UK-based marine equipment company Marine Components International (MCI) has won a new deal to supply A60 fire dampers for two new offshore support vessels (OSV) being built in Asia.
This is the company's first export deal for fire dampers since it was awarded the global rights to distribute the range by London-based manufacturer BSB.
MCI won the new contract in partnership with Australian HVAC specialist Marine Airflow International based in Queensland. The company did not say who the end client was.
According to MCI, the fire dampers will be installed on vessels due to operate in the wind farm sector. The vessels are the first in a series of eight to be built.
MCI managing director Andy Scott said fire dampers were important in that A60 fire dampers are a mandatory requirement on all SOLAS-compliant OSVs and vessels over 500 gross tons and they are also fitted on smaller vessels, including yachts, which have ventilation air ducts running through fire-resistant bulkheads. <
He said for OSVs and yacht builders, the A60 type is ideal as they automatically meet Lloyds Register Approval to IMO Fire Test Procedures Code, Annex 1 Part 3 for Class AO, A15, A30, and A60 division bulkheads and decks. Scott said a key feature of BSB fire dampers is their ability to contain a fire quickly.
“The BSB fire dampers are extremely well-made and consist of a set of steel blades within a steel frame and fit in ventilation or air-conditioning ducts where they pass through major bulkheads,” he said. “When excessive heat or smoke is detected they snap shut to cut the flow of air and help prevent the spread of the fire.
"Each unit is fitted with an IP54 rated electric actuator with a high level of protection against dust or water ingress. Integral to the actuator is a thermal fuse which activates the damper when the temperature reaches 72 °C or receives a closure signal from the smoke detection system. The unit also incorporates a fail-safe feature, closing the dampers in the event of a power failure."
"The hollow metal blades are aerofoil in section, allowing better airflow when the ventilation is running, but which fishtail into an interlocking shutter when facing a fire. The blades expand to a tighter fit as the temperature rises and are also side sealed against smoke. A BSB damper system can be operated strategically if needed from a central fire control panel to assist in an evacuation.”