Foam System Design

ENGINEERING
HIGH-VALUE
PROPERTY
THE BEST WAY ISPUT OUT THE BIGGEST FIRES
ASCOTECH SPRINKLER
Fire & Security s.r.l.
Via De Gasperi,8 20010 Bareggio (MI) Tel/Fax 02 90361454
e-mail: ascotech_spkr@ascotech-spkr.it
C.F./P.I.07771840969 Reg. Imp. R.E.A. 1980787
www.ascotech-spkr.it
Ascotech Sprinkler Fire Engineering And Safety Technology
WARRANTY
ASCOTECH SPRINKLER, warrant its products to be of good materials and
workmanship, except that any material, equipment or part not made by Ascotech
will bear only the same warranty from Ascotech as the supplier shall give to it. This
warranty is effective only if the products are used as directed, are not subjected to
misuse, negligence or accident and are not altered, treated or repaired by others
than Ascotech in any respect which, in Ascotech judgment, effects its condition or
operation. Ascotech makes no warranties of freedom from patent infringement, of
merchantability, of fitness for a particular purpose or arising from a course of
dealing or usage of trade or other like or different express or implied warranties
except as made above.
The exclusive remedy for breach of this warranty shall be to give Ascotech written
notice thereof and to return the non-conforming product to Ascotech f.o.b. Its plant
within thirty days after the buyer has received the same. Thereupon Ascotech at
its election shall repair or replace the same or repay the price thereof. No
proximate, incidental, consequential or other damages shall be recoverable.
ENGINEERING MANUAL INDEX
FUNDAMENTALS OF FOAM
SECTION
Why Foam Works Foam Quality General Rules A
of Foam Application ... Proportioning How INTRODUCTION
Proportioning Equipment Works
FOAM SECTION
What it is . . . How it work . . . What it Does . . . B
How To Apply it . . . Recommended Application FOAM
PROPORTIONING METHODS & EQUIPMENT SECTION

C
Fixed Proportioning Equipment . . . Pick-Up At PROPORTIONING
The Foam Maker . . . Systems and Storage METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE TANK

SECTION
PROTECTION D
STORAGE TANK
Choosing the Proper Foam System . . . Types PROTECTION
STORAGE LIQUID TANK PROTECTION SECTION

Basic Types of Protection Storage Tank E
Surface Roof . . . Floating Roof ENGINEERING
FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS FOR STORAGE SECTION

LIQUID TANK PROTECTION F
CONTROL DETECTOR
Linear Heat Detector
GLOSSARY SECTION
Foam Glossary ... Rules Reference G
GLOSSARY
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
A-1M
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
A-2M
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
A-3M
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
A-4M
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
A-5M
SECTION
A
INTRODUCTION
HOW PROPORTIONING EQUIPMENT WORKS
A-6M
SECTION
B
FOAM
B-1M
SECTION
B
FOAM
B-2M
SECTION
B
FOAM
B-3M
SECTION
B
FOAM
B-4M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-1M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-2M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-3M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-4M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-5M
SECTION
C
PROPORTIONING
METHODS &
EQUIPMENT
C-6M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-1M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-2M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-3M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-4M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-5M
SECTION
D
STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION
D-6M
SECTION
ENGINEERING SYSTEM E
FROM CONCEPT-THROUGH-TO COMPLETION ENGINEERING
E-1M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
SURFACE APPLICATION
The application of foam to the fuel surface is accomplished with a dedicated foam
supply pipe to either foam chambers or floating roof foam makers. Both devices
are air-aspirating and direct the stream down the inside wall of the tank. Tank
style dictates which type of discharge device can be used.
Cone roof tanks (with or without internal floaters) require the use of foam
chambers for surface application. Because foam chambers contain a vapor seal,
they prevent the entrance of flammable vapors into the supply piping. Unlike
foam chambers, floating roof foam makers do not contain vapor seals and
therefore cannot be used with cone roof tanks. See page E-2M for cone roof
surface application flow chart.
Floating roof tanks can be protected with either floating roof foam makes or
foam chambers.
Because piping from the floating roof foam maker is above the floating roof of the
tank an open to atmosphere, flammable vapors are minimized and a vapor seal
is not required. See page E-12M for floating roof surface application flow chart.
E-2M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
SURFACE APPLICATION (Continued)

Cone Roof Surface Application Flow Chart
The fallowing flow chart defines a logical sequence for designing cone roof
surface application systems.
CLASSIFY FUEL
(PAGE E-1M)
DETERMINE CALCULATE SURFACE

SUPPLEMENTARY AREA
HOSE LINES (PAGE E-4M)
AND DISCHARGE TIMES
(PAGE E-14M)
DETERMINATE TYPE OF DETERMINATE NUMBER

DISCHARGE DEVICE OF DISCHARGE
(PAGE E-5M) DEVICES
(PAGE F-8M)
DETERMINATE
DISCHARGE TIME
AND APPLICATION RATE
(PAGE E-6M & E-7M
CALCULATE
SUPPLEMENTARY CALCULATE PRIMARY
FOAM QUANTITY FOAM QUANTITY
(PAGE E-14M) (E-8M)
CALCULATE TOTAL
FOAM QUANTITY
(PRIMARY+SUPPLEMENTARY)
COMPLETE E-3M
BILL OF MATERIALS
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING

Calculation Surface Area (Cone Roof Tanks)
When protecting a single storage tank, calculate the surface area using the
following formula:
SURFACE AREA = r²
When protecting multiple storage tanks, it is important to calculate the

surface area of the MOST SEVERE HAZARD. The most severe hazard is the
storage tank that will require the most foam concentrate for protection.
When hall tanks contain the same fuel, the largest tank will require the most
foam concentrate and is therefore considered the most severe hazard.
When the tanks contain different fuels, the most severe hazard may not be the
largest tank. In these cases, it is necessary to determinate the surface are,
discharge time, and application rate for each tank and then select the tank
which require the most foam concentrate for primary protection.
E-4M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING

Determinate Type of Discharge Devices (Cone Roof Tanks)
Typically, foam chambers are used to protect cone roof storage tanks.
However , in certain cases, foam monitors or hand hose lines may be used
for smaller tanks.
The use of hand hose lines or monitors as primary foam protection is subject to
the following conditions:
- Hand hose lines shall not be considered for cone roof tanks over 30 ft. (9 m)
diameter nor when tanks are over 20 ft. (6 m) high.
- Monitors shall not be considered for cone roof tanks over 60 ft. (18 m)
diameter.
When using hand hose lines or monitors for primary protection, the
application rates and discharge times are greater than those for foam
chambers and therefore more foam concentrate is required. This is due to
the adverse conditions that may arise when applying the foam stream to the
fuel surface through the damaged roof. When applying foam to polar solvent
fuels using monitors or handlines, it is important that streams be directed at
the internal tank sidewall to avoid plunging the foam into the fuel.
E-5M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-1
E-6M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-2
E-7M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-8M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING

Floating Roof Surface Application Flow Chart
The following flow chart defines a logical sequence for design floating roof tank
system.
DETERMINATE
TYPE OF SEAL
(PAGE E-10M)
REVIEW
PROTECTION OPTION
(PAGE E-11M)
DETERMINE DETERMINATE SPACING

CALCULATE
SUPPLEMENTARY OF DISCHARGE
HOSE LINES ANNULAR RING AREA
(PAGE E12-M)
DEVICES
AND DISCHARGE TIMES
(PAGE E13-M)
(PAGE E-14M)
CALCULATE CALCULATE NUMBER

SUPPLEMENTARY CALCULATE PRIMARY
OF DISCHARGE
FOAM QUANTITY FOAM QUANTITY
DEVICES
(PAGE E12-M)
(PAGE E14-M) (PAGE E-13M)
CALCULATE TOTAL
FOAM QUANTITY
COMPLETE
BILL OF MATERIALS
E-9M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-10M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-11M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-12M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-13M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-14M
EXAMPLE SYSTEM - SURFACE APPLICATION SECTION

- CONE ROOF TANK E
ENGINEERING
Hazard specifications
Type of Tank ............. Fixed Cone Roof

Height ........................ 12.2 m
Diameter .....................30 m
Contents .................... Fuel Oil No. 4
System Design 4. DETERMINATE

