Dry bays are compartments located between fuel and other flammable materials and the rest of a facility or equipment to limit the risk of fire and explosion. They are common in military use and may be used for safety in areas where large volumes of flammable or explosive material are stored. Proper installation and insulation of control systems and fuel lines are necessary to limit risks. Precautions should be taken when working in and around dry bays.
A dry bay is a separate compartment located between the area designated for fuel and other flammable materials and the rest of a facility or equipment. This is a safety feature to limit the risk of fire and explosion and can also be used to house control equipment and fuel lines. Dry bays can be seen on ships, aircraft, and other types of equipment and are especially common in military use. Safety procedures may require that a dry bay be clearly labelled, with doors or access hatches closed at all times to limit the spread of fire if a problem develops.
In the military, there is a particular concern with fuel and explosives. Enemy fire could penetrate the walls of a fuel compartment, causing a catastrophic incident. The dry compartment is designed to act as a buffer, igniting before the fuel compartment. The possibility still exists that a projectile or penetrating projectile could find its way into the fuel compartment or damage the structure enough to create a leak, allowing a hazardous situation to develop.
Outside of the military, there may still be concerns about friction, damage from earthquakes, and other issues that lead to explosions and fires. In areas where large volumes of flammable or explosive material are stored, a dry compartment may be used for safety. The bay is kept clear of material and cannot be used for generic storage or anything else. Control systems and fuel lines running through the dry bay must be properly installed and insulated to limit risks.
The dry bay design is one of several safety features intended to reduce the chances of creating a hazard to people working in or around a facility or equipment where flammable materials are used. The walls of a compartment used for the storage of fuel and other materials are usually carefully lined and designed to reduce friction. Alarms sound if leaks develop, alerting people to the early stages of problems, and electronic control systems can automatically close fire doors and activate sprinklers if it seems necessary.
People working in and around a dry bay may be advised to take special precautions. While it may be necessary to have the bay open to gain access, it should not be left open. It may be necessary to use special equipment for safety, depending on policies and the type of equipment involved.
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