Dry Chemical System
medium
14 / 14 models (Inspector)
A fixed dry chemical system floods a protected space with powder from a bank of pressurised cylinders through fixed piping and nozzles, giving the same chemical chain-breaking action as a portable extinguisher but sized to knock down a fire across a galley range, paint locker or helideck refuelling point in one release.
Read more — Dry Chemical System explained ▾
What a fixed dry chemical system is for
Portable extinguishers cover a fire a crew member can reach and fight directly; a fixed dry chemical system is built for spaces where a fire can spread faster than a hand extinguisher can control it, or where crew access is limited during a fire, such as a galley deep-fat range hood and duct, a paint locker, or a helicopter deck fuelling point. Rather than relying on someone carrying an extinguisher to the seat of the fire, the system discharges powder automatically or by remote pull station through fixed piping and nozzles aimed directly at the hazard.
Main components
Powder storage cylinders
One or more pressure vessels hold the dry chemical charge, usually a sodium or potassium bicarbonate based powder chosen for the fire class expected in that space, kept dry and free-flowing by a moisture-tight fill and periodic condition checks.
Expellant gas cylinder
A separate cylinder of nitrogen or CO2 provides the propelling gas, either stored ready-connected or released by a pilot cylinder that then pressurises the main powder cylinders, depending on system design.
Fixed piping and discharge nozzles
Sized and positioned during design to deliver a calculated powder density across the protected area or directly onto specific equipment, such as a fryer or duct opening, within seconds of activation.
Detection and release station
Heat or flame detectors trigger automatic release in unmanned or high-risk spaces; a manual pull station, always provided as a backup, lets crew release the system from outside the protected space.
Selection and sizing
The system is engineered to the specific hazard, not sold as a fixed capacity unit:
- Protected area or volume, and whether the hazard is a local point source such as a fryer versus a whole enclosure such as a paint locker.
- Powder type matched to the expected fire class, since bicarbonate powders suited to class B fires differ from the ammonium phosphate powders used for combined class A/B/C risk.
- Discharge time and powder quantity calculated to achieve extinguishing concentration before the fire can regrow, typically within ten to thirty seconds.
- Detection method appropriate to the space, balancing fast response against false discharge risk from normal galley heat.
Regulations and class
SOLAS Chapter II-2 requires fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements for galley ranges with deep-fat cooking equipment and for certain other specific hazards, and sets performance criteria the system's design must meet rather than mandating one brand or layout. Class societies require the system design to be approved against a recognised standard before installation, and periodic servicing, weighing of powder cylinders, and pressure testing of expellant gas cylinders at intervals set by the equipment standard, commonly aligned with the vessel's fire equipment survey cycle.
Typical faults
| Fault | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Caked or moisture-contaminated powder | Reduced or blocked discharge through the nozzles when the system is activated |
| Expellant cylinder pressure below charge weight | Powder is not propelled through the piping with enough force to reach the nozzles |
| Corroded or misaligned discharge nozzles | Powder pattern misses the actual hazard, such as the fryer surface or duct opening |
| Detector fouled by cooking grease | Automatic release fails to trigger, or triggers falsely from normal heat, eroding crew trust in the system |
| Manual pull station cable seized or disconnected | Backup release does not work when crew activate it during an actual fire |
What to look for in a supplier
- Approval to service the specific system brand and design, since powder chemistry and cylinder hardware are not interchangeable between manufacturers.
- Documented weighing and condition checks of powder cylinders at every service, not just a visual inspection.
- Ability to pressure test and, where due, hydrostatically retest the expellant gas cylinders on the same visit.
- Familiarity with galley hood and duct nozzle layouts specifically, since misaimed nozzles are a common installation-era defect that only shows up at commissioning test.
Ask for the actual discharge test result, not just a service sticker, whenever the system is due; a system that passes a static weight and pressure check can still fail to reach the fryer surface if a nozzle was reaimed or blocked during galley cleaning.
