ATA-26 A/C FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM 12hrs

It is a combination of fire detection system and fire extinguishing system

ATA 100 chapter 26 deals with fire protection includes, fire detection as well as fire
extinguishing fire is a chemical combination of fuel (combustibles material) oxygen and heat or
temperature.

Classes of fire: as per national fire protection association of USA following are the classes of fire
Class A: solid combustible material such as wood. Grass, paper etc. Eg. Aircraft cabin fire
Class B: Liquid combustible materials like gasoline, engine oil, turbine fuel hydraulic oil &
aircraft engine nacelle.
Class C: Electrical equipment.
Class D: metal fire such as magnesium. Wrong uses of extinguisher intensify the fire. Ex: wheel
& Brake fires.

The a/c is protected by "fixed fire protection" system (permanently installed during production
itself by manufacturer. And other is portable fire protection system.
FEATURES OF AIRCRAFT FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS:
1. A system which will not cause false warnings under any flight or ground operating
conditions.
2. Rapid indication and accurate location of fire.
3. Accurate indication that the fire is out.
4. Indication that the fire is reignited.
5. Continuous indication for the duration of fire.
6. Means for the electrically testing the detector system from A/C cockpit.
7. Detectors which resist exposure to oil water, vibration, extreme temp and
maintenance handling.
8. Detectors are light in weight and easily adaptable to any mounting position.
9. Detector circuitry which operates directly from the a/c power system without
invertors.
10. Minimum electrical requirements when not indicating fire.
11. Each detector system should actuate a cockpit light indicating the location of fire and
an audible alarm system.
12. A separate detection system for each engine.
RECIPROCATING ENGINE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM.

1. Over heat detectors.

2. Rate of temperature rise detectors
3. Flame detectors
4. Observation by crew members.
Fire zones is an area or region of an a/c designated by the manufacturer to require fire
Detection/fire extinguishing equipment and high degree of inherent fire resistance.

FIRE ZONES OF RECIPROCATING ENGINE:

Based on the volume and smoothness of the air flow.
This classification allow us to match the type of detection and extinguishing system to the fire
condition.

Class "A" Zone:

Large quantities of air flowing post regular arrangements of similarly shaped
obstruction. Ex. Power system air flow over cylinder.
Class "B" Zone:
Large quantities of air flowing past “aerodynamically clean obstructions”. Ex. Heat
exchanger ducts. Exhaust manifold shrouds.
Class "C: Zone:
Relatively small air flow. Ex. Compartment behind fire wall.
Class "D" Zone:
Little or no air flow. Ex. Wheel well, inside of wing structure
Class "X: Zone:
Large volume of air at an irregular rate power plant portion. Most difficult to protect.
Fire extinguishing agent twice than normal zone.

TYPES OF FIRE DETECTORS: Used in light A/C.

THERMAL SWITCH (SPOT TYPE SYSTEM):

Switches are wired parallel with each other entire group is connected in series with
indicator light.
These switches are located at the points in the engine nacelle where temp is highest.
These switches using bimetallic thermo switch closes when the temperature is above the preset
temperature.
When the switch closes it brings warning light with alarm.
When test s/w is put on, test relay energized shifts the contact they bring light on.
 When dimming relay is energized red light will be dim.

Two terminal spot type fire detection system that uses individual thermo switches installed
around the inside of the area to be protected.
These thermo switches are wired in parallel between two separate switches. A short or an open
circuit can exists in either circuit without causing a fire warning.

THERMO COUPLE TYPE (RATE OF TEMPERATURE RISE):

Also Edison fire detection when two dissimilar metals such as chromyl and constant a
jointed will be exposed to heat or fire (hot junction) forms thermo couple.
This system operating on the rate of temperature rises principle (It does not operate
when engine over heat slowly or short circuit develops).
Relay box consists of two relays slave and sensitive and thermal test unit. Relays control
warning lights. Thermo couples control relays. Thermo couples and sensitive relays are
connected in series.
Active thermo couples are placed in locations where fire is likely to occur and one
thermo couple is placed in location that is relatively well protected from the initial flame.

