Fires associated with gas turbines are primarily caused by leaks at supply lines providing fuel and lubricants, where the leaking or flowing liquid may be ignited on the hot surfaces of the turbines. Additionally, electric components may present ignition sources, likewise defective bearings or similar components. Fires in turbine enclosures can occur as spray fires as well as pool fires. FOGTEC systems have proven their reliability in safely extinguishing both types of fires in scenarios where the protected compartments had openings.

Gas extinguishing systems usually have problems to extinguish fires in such cases. One major concern when choosing an extinguishing system for the protection of gas turbines is the uniform surfaces cooling of the turbines. Another problem concerning the protection of gas turbines is caused by the presence of hot surfaces. It must be ensured that no spot cooling or too fast cooling of these surfaces is caused, this may lead to extreme, thermally induced mechanical stresses, which may severely deform the outer turbine body. This may, despite successful fire fighting, lead to the total loss of the turbine.

Another problem to overcome is the presence of very hot surfaces, these intern present a potential for re-ignition of any fuel source. Because of the re-ignition problems, any cooling has to take place very rapidly and also evenly.

When using FOGTEC systems, the combination of the cooling and inerting effect proves to be of particular benefit. The almost gas-like behaviour allows for a homogeneous distribution of the discharged extinguishing agent inside the protected compartment. This provides uniform cooling of the hot equipment, rapid fire control and suppression.

Special protection measures against the effect of the water mist for staff are not required since the FOGTEC mist is absolutely safe. From the operator’s point of view, the normally short shutdown times after activation as well as the fast and inexpensive re-commissioning of the FOGTEC system are major considerations.