Information has been received about a critical problem involving ANSUL high pressure carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems. There have been several instances of this particular fire extinguishing system discharging without human intentional or accidental involvement.

The system manufacturer, ANSUL, has identified the suspect CO2 cylinder valves as those having a date code between 10-07 and 06-08. This date code is located on a flat surface immediately above the threaded section which enters the cylinder and opposite the discharge outlet.

A bulletin from ANSUL giving further details is attached with this Technical Information.

It is strongly recommended that owners and operators who have ANSUL high pressure carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems onboard their vessels, and others who may own, sell or service these systems, carefully follow the instruction on the attached bulletin.


For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material & Equipment Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7, Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2020
Fax: +81-3-5226-2057
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp


Attachment:
1. Bulletin issued by ANSUL (Bulletin No.5559)