The temperature of reference thermo couple will eventually reach that of other thermo
coir /s there will be no tire warning if everything heats up uniformly as it does in normal
operation.

When fire occurs the temperature in the area of active thermo couple will exceed temp
of reference thermo couple causing a current to flow through sensitive relay any time. The
current is greater than 4 milli Amps (0.004 Amps). The sensitive relay operates closes the
contact thus energizing the slave relay which closes the contact thus brings fire warning light
and alarm on.
 Total number of thermo couples in individual detector circuits depends on the size of
fire zone and total circuit resistance. Which does not exceed 5 Ohms.
The resistor connected across slave relay is used to absorb the coils self induced voltage
thus to prevent arcing across points of sensitive relay. Contacts of sensitive relay are so fragile
would burn or weld if arcing is permitted.
When test switch is closed current flows through heater and heats up the test thermo
couple. This cause current to flow to the thermo couple loops and fire warming light illuminate.

Thermo couple is an electrical device consisting of a loop made of two different types of
wire. A voltage is generated in a thermo couple i.e., is proportional to the difference in the
temperatures of the two points where the dissimilar wires join this voltage difference causes
current to flow.

Thermo couples are installed around the area to be protected and one thermo couple is
sounded by insulation that prevents its temperature from changing rapidly.

In the event of fire the temperature of all thermo couples except thermally insulated
one will raise immediately and the fire warning will be initiated.

CONTINUOUS LOOP DETECTOR SYSTEMS:

It permits more complete coverage of a fire hazard area.
It works on the principle of spot type thermo couple fire detectors.
Instead of individual thermal switches it is in the form of long inconel tube.
These are over heat systems using heat sensitive unit which complete electrical circuit
at a certain temperature.
Automatically reset when fire extinguishes.

THERMISTOR TYPE CONTINUOUS LOOP DETECTOR SYSTEMS

A fire detection system that uses a continuous loop of two conductors separated with
thermistor type insulation.
Thermistor is a material with a negative temperature co-efficient that causes resistance
to decreases with the increase of temperature conducts initiates fire warning.
Eutectic material is an alloy or solution that has the lowest possible melting point.

FEN WALL SYSTEM

Single wire surrounded by a continuous string of ceramic beads in an inconel tube.
Eutectic salt is having a characteristic of suddenly lowering its electrical resistance as the
sensing element reaches its alarm
temperature.
 Eutectic salt does not allow current to flow at normal temp.
In case of fire or over heat condition core resistance drops allows current flow between
the signal wire and ground energized control unit (Magnetic amplifier) which in turn sounds the
alarm. If any portion of sensing elements reaches alarm temp.

KIDDE SYSTEM
Two wires are imbedded in a special ceramic core with in an in conel tube. One of the
wire is welded to die case at each end acts as on internal ground. The second wire is hot lead
(above ground potential). That provides an electrical current
signal when the ceramic core material changes resistance with
changes in temp sensing.

These elements are connected to relay unit. This unit

constantly measures. The total resistance of the full sensing
loops. Senses the average temperature as well as any hot spot.

PRESSURE TYPE SENSOR RESPONDER TYPES

It actuates when any portion of element reaches a temperature that would signal a fire
condition or when a large portion of element is exposed to overheat condition (lower temp
than fire) which could also cause structural damage or precedes fire.
 Sensitive element consists of sealed gas filled tube containing an element. That absorbs
gas at low temperature and releases it as the temperature rises.
Tube is connected with pressure s/w that will close when the gas pressure in the tube
reaches predetermined value.

LIND BERG SYSTEM

Continuous element type detector. It consists of stainless tube contains a discreet
element.

Element is processed to absorb gas in proportion to the operating temp set point.
The heat generated causes the gas to be released from the element. This gas release
increases pressure in stainless lube which mechanically actuates the diaphragm s/w activating
warning light and alarm bell.