DISCHARGE TIME AND
Following the flow chart on Page E3-M, the APPLICATION RATE
(PAGE E6-M E7-M)
system is determined as fallows:
Because the fuel flashpoint is above 38 °C, it
is determined from that Application Rate is
1. 4.1 Lpm/m² and the discharge time is 30
CLASSIFY FUEL minutes.
5.
Fuel Oil No. 4 Class III Fuel, Flashpoint: 61-116 CALCULATE PRIMARY
FOAM QUANTITY
°C, Not Water Soluble. (PAGE E8-M)
Agent Chosen: 3% Fluoroprotein

First, determine the Foam Solution
Discharge Rate:
2.
CALCULATE SURFACE
AREA FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = SURFACE AREA X APPL. RATE
(PAGE E4-M)
FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = 729 m.² x 4,1 Lpm
SURFACE AREA = r² FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = 2971 Lpm

SURFACE AREA = 3.14(15 m.)²
SURFACE AREA = 729 m²
Then, determine the foam concentrate
3. quantity:
DETERMINATE TYPE OF
DISCHARGE DEVICES
(PAGE E5-M) QUANTITY = FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE X DISCHARGE TIME X CONC. %
QUANTITY = 2971 Lpm X 30 minutes X .03 (% fluoroprotein)

Referring to page E5-M, it is determined that
foam chambers are required as tank QUANTITY = 2676 L
specifications do not allow monitors or handline
nozzles as primary protection.
E-15M
6. SECTION
DETERMINATE
SUPPLEMENTARY
E
HOSE LINES ENGINEERING
AND DISCHARGE TIME
(PAGE E-14M)
Is determined that a 30 m diameter tank requires 10.

two, 108 Lpm, hose lines with a discharge time of COMPILE
BILL OF MATERIALS
30 minutes.
NOTICE
7. CALCULATE
SUPPLEMENTARY
FOAM QUANTITY
This is example only. Selection of agent
(PAGE E14-M) and proportioning equipment will vary
with each application. For detection and
QUANTITY = NO. OF HOSE LINES X 1082 LPM X DISCHARGE TIME X CONC. % control system recommendations,
consult Ascotech Fire Protection.
QUANTITY = 2 hose lines X 1082 Lpm x 30 minutes X .03 (3% fluoroprotein)
QUANTITY = 341 L
Quantity Description
1 3100 L. Atmospheric Storage Tank
8.
CALCULATE TOTAL 1 Balanced Pressure Pump
FOAM QUANTITY Proportioning System, BPS-4
(PAGE E-14M)
2 Foam Chamber
2 Handline Nozzle, 50 gpm (189
Lpm)
Primary ........................ 2971 Lpm.
3100 L. Ascotech 3% Fluoroprotein
Supplementary ............ 341 Lpm.
Concentrate
Total foam quantity ...... 3017 L (3%)
Fluoroprotein Concentrate As Test Foam, Ascotech 3%
Required Fluoroprotein Concentrate
9.
DETERMINATE
NUMBER OF
DISCHARGE DEVICES
(PAGE E-8M)
Because the tank diameters is 30 m, it is

determined from two foam chambers are required.
Each foam chamber must deliver 1488 Lpm of fom
solution. This is determined by dividing the Foam
Solution Discharge Rate 2971 Lpm by the Number
of Foam Chambers (2). E-16M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-17M
SECTION
EXAMPLE SYSTEM - SURFACE APPLICATION
E
- FLOATING ROOF TANK
ENGINEERING
Hazard specifications
Type of Tank ............. Open Floating Roof

Type of Seal .............. Tube 4.
Less then 15 cm CALCULATE PRIMARY
from top of tube to top roof FOAM QUANTITY
(PAGE E-12M)
Height .........................12.2 m
diameter .................... 24.4 m
Contents ................... Jet Fuel (JP4) Top of Seal application is being used;
therefore, the Discharge Time is 20 minutes
System Design and the Application Rate is 12.2 Lpm/m²
Following the flow chart on Page F9-M, the
system is determined as fallows: First determine the Foam Solution Discharge
Rate:
1.
DETERMINATE
TYPE OF SEAL
FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = ANNULAR RING AREA X APPL. RATE
(PAGE E-10M)
FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = 42 m² x 12,2 Lpm/ m²
Urethane foam tube seal
FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = 560 Lpm
2.
REVIEW Then, dtermine the foam concentrate quantity:
PROTECTION OPTION
(PAGE E-11M)
QUANTITY = FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE X DISCHARGE TIME X CONC. %
QUANTITY = 560 Lpm X 20 minutes X .30 (3% AFFF)

Because the top of the seal is less than 5 cm from
the top of the floating roof, a foam dam and QUANTITY = 336 L
floating roof from maker are to be used. The foam
dam will be .3 m high and constructed .6 m from 5. DETERMINATE
the edge of the roof SUPPLEMENTARY
HOSE LINES
AND DISCHARGE TIMES
3. (PAGE E-14M)
DETERMINATE TYPE OF
DISCHARGE DEVICES
(PAGE E-13M) It is determined that an 24.4 m diameter tank
requires two, 189 Lpm, hose lines with a
This is the area between the foam dam and the discharge time of 20 minutes.
tank wall.
ANNULAR RING AREA = TOTAL SURFACE ( r² ) - UNPROTECTED ROOF ( r² )
E-18M
ANNULAR RING AREA = 5027 ft.² - 453.6 m²
ANNULAR RING AREA = 46 m²

6. CALCULATE
SUPPLEMENTARY SECTION
FOAM QUANTITY E
(PAGE E-14M) ENGINEERING
QUANTITY = NO. OF HOSE LINES X 189 LPM X DISCHARGE TIME X CONC. %
QUANTITY = 2 hose lines X 189 LPM x 20 minutes X .03 (3% AFFF) 10.
QUANTITY = 227 L
COMPILE
BILL OF MATERIALS
7.
CALCULATE TOTAL
FOAM QUANTITY
NOTICE
Primary ........................ 334 L This is example only. Selection of agent

Supplementary ............ 227 L and proportioning equipment will vary
Total foam quantity ..... 564 L AFFF (3%) with each application. For detection and
Foam Concentrate control system recommendations,
consult Ascotech Fire Protection.
8.
DETERMINATE Quantity Description
SPACING OF
1 600 L Gallon Bladder Tank
DISCHARGE DEVICES
(PAGE E-13M) 1 Proportioner, Sized for 189-939
Lpm - Total System
The foam dam is 30 cm high and the top of the seal 7 Floating Roof Foam Maker
is less than 15 cm from the top of the floating roof. 2 Handline Nozzle, 189 Lpm
Therefore, Top of Seal protection, the maximum
600 L Ascotech AFFF 3% Concentrate
spacing between discharge devices is 12.2 m.
As Test Foam, Ascotech AFFF 3%
Required Concentrate
9. CALCULATE NUMBER
OF DISCHARGE
DEVICES
(PAGE E-13M)
CIRCUMFERENCE OF TANK ( d)
NUMBER OF DISCHARGE DEVICES =
MAXIMUM SPACING BETWEEN DEVICES
76,6 m
NUMBER OF DISCHARGE DEVICES =
12 m
NUMBER OF DISCHARGE DEVICES = 6.28 or 7

