.
At the time that the coal is burning in the
storage silo, combustible gasses (carbon mon-
oxide and methane) will be created, and they
could cause a problem in the air space above
the coal. Detection for these gasses is common
practice and identification of a high level indi-
cates a need for inerting (fire control). There-
fore, its advisable to inert the space above the
coal to a safe level, and do it quickly.
In the event a fire is detected (or suspected),
the CO, vapor flow is started by injecting the
CO, above the coal, as well as into the coal at
the sloping surface of the silo. (The bottom of
the silo is sloped to 70 or more to ensure a
smooth flow.)
Ventilation in the air space is shut down and
a CO, concentration of 75% or more achieved
as quickly as practical.
Injection of the CO, vapor above the coal is
done gently to reduce the turbulence that might
unnecessarily stir up coal dust.
When the air space above the coal is inerted,
the CO, application rate there is cut back, and
the rate of CO, application into the coal at the
bottom of the silo is increased until this CO,
vapor starts to come out the top of the stored
coal. At this point, this CO, flow is also cut back
to a maintenance rate. The CO, is held in the
silo as long as necessary.
Equipment Used
CO, is stored as a liquid and vaporized by a
vaporizer. Flow controls (throttling valves with
pressure gauges and metering orifices) are used
to properly distribute and measure the CO, flow.
The system is designed so that CO, applica-
tion at the top or at the bottom of the silo can be
increased or decreased as needed.
Chemetrons system design limits the CO,
vapor pressure at the nozzle orifice to reduce
turbulence.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems
Power Generation Bulletin #0040
If the silo is in the popular 20 - 25 foot diam-
eter range, only one injection point at the top,
plus another injection point at the bottom, are
needed. With larger diameter silos, increasing
the number of application points to three each
is appropriate.
NOTE: If the storage silo is larg~senough
to require a CO, flow rate of more than
1,100 IbsJhaur using th8se guidelinas,
Chemetroa Fire Systems Enginasring
should be corwlted before the system is
specified.
CO, Application Bulktin
Page 3
Bottom Seal
Its important that a good seal be made at
the coal outlet at the bottom of the silo to pre-
vent CO, vapor leakage and entry of air (which
will chimney up through the coal). Inflating a
balloon in this coal pipe has worked well. The
coal valve, itself, is usually not a good seal in
this regard. When prevented from leaking out,
the heavier CO, works as a fire stop.
It should be noted that while this described
application relates to power plants, Cement
Plant bulletin #0160, titled Coal Grinding and
Storage Systems, describes a similar applica-
tion for cement plant kiln firing systems.
Other materials subject to spontaneous igni-
tion have been protected in a similar manner
when similarly stored.
CHEmErRon
Fire Systems co2 Application Bulktin
Power Generation Bulletin #0040 Page 4

CO2 VAPOR NOZZLE ABOVE COAL

7 \
CHECK VALVE
THROTTLING VALVE

COAL
Low Pressure CO, Inerting/Fire Protection SILO
System for Typical Coal Silo
Feeder & Pulverizer

THROTTLING VALVE :
-Y !

r COAL
CONTROL VALVE \/ FEEDER

- LIQUID CO2 7
----- VAPOR CO2

CONTROL VALVE
.
:
TO ADDITIONAL
SILOS i II
2
-v
&.
ls,

MASTER VALVE
/ /

1 FLOW CONTROL
STATION

VAPORIZER

CO2 STORAGE UNIT

 Power Generation Bulletin #0045
CnEmErRon
Fire Systemi

co2 The following is a quote from the January,

POWER Magazine:
1988, issue of

Electric Power Research institute (EPRI) data reveals that

pulverizer explosions occur at /east once a day in USA
utility power plants. Average cost per event is around $3
million. Looking at the data another way, there are five fires
every four years and three explosions every 10 years at the
average coal fired unit. Annual cost to the industry exceeds
$1.0 billion.

co
f3
=
s
As many as 85% of USA coal fired units are not equipped
with fire detection systems and less than 20% use some
form of inerting type protection system.

u - Chemetron has provided CO, fire suppression and inerting

-
00
n systems for pulverizers for many years. Experience gained, along

- with recent changes in the code, are covered by this bulletin.

Changes in inerting recommendations and developing technology

Q have necessitated revisions in this bulletin originally written in 1988.

n A coal mill (pulverizer) reduces raw coal to small particles,

. ..LI_L __._ L- ,-I:___I
wnrcn can be conveyed by air directiy to a borier, krin, etc. (airecr
firing), or to intermediate storage (indirect firing). There are a
number of different types of mills which either grind the coal or
smash it with steel balls. The drawing accompanying this bulletin
a shows a common type mill used in power plants. Raw coal enters
at the top and drops onto the grinding table, where the rollers
reduce it to fine particles. Heated air picks up the coal and conveys
it up to the classifier, where the larger particles are separated and
dropped back down onto the grinding table, while the lighter parti-
cles are conveyed through the coal pipes to the boilers.
4801 Southwick Drive
Third Floor
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847

0 1999 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. Issued 1988 - Rev 1 /1999
CARDOX IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS.