Testing:
Low voltage alternating current heats up the outer sheath to the set temperature
element will release the gas and the pressure in diaphragm will close contact initiates fire
alarm. When test s/w released element cools contact open.

SYSTRON - DONNER SYSTEM It contains titanium center wire which is gas absorption material.
This material contains hydrogen gas. Center wire is wrapped with inert metal tape for
protection and the turns of tape allow release of hydrogen gas. Wrapped wire is installed in
stainless steel tube and is surrounded with helium gas under pressure.

In case of overheat the pressure of helium will increase due to high temp exerts
pressure on pneumatic switch at the end of sensor. At preset value switch will close indicates
over heat. During fire localized high temp will cause a large quantity of hydrogen gas released
from titanium wire cause rise in gas pressure in tube will actuate pneumatic switch. This action
is known as discrete function sensor.
If helium gas pressure is lost the test circuit warns the flight crew that system is not
operational.

CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF SMOKE DETECTORS

Smoke detection system is used where the type of fire anticipated is expected to
generate a substantial amount of smoke before temp changes are sufficient to activate heat
detection system.
Toxic gases like carbon monoxide or nitrous oxides pressure may takes place due to leak
or failure of exhaust components heaters. These gasses are dangerous to flight crew or
passengers.
CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS:
These detectors are located in air craft cabins or cockpits.
Carbon monoxide is by product of incomplete combustion and is found in varying
degrees in all smoke and fumes from burning carbonaceous substances.
0.2% of CO concentration produces headache mental dullness and physical laziness.
Indicator button which consist of tablet to find out the concentration of CO installed
instrument panel or cockpit wall or worn as badge.
Tablet's color changes from normal tan to darker shadier of gray to black. The color
change depends on concentration of carbon monoxide. If concentration is 50 ppm (0.005%) if
takes 15 to 30 min. 100 ppm (0.01%) change in color tan to gray 2-5 min. tan to dark gray 15-20
min.
Portable testers or sniffers consist of replaceable indicator tube which contains yellow
silica gel. Impregnated with a complex silico molybdate compound and is catalyzed using
palladium sulfate.
When air is drawn by tube, if air contains carbon monoxide yellow silica gel turns lo a
shade of green. Intensity of green color depends on CO - contraction.

SMOKE DETECTORS:
These are classified by method of detection.

LIGHT REFRACTION TYPE/PHOTO

ELECTRIC SMOKE DETECTOR
It consists of photoelectric
cell a beacon lamp and a light trap
all mounted in lay brinth. Air
samples are drawn into detector
unit. An accumulation of 10% or
more causes photo electric cell to
conduct current. The detector
supplies signal to the smoke
detector amplifier which in turns
activates a warning bell and light.

During test 28V DC test relay energized. Voltage is applied to indication, comes on if
beacon and test lamp photo electric cell smoke detector circuit are operable connected in
series.
Ionization type:

In uses a small amount of radioactive material to ionize of oxygen and nitrogen

molecules in the air sample drawn in to detector cell. These ions allow small current to flow
through detector cct.

If smoke is present in
air small particles of smoke
attach themselves to the
oxygen and nitrogen gas
reducing electrical current flow
in the test circuit. If current
flow falls below t preset value
alarm cct activate visual and
audio alarms.

SOLID STATE TYPE:

It operates comparing signals from two detecting elements. One will be the area being
monitored other exposed to outside air.
Detecting elements consists of heating coil encased in a coating of semi conducting material.
Carbon monoxide or nitrous oxide present will be absorbed by this coating and will
change the current currying ability of detector.
These sensors are connected in bridge circuit. When both elements conduct evenly.
Bridge balances no warning signal is present.
If the area being monitored has co unbalanced condition created across bridge and
warning cct illuminates cockpit warning lamp and audio system.

