Fire Fighting Foam

By:

Dr. Gagan Deep Devgan

[NFSC (Gold Medalist), Grade I Fire Engg. (U.K.), Grade IOSH
(U.K.)
[Link]., [Link]., PhD]
 Basic Foam Principles
• What is foam?
– “…an aggregate of air-filled bubbles
formed from aqueous solutions which is
lower in density than flammable liquids.
It is used principally to form a cohesive
floating blanket on flammable and
combustible liquids, and prevents or
extinguishes fire by excluding air and
cooling the fuel. It also prevents
reignition by suppressing formation of
flammable vapors. It has the property of
adhering to surfaces, which provides a
degree of exposure protection from
adjacent fires” (NFPA 11).
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• Foam is a bunch of bubbles made from water mixed
with surfactants that has air in it. These bubbles are
lighter than liquids that can catch fire.

Foam
Water Surfactant Air
Bubbles

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• It is mainly used to create a floating cover on
liquids that can catch fire.
• This cover stops or puts out fires by keeping
out air and cooling the liquid fuel.

A A A
i i i
r r r

Cooling

Liquid fuel
 Basic Foam Principles
• How foam works:
– Foam can:
• Stop oxygen from fuel vapors
• Cool fuel surface with water content of foam
• Prevent release of flammable vapors from fuel surface
• Emulsify fuel

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 Emulsification
• Emulsification is like making
friends between things that
don't usually get along, such as
oil and water. Imagine trying to
mix oil and water - they naturally
separate because they're
different.
• Emulsification is like using a
special helper (an emulsifying
agent) to bring them together
into a stable mixture, like a salad
dressing or mayonnaise.
 Basic Foam Principles
• Why use foam?
– Can provide post-fire security by protecting hazard
until it can be secured / removed
– Can provide protection from flammable liquids for
fire & rescue personnel during emergency
operations

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 Basic Foam Principles
• What is foam not effective on?
– Foam is not effective on 3-dimensional fires:
• Recommended to first control spill fire
• Extinguish flowing fire using dry chemical agent

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All Class B liquids can be divided primarily
into

Flammable Liquid: A liquid having a flash point below 38°C and a vapor
pressure not exceeding 2.8 kg/cm2 at 38°C (thus excluding liquefied
petroleum gases, liquefied natural gases and liquefied hydrogen).

Combustible Liquid: A liquid having a flash point above 38°C

Futher to this they may be classified by :

 Flammable liquids are subdivided as
follows:
• Class IA: Liquids with a flash point below 23°C and
a boiling point below 38°C. Examples: acetaldehyde,
butyne, chloropropylene, dimethyl sulfide, ethyl chloride, ethyl
ether.
• Class IB: Liquids with flash point below 23°C and a
boiling point at or above 38°C. Examples: acetone,
benzene, carbon disulfide, ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, gasoline, hexane,
isopropanol, methanol, toluene.
• Class IC: Liquids with a flash point between 23°C
and 38°C. Examples: amyl alcohol, butyl alcohol, isobutyl alcohol,
methyl isobutyl ketone, styrene, turpentine, xylene.
 Combustible liquids are subdivided as
follows:
• Class II: Liquids with a flash point at or above
38°C and below 60°C. Examples: kerosene, and hexyl
alcohol.
• Class IIIA: Liquids with a flash point at or above
60°C and below 93°C. Examples: nitrobenzene and
pine oil.
• Class IIIB: Liquids with a flash point at or above
93°C. Examples: animal oils; ethylene glycol; glycerin; lubricating,
quenching, and transformer oils; benzyl alcohol; hydraulic fluids and
vegetable oils.
Further they may be classified

Hydrocarbon Polar Solvent

Organic Compounds that They have properties similar

have carbon & hydrogen or to water and are miscible
carbon –carbon bond. (mixes) with water
 Basic Foam Principles
• Foam terminology:
• Foam : It's a mix of water, foam concentrate, and air that forms a stable mass of
bubbles lighter than oil, gasoline, or water.
• Foam Solution: A mix of water and foam concentrate.
• Foam Concentrate : This is the liquid that, when mixed with water, forms the foam
solution.
• Finished Foam : The foam solution after it comes out of a device, all fluffy and ready to
fight fires.
• Drainage Rate : How fast the foam solution drains from the foam. Faster drainage
means the foam spreads quickly.
• Expansion Rate : The volume of finished foam divided by the volume of foam solution
used. Higher ratios mean more foam is produced.
• Low, Medium, and High Expansion Foam : Different types of foam with varying
expansion ratios.
• Dilution Rate :The correct amount of foam concentrate to mix with water, often shown
as a percentage.
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 PROPERTIES OF A GOOD FOAM

