Submarine Hydraulic Fluid Explosion Mitigation and Fire Threats to Ordnance

Abstract : Previous work has shown that leaks in submarine hydraulic systems can produce sprays and mists that are highly flammable and potentially explosive. To evaluate the feasibility of using currently available Fire extinguishing technologies for preventing or mitigating these explosions, large-scale tests were conducted in the SHADWELL/688 test area aboard ex-USS Shadwell. PKP AFFF, carbon dioxide, and water (applied with a Vari-Nozzle, a Navy applicator, and a water mist spray system) were evaluated. PKP prevented the explosions; the other agents were ineffective. Additional testing was performed to characterize the Fire threat to ordnance located in the torpedo room. It was found that the temperature produced, even by small spray fires, exceeded the maximum safe temperature limits for the Mk-48 torpedo.