8 manufacturers · 14 models
Wilhelmsen Ships Service
4
Wilhelmsen DCP 25kg
unverified
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing-agent inventory or pressure caused by leakage or poor maintenance, resulting in low-level or low-pressure indication and reduced readiness
- Nozzle, pipe or distribution blockage caused by corrosion, paint, deposits or mechanical damage, resulting in restricted discharge
- Release-valve or actuator failure caused by corrosion, sticking or control faults, resulting in inability to discharge the system when commanded
- Detection, interlock or alarm failure caused by wiring, sensor or panel faults, resulting in missing alarms or inhibited release sequence
- Pump, cylinder or pressure-regulating equipment deterioration caused by wear, corrosion or electrical faults, resulting in inadequate discharge performance
Service: Inspect agent storage, pumps or cylinders, release controls, section valves, nozzles, piping and alarms in accordance with the approved maintenance plan. Keep nozzles and discharge openings clear of paint, cargo or modifications. Function-test release circuits and interlocks using the authorized non-discharge test method. Check cylinder or tank condition, pressure indication and securing arrangements and record any isolated section. Verify protected-space shutdowns and alarms where required. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for test intervals, charge quantities, pressures and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved valve service kits, nozzles, seals, actuators, release components, fuses and manufacturer-recommended pump or pressure-regulating parts. Extinguishing-agent and cylinder components must remain compatible with the certified system.
Use Cases: It is used for fixed fire protection on merchant ships, passenger vessels, offshore units or other vessel types where this equipment category is fitted.
Wilhelmsen DCP 50kg
unverified
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing-agent inventory or pressure caused by leakage or poor maintenance, resulting in low-level or low-pressure indication and reduced readiness
- Nozzle, pipe or distribution blockage caused by corrosion, paint, deposits or mechanical damage, resulting in restricted discharge
- Release-valve or actuator failure caused by corrosion, sticking or control faults, resulting in inability to discharge the system when commanded
- Detection, interlock or alarm failure caused by wiring, sensor or panel faults, resulting in missing alarms or inhibited release sequence
- Pump, cylinder or pressure-regulating equipment deterioration caused by wear, corrosion or electrical faults, resulting in inadequate discharge performance
Service: Inspect agent storage, pumps or cylinders, release controls, section valves, nozzles, piping and alarms in accordance with the approved maintenance plan. Keep nozzles and discharge openings clear of paint, cargo or modifications. Function-test release circuits and interlocks using the authorized non-discharge test method. Check cylinder or tank condition, pressure indication and securing arrangements and record any isolated section. Verify protected-space shutdowns and alarms where required. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for test intervals, charge quantities, pressures and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved valve service kits, nozzles, seals, actuators, release components, fuses and manufacturer-recommended pump or pressure-regulating parts. Extinguishing-agent and cylinder components must remain compatible with the certified system.
Use Cases: It is used for fixed fire protection on merchant ships, passenger vessels, offshore units or other vessel types where this equipment category is fitted.
Wilhelmsen DCP 100kg
unverified
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing-agent inventory or pressure caused by leakage or poor maintenance, resulting in low-level or low-pressure indication and reduced readiness
- Nozzle, pipe or distribution blockage caused by corrosion, paint, deposits or mechanical damage, resulting in restricted discharge
- Release-valve or actuator failure caused by corrosion, sticking or control faults, resulting in inability to discharge the system when commanded
- Detection, interlock or alarm failure caused by wiring, sensor or panel faults, resulting in missing alarms or inhibited release sequence
- Pump, cylinder or pressure-regulating equipment deterioration caused by wear, corrosion or electrical faults, resulting in inadequate discharge performance
Service: Inspect agent storage, pumps or cylinders, release controls, section valves, nozzles, piping and alarms in accordance with the approved maintenance plan. Keep nozzles and discharge openings clear of paint, cargo or modifications. Function-test release circuits and interlocks using the authorized non-discharge test method. Check cylinder or tank condition, pressure indication and securing arrangements and record any isolated section. Verify protected-space shutdowns and alarms where required. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for test intervals, charge quantities, pressures and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved valve service kits, nozzles, seals, actuators, release components, fuses and manufacturer-recommended pump or pressure-regulating parts. Extinguishing-agent and cylinder components must remain compatible with the certified system.
Use Cases: It is used for fixed fire protection on merchant ships, passenger vessels, offshore units or other vessel types where this equipment category is fitted.