Power Generation Bulletin #0045
This bulletin deals primarily with coal mills in
power plants that are operated under positive pres-
sure. The mills protected in indirect firing systems
that operate with a negative pressure are covered
in Bulletin #0160, Coal Grinding, handling & Stor-
age Systems.
The problem in the pulverizer can be either a
fire or an internal explosion. For the purpose of this
bulletin, we are going to discuss the uses of CO2 in
mills associated with steam electric generating
stations.
The reference document is NFPA Standard
No. 8503, Pulverized Fuel Systems. This docu-
ment states:
A fire ahead of or in the pulverizer usually
causes an abnormal increase in temperature
of the equipment or the mixture leaving the
pulverizer. Fires are caused by feeding burn-
ing fuel from the raw fuel bin; by spontaneous
combustion of an accumulation of fuel or for-
eign matter in the pulverizer, piping or burn-
ers; or by operating at abnormally high
temperatures.
A fire in any part of a pulverized fuel system
shall be considered serious and dealt with
promptly.
Fire Protection
Paragraph 3-5.3.2 of Standard No. 8503 outlines
procedures for fighting fires. If CO2 is used as a fire
extinguishant (not just to inert), paragraph (a) or (b)
below would apply. They state:
(a) If sufficient inertant flow capacity is pro-
vided (at least 50% by volume of the pri-
mary air flow of the system), inert the
pulverizer air/fuel flow, shut off the fuel
feed, empty the pulverizer of fuel, shut
down and isolate the pulverizer.
(b) Stop the primary air flow, trip the pul-
verizer and feeder, isolate the system
&22 Application Bulletin
Page 2
and inert. Avoid disturbing any accumulation of dust
within the pulverizing equipment. Do not open any
access doors to the pulverizer until the fire is extin-
guished and all temperatures have returned to
ambient.
If water is used, it should be introduced into the
raw fuel or air tempering streams, or both. It should
be introduced so as not to cause hang up or inter-
ruption of raw coal feed or to stir up any deposit of
combustible material. After the fire is suppressed,
the water shut off, and the pulverizer shut down, the
mill is to be inerted.
The use of both water and CO2 together for fire
conditions is very common. Note: Some pulverizer
manufacturers have restrictions on how water
can be used.
Water spray is particularly effective when there is
a large mass of coal remaining in the mill after shut
down and it is burning. The mass must be cooled to
achieve total extinguishment. While CO2 will sup-
press burning, all cooling in a CO2 atmosphere will
be natural cooling, which could take some time.
Water will, of course, accelerate the cooling of the
hot coal mass.
Fire detection is possible by measuring outlet air
temperatures or the amount of air temperature
change.
Means for measuring carbon monoxide levels are
available. There are companies offering detection
systems designed for this specific application.
Since none of these means are practical to oper-
ate a CO2 extinguishing system automatically, the
CO2 system is actuated manually through a
pushbutton station. The discharge rate is calcu-
lated based on the operating conditions specified,
and the length of discharge is automatically
timed. Provisions are included for follow up or
subsequent discharges, if they're necessary. Tie-
ins to shut down equipment, as prescribed, can
be included in the CO2 system design.

Power Generation Bulletin #0045
Steam as a Fire Extinguishant
In a paper presented to "Coal Technology
'84" based on work done by Riley Stoker for
the Electric Power Research Institute: The
Relative Effectiveness of Different Agents
in Dealing with Coal Pulverizer Fire and
Explosion Prevention, the following concern
on the use of steam for fire suppression was
raised.
The use of steam as an extinguishing
agent did create a precarious situation.
Using steam with a fire present devel-
oped a more reactive gas, and if
detonation developed, the carbon mo-
noxide and methane produced magni-
fied resultant forces. In addition, steam
proved to be one of the worst agents
the more steam applied, the less effec-
tive it becomes.
Inerting
The most common use for CO2 is for inerting the
mill as an explosion prevention means. The Stan-
dard for Pulverized Fuel Systems, NFPA Standard
No. 8503, paragraph 3-5.2.1.1, says: A pulverizer
tripped under load shall be inerted and maintained
under an inert atmosphere until confirmation that no
burning/smoldering fuel exists in the pulverizer, or
the fuel is removed.
Note that paragraph 3-5.2.2.2 says: Due to the
danger of an explosion when opening and cleaning,
pulverizers shall not be cleaned manually until they
and their contents have been cooled to ambient
temperature.
The use of CO2 as an inertant allows the
maintenance of the inert atmosphere until the mill
cools and can be opened for cleaning.
Your attention is called to the other various re-
quirements for inerting that appear in Standard No.
8503, based on other conditions that can occur.
When CO2 is used as the inertant, the more the air
movement can be stopped, the less CO2 that will be
&22 Application Bulletin
Page 3
required.
The minimum CO2 level required for inerting is
such that oxygen levels will be below 15%.
Chemetron recommends 65% CO2 (7.5% oxygen)
as a design level. When calculating CO2 flooding in
coal, remember that the coal adsorbs considerable
CO2, which is thus lost and will not help reduce the
oxygen concentration.
Paragraph 3-5.2.1.2 says: The inerting procedure
shall be as prescribed by agreement between the
pulverizer equipment manufacturer and the pur-
chaser. They should consider fuel characteristics,
pulverizer temperature, size and arrangement of the
pulverizer.
We strongly recommend that designers bring
Chemetron into the planning and design process
so we can calculate proper CO2 quantities and flow
rates to insure that adequate systems are specified.
Remember, if inerting is done under different condi-
tions, different CO2 rates will be needed and the
CO2 system must be designed accordingly.
Several of the pulverizer manufacturers have
already identified the CO2 flow rates required for
inerting different mill sizes.
Combustion Engineering
Combustion Engineering has considered CO2
inerting as an auxiliary to the steam system and as
a stand alone system. In the auxiliary mode, the
CO2 would be required only after the unit trips. With
the primary air fans off, the pressure differential
across the mill is low, the air infiltration low, and the
CO2 use low. For a stand alone CO2 system, coal
pipe shutoff valves, capable of sealing against full
primary fan pressure, are needed.
Tests have shown that the application of CO2 in
the above conditions will inert a mill in a mat-ter of
seconds, but if the CO2 is shut off, it is lost quickly.
The best inerting arrangement is to rapidly fill the
mill with CO2 to a safe level. This is done with a
high rate discharge to achieve 30% CO2 (15% O2)
within the first minute after shutdown.
Then, in worst case conditions, if external cooling
 &22 Application Bulletin
Power Generation Bulletin #0045 Page 4

(water) cannot be applied, the inert condition will Table 1

have to be maintained for hours while the mill cools. Inerting & Clearing Media Supply Requirements

There is a small unclosable opening in the bottom NOTE: The inerting cycle is 8 minutes duration
of the mill. CO2 must be added to make up for that

CO2 (Pounds

CO2 (Pounds
which will leak out this opening. By using heated

Per Cycle)

Per Cycle)
Volume

Volume
CO2 vapor, the loss out this opening is greatly re-

(Cu.Ft.)