Understanding and optimizing

properties of firefighting foam
formulations are essential for ensuring
effective fire suppression across a range
of scenarios and fuel types.
 Knockdown Performance

• Definition:
– Knockdown refers to the ability of a firefighting foam to
quickly extinguish or suppress a fire by rapidly cooling
the fuel and suppressing the release of flammable
vapors.
• Importance:
– A fast knockdown is crucial in preventing the fire from
spreading further and gaining intensity.
– It helps to rapidly reduce the temperature of the fuel
and surrounding environment, making it more difficult
for the fire to sustain itself.
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 Heat Resistance:

• Definition:
– Heat resistance in firefighting foam refers to the foam's
ability to maintain its effectiveness in high-temperature
environments without breaking down or losing its ability
to suppress the fire.
• Importance:
– Fires can generate intense heat, and the foam must
remain stable and effective under these conditions.
– Heat resistance ensures that the foam continues to
provide a protective barrier and prevent re-ignition even
in high-temperature situations.
 Fuel Tolerance:

• Definition:
– Fuel tolerance is the ability of a firefighting foam to work
effectively on a variety of flammable liquid fuels.
– Different foams may be formulated to handle specific classes of
fuels, such as hydrocarbons, polar solvents, or alcohols.
• Importance:
– Fires involving different types of fuels require specific foam
formulations.
– Fuel tolerance ensures that the foam is compatible with the
types of fuels commonly found in the specific environment
where it is used, making it versatile and effective in a range of
situations.
 Vapor Suppression:

• Definition:
– Vapor suppression is the ability of firefighting foam to control and
reduce the release of flammable vapors from the fuel surface.
– It involves the creation of a foam blanket that seals the fuel
surface, preventing the escape of vapors that could ignite and
contribute to the fire.
• Importance:
– Controlling vapors is critical in preventing the escalation of a fire.
– By suppressing vapors, the foam helps to mitigate the risk of
flashovers or explosions that can occur when flammable vapors
come into contact with an ignition source.
 Alcohol Tolerance:

• Definition:
– Alcohol tolerance specifically refers to the ability of a
firefighting foam to effectively combat fires involving
alcohol-based fuels.
• Importance:
– Alcohols, such as ethanol or methanol, have unique
properties that may require specialized foam formulations.
– Alcohol tolerance ensures that the foam can effectively
handle fires fueled by these substances, providing a
reliable response in situations where alcohol-based fuels
are present.
 TYPES OF FOAM
• Following is a list of mechanical foam concentrates that are
the most common types currently used by fire fighters
today.
• Protein
• Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• Alcohol Resistant (AR-AFFF)
• Synthetic – medium or high expansion types (detergent)
• Class “A” Foam Concentrate
• Wetting Agent
• Fluoroprotein
• Film Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP)
 Protein Foam
• Composition: Made of natural protein products such as
soybeans, chicken beaks, fish bones, & animal hooves,
along with some other stabilizing additives.
• Pros:
– Forms a stable blanket on the fuel surface.
– Effective on hydrocarbon fuel fires.
– Generally more cost-effective than fluoroprotein foams.
• Cons:
– Limited effectiveness on polar solvent fires.
– Unpleasant odor.
– Environmental concerns with some formulations.
 Fluoroprotein(FP):
• Composition: Combination of fluorosurfactants
and protein.
• Pros:
– Effective on both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires.
– Forms a foam blanket with fuel-resistant properties.
– Good sealing characteristics.
Cons:
– Environmental concerns due to fluorosurfactants.
– Higher cost compared to some other foam
concentrates.
Film-Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) Foam:
• Composition: FFFP is an advanced type of firefighting foam that combines
fluorinated surfactants with hydrocarbon-resistant film-forming agents which
makes it different from ordinary FP foam.
• Pros
– It forms a durable and cohesive film on the fuel surface.
– It is compatible with most of fuels and other foams.
– Most suitable for various situations where the formation of a stable film is
crucial, such as on floating roof tanks, large flammable liquid spills, or situations
where vapor suppression is a significant concern.
• Cons
– It is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations compared to other foam
concentrates.
– It is more corrosive to metals and alloys than other foam concentrates.
– Environmental concerns due to fluorosurfactants.
– Higher cost compared to some other foam concentrates.
 Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