Wilhelmsen DCP 250kg
unverified
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing-agent inventory or pressure caused by leakage or poor maintenance, resulting in low-level or low-pressure indication and reduced readiness
- Nozzle, pipe or distribution blockage caused by corrosion, paint, deposits or mechanical damage, resulting in restricted discharge
- Release-valve or actuator failure caused by corrosion, sticking or control faults, resulting in inability to discharge the system when commanded
- Detection, interlock or alarm failure caused by wiring, sensor or panel faults, resulting in missing alarms or inhibited release sequence
- Pump, cylinder or pressure-regulating equipment deterioration caused by wear, corrosion or electrical faults, resulting in inadequate discharge performance
Service: Inspect agent storage, pumps or cylinders, release controls, section valves, nozzles, piping and alarms in accordance with the approved maintenance plan. Keep nozzles and discharge openings clear of paint, cargo or modifications. Function-test release circuits and interlocks using the authorized non-discharge test method. Check cylinder or tank condition, pressure indication and securing arrangements and record any isolated section. Verify protected-space shutdowns and alarms where required. Refer to the manufacturer documentation for the exact figure for test intervals, charge quantities, pressures and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Keep approved valve service kits, nozzles, seals, actuators, release components, fuses and manufacturer-recommended pump or pressure-regulating parts. Extinguishing-agent and cylinder components must remain compatible with the certified system.
Use Cases: It is used for fixed fire protection on merchant ships, passenger vessels, offshore units or other vessel types where this equipment category is fitted.
Survitec Group
3
Survitec DCP 50kg
unverified
Type
ABC Dry Chemical
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Detector or sensing-element contamination, poisoning or ageing can cause false alarms, slow response or failed functional tests
- Battery, power-supply or control-circuit faults caused by ageing, loose wiring or blown protection can lead to trouble alarms or unavailable safety functions
- Cylinder pressure loss, leakage or damaged valves where stored media is used can leave the equipment outside ready condition and may be found during inspection or weighing checks
- Blocked, corroded or mechanically damaged nozzles, piping, hoses or masks can restrict discharge or breathing flow and show as poor functional test results
- Incorrect isolation, expired service status or disturbed release interlocks after maintenance can prevent normal arming and create panel faults or failed readiness checks
Service: Check physical condition, accessibility, labels and service status, then verify approved tests of detectors, alarms, release circuits or breathing components as applicable. Inspect cylinders, hoses, nozzles, masks, wiring and interlocks without discharging or altering safety systems outside the approved procedure. Use maker, class and statutory documentation for exact inspection and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Hold only approved safety-system spares such as detector heads, filters or sensor caps, fuses, batteries where user-replaceable, seals, hoses, masks, nozzles and control modules according to the vessel's certified arrangement.
Use Cases: Machinery spaces, accommodation, cargo areas, enclosed spaces and emergency-response stations on merchant, passenger, tanker and offshore vessels.
Survitec DCP 100kg
unverified
Type
ABC Dry Chemical
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Detector or sensing-element contamination, poisoning or ageing can cause false alarms, slow response or failed functional tests
- Battery, power-supply or control-circuit faults caused by ageing, loose wiring or blown protection can lead to trouble alarms or unavailable safety functions
- Cylinder pressure loss, leakage or damaged valves where stored media is used can leave the equipment outside ready condition and may be found during inspection or weighing checks
- Blocked, corroded or mechanically damaged nozzles, piping, hoses or masks can restrict discharge or breathing flow and show as poor functional test results
- Incorrect isolation, expired service status or disturbed release interlocks after maintenance can prevent normal arming and create panel faults or failed readiness checks
Service: Check physical condition, accessibility, labels and service status, then verify approved tests of detectors, alarms, release circuits or breathing components as applicable. Inspect cylinders, hoses, nozzles, masks, wiring and interlocks without discharging or altering safety systems outside the approved procedure. Use maker, class and statutory documentation for exact inspection and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Hold only approved safety-system spares such as detector heads, filters or sensor caps, fuses, batteries where user-replaceable, seals, hoses, masks, nozzles and control modules according to the vessel's certified arrangement.
Use Cases: Machinery spaces, accommodation, cargo areas, enclosed spaces and emergency-response stations on merchant, passenger, tanker and offshore vessels.
Survitec DCP 250kg
unverified
Type
ABC Dry Chemical
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Detector or sensing-element contamination, poisoning or ageing can cause false alarms, slow response or failed functional tests
- Battery, power-supply or control-circuit faults caused by ageing, loose wiring or blown protection can lead to trouble alarms or unavailable safety functions
- Cylinder pressure loss, leakage or damaged valves where stored media is used can leave the equipment outside ready condition and may be found during inspection or weighing checks
- Blocked, corroded or mechanically damaged nozzles, piping, hoses or masks can restrict discharge or breathing flow and show as poor functional test results
- Incorrect isolation, expired service status or disturbed release interlocks after maintenance can prevent normal arming and create panel faults or failed readiness checks
Service: Check physical condition, accessibility, labels and service status, then verify approved tests of detectors, alarms, release circuits or breathing components as applicable. Inspect cylinders, hoses, nozzles, masks, wiring and interlocks without discharging or altering safety systems outside the approved procedure. Use maker, class and statutory documentation for exact inspection and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Hold only approved safety-system spares such as detector heads, filters or sensor caps, fuses, batteries where user-replaceable, seals, hoses, masks, nozzles and control modules according to the vessel's certified arrangement.