(Cu.Ft.)
duced. Therefore, CO2 vapor application is recom-

Mill

Mill
mended. A cost effective system results.
44K 470 312 75K 2,000 1,557
Another advantage of this system is that a contin-
44N 470 390 75N 2,000 1,783
uous flow of CO2 vapor is much, much easier to
control than intermittent discharges of CO2 liquid 44G 470 468 75G 2,000 2,000
which had previously been recommended. 49N 610 511 89K 2,250 2,400
49G 610 611 89N 2,665 2,755
Babcock and Wilcox
56K 750 667 89G 2,665 3,020
Babcock and Wilcox has published data for their
MPS Mills on pulverizer inerting and fire protection. 56N 750 744 104K 4,400 3,670
The current (1990) material is Plant Service bulle- 56G 750 822 104N 4,400 4,037
tin No. PSB 16-85 and Guide Specification 1A5- 67K 1,500 890 104G 4,400 4,404
GR211-29Y.
67N 1,500 1,112 118K 6,200 3,803
Recommended inertant quantities are shown in 67G 1,500 1,334 118N 6,200 4,691
the Table 1 at the top of the right-hand column.
Table 2
Ball Mills CO2 Requirements for Inerting Ball Mills
Figure #2 shows a roller-type mill, while Figure #1 Carbon Dioxide
shows a ball-type mill in which a drum rotates, Pulverizer Volume
Series FT3
causing steel balls to crush the coal. Foster Wheel- Lbs *Lb/Hr
er has this type mill in their D Series. Table 2 pro-
D2 300 43 1,300
vides information for inerting with CO2.
D3 500 72 2,200
The CO2 injection points are shown at the classi-
D4 750 100 3,000
fiers and at the exhausters, and since methane gas
can accumulate in the ducts above the mill in case D5 950 136 4,100
of fire, CO2 is injected there as well.
D6 1,200 172 5,200
For long term inerting, an external discharge is D7 1,500 215 6,500
applied through these upper nozzles, and a proce-
dure is established to periodically roll the mill while D8 2,000 286 8,600
it is inerted to facilitate cooling for fire extinguish- D9 3,100 443 13,300
ment.
D10 3,900 558 16,900

*The rates in Lb/Hr are for a 2 minute inerting duration

period.

Figure #2 illustrates a pulverizer inerting system.

 CHEmETROn
Fire System;
Power Generation Bulletin #IO045
System Arrangement
Figure #2 illustrates a pulverizer inerting system.
The CO, storage unit is sized with at least the
amount of CO, recommended by the pulverizer
manufacturer. [Obviously, the same CO, storage
can be used for other fire protection and inetting
requirements (particularly coal silo/ bunker inerting,
see Bulletin #0040) if these are within a reasonable
distance of the storage. Storage unit sizing is to be
based on the total of all hazard requirements where
simultaneous use is considered.]
For initial inerting, liquid CO, is piped through the
master valve to the selector (directional valve) near
the mill. The CO, is introduced into the mill through
the hot air inlet, plus perhaps, several other injec-
tion points. The manufacturer will have provided a
pipe connection(s) (usually at this point) of at least
1 per NFPA #8503, but more like 2 to 3.
When CO, is required, a remote pushbutton is
operated and liquid CO, is directed through the
master valve, discharge piping, and selector valve
to the nozzle(s) at the mill.
The duration of the discharge is set on the timing
panel provided. If follow up CO, vapor discharge is
needed, similar controls are employed to introduce
liquid CO, to the vaporizer and then direct CO,
vapor to the proper mill.
Safety Aspects
In addition to the normal safeguards necessary
when dealing with CO, systems - see NFPA Stan-
dard No. 12, Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Sys-
tems - it is required that procedures be developed
to positively prevent inadvertent introduction of the
inerting media when personnel are present.
Chemetron can be consulted as to how best to
accomplish this.
CO* Application Bulletin
Page 5
Reliability
There is material in the literature questioning the
reliability of all gaseous agent inerting. In order to
maximize the effectiveness of the inerting system,
one should understand:
I1 Homemade systems are potential prob-
lems. Those experienced in CO, system
design can calculate proper agent quantities
and application rates, and do the flow calcu-
lations that ensure the required rate is
achieved. It is mandatory that this be
done.
I2 Systems should be given full discharge tests
to check that design concentrations are ob-
tained. Various expected conditions should
be included in the test procedure and multiple
tests run, if necessary.
Operating conditions change and there may
I3
not be one fixed agent discharge rate that will
handle all desired conditions. The system
can be arranged to handle two or more appli-
cation rates; but only if the operating pro-
cedures identify the need for same and it
is designed into the system from the start.
Paragraph 3-5.3.4 of NFPA Standard #8503
states: In the event offiresdetected in components
such as cyclones, dust collectors, pulverized fuel
bins for the pulverized fuel systems other than di-
rect fired systems, the affected components shall be
isoia ted and inerfed.
 Power Generation Bulletin #0045

&22 Application Bulletin

Page 6
Figure #1 - Low Pressure CO2 Coal Pulverizer
Inerting/Fire Protection for a Ball Mill
 Power Generation Bulletin #0045
Figure #2
Low Pressure CO2 Coal Pulverizer
Inerting/Fire Protection for a Roller Type Mill

&22 Application Bulletin

Page 7
CHEmETROn
Power Generation Bulletin #0050

Fire Systemi
CARBON D/OX/DE FIRE SUPPRESS/ON -

co2 Diesel Electric Power Plants

The operation of diesel engine driven electric generators can pro-

vide continuous electric production for self-contained, isolated power
systems; for intermittent power production to supplement other genera-
tion (peaking): for emergency power production; or for cogeneration
facilities. All these important functions require reliability.

==1 The reason diesel engines are popular for these functions is their

m reliability. Even so. the risk of fire exists due to the fuels, lubricants
and electrics involved, combined with some obvious ignition sources.

The plant location, often isolated with equipment remotely operat-

ed, dictates a reliable self-contained fire protection system that, in and
of itself, will not contribute to an interruption of power production.

Carbon dioxide (COz) is well suited to this purpose. It can provide

fast, clean extinguishment, and due to its three-dimensional nature, it
will reach a fire otherwise shielded from discharges from other types
of systems, such as sprinklers. CO, is a nonconductor, and is nondam-
aging to equipment, hoi metal surfaces, and sensitive components. It
requires no provisions for water drainage as would be the case with
sprinklers. And, if the system is properly designed, it can ensure
continuity of protection during any time period required for outside re-
sponse to the indication of fire.

CO, has proven its worth over decades in protecting diesel engines
on board ships, where many, many fires have been controlled.

