What are the design and operational principle of the Inert Gas Generator? |
Inert Gas Generator was originally developed to supplement CO2 flooding systems. Since if a fire occurred on board a ship at sea and the fire was extinguished by using all the CO2 available and a further outbreak occurred then a backup was available. In a compartment wherein there is an outbreak of fire the minimum percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere in the compartment which will allow combustion to proceed varies with different materials. Between 12 to 16 percent approximately. Hence if the oxygen content of the compartment can be reduced below 12 percent then insufficient oxygen would be present to allow combustion to continue. This reduction in oxygen content can be achieved by employing a generator which will supply inert gas which is heavier than air so displacing the atmosphere in the compartment. The oil fuel burner is initially lighted by means of high tension electrodes, the electrical supply being through a small transformer. A constant pressure regulator is fitted to the oil supply line to the burner along with a control valve. A control panel for the gas generator incorporates a CO2 recorder, water and oil fuel alarms and pressure gauges. In the gas piping system leading from the combustion chamber condensate traps and drains are fitted. The following is an approximate content of the as generated:
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