Passive protection from fire and explosion

Any fire on a boat can be a terrifying experience with the real risk of an explosion resulting in serious burns or death. And while such incidents are mercifully rare, even if they don’t result in injury or loss of life, they will always be catastrophic for the boat. Statistics* show that although fire and explosion represent only about 4% of boating accidents, they cause up to 30% of total property loss.

It is a fact that few people are able to successfully fight a fire aboard a small vessel because it spreads rapidly and generates intense, overwhelming heat. Often, they are either forced to jump or are blown overboard. Despite progress made in boat safety and training, accidents still happen – and with such terrible consequences, it makes sense to have a back-up solution that will make sure that the propagation rate of any fire will be reduced to manageable proportions and there will be no risk of explosion.

That’s why ProTechT Solutions have developed a series of passive protection measures for the marine environment that will ensure that any outbreak of fire is attenuated and there is no risk of explosion.

Common causes of fire aboard motorized craft
Most fires and explosions happen when spilled fuel or resulting vapor in an insufficiently ventilated space is exposed to a source of ignition whether open flame, an electrostatically generated spark or a short-circuit. But it could just as easily be caused by the engine backfiring in air laden with combustible vapor or a hot exhaust pipe igniting adjacent, combustible materials like a discarded oil rag.

Fuel is one source of flammable vapor, but it could also come from a leaking LPG cylinder used for cooking and heating. Since LPG is heavier than air, any leaked gas will always flow downwards, collecting in low places and slow to dissipate without ample ventilation and air movement.

The engine room, the bilges and lockers are all areas that are particularly prone to collecting spilled fuel and flammable vapor.

Today, any motorized boat can benefit from the protection of ProTechT Solutions’ passive security system. Based on Certinite metal alloy products, the system:
• significantly reduces the size and rate of propagation of any fire, and
• eliminates explosive ignition of any flammable liquid or gas in tanks or hulls.

Certinite from ProtechT Solutions – the principle
Petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel produce an explosive atmosphere within certain temperature ranges and pressures which vary according to the product.

Certinite technology prevents vapor explosion by reducing molecular action and reducing over-pressure to a containable level. It attenuates fire by separating flammable liquid into small ‘pockets’, cooling and stabilizing it in order to reduce or eliminate the formation of gas by evaporation. Furthermore, it prevents the phenomenon of internal sloshing (caused by the boat’s movement), helping to stabilize the vessel.

Where Certinite can be used
Protecting the engine room
Fuel leaks pooling in the engine room are a primary cause of fire on boats. Tests on pool fires show** that the presence of Certinite reduces burning rate by up to 80% (for standard heptane fuel from 2.75 kg/m_ min. to 0.54 kg/m_ min). Any engine can be protected by Certinite in the form of made-to-fit, removable battens that allow full access to the engine mounting.

Protecting atmospheric tanks
When a fuel tank (containing either gasoline or diesel) is in a fire, one of two things can happen:
• it ruptures, spilling gasoline / diesel into the engine room and further feeding the fire. Or:
• it catches fire internally when the plastic gasket around the manhole or filling hose melts.

With loose-fill Certinite inside the tank both of these potential disasters are averted because the metal alloy acts as a heat sink. As such, it effectively stabilizes temperature and impedes fire to sub-catastrophic levels giving those onboard time to safely extinguish the fire.

Protecting confined spaces
Undetected build-up of explosive vapor in confined spaces is a hazard that can be easily eliminated by carpeting at-risk areas (e.g. hull space) with made-to-fit removable battens.

Certinite in application
Minimal volume – When Certinite is in a tank, volume displacement varies from 1 to 3 % of tank capacity.
No clogging – Certinite is washed before application to prevent fines that could cause filters to clog.
Free fuel flow – The metal alloy does not cause any impedance to fuel flow.
Increased stability – The presence of Certinite in a tank or reservoir reduces any destabilizing liquid displacement caused by the boat‘s movements.
No special maintenance – Certinite products can be simply inspected as part of the vessel’s normal maintenance check. They are also recyclable and re-usable.
Chemically neutral – Certinite is compatible with all types of fuel and tank materials. It is also neutral to bio-growth.

Brand enhancement for boat builders
• Satisfy customers’ desire for a safe boat
• A competitive edge
• Simplify tank design (no need for internal baffle plates)
• Easy installation
• Protect corporate and brand reputation

Peace of mind for boat owners – and their crews and passengers
• Save lives and protect assets
• Reduce danger in the event of a fire
• Improve crash resistance for tanks and fuel containers
• Round-the-clock, long-term, maintenance-free protection
• Protect no-claims bonus

The Protecht Solutions Group
specializes providing cost-effective high-tech solutions to solve critical problems arising from the extraction, processing and use of flammable gases and liquids. Based in Switzerland, the group has offices in UAE, South Africa and Norway. Clients include the South African Navy, Askeladden, Shell, Halliburton, Rasgas, QatarGas, Oxy, Weatherford, FMC Kongsberg Offshore, ADMA and OPCO.

Technology and Development partners include: Swiss Institute of Safety & Security Laboratory, Basel, Hydro Aluminum R&D Center, Cologne, Intertek, Ch‰lon-sur-Saone, and Norut Technology Ltd, Narvik.

* U.S. Coast Guard accident statistics 2001-2005
** SP Swedish National Testing and Research Institute