While operation in a ships engine room or in a stationary power

4801 Southwick Drive plant are somewhat different, there are enough similarities to demon-
Third Floor strate the need for concern with the following hazards:
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 708/748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
c 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (9i96)
CHEmETROn
Fire Systemi
Power Generation Bulletin #OOSO
The Fuel Oil Svstem, when liquid fuels are used.
Failure of fuel lines due to engine vibration and
resultant metal fatigue can result in 130F flash
point No. 2 fuel oil coming in contact with hot
exhaust manifolds. Sheathed piping can reduce,
but not eliminate, the hazard.
When heavy fuel oils are used, the centrifuges
employed can be very hot. Failure results in a
very smokey fire. Nozzle heaters also present a
hazard. (Concern for hazards of auxiliary boilers
should also be given).
Lube Oil Svstems. Good engine performance
requires good lubrication (bearings and internal
engine components). A large quantity of oil is
often needed (one particular installation involved
a 40MW plant using 12,000 gallons of lube oil.)
A major bearing is near the turbocharger (com-
bustion air is processed in the compressor/turbine
of the turbocharger). In some machines, these
turbochargers have been known to operate cherry
red, thus offering a prime ignition source.
The drawing accompanying this bulletin illus-
trates protection at the Engines, the Fuel Oil Day
Tank, and the Fuel Oil Processing area, as well as
the inside Lube Oil Storage and Lube Oil Processing
areas.
Not shown, but also included in a fire risk anal-
ysis, would be protection for the electric generator
and the electrical switchgear/controls.
Example: At a Midwest nuclear generating sta-
tion, the emergency generators were diesel-electric
units, each installed in its own room. Under test,
the generator itself caught fire. While the CO,
protection system was designed to protect the oil
hazards of the engine, the system contained enough
CO2 Application Bulktin
Page 2
CO2 to handle the generator fire. The generator
windings were open to the room, providing access
for the CO, gas.
If the generator is totally enclosed, some units
will have a fitting to allow connection to the CO:
system to provide internal flooding.
CO, SYSTEM ARRANGEMENTS
In what might be called traditional CO, protec-
tion, the room housing the diesel electric generator
would be totally flooded with CO, to achieve a fire
extinguishing concentration: 34%) CO2 for oil fires,
50% CO1 for electrical fires. In the many nuclear
power plants where the emergency diesel generators
are provided with CO, fire protection, each genera-
tor is in a room well designed for CO? flooding.
Combustion air is filtered and ducted from outside.
Secondary air ventilation can be shut down and ven-
tilation openings dampered or shuttered.
However, in many power plant facilities, the
engine-generators are all lined up in a row with the
necessary oil equipment installed in the generator
room, or mounted on a balcony. Switchgear may be
along a wall, or preferably, in a separate, cut-off
room. Ideally, the machines and equipment will
have dikes/trenches to confine oil spills and limit the
hazard
When this is done, the local application of CO?,
rather than total room flooding, is the practical
protection approach. Careful analysis is needed to
ensure the entire hazard is included in the CO, cov-
erage.
Provision must be included in system design to
allow for simultaneous protection of adjacent (inter-
exposing) hazards. Interestingly, some recent (1988)
testing by the U.S. Coast Guard called Localized
Extinguishing Tests, bears directly on this subject.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systemi
Power Generafion Bulletin #00.50
Under USCG Regulations, many, many vessels
are equipped with single shot, total flooding CO:
systems for machinery spaces. In the event of fire at
sea, the system is discharged, the fire extinguished,
and then the vessel is required to sail to port with no
protection. This concerned many. Therefore, the
USCG analyzed reported fires to determine which
engine room equipment was most likely to be the lo-
cation of a fire. This included the diesel engines
used for propulsion. The Coast Guard felt a much
smaller, localized, directly applied CO, discharge on
the machine, backed up by the engine room flooding
system, would give the ship operator a good chance
for handling the fire and still have protection until
the ship got to port. It was established that properly
designed local application of CO, can do the job.
In the case of a large room in a power plant
with engines lined up in a row, the local application
of CO,, resulting in low level flooding, could be the
answer to good, cost effective protection. This con-
cept is described in an earlier bulletin covering pro-
tection for large nonenclosed gas turbines,
Since the hazard on the engine primarily exists
due to hot metal surfaces in close proximity to com-
bustibles, the minimum 30 second local application
discharge (see NFPA Standard No. 12) may not be
long enough. Extending the discharge to achieve
low level flooding to an adequate CO, concentration
level will be necessary. (Consult the Chemetron
Fire Systems Engineering Department for guidance).
co2 Application Bulktin
Page 3
COGENERATION
During a survey period from June 1991 through
May 1992, a record number of machines over 1MW
capacity were ordered; 40% were for continuous
duty service. Orders increased for those using diesel
oil. The application to cogeneration was one reason
for this growth.
In the operation of a typical engine, 38% of the
input energy resulted in the output of electric power
generation. 33 % was exhaust heat, providing a
source of high temperature heat that can be put to
good use in a variety of cogeneration applications.
Thus, the popularity of such facilities. As depen-
dence grows on the cogeneration facility, so does the
need for good, reliable, cost effective fire protection.
interesting Cogeneration Application: An ap-
plication story in Diesel and Gas Turbine World-
wide reported on a plant in Barcelona where 3 -
1280 KW engines, driving 1515 KVA, 6 KV, 50
hertz generators, produced exhaust gas which was
scrubbed, washed, cooled, and the CO2 separated.
The CO, produced was sold, as 2280 Kg/H of CO,
was recovered. 70% of the power produced went
into the power grid, with the CO, production (com-
pression/liquefaction) taking most of the rest. The
CO: was sold to Coca Cola, Pepsi Cola, Cinzano,
and others.
Production of your own fire extinguishant - an
interesting concept!
CO, Fire Protection System
for Diesel Power Plants

Air Filter
CHEmETROn
Power Generation Bulletin #0055

Fire Systems
CARBON D/OXIDE FIRE SUPPRESS/ON -

Under the Sidewalk

Transformer Vaults

Sample excerpts of typical newspaper reports:

April, 1985: About 230 workers were evacuated from their offices
. . .after a transformer
caught fire, possibly because of an electrical over-
load caused by air conditioners.

July, 1986: An explosion and fire in an underground electrical vault

. . . injured 12 1 people, forced evacuation of at least one high rise office
building and spread power outages and confusion over a wide area.

June, 1987: When a transformer at a downtown.. .athletic club

exploded and erupted in fire last week, the major concern was PCBs.