Use Cases: Machinery spaces, accommodation, cargo areas, enclosed spaces and emergency-response stations on merchant, passenger, tanker and offshore vessels.
Kidde
2
Kidde Marine DCP System
variable
· Fire Suppression / Detection
· dry chemical powder suppression
Agent
dry_chemical
Solas
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing medium, pressure or water supply reduces available firefighting capacity
- Valve, hose, nozzle, release or pump faults prevent correct discharge
- Corrosion, seal deterioration or mechanical damage causes leakage or unreliable operation
- Detection, alarm, fan-stop or shutdown interlock faults create an incomplete or unsafe release sequence
- Blocked nozzles, hoses or distribution piping reduce delivery to the fire area
Service: Inspect storage or pumps, valves, hoses, nozzles, piping, release controls, alarms and shutdown interfaces according to the system type. Verify accessibility, seals, markings and protected-space arrangements. Functional tests must follow the approved safety procedure without unintended discharge. Refer to manufacturer, class and statutory documentation for the exact figure for pressure, quantity and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry approved valves, seals, hoses, nozzles, release components, pump service parts, alarms, fuses and manufacturer-supported extinguisher or system service items.
Strengths
- SOLAS‑approved for engine‑room protection
- Rapid discharge with nitrogen propellant provides immediate knock‑down of flames
- Low residue compared with halon, but still requires post‑discharge cleanup
- Six‑year powder replacement interval simplifies inventory planning
- Compact fixed installation fits into confined machinery spaces
Weaknesses
- Powder can cake or compact over time, reducing effectiveness
- Nozzle blockage is a known failure mode requiring regular inspection
- Nitrogen propellant leaks can lower system pressure and delay activation
- Control‑valve stiction may impede timely discharge
- Residue can interfere with sensitive electronic equipment after discharge
Typical Vessels:
TankersBulk carriersContainer shipsGeneral cargo vesselsOffshore supply vesselsFerries
Certifications:
SOLAS Chapter II-2
Decision Guide: Choose if: you need a proven, SOLAS‑compliant dry‑chemical system for machinery‑space fire protection and prefer low maintenance with annual nitrogen pressure checks. Avoid if: the vessel carries highly sensitive electronic gear that could be impaired by powder residue or if you require a water‑based suppression method.
Use Cases: Portable and fixed firefighting on machinery, cargo, accommodation and deck areas.
Kidde Dry Chemical Fixed System
unverified
Equipment Type
dry_chemical_fixed
Solas type
SOLAS
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing medium, cylinder pressure or water supply reduces available firefighting capacity
- Valve, nozzle, pump or release-system faults prevent correct discharge into the protected area
- Corrosion, seal deterioration or mechanical damage causes leakage or unreliable operation
- Detection, alarm, fan-stop or shutdown interlock faults create an incomplete or unsafe release sequence
- Blocked nozzles, hoses or distribution piping reduce agent delivery to the fire area
Service: Inspect storage or pumps, valves, nozzles, piping, release controls, alarms and shutdown interfaces according to the system type. Verify access control, protected-space arrangements and signs of leakage or corrosion. Functional tests must follow the approved safety procedure without unintended discharge. Refer to manufacturer, class and statutory documentation for the exact figure for pressure, quantity and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry approved valve or solenoid parts, pump seals where applicable, release components, alarms, fuses, nozzles and manufacturer-supported service parts.
Use Cases: Fixed fire protection of machinery, accommodation and technical spaces.
