Modernisation |
Above left: The Victaulic Vortex™ system consists of stored nitrogen, a captive water supply, and emitters in the hazard area that put out fire by discharging a suspension of water and nitrogen (Photo courtesy of FirePro)
Above right: The small amount of water discharged makes this hybrid system safe for areas housing sensitive equipment (Photo courtesy of FirePro)
j method for securing bolts – special kinds of washers, safety measures, or even wire ties – to prevent things from coming loose and affecting generator functionality,” he said.
Enhancing safety “Intelligent detection and extinguishment are big
improvements over the conventional detection and suppression system,” Burnett explained., “The old system would not be able to detect a problem as it was developing. It could only record a suppression system discharge.” A hybrid fire extinguishing system paired with air sampling detection can identify even low levels of smoke and other impurities, which allows for real-time hazard identification and precise control of system discharges. An air sampler tests the environment and sends information about what has been detected to the fire control panel in the central control room, informing the operator of potential problems that might require further investigation. A special feature of the system installed at Boundary Dam is the custom graphic annunciators, created specifically to provide a visual indicator in addition to the audible alarm when there is any activity on the system. “If a valve is shut, a light in the control room lets the safety crew see in real time that something is happening,” Burnett said. Connecting the new detection and hybrid fire
extinguishing control system with existing relays and signaling for such things as generator shutdown and annunciation could have been complicated, but according to Burnett, tying in the hybrid system was straightforward. “The beautiful thing about the system is that it can
integrate with any detection system – old, new, or mix of both,” he said.
Putting the system to the test According to Burnett, experience gained during its
first hybrid fire safety system installation for Seattle City Light allowed FirePro to make improvements during the testing of the Boundary Dam system. For example, learnings from the discharge test at Diablo Dam a year earlier led to the decision to install O2 sensors inside air housings and temperature probes throughout the space for optimal coverage and improved measurement.
One of most important performance criteria dictated by the owner was that the system only discharge after the generator dropped under 500 volts to further safeguard against concerns related to unwanted conductivity. To meet this demand, the system installed at Boundary Dam delays the discharge for 30 seconds after discharge criteria were met to allow wind-down time to drop below 500 volts.” For the system test, a viewing station was set up with multiple monitors receiving live video from five cameras positioned at the generator. Observers could see the emitters and O2 sensors within and outside of the generator. The test measured results in the protected hazard area, as well as outside the space, to verify that there was minimal leakage to the outside environment. FirePro initiated a full discharge test immediately
after shutoff under worst-case conditions. Seattle City Light hoped to see the oxygen level reduced to where combustion could not be sustained during the discharge test and the system held the oxygen concentration level at 12.5% to 13.5% for 45 minutes with the door to the unit open.
Effective installations The integration of the Victaulic Vortex™ fire extinguishing
Author details Victaulic Power Generation Specialist Zack Almont develops specifications within large- and small-scale utilities to implement Victaulic piping systems for fossil fuel, hydro, and solar power generation. Zack collaborates with bidding EPCs from a schedule and scope standpoint to ensure competitive advantages are realized based on specified systems.
system in multiple hydropower facilities proves the system can be retrofitted effectively in aging units. Owners that are weighing fire suppression system replacement options during upgrades now have many reasons for considering a hybrid system. System installations can be carried out quickly, and once installed hybrid fire extinguishing systems provide peace of mind for personnel safety during activation with a non-toxic hybrid media and controlled discharge rates, have no need for assurance of tight room integrity, and no costly clean up or equipment replacement. ●
20 | January 2022 |
www.waterpowermagazine.com
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