The power requirements of the modern high rise building are signifi-
cant, necessitating the provision of underground vaults to house equipment
comaecting local utility lines to the building. These contain transformers
that convert incoming power from, say, a 12 KV feeder to 120 volts for
local use. Cables and other electrical equipment are also present. Many
of these transformers were insulated by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
While these should have been replaced, when fighting fires on this equip-
ment, it is prudent to consider the materials involved as hazardous. New
insulating materials can help reduce the fire risk as compared to oil filled
units. But while the fire hazard may be reduced, fires still occur. No
matter what is used, or to be used, the need for fire protection has been
ably demonstrated.

In some cases vaults have been provided with fixed fire protection,
but this has been rare because there are so many. Another approach is the
4801 Southwick Drive provision of specialized fire fighting equipment to be placed in service in
Third Floor central business districts where high rise buildings are common.
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 7081748-l 503
Fax: 7081748-2847
B 1996 CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. (9196)
CHElMETROll
Fire System;
Power Generation Bulletin #0055
During analysis of the proper fire extinguishant to
be used in these special units, the following factors
were considered:
The agent should be three-dimensional as it may not
be possible to direct the fire extinguishant directly
at the fire.
It should not need drainage.
Since the fault causing the fire is almost always
related to the failure of circuit protective devices
from disconnecting power; the extinguishant qhnuld
o_.___-._ L______
be a nonconductor; one that will not break down
under the continuous electrical arcing.
Carbon dioxide meets all the above criteria.
A solution to the protection need identified above
was to establish a mobile supply of low pressure liquid
CO, that could be quickly moved to the building in-
volved in fire. Low pressure storage, because of its
lower weight and size requirement, was the obvious
choice.
Two different methods of applying the CO, dis-
,.h..,,l,-. +l.,
UlcugG C UICc,, I.^..^ L,--.
l,lC lMC CCU..,.,I
llscu.
In one case, each vault was piped with nozzles
placed to cover the protected equipment. The pipe and
nozzles were sized to give the appropriate discharge
rate and distribution of the CO,. High temperature pipe
and nozzles were used to stand up to the fire during
the time needed to start a discharge. Piping is extend-
ed to street access.
The mobile supply, which can be either trailer or
truck mounted, has hose that can be quickly coupled to
the piping connection for the vault. Valves allow the
fire fighters to control the CO, discharge.
In another case, as illustrated here, a truck mounted
unit was used. It was equipped with hydraulically
operated boom equipment to remove the cover from
the vault, and then to place over the opening a special
steel plate to which can be affixed a projection type
co2 Application Bull&in
Page 2
CO, nozzle. This is the type nozzle, with its high
discharge rate and projection ability, that proved so
effective in aircraft crash fire/rescue operations per-
formed by the military during World War II and the
Korean War. A squeeze valve on the hose line play-
pipe affords flow control, Of course, the playpipe with
the projection nozzle can be used in many ways for
local application or indirect total flooding wherever
appropriate.
Since the described low pressure CO, units travel on
the public streets, the pressure vessels, while still
all nther
m_cetinpD --- mnlicxhle
------ -TT ---__-_ r.ndm
-----, arp b~i!t !Q the
requirements of the Department of Transportation
(DOT).
It should be noted that for confined fires in an inac-
cessible space anywhere - the type on which you
might use high expansion foam, this CO, unit could
provide more rapid suppression since it can deliver
very rapid application of agent. The CO2 does not
build up from the bottom of the space, but rather
mixes and immediately starts to reduce the fire sup-
porting oxygen. Thus, it will be effective quickly in
confined spaces that do not exceed a size for which the
unit is effective (estimated to be 1 pound of CO, for
ItXlJ. ,.I_l_:,_
___L qc _..l_:_ J?__r\ _A suppnes
_..__,I_- drt:
c.._ cuvercu
__-.___>
G;aL;llL3 UIUIC: ~v~wout:LUG
by Chapter 5 of NFPA Standard No. 12, Catbon LXox-
tie Extinguishing Systems.
Another use of this type equipment was discussed in
the NFPA Fire Journal in an article that described the
extinguishment of a stubborn fire in a cargo hold of a
docked ship. The fire department used a CO, liquid
transport unit and a LPCO, hand hose line. Fortunate-
ly, a transport unit was available (they are normally
always tied up making deliveries.) This was a slow
burning - albeit active - fire, allowing time to ar-
range for this use.
CHEmETROn
Fire Systems
Power Generation Bulletin #0055
Other Indirect Total Flooding Applica-
tions for LPCO, Hand Hose Lines
As previously pointed out, the relatively high
discharge flow of the LPCO, hand hose lines can
make these units valuable fire fighting tools for
confined spaces of all kinds.
Tests have shown that a CO, concentration of
25% will extinguish open burning; this is an oxy-
gen concentration of about 15.5g. Considering
that a fire in a confined space is already consum-
ing oxygen, adding CO, can often quickly suppress
the active open burning and significantly help fire
fighting efforts.
For example: If an LPCO, hose line (1) is dis-
charging at a rate of 300 lbsiminute, then that dis-
charge will reduce the oxygen from 21% to 15.5%
in a space of 18,000 cubic feet in 2 minutes time
if it is reasonably enclosed. This would be a space
about 50 x 45 x 8.
Of course, distribution of the gas is all impor-
tant. Fortunately, the LPCO, hand hose line pro-
jection nozzle has an extended projection range -
up to 50 - and, therefore, would be expected to
effect flooding rather quickly in appropriately
sized enclosures with no significant openings.
Openings could delay suppression, and large open-
ings could prevent same. Therefore, we only rec-
ommend you consider this use in confined spaces
by discharging into same from outside.
As the CO, discharge continues, it keeps
adding inert gas to the volume, further reducing
the fire supporting oxygen level to help control
deep-seated burning.
For a big complex with a number of critical
electrical switchgear rooms or unmanned control
rooms, providing a fixed total flooding gas system
for each might not be affordable. An alternative
is to provide each with a good fire detection sys-
tem - smoke/flame/heat or a combination - and
then plan to extinguish the fire with LPCO, hand
hose lines from a fixed or mobile supply.
2 Application Bulktin
co
Page 3
Swinging cover plates in the room doors are
often used to give access for the nozzle to dis-
charge inside. When a fire is detected, the line is
charged, the swing plate pushed aside, and the
nozzle shoved into the opening. Instructions indi-
cate the discharge time recommended for flooding
each space. These systems can be tested for per-
formance in the same way any total flooding CO,
system is tested.
Often, more than one hand hose line are made
available to provide the required CO, if the pro-
tected space is large.
In-Plant Mobile Units
We previously discussed LPCO, units designed
for transport on the streets and highways and for
use by the fire service. Units designed for in-plant
use by plant fire brigades have also been widely
used. The CO, unit design is similar, but the vehi-
cle would be an in-plant type.
Safety Concerns: The use of large capacity
(high flow) LPCO, hand hose lines in large open
spaces (power plant bays, mill floors, etc.) does not
normally give any cause for concern that CO, will
build up enough to affect the operator. It is ex-
pected that the products of combustion from the
material burning will create more potential hazard
for the operator than will the CO, being applied.
However, it is always an excellent idea to have air
breathing apparatus available in the vicinity of
hosereel locations to be used in case of a fire.
When CO, starts to build up from hose line opera-
tion in a large open area, it must build up essen-
tially from the floor; you can feel the cool on your
legs. When inhaled in very small amounts, CO,
acts as a stimulant to breathing. This is an invol-
untary reaction and very apparent to the operator.
Use of CO, hand hose lines in a confined
space without air breathing appartus is very
dangerous and should be avoided.
 CHEmETROn 2 Application Bulletin
Fire Systems co

