EMACO Foam Fire Suppression System

Not all businesses need the same type of fire suppression system; in some cases, the traditional wet sprinkler system would be ineffective, even dangerous. In those areas that have highly flammable substances, foam fire suppression is the best choice.

The foam suppression system is made up of foam concentrate, water, and air that mixes to create a blanket of foam that protects the flammable fuel from combusting. The effectiveness of the solution depends on the correct selection of foam concentrates and discharge devices.

The foam blanket’s thin layer prevents oxygen contact from fuel fire to mitigate flammable vapor as well as fire.

Foam Suppression System Variations

Foam fire suppression systems are classified as high, medium, or low expansion; each system delivers a different suppression process based on application areas.

In a High expansion foam system, thefoam expands from 100:1 to 1000:1, air or other nonflammable gas expands the range naturally or forcefully. This high expansion foam creates an upper depth, less wet blanket with large bubbles. It is very light and can quickly fill an extended enclosure. A small amount of water creates a large amount of foam within a short time and suppresses fire by smothering.

A high expansion system is applied to large enclosed areas where a total flooding system is required at any time to extinguish the fire, not suitable for outdoor areas. Mostly used in warehouses, aircraft hangars, and liquified natural gas impound basins.

In a Medium expansion foam system, the expansion ratio is 10:1 to 100:1, very useful for small surface area. This system can produce a large amount of accurate foam within a short duration. It creates a 2 feet depth thick blanket above the flammable fuels/chemicals and separates fuel from the oxygen. Besides, existing water provides a cooling effect over the fire. Thus, extinguish the fire as well as vapor used in refineries, chemical manufacturing areas, municipal fire brigades, solvent storage areas.

In a Low expansion foam system, the foamexpands ratio is 10:1 that creates a very wet foam blanket with high dense small foam bubbles. The foam blanket is quite durable and creates a secure cover. It separates the fuel from oxygen by a smothering process. Additionally, existing adequate water produces a cooling effect over the flame.

Discharges happen through sprinkler systems, spray nozzles, monitors, and foam makers and deliver high-density foam in long projection distance as well as height. Low expansion foam is not sensitive to wind or rain, and it is used in hydrocarbon fires including tank storage, onboard ships, refineries, rooftop helipads, manufacturing areas.

Extinguishment Process

We know, heat, fuel, oxygen, and chemical reaction burn fire, so we have to cut out any one of the elements to extinguish the fire. Foam systems mainly interfere with oxygen.

First, it develops a foam blanket over the flammable fuels, separating the fuels from the oxygen, thus excluding oxygen by smothering.

Then the waters of the solution absorb heats and cool the fuels as well as substance surfaces very fast by cooling effect. Thus, prevent reignition.

The foam blankets also suppress the vapors of flammable liquids effectively and dilute the vapor phase concentration.

How Does Foam Suppression System Work?

Foam systems consist of storage vessels (Bladder Tanks) with a built-in proportioning device that contains the foam concentrates and is connected into the discharge system ready for immediate use in the event of a fire.

Foam Concentrates rapidly knock down fire by producing a thin aqueous film layer. For maximum effectiveness, the exact amount of foam concentrate must be mixed with water.

The leading firefighting agent in a foam fire system is Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF). It requires a little energy input to generate high-quality firefighting foam. Usually, 1% and 3% foam concentrate used in hydrocarbon fuels fires.

If the concentrate container is shown 3% foam concentrate, that’s mean for every 100 gallons of foam solution, 3 gallons of the foam concentrate must be used with the 97 gallons of water in the solution.

Proportioning Devices release the proper amount of concentrate into the water supply based on the solution required, and based on a range of flow rates and pressures.

Foam solutions applied to the flammable fire by either aspirating or non-aspirating devices. The air-aspirating device contains air and mixes it with foam solution within the device. Besides, the non-air-aspirating device is incapable of doing it.

Foam discharge devices vary depending on application specialties as well as requirements, and this could be sprinkler heads compatible with foams, foam monitors, foam makers, foam chamber, foam generator, handline nozzle and so forth.

Foam suppression system operates on a deluge system for fast application of water in the system. The deluge valve is the entire system water control valve that is quick in a release by hydraulically or electrically.

Foam deluge system capable of discharge foam and water solution automatically through the discharge device by accurate cross zoning detection system. So, no chance of inaccuracy and false alarm activation in the system.

Specialties

Foam fire suppression system is ideal for large areas that need to be filled quickly in case of a fire hazard. The system automatically and constructively extinguishes fire by smothering.

This system is more effective on hotter fires compared to traditional sprinklers and gives the most significant advantage in preventing massive loss of property.

The primary specialty of the foam system is the foam blanket that efficiently creates a barrier between fuel and fire.

It is less toxic, minimal water damage to structure and tools, but not applicable for electrical equipment. Besides, one has to be careful in the cleaning process after suppression.

If your plant handles flammable liquids or power generating equipment, a foam fire suppression system could be an essential factor in keeping your space safe.

EMACO Foam Fire Suppression Application Scopes

You can use EMACO Foam fire extinguishing systems effectively for fire protection at large and hazardous facilities, including power stations, refineries, oil, gas chemical, and industrial facilities, processing areas, petrochemicals tank farms, aircraft hangars, marine applications, storage facilities, warehouses, and similar entities and protect lives, investment and guarantee continuity of operation.

based in USA, provides full spectrum of fire safety and security products and solutions for industrial, commercial and large residential premises. Each premise is unique and we design solutions that best fit in the market and cater to all present and future needs.