Advance Fire Protection Deluge System
Abstract
Energetic materials which burn or deflagrate pose a Significant risk to munitions production, maintenance and renovation operations, as reflected by losses suffered by the U.S. Army Armament Munitions and Chemical Command between 1988 and 1992. These costs totaled $9,500,000 and involved three deaths, nine serious injuries, and severe property damage. Non-quantifiable costs included environmental, legal, investigation, lost production, and mandated improvements. DOD and private ordnance facilities continue to suffer losses. In DOD and private ordnance facilities fire detection and suppression systems have not fully kept up with advances in new technologies. Many existing ultra high-speed deluge systems were improperly designed and installed. Such problems have been identified and documented by accident investigation teams, surveys, staff assistance visits and project reviews. False alarms and activations have occurred with serious impact on ordnance operations. Response times of existing detectors are not consistent and may vary over a large range. The definition of deluge system response time is incomplete and not commonly agreed upon. Further complicating the existing situation is the lack of technical guidance, performance standards, and the loss of personnel qualified to design, install and maintain ultra high-speed deluge systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA513623
Entities
People
- Robert A. Loyd
- Steven P. Wells
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory