Foam Fire Suppression Systems and Applications

Fire suppression systems are not limited to sprinklers, fire hose cabinets and fire hydrants. For spaces containing valuable equipment and assets, you will need a professionally designed and installed foam fire suppression system.

Foam fire suppression systems are used to cool and extinguish fire quickly. However, when it comes to high-risk flammable materials, remember that flammable and combustible materials are not the same thing. The right system should be selected based on the flammability class of the goods being stored or protected.

What Is a Foam Fire Suppression System?

A foam fire suppression system is designed to control and extinguish fires involving flammable liquids such as oil, petrol and chemicals. There are three types of foam fire suppression system. The difference between these types is how far the foam can spread, or how much it can expand.

Low-expansion foam fire suppression – In a low-expansion system, the foam can expand up to 20 times the volume of the liquid and can reach further for wider coverage. Medium-expansion foam fire suppression – In a medium-expansion system, the foam can expand 20 to 200 times the volume of the water and can form a wider blanket than a low-expansion system. High-expansion foam fire suppression – This foam can expand more than 200 times the volume of the water, using more air and less water. A high-expansion system is recommended for enclosed facilities such as warehouses and aircraft hangars. In high-expansion systems, the foam is very light. Because there is no wind indoors, it is better suited to use in enclosed spaces.

How Do Foam Fire Suppression Systems Work? A foam fire suppression system works by releasing a mixture of water and foam concentrate to create a foam blanket that covers and cools the burning surface. The foam and water work together: the foam smothers the fire while the water cools it. Separating the fuel from oxygen smothers the fire and prevents it from reigniting. Foam is particularly effective at extinguishing high-temperature fires, because it cools them rapidly, allowing the fire to be extinguished faster. This fast response reduces the material damage caused by the fire.

Which Types of Facility Are Best Suited to Foam Fire Suppression? Foam fire suppression systems are best suited to facilities containing hazardous and highly flammable materials and assets:

Refineries Chemical plants Flammable liquid storage facilities Aircraft hangars Tanker loading areas Paint spray booths Diesel generator rooms Warehouses Loading docks Recycling facilities Other locations where water is not an option

At facilities like these, fire must be extinguished immediately to avoid the risk of catastrophic damage. Foam is highly effective at extinguishing fire quickly. However, it leaves behind a considerable amount of damage of its own. This should also be considered when designing a foam fire suppression system. If the damage a fire could cause is worse than the damage the foam could cause, a foam suppression system is the appropriate solution.

Teza Can Meet Your Fire Suppression System Needs When you need a professional fire and life safety company to carry out your fire suppression system design and installation, turn to Teza. We have been providing fire protection system services for many years and can design the best suppression system for your facility.

Whether you need foam fire suppression system design, installation, testing or repair, get in touch with Teza to see how we can help protect your business.