b'A sample of a fire detection system panel (left) and a pre-engineered fire suppression system cylinder (right). dangerous for humans. Ellis said that if a cylinder with anbattery fires is whats called thermal runaway. This is a loop agent like FK-5-1-12 discharges, a person can safely enterin which the temperature in the battery rises, triggering a the room. The room would need to be vented as the agentschemical reaction which produces more heat, causing fur-have an odd odor, but theyre not dangerous. He notedther chemical reactions. The fire cascades uncontrollably that a person could even be in the room when a cylinderfrom cell to cell within the battery. discharged and not be harmed by the agent. Ellis discussed the product their team has developed to Several PVA members offer dining options on their cruisesextinguish lithium-ion fires. The agent they use is aqueous and therefore may have a galley aboard, which requires avermiculite dispersion (AVD). It creates a film on top of differenttypeofsystemtocombatfires.Thekindsofthe battery, cutting off the supply of oxygen while also cre-systems Ellis and I discussed suppress a fire by flooding aating a cooling effect to stop the thermal runaway. Their room with extinguishing agent and therefore must be inteam has successfully tested the agent on e-scooter fires. an enclosed space. Galleys require a specialized system thatThe agent comes in handheld and wheeled options, both can apply the extinguishing agent to a specific spot.of which are a manual discharge format with spray nozzles. As we discussed whats on the horizon for the fire suppres- No matter the cause, being prepared to fight a fire is an PHOTO COURTESY OF SEA-FIRE MARINEsion industry, our talk turned to lithium-ion battery fires.essential part of running a safe operation. Although one Fires caused by these batteries are an increasing concern ascommon extinguishing agent is being phased down, an-the batteries become more common, used in such applica- other equally effective option exists. Operators can work tions as electric cars and scooters. These fires are extremelywith a fire suppression system company to find the option dangerous as they create a blaze that is not able to be ex- that is right for their needs. A detection system and a fire tinguished with traditional methods, not even the cleansuppression system can protect crew, passengers, and a ves-agents discussed above. The main risk with lithium-ionsel, offering everyone the safest possible journey. 25 AUGUST 2023'