Power Generation Bulletin #0055 Page 4

- lmportan t Hand hose lines are generally intended for

If hose lines are located so that they
can be used even in large areas where fixed
protection is also present, you must ensure
that the fixed protection does not operate
when hoselines are being used. A fixed pro-
tection system discharge could envelop the
hoseline operator; and if not equipped with
air-breathing apparatus, the operator could
be overcome. It should be noted that if he is
fighting a fire, his attention will be directed
away from any warning system that may be
present as part of the fixed system.
protection where there is no automatic fixed pro-
tection.
NFPA Standard No. 12 should be consulted
for a discussion of safe uses of CO,.
For more detailed information regarding CO,
hand hose line fire protection, see Industrial Facil-
ities Bulletin #0760, High Capacity Portable
Protection with CO, Hand Hose Lines.

Truck-Mounted
Mobile Carbon Dioxide Unit
CHEWIETROn
Power Generation Bulletin #0060

Fire System;
Water Mist Fire Suppression -

Compartmentized
Gas Turbines

The newer high capacity cogeneration plants utilize com-

partmentized gas turbines - units that are housed in enclosures,
shipped to the job site and quickly placed in service with little on-site
construction. We choose to call these compartmentized turbines
packaged units. Figure 2 illustrates a compartmentized gas turbine
protected by a water mist fire protection system.

This bulletin presents a description of the recommended

Chemetron Water Mist system protection, along with a background
of the development work done to assure that this protection is
property designed to meet the unusual demands of this equipment.

This application can also include fire protection for auxiliary

turbine rooms (which can house oil pumps, oil tanks, fuel filters, gear

3 boxes, drive shafts and lubrication skids), diesel emergency rooms,

and other similar machinery spaces.

Q
m The duration of the water mist discharge for gas turbines is a
minimum of 20 minutes, except when the turbine wind-down time is
specified as less than 20 minutes. All other hazards described shall
be protected for a minimum of 10 minutes.

a
Q Description of Hazard
A gas turbine unit consists of an axial compressor section and
an expansion turbine section on a common shaft, coupled to drive
an electric generator or centrifugal compressor. A diesel starting
engine, electric motor, or small separate turbine is utilized for start-
ing.

Air is drawn into the compressor and compressed before

entering the combustion chamber, where it is mixed with fuel and
burned. The expanding burned gasses drive the turbine, which in
480 1 Southwick Drive
turn powers the equipment being operated.
Third Floor
Matteson, IL 60443
Telephone: 7081748-I 503
Fax: 7081748-2847