• Composition: It is consist of fluorochemical &

hydrocarbon surfactants combined with high boiling point
solvents & water.
• Pros:
– Effective on hydrocarbon
– Forms a thin film on the fuel surface, preventing reignition.
– Versatile and widely used in various industries.
Cons:
– Environmental concerns due to fluorosurfactants.
– Potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
– Relatively higher cost compared to some alternatives.
 Alcohol Resistant (AR-AFFF/FFFP)

• Composition: Similar to AFFF/FFFP but formulated to

resist the effects of alcohol-based fuels.
• Pros:
– Specifically designed for fires involving alcohols and polar
solvents.
– Retains effectiveness in the presence of alcohol-based fuels.
– Versatile for both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires.
• Cons:
– Shares environmental and health concerns with AFFF/FFFP.
– Higher cost compared to some other foam concentrates.
 Synthetic – Medium or High Expansion
Types (Detergent):
• Composition: Contains synthetic surfactants and water.
• Pros:
– Rapid expansion, effective for vapor suppression in enclosed
spaces.
– Versatile for flammable liquid spills in confined areas.
– Can create a foam blanket for enhanced fire suppression.
• Cons:
– May be less effective in open areas.
– Cleanup may be required due to the detergent content.
– Limited applicability in certain scenarios.
 Class “A” Foam/ Wetting Agent
Concentrate:
• Composition: Typically contains synthetic or protein-based
surfactants and water.
• Pros:
– Effective on Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles.
– Enhances water penetration into porous materials.
– Suitable for wildland firefighting and structural fires.
– Can enhance the effectiveness of water in firefighting.
• Cons:
– Limited effectiveness on Class B fires involving flammable liquids.
– Environmental concerns with some formulations.
– May require additional training for proper application.
 Foam Characteristics
Property Protein Fluoroprotein AFFF FFFP AR-AFFF

Knockdown Fair Good Excellent Good Excellent

Heat
Excellent Excellent Fair Good Good
Resistance
Fuel
Fair Excellent Moderate Good Good
Tolerance
Vapor
Excellent Excellent Good Good Good
Suppression
Alcohol
None None None None Excellent
Tolerance
Source: National Foam

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 Class K Fires
• Class K fires involve vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats
in cooking appliances.
• Flash point of these most of these oils are 250 - 300
0
C.
• Foam can be used on certain types of fires, including
flammable liquid fires (Class B). However, when it
comes to kitchen fat or vegetable oil fires (Class K),
using foam is not recommended because of the
unique characteristics of these fires.
• Vegetable oil and kitchen fat fires involve high temperatures,
and when water-based foam is applied directly to such fires, it
can have several drawbacks.
• Re-igniting Risk: Kitchen fat and vegetable oil fires can re-
ignite easily. Foam may not provide a sufficiently long-lasting
barrier to prevent re-ignition because it can break down or
evaporate under the high temperatures involved in these
types of fires.
• Boilover Hazard: The application of water-based foam on hot
oil can lead to a boilover. This occurs when the water in the
foam vaporizes rapidly, causing the oil to splatter and
potentially spreading the fire.
• Limited Cooling Effect: Foam may not cool the cooking oil or
fat effectively. Effective cooling is crucial for preventing the
fire from spreading or reigniting.
• For Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats, wet
chemical extinguishing agents are specifically
designed and recommended.
• These agents react with the oil or fat to form a
soapy substance that provides a more durable
barrier, helping to prevent re-ignition.
• Wet chemical extinguishers are formulated to
address the unique challenges posed by high-
temperature kitchen fires and are recognized as
effective tools for safely extinguishing fires.