Fire Safety

[flybouy]

There's a lot of "misunderstanding" around "automatic fire suppression". Many people may see a hood over a grill in a restaurant and call it a "Halon" because it was popular pre 1994 when it was banned due to ozone depleting studies.

Ansul systems are the most common automatic fire suppression after the basic "water sprinkler" systems that are found nearly everywhere. Tha ansul systems are used where water isn't preferred like grease cooking, manufacturer storage of magnesium, or where the water damage could cause other issues like computer rooms, data storage,or other areas where electronics are at risk. The ansul systems are typically designed with the use between several available suppression agents depending on the design criteria.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by flybouy

There's a lot of "misunderstanding" around "automatic fire suppression". Many people may see a hood over a grill in a restaurant and call it a "Halon" because it was popular pre 1994 when it was banned due to ozone depleting studies.

Ansul systems are the most common automatic fire suppression after the basic "water sprinkler" systems that are found nearly everywhere. Tha ansul systems are used where water isn't preferred like grease cooking, manufacturer storage of magnesium, or where the water damage could cause other issues like computer rooms, data storage,or other areas where electronics are at risk. The ansul systems are typically designed with the use between several available suppression agents depending on the design criteria.

Yep, Halon went the way of freon. I retired in 1989 and the systems I described in my previous post were installed around 1980 or 1981 (?) and removed from service in around 1985 or 1986 if I remember correctly. Actually, I think they were "disarmed" in 85-86, pending contractor modifications to make them safe to use (which was never done) and finally removed after I retired, probably in 1990-1992 (when the base was deactivated and all "high dollar items" were removed from the buildings) before the base was turned over to the local community.

[travelin texans]

Mentioned was the risk of a LP fire due to an accident or tire blow out. In the past several years with implementation of the OFD devices on propane bottles that risk has all but disappeared. Any sudden rapid release of propane the flow is immediately shut at the valve, meaning unless the bottle is ruptured the only fuel will be what small amount is in the lines. Disconnect the line from your bottle then open the valve, how much spews out? If any you need to replace that bottle ASAP!
The DW just reminded me that we did witness a RV burning right outside our RV park, but it was due to something in the rear of the Ford SUV tow vehicle (not the fridge), it took about 20 minutes for both to be a pile of charred metal & ashes.
I will say I've seen dozens of RVs/tow vehicles on their sides at the side of the road due to winds, poor/reckless driving or in my opinion the major cause, too much rv with not near enough tow vehicle coupled with the other two mentioned.

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by travelin texans

Mentioned was the risk of a LP fire due to an accident or tire blow out. In the past several years with implementation of the OFD devices on propane bottles that risk has all but disappeared. Any sudden rapid release of propane the flow is immediately shut at the valve, meaning unless the bottle is ruptured the only fuel will be what small amount is in the lines. Disconnect the line from your bottle then open the valve, how much spews out? If any you need to replace that bottle ASAP!
The DW just reminded me that we did witness a RV burning right outside our RV park, but it was due to something in the rear of the Ford SUV tow vehicle (not the fridge), it took about 20 minutes for both to be a pile of charred metal & ashes.
I will say I've seen dozens of RVs/tow vehicles on their sides at the side of the road due to winds, poor/reckless driving or in my opinion the major cause, too much rv with not near enough tow vehicle coupled with the other two mentioned.

Danny, This is offered as a question - not a statement of fact...It was my understanding that the OPD valve only protects the tank when there is nothing connected to the valve. Once you connect a hose to the valve, the OPD valve is opened. Modern connection hoses, however, also include an excess flow restriction valve that will limit the flow of gas to about 20% of full open. It is for this reason, the tank valve needs to be opened slowly to allow back pressure to build and prevent the excess flow valve from closing. For a much better explanation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g38JponlN4

So, if something accidentally opens your system to the atmosphere, it would be quite possible to completely drain the tanks (at about 20% of full flow). Now, I still agree with John, you, and others on the whole refrigerator fire issue. But the "GasStop" propane valves might be a very good investment to prevent bulk loss of propane.

Again - asking the question - not stating facts. Comments?
Thanks,

[LewisB]

The GasStop safety shut-off valve closes when flow rate reaches 57,000 btu/m. This should stop any "open flow" accidental releases without impacting normal use of multiple appliances on gas.

Anyone have any experience with these?

[chuckster57]

OPD
Over fill
Prevention
Device

It has nothing to do with flow out of cylinder. It prevents over filling the tank. IIRC it limits the capacity to 80%. Before that device was mandated, it was common place to fill a 7 gal cylinder with 7.5 or even 8 gal of LP.

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

OPD
Over fill
Prevention
Device

It has nothing to do with flow out of cylinder. It prevents over filling the tank. IIRC it limits the capacity to 80%. Before that device was mandated, it was common place to fill a 7 gal cylinder with 7.5 or even 8 gal of LP.

Thanks Chuck. So, what I don't understand is if you open the valve (nothing connected to it) and nothing comes out, if it isn't the OPD stopping it, then what is it that is stopping the flow? Do you have any experience with the GasStop valves?

Thanks again.