Foam Fire Suppression Systems

Foam extinguishing systems typically put out fires caused by flammable liquid chemicals or fuels. In the event of a fire, they are discharged onto flammable substances and stop the fire from spreading. Foam extinguishing systems can be established either manually or automatically. It is especially effective at extinguishing Class A and B fires and has a variety of applications including foam hoses, tank extinguishing systems, foam monitoring systems, and foam generators.

Systems for foam extinguishing use aqueous solution and air bubble mixtures; these extinguishers have a lower density than flammable liquids. When the extinguisher is sprayed on the flammable liquid, it creates a thin layer that blocks the liquid's contact with the air and has the dual effect of cooling the liquid. As it stops flammable vapor from forming and covers the surfaces, it also eliminates the possibility of re-ignition.

Foam bubbles are formed by mixing foam concentrate with water to produce a foam solution. This resulting solution is converted into bubbles with a mechanical mixer. The foam concentrates used in the systems are of four different types:

1. Protein foam concentrate: diluted with water to form a 3-6% solution and used for crude oil fires.

2. Fluoroprotein foam concentrate: It is similar to protein foam concentrate. It spreads as a layer of film over the liquid form, stopping the flammable vapor. It is used to put out fires caused by crude or refined oil and is diluted with water to create a 3% to 6% solution.

3. Alcohol-type foam concentrate: It is typically used to protect chemical tankers and certain flammable liquids and solvents that cause damage when the standard foam is used.

4. 4. Synthetic foam concentrate: AFFF and medium & high expansion foam concentrates are used to achieve foam-to-solution ratios of 20/1 to 1000/1. Suitable for engine room and zone protection.

The expansion properties of foam extinguishing systems can be low, medium, or high. The amount of water in the bubbles is high at low expansion, and the bubble expansion rate is low (less than 20/1). The expansion ratio can reach a maximum of 1000/1 in medium and high expansion. This kind of system has small amounts of water and light bubbles.

The foam extinguishing system consists of the following equipment:

- Foam sprinklers and nozzles

- Foam Chamber

- Foam Monitor

- High-expansion foam generator

- Foam concentrate

 

To sum up;

- They prevent flammable vapor from coming into contact with oxygen.

- In the event of a fire, they stop the flammable liquid from evaporating.

- They separate the flames from the surface of the flammable liquid,

- The metal surfaces that come into contact with the flammable are cooled.

 

Application Range:

- Aircraft and helicopter hangars

- Flammable and combustible material warehouses

- Fuel stations

- Paint manufacturing plants

- Chemical industry

- Chemical warehouses

- Shipyards

- Oil refineries