Overview
Using Fire Retardant Gels during Hotwork (2005-341A-061)
Project Team:
- Huntington Ingalls Industries- Newport News Shipbuilding
2018
NSRP ASE Investment: $148K
Objective:
The goal of this project was to evaluate the use of commercially available fire retardant gels in multiple application methods (spray bottles, blankets, etc.) to determine feasibility for use in ship construction and ship repair during various hot work operations. The specific objectives of this goal included:
1. Identify viable, commercially available fire retardant gels.
2. Identify concerns and risks with the use of fire retardant gels.
3. Identify shipyard user requirements for fire retardant products during hot work operations. This includes, but is not limited to, fire prevention capabilities, fire suppression capabilities, off-gassing, environmental impact and effects on subsequent welding operations.
4. Identify initial list of fire retardant gels that satisfy shipyard user requirements.
5. Develop testing criteria for initial list of down-selected products. This includes, but is not limited to, fire prevention capabilities, fire suppression capabilities, toxicity, analysis of residue, paint adhesion properties and practical weld analysis.
The project made recommendations as to the characteristics of the fire-retardant gels suitable for use during navy ship construction and repair. The project made recommendations as to when the use of such gels is not suitable.
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