Date: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 17:49:18 -0700
Reply-To: Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Björn <bratjen@DIRECT.CA>
Subject: Re: Automatic Fire Extinguishers
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
At 03:37 PM 28/09/98 -0400, Erik wrote:
>This is easy. Marine stores sell automatic fire extinguishing systems.
>They cost about $250 and up. I would think you would need something to
>remove the Oxygen in the engine compartment and something to cool off
>the hot engine components. Any firefighter out there want to recommend
>what size containers a van would need?
>--
>
As a firefighter I cannot really see much justification of the effort and
expense for an automatic system. Remember that you have to carry the extra
weight and maintain the system. Marine applications are a different
territory since you might not be able to get out safely and you have an
enclosed space.
If you would use something which replaces oxygen and cools, then you would
consider CO2. However, to be efficient you would have to enclose the whole
engine and create a container for the released CO2. Water alone would not be
very effective. Gasoline can float and burn on water. So you would have to
add foam, which has a limited storage time and you need to mix it with air
upon application. In addition you might have freezing problems during
winter. This leaves powder. Fire extinguishing powder is very corrosive and
you really should only use it in emergencies. An accidental release can
cause a lot of damage.
There are more questions: Are you considering the engine only? What about
the stove fire in the camper? Do you want to put a system throughout your
car? Where would you place the appropriate heat sensors? What temperature
rating? (The initial phases of the fire will be detected visually or by
smell before any system would kick in and you would not want your system to
go off just because it is a hot summer day. Westy owners tend to wander
about and go through different climate zones with considerable temperature
differences.)
Maintenance and check-ups plus a removable fire extinguisher are definitely
the best option.
I could come up with other solutions like the big scoop which would enclose
the whole car upon activation, but it is not Friday yet. Enough said for my
part.
Björn Ratjen
Mill Bay, B.C.
1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)