The Nimrod Review - Official Documents

The Nimrod Review
56
(3) Inadequate insulation
4.48
Figure 4.12: No. 7 Tank Dry Bay (Main Components)
The Cross-Feed/SCP duct was inadequately protected from contact with fuel and hydraulic fluids:
(4) No fire protection
4.49
No .
7 Fuel tank
Cross-Feed/SCP duct
its insulation arrangements were inadequate: there were sections with no insulation at all and gaps
between different types of insulation;
the muffs and shrouds used to insulate for example, expansion bellows, can allow fuel to enter and touch
the duct surface. They may then effectively hold the fuel against the surface, promoting a combustion
environment;
there was no other significant form of protection from leaks of inflammable fluid;
the understanding that the Refrasil acted as a perfect barrier against liquid may have led to a lack of
focus on both its real effectiveness and its deteriorating condition; and
the insulation was allowed to deteriorate over a period of time with no attempt at remedy.
There was no fire protection in the starboard No. 7 Tank Dry Bay:
there was no fire detection and suppression system protecting the Cross-Feed/SCP duct;
there was no fire-wall around it.
Unisolated Bellows
Fuel vent pipes
and couplings
Airframe antiicing
pipe
Fuel pipes – refuel
and feed
63 and
63 It would be unlikely that an attempt to introduce a fire detection and suppressant system to an area such as this would be made. It is more likely
that the hazard would be removed – as it now has been.