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Halon System

Discussion in 'Technical Discussion' started by NorCalBoater, Feb 11, 2012.

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  1. NorCalBoater, Feb 11, 2012
    #1
    NorCalBoater

    NorCalBoater New Member

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    California Delta....for now
    As I stated in a couple of prior threads I am close to closing on a 1984 50' Kha Shing CPMY. The surveyor discovered the Halon bottle in the engine room was empty. There is no evidence of a fire but as we all know you can't get the old stuff and the new is expensive.

    This is my first diesel boat and I understand the need for this system in a gas boat but is the danger as great in a diesel boat?

    The measurements show 900 cubic feet in the ER. I can buy one bottle to cover the volume or would I be better off buying two 450 units and monting at each end of the ER? The dead unit is at one end.

    Thanks again.
  2. NYCAP123, Feb 11, 2012
    #2
    NYCAP123

    NYCAP123 Senior Member

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    Of the 2 onboard fires I've been involved with one was started by the swim platform, the other by a faulty battery charger. The main danger with gasoline is explosion. Gasoline or diesel are more likely to simply add fuel to the fire started by one of the electrical componants. So yes you do need an engineroom fire extinguishing system. I should imagine that one unit would be the cheaper way to go.
  3. Capt Ralph, Feb 11, 2012
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Make sure your volume numbers are correct. Don't get cheap and try to undersize, and do not oversize the system. I've recently learned that the Halon must be in the correct ratio with the surrounding air for it to work and to much is not good also.

    Ensure you have an engine shutdown system.

    One bottle.
    If it does go off, you want the whole area flooded to the correct ratio to put out any fires. In an event of two bottles in the same room, only one may release and NOT interact with air and the fire correctly.

    Fire at sea is one of the worst nightmares you can imagine. Don't cut corners on this. If your in any doubt, consult a professional.
  4. Pascal, Feb 11, 2012
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I agree with the above. 1 big bottle is preferred to 2 smaller ones as they would have to connected so they both discharge. A neighbor of mine went they this on a 59 marquis which has 2 smaller bottles. They had discharged on the delivery when a turbo clamp failed and ER temp went up (no fire). It took 2 or 3 months to get it recharged, has to send the bottles and the line to the factory in Michigan! Plus it was the "safe" gas FE241 (?) and total cost was close to $5k

    Simon your case, one big bottle of the cheaper gas would be ideal and cheaper
  5. K1W1, Feb 11, 2012
    #5
    K1W1

    K1W1 Senior Member

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    Hi,

    Made by the Great Lakes Chemical Co. FM 200.

    Extinguishing - FM200 Gaseous Fire Fighting System
  6. NorCalBoater, Feb 11, 2012
    #6
    NorCalBoater

    NorCalBoater New Member

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    California Delta....for now
    As always, great info. Thanks.