Fixed dry chemical suppression
AI Group
1
Dry powder skid 250 kg
Model Number
TAF00001V2
Amerex
1
Amerex Marine DCP System
variable
· Fire Suppression / Detection
· dry chemical fixed fire suppression
Agent
dry_chemical
Solas
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing medium, pressure or water supply reduces available firefighting capacity
- Valve, hose, nozzle, release or pump faults prevent correct discharge
- Corrosion, seal deterioration or mechanical damage causes leakage or unreliable operation
- Detection, alarm, fan-stop or shutdown interlock faults create an incomplete or unsafe release sequence
- Blocked nozzles, hoses or distribution piping reduce delivery to the fire area
Service: Inspect storage or pumps, valves, hoses, nozzles, piping, release controls, alarms and shutdown interfaces according to the system type. Verify accessibility, seals, markings and protected-space arrangements. Functional tests must follow the approved safety procedure without unintended discharge. Refer to manufacturer, class and statutory documentation for the exact figure for pressure, quantity and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry approved valves, seals, hoses, nozzles, release components, pump service parts, alarms, fuses and manufacturer-supported extinguisher or system service items.
Strengths
- SOLAS‑approved and USCG type‑approved for marine use
- Fast discharge time provides immediate fire knockdown
- Compact installation footprint suitable for confined machinery spaces
- Relatively low acquisition cost compared with clean‑agent systems
- Simple manual activation reduces reliance on complex electronics
Weaknesses
- Powder can cake in humid conditions, reducing effectiveness
- Valve corrosion is a known failure mode requiring vigilant maintenance
- Distribution pipe blockage may occur if powder settles or contaminates the line
- Post‑discharge cleanup is labour‑intensive and generates waste
- Limited to Class A/B fires; not suitable for sensitive electronic equipment
Typical Vessels:
Oil TankerBulk CarrierContainer ShipOffshore Supply VesselFerry
Certifications:
IMO SOLASUSCG Type Approval
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a cost‑effective, space‑saving fire suppression solution for engine rooms or cargo spaces where rapid extinguishing of flammable liquid/gas fires is critical and some post‑discharge cleanup is acceptable. Avoid if the vessel carries high‑value electronic equipment that requires clean‑agent protection, or if environmental regulations restrict powder residue disposal.
Use Cases: Portable and fixed firefighting on machinery, cargo, accommodation and deck areas.
Ansul (Tyco)
1
Ansul Marine DCP
variable
· Fire Suppression / Detection
· dry chemical fire suppression
Agent
dry_chemical
Solas
ja
Common Failures & Inspection Points
- Loss of extinguishing medium, pressure or water supply reduces available firefighting capacity
- Valve, hose, nozzle, release or pump faults prevent correct discharge
- Corrosion, seal deterioration or mechanical damage causes leakage or unreliable operation
- Detection, alarm, fan-stop or shutdown interlock faults create an incomplete or unsafe release sequence
- Blocked nozzles, hoses or distribution piping reduce delivery to the fire area
Service: Inspect storage or pumps, valves, hoses, nozzles, piping, release controls, alarms and shutdown interfaces according to the system type. Verify accessibility, seals, markings and protected-space arrangements. Functional tests must follow the approved safety procedure without unintended discharge. Refer to manufacturer, class and statutory documentation for the exact figure for pressure, quantity and acceptance criteria.
Spare Parts: Carry approved valves, seals, hoses, nozzles, release components, pump service parts, alarms, fuses and manufacturer-supported extinguisher or system service items.
Strengths
- Proven SOLAS‑approved technology with rapid discharge time
- Effective on both Class A (solid) and Class B (flammable liquid) fires
- Compact installation footprint suitable for engine rooms and cargo spaces
- Low maintenance; system is self‑contained with a single propellant source
- Six‑year powder replacement interval simplifies lifecycle planning
Weaknesses
- Powder residue requires post‑discharge cleanup, which can be labor intensive
- Potential for powder agglomeration and nozzle blockage if not inspected regularly
- Limited effectiveness on high‑temperature metal fires compared with water mist systems
- System weight adds to overall vessel deadweight
- Propellant loss over time can reduce discharge pressure if not monitored
Typical Vessels:
TankerBulk CarrierContainer ShipOffshore Supply VesselFerryCruise Ship (machinery spaces)
Certifications:
SOLAS
Decision Guide: Choose if you need a fast‑acting, SOLAS‑compliant system for engine rooms or cargo areas where residue cleanup is acceptable and budget constraints favor proven dry‑chemical technology. Avoid if you require a clean‑agent solution (e.g., water mist or inert gas) or if the protected space contains equipment highly sensitive to powder contamination.
Use Cases: Portable and fixed firefighting on machinery, cargo, accommodation and deck areas.
Johnson Controls International Korea
1
TMS-SP-DPS
Model Number
TAF00000XS
NK
1
NK-DPNS
Model Number
TAF00001HX