Engine Fire Protection Flashcards
What types of fire detection systems are used for engine fire detection?
Overheat, rate of rise, and flame detectors.
How does a thermal switch fire protection system operate?
When heated past a predetermined temperature, the switch closes causing the warning devices in the cockpit to activate.
How many thermal switches are needed in a thermal switch fire protection system?
At least one.
What kind of fire detection system allows more complete coverage than a spot-type system?
A continuous loop system.
What happens if an engine equipped with a thermocouple warning system overheats slowly?
Nothing, because a fast temperature rise or rapid heating is required for this type of fire system to operate.
What electrical power is required for a thermocouple fire protection system to operate?
Both the thermocouple-produced power and the aircraft electrical system are required for this type of fire protection system to operate.
What is the likely cause of a false fire warning?
The engine fire sensing loop is bent or kinked excessively.
What are fire extinguishing systems designed to do?
They are designed to dilute the oxygen levels around the engine to a point that dows not allow combustion or to reduce temperatures below the ignition point.
Describe how a Kidde and Fenwal continuous loop fire protection system functions.
A Kidde systems has a sensing element consisting of a sealed Inconel tube containing two conductors that are embedded in a thermistor material. One wire is electrically grounded to the outer tube at each end and acts as an internal ground, and the other is a positive lead. When a fire or overheat occurs, the resistance of the thermistor material drops, allowing current to flow between the two wires to activate an alarm. A Fenwal system uses a sensing element consisting of a small diameter flexible Inconel tube containing a single wire electrode surrounded by ceramic beads. These ceramic beads prevent the electrode and tube from touching each other. Current is applied to the electrode while the outer tube is grounded to the aircraft structure. When a fire or overheat occurs, the core resistance of the ceramic beads drops, allowing current to flow between the center electrode and ground, energizing the alarm system.
What elements must be present for a fire to occur?
An ignition source such as heat or a spark, fuel, and oxygen.
What group of fire extinguishing agents are no longer manufactured because of environmental concerns?
Halons were no longer manufactured after 1995. However, existing stocks of CFC may still be used and are subject to strict handling and disposal regulations.
How are fire extinguishing agents distributed?
Through perforated tubing and/or discharge nozzles.
What is the purpose of the discharge cartridge and how is it activated?
The discharge cartridge, or squib, which is electrically ignited, fires a projectile into the frangible disk, thereby releasing the fire extinguishing agent.
How is a fire extinguisher system with a high rate of discharge classified?
As an HRD fire extinguisher system.
What do the red and yellow discs in a fire extinguishing system indicate?
A yellow disc indicates a normal discharge. A red disc indicates a thermal discharge.