(D 1998
CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS, all rights reserved. Issued: ( 11198)
CARDOX IS A REGISTEREDTRADEMARK OF CHEMETRON FIRE SYSTEMS.
 CHEmETROn
Fire Systemi
Power Generation Bulletin #IO060
The areas of protection considered for any gas
turbine power facility are the Turbine Compartment,
the Accessories Areas, the Electrical Control and
Switchgear Areas, the Fuel Pump Area, and the
Generator. Protection of the Accessories Areas,
Control Room, and Pump House present no unique
problems of protection. The protection of the Tur-
bine Compartment is of primary concern in this
presentation.
The most common fire hazard occurring in the
turbine compartment is the failure of the fuel (natu-
ral gas, No. 2 fuel oil, or jet fuel) system, or by leak-
age of lubrication oils used on the shaft bearings.
When the gas turbine is operating, it gets very hot,
and when it is shut down, it cools rather slowly.
Outer surface temperatures of the combustion
chamber and turbine expander reach 850F -
900F, which is well above the approximate 494F
auto-ignition temperature of No. 2 fuel oil, or the
approximate 700F auto-ignition temperature of
bearing lubricating oil. Therefore, if this fuel comes
in contact with these hot surfaces in an air atmos-
phere, a fire can occur. Since these units are often
unattended and not accessible to follow-up fire
fighting, there is no way to effect total extinguish-
ment except through the fire protection system
itself. Shutting off the fuel to the gas turbine by
closing a valve in the fuel line is a part of system
design and should limit the fire producing material
to the residue in the bottom of the unit, This residue
may not be in contact with the hot turbine. How-
ever, contact could exist through failure of the fuel
shutoff valve or other abnormal occurrence. The
pressure in the bearing lubrication system is specifi-
cally designed to be maintained while the shaft is
rotating so that a loss in the integrity of the lube oil
system could force oil under pressure onto nearby
hot metal parts.
Cool Down Time
The critical question in gas turbine protection is
how long does it take for exposed hot surfaces to
cool below the ignition temperature of the fuel in-
volved. To answer this question, it was necessary
to run a series of tests in which surface tempera-
tures at suspected locations were recorded during
operation and shutdown. These tests were con-
RM Application Bulletin .
Page 2 -
ducted on actual installations on several different
makes of turbines, one type of which is illustrated
on the drawing accompanying this bulletin.
Recordings were made of surface tempera-
tures at three locations, as illustrated by points A, B
and C on the graph in Figure 1. Point A represents
the external surface over the combustors. In indus-
trial type turbines, the combustion chamber is sepa-
rated from the exposed surface metal, allowing
access to incoming cool air. Therefore, the temper-
ature does not get as high as might be expected.
The temperature may be higher downstream of the
combustion chamber just before entering the ex-
pansion section of the turbine. In aircraft type tur-
bines, the surface temperatures get somewhat
higher.
Point B represents temperatures in the exhaust
section not visible on the drawing. These surfaces
are largely insulated; however, there are some thin,
exposed sections in the exhaust bearing tunnel, and
also some heavy support sections that have direct -
metallic contact with the inside of the exhaust pas-
sageway. Heavy support sections may not get as
hot as thinner sections, but cooling will be slower
because of the sheer mass of metal.
Point C represents the exhaust manifold of a
diesel starting engine for those systems provided
with this method of starting. The diesel engine runs
only during the starting cycle. However, the ex-
haust manifold does get hot enough to ignite fuel oil
before the diesel engine is shut down after starting.
The actual temperatures attained and the cool-
down time depend upon operating conditions. The
greater the load or output, the higher the gas tem-
perature must be to drive the load. Therefore, maxi-
mum surface temperatures are developed when
operating at maximum load with maximum ambient
air temperature.
Cooling time will be influenced somewhat by
the ambient temperature and also by the shutdown
procedure. Normal shutdown procedure is to run
the turbine under no load conditions for about five .__,
minutes before finally shutting off the fuel. The
internal parts of the exhaust section cool down
 CHErnETROII
Fire Systems
-
Power Generation Bulletin #0060
rapidly under these conditions because of the cool-
er gas flowing through the system. Emergency
shutdown for fire extinguishing requires an immedi-
ate fuel cut off after load is removed so that the
turbine slows down immediately and the air flow
through the system falls off very rapidly. Under
emergency shutdown conditions, there is no time
for internal cooling and the exposed surfaces will
not cool off as rapidly. Chemetrons water mist
system has the capability to reduce the ambient
temperatures in the enclosure almost instantly,
thereby assisting in the reduction of surface temper-
atures of the involved equipment.
Figure 1 represents typical temperature curves
during a test operating cycle for a turbine system
with a diesel starting engine. It will be noted that
the diesel exhaust manifold (C) reaches a tempera-
ture over 800F during the starting cycle. The cool-
ing time is based on cooling to 49OF, the auto-
ignition temperature of diesel fuel.
- chance of reignition after extinguishment is minimal
Combustor surface temperatures (A) may not
get as hot as the starting engine exhaust manifold,
however, cool down time may be longer depending
on the type of turbine. Highest surface tempera-
tures were found in the exhaust section (B). Heavy
metal sections required the longest cooling time.
Where the only fuel exposure is turbine lubricating
oil, the cooling time can be based on its auto-igni-
tion temperature of 700F. It is necessary to add a
safety factor to all of these figures to compensate
for the possible effect of operation at unduly high
loads or high ambient temperatures.
Air Leakage
In any turbine installation, there must be a
substantial flow of cooling air around the outside of
the turbine to maintain reasonable ambient temper-
atures within the turbine compartment. This may be
accomplished by aspirating air from the turbine
enclosure into the exhaust duct. Alternately, fans or
special eductors may be used. The cooling air
often enters through openings on the side of the
enclosure. The air inlets may be designed to bring
- the air in near the bottom of the turbine enclosure
so that it must pass over the turbine before being
exhausted to the outside. It is also necessary to
~~~ Application Bulletin
Page 3
cool the turbine lubricating oil by drawing air
through a fin tube heat exchanger.
When the turbine is shut down, the flow rate of
the secondary cooling air drops off rapidly; how-
ever, air leakage remains much too high to permit
practical total flooding without prohibitive loss of
water mist. The obvious leakage openings must be
sealed or provided with dampers that can be closed
when the water mist system is actuated. In some
systems, there is an annular gap around the turbine
air intake bell. In others, there may be bottom
openings through which pipes and conduit are
brought into the enclosure. Doors and panels must
close tightly and have soft seals. Even so, the leak-
age rate will still be sufficient to dissipate the water
mist atmosphere over a period of time. Therefore,
protection should be provided until the completion
of the turbine wind down time. Through testing, it
has been determined that due to the cooling effect
that water mist provides during suppression, the
Fire Detection
The high secondary air flow rate required for
compartment cooling also makes it difficult to detect
small fires with heat detectors located near the
ceiling. It takes a substantially sized fire burning
near the floor level to raise the temperature of the
total air flow sufficiently to actuate the heat detec-
tors. Heat detectors are obviously needed over the
turbine sections to assure detection of a fire that
may originate on the side or top of the turbine due
to a broken fuel line. On the other hand, to detect
