FIRE MAIN CONTROL

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe ship fire main has undergone considerable development throughout the past 2,000 years, resulting in a system that is critical both for normal ship function and for ship survivability in emergencies. Because of its complexity, the modern firemain system is highly vulnerable to malfunction and to damage during combat. Firemain fault detection and fault recovery are currently conducted manually by damage control teams. The advantages and disadvantages of this method are discussed, and alternative methods of fault detection and recovery are explored. An interactive computer program is introduced which uses central control over remotely situated valves to facilitate fault detection and recovery, significantly reducing recovery‐time and manpower requirements. These reductions may result in savings of lives, ship systems, and ships themselves. The computer program is based upon an algorithm which is, in effect, a prescription that can be followed manually by the operator or be completely automated. The color graphic display which is used for monitoring can also be utilized for the training of damage control operators or for the evaluation of other algorithms for firemain control. Alternative firemain hardware and configurations could lead to even more efficient methods of fault detection and recovery as well as improved firemain water supply management in general.