Visual Smoke Detectors:

Installed in the flight engineers panel

the inside of the chamber is painted non
reflective back a glass observation windows a
light shines across the chamber in such a way
that it illuminate any smoke that is present. Air
pulled from the compartments to be
monitored close to the detection chamber.

When no smoke in air then no light is

visible. When there is a smoke the light strikes
it can be seen in the window along with a
green indication on the front of the detector.
OVER HEAT AND FIRE DETECTION SYSTEM.
Detector element consists of stainless tube protected throughout its length by Teflon
coating inside the tube is metal hydride coated element surrounded by inert gas (Helium) one
end is closed other end is bifurcated and joined to two diaphragm operated pressure switches.
One is open other is kept closed by normal pressure 20 PSI.
 System is designed to sense two levels of temperature then there must be two
detecting elements each with different sensing levels.
One pair is over heat loop other pair is fire loop. Located at the bottom of engine or
engine: of fire wall.
If the local temp rises to 205 ± 30°C the coating of the element inside on over heat
releases the gas Hydrogen. This increases the pressure inside the tube so that diaphragm of
normally open switch will close its contacts the signal now flowing from the contact passes
through operational amplifier output of which biases the transistor to allow 28V DC energies
the relay. The relay closes its contacts on amber over heat light come on.

The temp rises to 315 ± 30° pressure of released hydrogen gas in detecting element
closes. Normally open switch a signal pass through operational amplifier biases the transistor
allow the 28V DC energies the relay. Which illuminates red warning lights and alarm bell of fire.
In case the pressure of helium reduces the normally closed pressure s/w open causing in
operative light to comes on.

FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM

Can be extinguished by taking out combustible material (starvation) cutting off the
oxygen supply (Blanketing) by spraying with form reducing the heat (Cooling).
Extinguishing system designed to generate on atmosphere that will dilute the oxygen
levels to a point where fire can no longer be sustained to reduce the temperature below the
ignition point or combination.

CHARACTERISTICS EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

1. Able to extinguish the fire effectively and quickly.
2. Non corrosive
3. Non toxic
4. Should have less weight
5. Readily available
6. Lower the cost
7. Should operate in all weather conditions should not require boosters

Conventional Systems: CO2 Oxygen dilution and cooling.

Those fire extinguishing installations first used in A/C still being used in old A/C. carbon
dioxide is used.

Steel cylinder is used to store CO 2 under pressure, remote control valve assembly in
cockpit, to distribute extinguishing agent to engine, through the turbine in form of gas. Tubes
are terminated in perforated loops, which encircle the engine.
 A small amount of nitrogen is added as booster charge to winterize the system to Co 2 it
can discharge quickly cooling temp — 110° F.

CO2 changes from gas to solid ice without changing in to liquid.

Portable fire extinguishers, which are available in cock pit, passenger cabin are of CO2.

Halogenated Hydro Carbons:

The extinguishing mechanisms of these agents are “Chemical interference “in the
combustion process termed as chemical cooling or energy transfer blocking”. This is more
effective.
These are compounds formed by the replacement of one or more hydrogen atoms in
the simple hydro carbons methane and ethane by halogen atoms.
These extinguishing agents are identified by halon numbers. Which describe chemical
makeup of agent.
 First digit number of carbon (C) atoms in compound.
 Second digit number of Fluorine (F) atoms in compound.
 Third digit number of Chlorine (Cl) atoms in compound.
 Fourth digit number of Bromine (Br) atoms in compound.
 Fifth digit of it appears number of Iodine atoms.

Under writers laboratories classifies the various refrigerants or extinguishing agents as

per their life hazards toxic grouping. Highest life hazard is “Group 1". Lowest “Group 6". Some
halogenated hydro carbons are
Bromo tri fluoro methane C Br F3 Halon 1301 Toxic group 6
Bromo chloro Di fluoro methane C Br Cl F2 Halon 1211 Toxic group 5
Di Bromide fluoro methane C Br F3 Halon 1202 Toxic group 4
Chloro Bromo methane C H2 BrCl Halon 1011 Toxic group 3
Methyl Bromide (MB) CH3 Br Halon 1011 Toxic group 2
Carbon tetra Chloride (CTC) CCI4 Halon 104 Toxic group 4

Inert cold gas agents are carbon dioxide and nitrogen.

