DESIGN CONCEPT OF
VARIOUS FIXED FIRE
PROTECTION SYSTEM LIKE
FOAM WATER SYSTEM
Presented By
Anjana Mahendr
INTRODUCTION
Fire protection is a crucial aspect of industrial and commercial safety.
Among various fire protection methods, fixed fire protection systems
provide an automatic and reliable solution. One such system is the Foam-
Water Fire Protection System, which combines the properties of both
foam and water to control and extinguish fires effectively.
Overview of Fixed Fire Protection
Systems
• A foam-water system is a fixed fire protection system that combines
water with foam concentrate to form a foam solution, which is then
discharged to extinguish fires.
• Applications:
⚬ Storage tanks for flammable liquids.
⚬ Aircraft hangars.
⚬ Refineries and petrochemical plants.
⚬ Warehouses storing hazardous materials.
Types of Foam-Water
Systems
Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems:
• Combines sprinklers with foam concentrate.
• Used in buildings and warehouses.
Foam-Water Deluge Systems:
• Open nozzles discharge foam solution when activated.
• Ideal for high-hazard areas like aircraft hangars.
Foam Chambers and Pourers:
• Used for protecting storage tanks.
• Foam is poured onto the surface of the liquid.
Foam Monitors and Cannons:
• Portable or fixed devices for large-scale firefighting.
Components of Foam-Water
Systems
Foam Concentrate:
⚬ Types: AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam),
AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant), Protein-based,
Synthetic.
⚬ Selection depends on the type of hazard.
Proportioning System:
⚬ Blends foam concentrate with water in the correct
ratio (1%, 3%, 6%).
⚬ Methods: Balanced pressure, inline induction,
bladder tanks.
Delivery System:
• Piping, nozzles, and discharge devices.
Detection and Activation
System:
• Heat detectors, smoke detectors, or manual activation.
Water Supply:
• Reliable water source with adequate pressure and flow
Design Considerations
Hazard Analysis:
⚬ Identify the type of flammable liquid (hydrocarbon or polar solvent).
⚬ Determine the required foam solution discharge rate and duration.
Foam Concentrate Selection:
⚬ Choose the appropriate type and percentage of foam concentrate.
System Type Selection:
⚬ Decide between sprinkler, deluge, or other systems based on the application.
Hydraulic Calculations:
⚬ Ensure adequate water supply and pressure for the system.
Foam Application Rate:
⚬ Calculate the required foam solution flow rate (e.g., 6.5 L/min/m² for
hydrocarbon fires).
Drainage and Containment:
⚬ Design for proper drainage of foam solution to prevent environmental
contamination.
Installation and
Maintenance
⚬ Follow NFPA, FM Global, or local standards.
⚬ Ensure proper placement of nozzles and detectors.
Maintenance:
⚬ Regular inspection of foam concentrate and proportioning systems.
⚬ Testing of system components (e.g., pumps, valves, detectors).
⚬ Replacement of expired foam concentrate.
Advantages of Foam-
Water Systems
• Effective on Class A and Class B fires.
• Cools and suppresses vapors.
• Prevents re-ignition.
• Versatile for various applications.
Challenges and Limitations
• High initial cost.
• Foam concentrate has a limited shelf life.
• Environmental concerns (e.g., PFAS in AFFF).
• Requires regular maintenance and testing.
Future Trends
• Development of environmentally friendly foam concentrates.
• Integration with smart fire detection and monitoring systems.
• Use of advanced materials for system components.
CONCLUSIO
N
Foam-water systems are essential for protecting high-risk areas like oil refineries, chemical
plants, and airplane hangars, as they are specifically designed to fight fires caused by
flammable liquids, which water alone cannot extinguish. By mixing water with foam
concentrate, these systems create a foam that smothers flames, cools the fire, and prevents it
from reigniting, making them highly effective in preventing major disasters. However, their
effectiveness depends on proper design, installation, and maintenance, including risk
analysis, selecting the right foam, ensuring adequate water supply, and following safety
standards during installation, along with regular testing and upkeep to ensure readiness
THANK
YOU
