Classification society DNV has issued a verification statement allowing global survival technology specialist Survitec to use its game-changing fire foam testing process onboard maritime vessels or offshore structures.
The live test method uses ultrasound technology to verify the effectiveness of fire-fighting foam, according to the mandatory requirements set out in IMO MSC.1/Circ.1432 9.2.4.
Foam proportioners or other mixing devices need to be tested every five years to confirm that the mixing ratio is within +30 to -10 percent of the nominal mixing ratio defined by the manufacturer.
The ruling applies to any vessel or offshore structure that has a deck foam system, a high expansion foam system (engine room) or Heli-deck foam system.
While ultrasonic flow meters are commonly to measure fluid flow in pipework, it is thought to be the first time ultrasound technology has been used to quantify the exact water/foam ratio. Two ultrasonic flow meters are used to compare both values.
Jan-Oskar Lid, technical sales manager, Survitec, said: “We have developed a safe, environmentally sound and predictable test method removing a lot of the time and expense involved in foam sampling and testing. It delivers peace of mind to ship operators and crews.”
Unlike existing techniques, the Survitec method means testing can be performed while the vessel is berthed alongside, without having to discharge any foam overboard or send samples to testing labs.
Current test methodologies have to run the fire-fighting system with foam for at least two minutes, so there is a heavy consumption of costly concentrate, often resulting in the need to replace the entire tank volume. The produced foam is discharged overboard.
Survitec’s Produced Foam Live Test does not need to use the concentrate or produce foam in the test, using only seawater, which is more environmentally friendly than alternative solutions. The method has already been used by several well-known gas carrier operators.
For more information visit www.survitecgroup.com
