Foam Concentrate is one of the fire suppression agents used particularly for controlling fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. It is mixed with water at specified ratios to create a foam solution, which is then applied to the fire surface using suitable equipment. The resulting foam blanket helps reduce contact between the fuel and air, contributing to flame control and limiting the spread of fire.
Foam fire suppression systems can be used in fuel storage areas, fuel filling facilities, petrochemical plants, chemical storage areas, aircraft hangars, and various industrial facilities. However, using the same concentrate for every type of fire is not appropriate. The properties of the fuel, fire classification, application method, environmental conditions, and foam equipment used should all be evaluated together.
In addition to selecting the right product, proper storage of the concentrate under suitable conditions and its use in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations are also important for system performance.
Operating Principle
Operating Principle is based on mixing foam concentrate with water and applying the resulting solution to the fire area using suitable equipment. Within the system, the concentrate is mixed with water at a specified ratio and converted into foam through equipment such as foam generators, foam branchpipes, monitors, or similar devices.
The foam spread over the fire surface forms a blanket over the fuel. This blanket limits the oxygen reaching the fuel surface while also helping reduce heat transfer. In this way, the system aims to control the flames and reduce the risk of the fire developing again.
Blanketing Effect
The Blanketing Effect is one of the fundamental operating mechanisms of foam fire suppression systems. The resulting foam blanket covers the surface of the flammable liquid and helps reduce the release of fuel vapors into the atmosphere.
Particularly in liquid fires covering large surface areas, it is important for the foam to cover the surface quickly and evenly. The ability of the foam to remain stable during application and stay on the fire surface for a sufficient period is among the factors that directly affect suppression performance.
Cooling
The Cooling effect is another important characteristic of foam fire suppression. The water contained in the foam helps reduce the heat in the fire area. Lowering the temperature can contribute to controlling the fire and reducing the likelihood of the fuel reigniting.
However, cooling performance may vary depending on the characteristics of the product used, application rate, size of the fire, and application method.
Preventing Re-Ignition
Preventing Re-Ignition is one of the important objectives of foam application, particularly in flammable liquid fires. Maintaining sufficient foam coverage over the fuel surface after the flames have been extinguished can help limit renewed contact between hot surfaces and fuel vapors.
Therefore, the disappearance of visible flames alone does not necessarily mean that the suppression process is fully complete. Maintaining the foam blanket, applying the foam in a controlled manner, and following the usage procedures specified by the manufacturer are important.
Main Types are classified according to the basic raw materials used in the production of foam concentrates and the properties of the foam they produce. Different product groups are available, including synthetic, protein-based, and AFFF foams. However, when selecting a product, it is important to consider not only the type of foam but also the type of fuel involved and the fire suppression system with which it will be used.
Not every concentrate is suitable for every fire scenario. Therefore, before purchasing, the product's technical documentation, compliance information, application ratios, and application equipment should be evaluated together.
Synthetic Foam Concentrate
Synthetic foam concentrates are products formulated using synthetic surfactants. Different formulations may be available depending on specific application requirements.
These products may be used in certain industrial facilities, hydrocarbon-based flammable liquid fires, and specialized fire suppression applications. The fuels with which the product is compatible and the application equipment with which it can be used should be verified in the manufacturer's technical documentation.
Protein-Based Foam Concentrate
Protein-based foam concentrate is a type of foam concentrate produced using protein-based raw materials. It may be preferred for certain industrial fire risks and applications involving flammable liquids.
The ability of protein-based foams to form a durable blanket over the fire surface may provide advantages depending on the application. However, storage conditions, operating temperature, concentration ratio, and system equipment should be taken into consideration when selecting a product.
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is one of the foam technologies used particularly for fires involving hydrocarbon-based flammable liquids. As its name suggests, under suitable conditions, it helps control the fire by contributing to the formation of an aqueous film over the fuel surface.
However, environmental and regulatory requirements related to AFFF products may vary depending on the chemical components used and the country or industry in which the product is applied. Therefore, when selecting a product, attention should be paid not only to fire performance but also to current regulations, environmental requirements, and the conditions of use specified by the manufacturer.
Mixing Ratios refer to the proportion at which foam concentrate is mixed with water and represent a critical parameter for the proper operation of the system. The ratio used may vary depending on the formulation of the concentrate, the type of fire to be addressed, and the manufacturer's technical specifications.
For example, some products may be available at concentrations such as 1%, 3%, or 6%. However, these values are not standard ratios that can be used interchangeably. The ratio specified in the technical documentation of the product to be used in the system should always be followed.
Using more concentrate than required does not necessarily result in better fire suppression performance. Similarly, using a lower concentration than recommended may adversely affect foam performance. Therefore, the proportioning system should be properly adjusted, and homogeneous mixing of the water and concentrate should be ensured.
Proportioning units, pumps, proportioners, foam generators, and application equipment used in foam systems should also be compatible with the properties of the concentrate. Particularly in large industrial facilities, system design involves evaluating the fire scenario, fuel type, area to be protected, application duration, and required foam quantity together.
The storage of the concentrate should also not be overlooked. The product should be stored within the temperature range specified by the manufacturer and under suitable storage conditions. Since products stored under unsuitable conditions for extended periods may undergo physical or chemical changes, technical checks should be carried out before use.
Proper Product Selection for Foam Fire Suppression Systems
Selecting a foam concentrate is not a simple process that can be based solely on the foaming properties of the product. The type of flammable material, the area where a fire may occur, the application method, the required mixing ratio, and the equipment to be used should all be evaluated together.
Particularly in facilities where fuels and chemical products are present, selecting the wrong product may result in the expected fire suppression performance not being achieved. Therefore, expert assessment during the project stage and a thorough review of the product's technical documentation are important.
Akım Yangın ve Güvenlik Sistemleri provides technical support for fire suppression equipment and system solutions designed for different fire risks. If you would like to determine the appropriate foam concentrate for your facility, evaluate your existing foam fire suppression system, or plan a new system, you can contact our expert team.
Strengthen your fire safety with the right concentrate, the correct mixing ratio, and suitable application equipment. Contact Akım Yangın to evaluate the solution that best meets the requirements of your project.
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