Summary
Foam suppression systems are designed to limit fire damage in many challenging and high risk applications. Specifically, foam-water system is a special system of pipe connected to a source of foam concentrate and a water supply. The system also requires appropriate discharge devices to control and/or extinguish most Class A and Class B fires. Foam concentrates are mixed with water and air to create a foam blanket that smothers the fire by cutting off the oxygen supply. This blanket also cools the fuel source and prevents the release of flammable vapors, inhibiting re-ignition.
Foam-water systems are designed to distribute a foam-water solution to a specific hazard area within a protected facility. For example, typical facilities include generator centres, transformer, Farm Tank, and aircraft hangars. Especially they also cover areas where flammable-liquid spill fires may occur, such as refineries. Once flammable liquids catch fire, it is important to use an extinguisher that is capable of covering the entire fire, without causing it to spread further. In the case of petroleum-based liquids, for example, water is of little value because it is denser than the fuel, and thus immediately sinks beneath it, then the suppression agent evaporates due to the heat, causing the burning oil to spread further, and faster. In these sorts of circumstances, foam or dry chemical fire suppression systems are more suitable options.
This blanket also cools the fuel source and prevents the release of flammable vapors, inhibiting re-ignition.
A typical foam system consists of the following components that are tested, approved and/or listed together:
● Foam bladder tank
● Proportioner
● Foam concentrate
● Discharge device – Nozzles, Foam Monitor, etc.
Furthermore, characteristics of some flammable products may require higher densities and special foam liquid concentrates. NFPA 11 and EN13565-2 contain requirements for foam-water systems, with requirements for foam systems also found in NFPA 13, NFPA 16.
Application
Advantages of Foam Mist Systems
Reduced Water Damage:
Compared to traditional sprinkler systems, foam mist systems generally use less water, minimizing potential water damage to sensitive equipment or materials.
Effective in Flammable Liquid Fires:
Foam systems are particularly well-suited for fighting fires involving flammable liquids, where the smothering action of the foam is crucial.
Cooling and Vapor Mitigation:
Foam Mist Systems can be used in a variety of settinngs, Include industrial facilities,aircraft hangars, and areas with sensitive equipment.
Environmentally Firendly:
Some Foam Mist Systems use fluorine-free foams, which are designed to be more environmentally friendly than traditional foam.
Types of Foam Mist Systems
Low Expansion Foam:
This type of Foam has a low expansion ratio(2:1~20:1), meaning the Foam Contains a higher proportion of water. It is suitable for fires involving ordinary combustibles and some flammable liquids.
High Expansion Foam:
This type of foam has high expansion ratio(>200:1), meaning it expands significantly, creating a large volume of foam, It is suitable for filling large space and extinguishing fire in enclosed areas.
Medium Expansion Foam:
This type of foam has a medium expansion ration(20:1~200:1). It offers a balance betweencoverage and water content.
Compressed Air Foam(CAF):
CFS system use compressed air mix with Foam-Water to create a foam with a special structure that can cling to vertical surface and provide effective fire suppression in hazards environment.
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