Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems

Carbon dioxide extinguishing systems are designed for Class C firefighting and the protection of rooms and ventilation ducts. Liquid carbon dioxide is piped from the cylinders to the fire site (cargo holds, engine room and storage areas for flammable materials). When spilled, it evaporates into a high-density gas. These gases fill the entire room or are distributed at the bottom and expel oxygen from the fire.
Carbon dioxide is stored in cylinders that are connected in blockswhich are stored in the carbon dioxide extinguishing station room with direct access to the deck of the ship. The cylinders are connected to a collector, from which a separate pipeline leads to each protected room. Due to the possible spontaneous leakage of carbon dioxide from bottles (cylinders)  it is dangerous to the people on board. Larger quantities of carbon dioxide cylinders are stored in two separate rooms, spaced as far apart as possible. For this reason, the carbon dioxide extinguishing system is used very rarely. Carbon dioxide must not be used in fire-fighting tanks.

Schematic diagram of a carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system

Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems contain:
  CO2 cylinders for storage of liquefied gas;
  CO2 tubes;
CO2  outlet orifices (syringes) of specific construction;
  the main valve;
a non-return valve;
pneumatic horn
alarm of flashing light;
manual;
   key box;
  control line;
starting cylinders;
  line of electric signal;
  line of compressed air.

This system is particularly convenient for use on ships, as extinguishing fires caused by flammable liquids or localizing Class A fires in confined spaces does not damage cargo or ship's machinery after their use. Carbon dioxide leaves no residue, is impervious to electricity and can be used to extinguish live electrical equipment.