How Foam Systems Work

Firefighting foam agents suppress fire by separating the fuel from the air (oxygen). Depending on the type of foam system, this is done in several ways:

• Foam blankets the fuel surface smothering the fire
• The fuel is cooled by the water content of the foam
• The foam blanket suppresses the release of flammable vapors that can mix with the air.

Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFF) are based on combinations of fluoro-chemical surfactants, hydrocarbon surfactants, and solvents. These agent require a very low energy input to produce a high quality foam. Consequently, they can be applied through a wide variety of foam delivery systems. This versatility makes AFFF an obvious choice for airports, refineries, manufacturing plants, municipal fire departments, and any other operation involving the transportation, processing, or handling of flammable liquids.
Alcohol-resistant foams are based on AFFF chemistry to which a polymer has been added. ARCs are the most versatile of the foam agents in that they are effective on fires involving polar solvents like methanol as well as hydrocarbon fires such as gasoline.

A foam system requires proportioning equipment to mix the foam with water in the required concentration. Automatic pressure balancingvalves regulate the foam concentrate pressure to match the water pressure.

Foam concentrate is often stored in a bladder tank system. Bladder tank systems use a pressure-rated tank containing a nylon reinforced elastomric bladder to store the foam concentrate. System water pressure is used to squeeze the bladder providing foam concentrate, at the same pressure, to the proportioner. With bladder tank systems, no external power is required, and little maintenance is needed.

Reliable Fire Equipment Company can not only supply you with the foam you need, but also with a complete installed system. If you wish, complete our Survey Request Form to request additional information, or request a Reliable sales representative to contact you.

 

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