IMO MSC/Circ. 913

The scope of this test procedure is to evaluate the effectiveness of fixed water-based local application fire-fighting systems on board ships.

The standard presents two different spray fire scenarios with nominal heat release of 1 MW and 6 MW respectively. For each fire, five tests should be conducted. The nozzles should be arranged in a 3 x 3 grid, and the difference between the different tests is the placement of the spray fire relatively to the nozzles. The placement of the spray fire in the five tests is defined as follows: 1. Under one nozzle in the centre of the grid. 2. Between two nozzles in the centre of the grid. 3. Between four nozzles. 4. Under one nozzle at the edge of the grid (corner). 5. Between two nozzles at the edge of the grid. As seen in the photo, the test rig for this standard is quite simple. It mainly consists of the nozzle grid, which is suspended by a crane, and the spray fire. This means that extensive preparations are not needed between each test, which means that a number of tests could be conducted at a relatively short period.

 

SINTEF NBL and IMO MSC/Circ. 913
SINTEF NBL has conducted a number of IMO 913 tests the last couple of years. This means that we have gained an extensive experience with these tests. With our proficient personnel and our test hall, which is one of the biggest and most versatile test halls in the world, we can offer our clients the confidence they desire when they carry out important R&D projects and classification tests.

IMO Res. MSC. 265(84)

The scope of this test procedure is to evaluate the effectiveness of water mist systems in accommodation and service areas on board ships.

The standard presents three main scenarios which simulate different areas on board ships; cabin and corridors, public space and storage areas. These scenarios have several subscenarios, in order to evaluate how robust the system is. The main difference between the subscenarios is where the ignition point is placed relatively to the extinguishing nozzle(s) and the different apparatuses. Cabin and corridor: In this scenario, the fire tests take place inside a 4 x 3 m cabin with a 12 x 1.5 m corridor attached to it. The cabin is furnished with two bunk beds, which also serve as fuel and ignition point. The nozzle manufacturers are free to choose whether to install a ceiling pendent nozzle or a sidewall nozzle in the cabin. Public space: In the public space scenario, the fire is lit in a group of sofas, placed underneath a 80 m2 suspended ceiling. The different subscenarios define where the sofa group is to be placed. One subscenario also defines a corner test, where the sofas are placed along walls, covered with plywood panels, which constitutes a corner. Storage area: In the last scenario, storage area, the ignition point is lit underneath a stack of cardboard boxes filled with plastic cups. This scenario also takes place underneath a 80 m2 suspended ceiling.

Other application areas:
Even though there are some test methods designed for land-based application, many nozzle manufacturers choose to verify their system by conducting tests from IMO Res. MSC. 265(84). Contact one of our experts for counseling and to plan a test series.

SINTEF NBL and IMO Res. MSC. 265(84)
SINTEF NBL has an extensive experience, both with the preceding IMO A.800 and with the IMO Res. MSC. 265(84). With our proficient personnel and our test hall, which is one of the biggest and most versatile test halls in the world, we can offer our clients the confidence they desire when they carry out important R&D projects and classification tests.