a small fire near the floor level, it is desirable to
install detectors below the turbine in critical areas
where such fires might occur.
The important limitation is to make sure that
the temperature setting is high enough to avoid
false actuation by radiant heat from the turbine
itself. This point was actually tested by installing
dummy thermostats with internal thermocouples for
recording the temperature during a test cycle. It
was found that such temperatures did not exceed
200F and that therefore, a temperature setting of
about 325F should be satisfactory.
 CHEmETROn
Fire System;
Power Generation Bulletin #0060
Because of their inherent simplicity and reli-
ability, heat actuated detectors are considered best
for automatic discharge of the water mist system.
Flame or other special detectors may be used in
critical units.
Water Mist System
The piping and nozzle arrangement of a water
mist fire protection system for this application is
illustrated on the drawing. When a fire is detected
in any one of the protected compartments, the first
action is to automatically shut down the turbine by
shutting off the fuel supply and disconnecting the
generator from the line. An alarm is also sounded
to warn personnel of the impending discharge.
After a brief delay to allow time for evacuation and
the automatic charging of the water holding tank,
discharge is initiated. The turbine compartment is
not normally occupied during operation, so delay of
the discharge is not required when the water mist
system is operated.
When the water mist system is actuated and
the flow of water through the nozzles is initiated,
there will be an immediate reduction of temperature
and displacement of oxygen within the enclosure,
both of which are key components in the control,
suppression or extinguishment of turbine fires by
water mist. Water mist also has the capability to
block radiant heat to further prevent the spread or
propagation of fire.
Water mist provides a secondary function by
partially scrubbing the air of products of combus-
tion, thereby reducing the amount of toxic byprod-
ucts and/or contaminants in the air caused by a fire
incident .
The water mist system is cycled on and off to
more efficiently control the fire and to minimize the
amount of water required for control.
The Chemetron Water Mist fire protection sys-
tem follows this sequence of operation (reference
Figure 4):
+ The fire control panel initiates a signal to the
solenoid located on a 2400 psi nitrogen cylinder
valve, or the cylinder can be activated manually
IsT Application Bulletin
Page 4 -
by a mechanical operator located on the cylinder
valve. The nitrogen cylinder valve is equipped
with a solenoid, fill port, pressure gauge and
safety relief valve and is regulated through the
primary regulator to a pressure established by
hydraulic calculations, but not in excess of 500
psi. The control panel should also initiate a sig-
nal to close automatic dampers to shut off major
ventilation openings before the discharge be-
gins. In addition, all fuel and lubricant delivery
systems into the hazard area will be stopped
immediately after fire detection.
Downstream of the primary regulator, the nitro-
gen splits at a tee to travel in two directions. On
one side, the pressure established by hydraulic
calculations is used to pressurize the water
vessel (normally at atmospheric pressure). On
the other side of the tee, the nitrogen will pass
through a secondary regulator, where it will be
regulated to a pressure (between 75 and 125
psi) suitable for the operation of the automatic
-
water control valve.
Water is pressurized in the water vessel up to
the automatic water control valve, which is nor-
mally in the closed position. The water pressure
vessel is provided with a nitrogen inlet, water
(pressurized with nitrogen) discharge outlet,
safety relief valve, water fill port, pressure indi-
cator, and liquid level indicator. The water pres-
sure vessel meets the requirements as estab-
lished by DOT and/or ASME, section VIII.
The water control valve is operated by nitrogen
pressure between 75 and 125 psi. A solenoid
mounted on the valve is energized open to per-
mit nitrogen to open the closed water control
valve. The solenoid is time sequenced to delay
opening the valve until pressurized water has
arrived at the water control valve. The timing is
controlled by the fire control panel.
When water arrives at the water valve, the sole-
noid controlling the nitrogen will open the water
control valve, releasing pressurized water to the
water mist nozzles located downstream. The
valve will cycle on and off, based on the timing -
sequence established by fire tests performed at
Factory Mutual.
 CnEmETROn
Fire System;
-
Power Generation Bulletin #0060
. The water will be conveyed through the pipe to
the individual water mist nozzles. A minimum
pressure of 350 psi will be required at the most
hydraulically remote nozzle.
Due to the very small diameter of the orifices in
the nozzle, it is important to provide a strainer
upstream of the nozzles to prevent orifice block-
age. For ease of maintenance, the strainer will
be located just downstream of the water vessel.
The alarm circuit for the affected hazard must
be manually reset to be certain that operating per-
sonnel are aware of the discharge. The fire detec-
tion circuit is also locked out until manually reset to
avoid a possible second discharge in the event of a
shorted detector or circuit. This does not prevent a
second discharge by manual means if this should
be needed.
After a fire, the turbine, itself, must obviously be
checked to correct fuel leakage or whatever caused
L- the fire in the first place.
0 5 10 15 20
(O;;;;gG)
(STARTING)
Figure 7: Represents typical temperature curves during a test operating cycle for a turbine system
with a diesel starting engine.
Application Bulletin
Page 5
Before the turbine can be operated, any damp-
ers or other shutdowns tripped by the water mist
system must be reset to allow a proper flow of cool-
ing air or fuel, as the case may be.
Instances have occurred where the fire started
with an explosion in the compartments and the
doors were blown open. If this is to be a design
basis, then it should be considered at the time of
design, with water quantities and nozzle placement
designed to ensure fire control, even with the doors
open.
The 1992 (or later) edition of NFPA No. 850,
Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants,
includes combustion turbines and is recommended
as a reference source. Also recommended as a
reference source is the 1996 (or later) edition of
NFPA No. 750, Installation of Water Mist Fire
Protection.
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
(SHUTDOWN)
NOTE: The nozzles have been carefully
positioned to avoid direct impingement of
water on the turbine casing.

y-WATER MIST NOZZLES

LFROM WATER MIST SKID

Figure 2
Water Mist Fire Protection System for
a Compartmentized Gas Turbine
 CHEmETROn IsT Application Bulletin
Fire Systems
v
Power Generation Bulletin #0060 Page 7

3,-O TYP
w 2 NOZZLES 1 NOZ. - I
FROM WATER
MIST SKID

ALL PIPE ESTIMATED

IS SCHEDULE 40
STAINLESS

ALL PIPE TO BE
3/8 UNLESS
OTHERWISE NOTED
-) 1 NOZ. 2 NOZZLES -
ALL NOZZLES

S-0 TYP v------- w

TO BE 3/8

Figure 3
Isometric View Plan View
260 cubic meter (9,175 cu. ft.) turbine enclosure. Room size: 24 feet square x 16 feet high.

This typical turbine enclosure has a 20 minute wind-down time and requires approximately 94
gallons of water and six nozzles as shown in the above diagram. The required flow rate for
each nozzle would be 1.87 GPM @ 350 psi. The complete on/off cycle time to extinguish this
type of fire is 4.25 minutes and requires a minimum of approximately 30 gallons of water.

Factory Mutual requires 20 minutes of fire protection to maintain the fire protection for the
duration of the wind-down period, but will allow the amount of water to be reduced if the wind-
down time of a specific turbine is identified to be less than 20 minutes.
 - - MIST NOZZLES

r 1
- -

SYSTEM RELEASED
___________

PORTABLE
WATER FILLING
I
I
I
I
I LEGEND
I
NC
WFA-WATER FLOW
I I ALARM
I I 1 FCV-FLOW CONTROL
I I VALVE
PCV-PRESSURE
I I CONTROL VALVE
I I LLI-LIQUID LEVEL
OUTLINE OF VALVE
I I I INDICATOR
S-SOLENOID
--- I I L-LOW PRESSURE
SWITCH
CONTROL SRV-SAFETY RELIEF
PANEL
VALVE
--- tlz
II II I
II II
- _-I

Figure 4
Water Mist Fire Protection System
Piping & Instrumentation Diagram