Scavenge fires

Oily carbon deposits build up in the scavenge

trunking during normal operation of the engine.
Drains are provided in order to remove such
deposits and so help keep the scavenge
trunking reasonably clean. Under certain
conditions the deposits may dry out and ignite.
Piston blow past due to sticking or broken
piston rings, or even excessive liner wear, is a
major cause of the problem. Faulty combustion
due to late injection or incorrect atomisation
may also be responsible as may blow back
through the scavenge ports caused by a
restriction in the exhaust.

In all cases the increased temperature
leads to a drying out of the oily deposits in
the air box and subsequently ignition takes
place. A scavenge fire can cause serious
damage to the piston rod diaphragm gland
as well as leading to possible distortion of
the air box and cracking of the liner. Tie
rod tension will almost certainly be
affected.
B&W and other engine builders
recommend that in the event of a
fire the engine should be slowed as
soon as possible and preferably
stopped. The turning gear should
be put in and the engine
continuously turned to prevent
seizure. Air supply should be cut off
by enclosing the turbocharger
inlets, for mechanically operated
exhaust valves the gas side should
also be operated, (hydraulically
operated exhaust valves will self
close after a few minutes). The
individual isolating valves on the
scavenge drains line are close to
prevent the fire transferring to other
boxes. Boundary cooling may be
employed.
Fixed extinguishing mechanism
should be used at the earliest
possible time. When the fire is
extinguished the air box is allowed
to cool, then the air boxes should
be well cleaned, the tie-rod tension
checked. The causes of the fire
should be ascertained and
remedied.
Fire fighting media

Carbon dioxide- will put out a fire but supply is
limited. Susceptible to loss if dampers do not
effective prevent air flow
Dry powder- will cover the burning carbon and
oil but is messy. As the fire may still smoulder
below the powder care must be taken when the
scavenge doors are removed as the powder
layer may be blown away.
Steam-plentiful and effective
Water spray- perhaps the ideal solution giving
quick effective cooling effect to the fire.

Indications that a fire is imminent are a reduction
in flow through the drains and a temperature rise
in the scavenge. This temperature rise can be
detected by temperature wires or mats.
When a fire is in progress there is a slow down
of the engine with the turbocharger surging as
the fire consumes the oxygen. Sparks are seen
issuing from the drains and there is a
temperature rise in the scavenge space.
Scavenge belt relief door

Fitted to both ends of
the scavenge belt and
set to lift slightly
above the maximum
normal working
scavenge air pressure