High Rate discharge (HRD) systems: Fire Extinguishers

This term applied to highly effective systems, currently used.
This provides discharge rates through high pressurization, short feed lines, large
discharge valves and out lets.
The extinguishing agents “Halon" some time boosted by high pressure nitrogen.
 The agent and pressurizing gasses are released into the fire zone for a short period. The
zone is temporarily pressurized and interrupts the ventilating air flow.
 Extinguisher is contained in pressurized steel container. Bottle pressure gauge provided
to indicate the readiness of system. Discharge valves ore having diaphragms, which are
ruptured by electrical cartridge so extinguisher gushes out.
Thermal fuse is installed in each bottle, which will melt and release the contents. If the
bottle is discharged due to high temperature. "Red blow out disc" on the side of fuse large
blown out indicate thermal discharge.
"Yellow disc blown out" indicates discharge by normal operation.

Squib is an explosive device in the discharge valve of HRD container of fire extinguishing
agent. The squib drives a cutter into the seal in the container to discharge the agent.

Various Fire Extinguishers:

1. Water extinguishers or soda extinguishers for class A / solid fires
2. Foam extinguishers for class B / liquid fires
3. Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers, Electrical fires.
4. Dry chemical power (DCP) extinguishers, class D / Metal Fire.

Turbine Engine Fire Protection Systems:

Turbine engine failures are due to thermodynamic and mechanical.
Thermodynamic failures are due to ice formation, excess air bleed or leakage, faulty
controls which permits compressor stall or excess fuel and melting of turbine blades.
Mechanical failures such as fractured or thrown blades can create over heat, failure of
forward stages of multi stage engine.
Turbine Engine Fire Zones:
Fire zone is any area in which an ignition source together with combustibles,
combustible fluid line leakage or mixture may exists.
1. Engine power section, which include burner, turbine and tail pipe.
2. Engine compressor and accessory section which includes compressor and all the engine
accessories.
3. Complete power plant compartments in which no isolation exists between engine
power section and accessory section
Turbine powered air craft will utilize the same type of engine over hat and fire detection
system discussed.
High rate of discharge type (HRD) extinguishers are used.

Complete fire protection system

1. Engine fire detection and extinguishing.
When engine fire takes place red light and bell sounds. Pilot pulls engine fire
warning switch (in fig I). These things happens.
 Engine fuel shut-off valve is closed.
 Thrust reversal control power goes off.
  Spar fuel valve closes.
 Power to the engine driven pump low-pressure warning system goes off.
 Bleed air valve closes.
 Hydraulic shut-off value closes.
The pipe lines that caries fire extinguishing agent from the bottles to the engine
are marked with brown color coding tape that has a series of diamonds to aid
technicians who are color blind are using dim light

2. APU fire detection and extinguishing

When the APU fire warning switch in fig pulled switch unlocks automatically APU
shut down. Separate fire extinguishers are used
3. Lower cargo compartments smoke detectors and fire suppression
These are protected by smoke detectors and bottle of nitrogen pressurized halon
1301.
4. Wheel well overheat monitoring
A thermistor type loop detectors provides the warning through BITE. Fitted with
a fan or cool air.
5. Wing and body overheat monitoring
Thermistor type detectors provide warning through BITE about cargo
compartment and air conditioning equipment compartments when the
temperature is above 2550F. Wing leading edge and engine strut cavities above
3100F.
6. Lavatory smoke detection and fire extinguisher.
Electronic smoke detectors are used with fire extinguishers. The extinguisher
sprays the area below the wash basin and in the trash bin area with an inert gas.