Therefore, because the Foam Solution Discharge
Rate is 560 Lpm, each device must deliver a
minimum of 80 Lpm
E-19M
SECTION
E
ENGINEERING
E-20M
SECTION
F
CONTROL DETECTOR
F-1M
SECTION
F
CONTROL DETECTOR
F-2M
SECTION
G
GLOSSARY
FOAM GLOSSARY
Foam Maker: A device designed to introduce air into a pressurized foam solution stream.
Foam Solution: A mixture of water and foam concentrate.
Heat Resistance: The ability of a foam to withstand exposure to heat.
High Expression Foam: Special foam designed for high air to solution ratios that have up to
1000 parts air 1 part solution.
Hydrocarbon: An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen.
Hydrocarbon Pickup: The characteristic of a fuel that is suspended or absorbed by expanded
foam.
Line Proportioner: A device that siphons foam from a container to form a foam solution.
Minimum Operating Temperature: The lowest temperature at which a foam concentrate will
proporption with venturi devices in accordance with UL requirements.
Pickup: the induction of foam concentrate into a water stream by venturi.
Polar Solvent: In fire fighting, any flammable liquid which destroys regular foams. Examples of
polar solvents are amines, ethers, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones.
Polymeric Membrane: A thin, durable, plastic layer formed on a polar solvent fuel surface
protecting the foam cells from destruction by the fuel.
Pour Point: The lowest temperature at which a foam concentrate is fluid enough to pour,
generally about 5°F (2.8 °C) above the freezing po int.
Product: Another name that can be applied to flammable liquid.
Proportioner: The device where foam concentrate and water are mixed to form solution.
Protein Foam: A hydrolyzed natural protein solid combined with additives to form an organic
based concentrate.
Quarter Drain Time: The time required for 25% of the total liquid solution to drain from the foam.
Also referred to as 25% drain time or quarter-life.
Skin Fire: A flammable liquid fire, such as a spill on a solid surface where the liquid is present in a
depth not exceeding one inch (2.5 cm).
Soluble: The ability to become readily dissolved or mixed with.
Submergence: The plunging of foam beneath the surface of burning liquid resulting in a partial
breakdown of the foam structure and coating of the foam with the burning liquid.
Surfactant: Chemicals that have the ability to alter the surface properties of water.
Upstream: Opposite the direction in which water is flowing or will flow.
Venturi: The constricted portion of a pipe or tube which increases water velocity and momentarily
reduces water pressure. It is in this reduced pressure area that foam concentrate is introduced
into the water stream.
G-1M
SECTION
G
GLOSSARY
REFERENCES
NFPA 11 Low Expansion Foam and Combined Agent Systems
NFPA 11A Medium and High Expansion Foam Systems
NFPA 11C Mobile Foam Apparatus
NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems
NFPA 16 Deluge Foam-Water Sprinklers and Spry Systems
NFPA 16A Close Head Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems
NFPA SPP 44 Fire Fighting Foams and Systems
NFPA 325M Fire Hazard Properties of Flammable Liquids, Gases, Volatile Solids
NFPA 409 Aircraft Hangars
API Pub 2021 Guides for Fighting Fires In and Around Petroleum Storage Tanks
ASP TR-74-32 Fire Fighting Foam Proportioning System Technology
MIL-F-24385C Fire Fighting Agent, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) Liquid
Concentrate, For Fresh and Sea Water
AC No. 150/5390-1B Federal Aviation Administration Heliport Design Guide
UL 162 Standard for Safety Air Foam Equipment and Liquid Concentrates
G-2M
Ascotech
HIGH-VALUE PROPERTY
PROTECTION SYSTEM
ASCOTECH SPRINKLER
Fire & Security s.r.l.
Via De Gasperi,8 20010 Bareggio (MI) Tel/Fax 02 90361454 e-mail: ascotech_spkr@ascotech-spkr.it
C.F./P.I.07771840969 Reg. Imp. R.E.A. 1980787
www.ascotech-spkr.it

Foam System Design

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Foam System Design

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ENGINEERING

THE BEST WAY ISPUT OUT THE BIGGEST FIRES

ENGINEERING MANUAL INDEX

PROPORTIONING METHODS & EQUIPMENT SECTION

FLAMMABLE LIQUID STORAGE TANK

STORAGE LIQUID TANK PROTECTION SECTION

FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS FOR STORAGE SECTION

HOW PROPORTIONING EQUIPMENT WORKS

SURFACE APPLICATION (Continued)

DETERMINE CALCULATE SURFACE

DETERMINATE TYPE OF DETERMINATE NUMBER

SURFACE APPLICATION (Continued)

When protecting multiple storage tanks, it is important to calculate the

SURFACE APPLICATION (Continued)

SURFACE APPLICATION (Continued)

DETERMINE DETERMINATE SPACING

CALCULATE CALCULATE NUMBER

EXAMPLE SYSTEM - SURFACE APPLICATION SECTION

Type of Tank ............. Fixed Cone Roof

System Design 4. DETERMINATE

Agent Chosen: 3% Fluoroprotein

SURFACE AREA = r² FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE RATE = 2971 Lpm

QUANTITY = 2971 Lpm X 30 minutes X .03 (% fluoroprotein)

Is determined that a 30 m diameter tank requires 10.

Because the tank diameters is 30 m, it is

Type of Tank ............. Open Floating Roof

QUANTITY = 560 Lpm X 20 minutes X .30 (3% AFFF)

ANNULAR RING AREA = 46 m²

QUANTITY = NO. OF HOSE LINES X 189 LPM X DISCHARGE TIME X CONC. %

Primary ........................ 334 L This is example only. Selection of agent

NUMBER OF DISCHARGE DEVICES = 6.28 or 7

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