FOAM MAKING BRANCHPIPE (FMB)

OBJECTIVE Learning Outcome 5 Assessment Criteria 1. 2. REFERENCES 1. Manual of Firemanship book 3 (Part 3 Chapter 9) Describe FMB. State the purpose and types of FMB. State care and service testing of FMB.

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FOAM MAKING BRANCHPIPE (FMB)

INTRODUCTION Hand line foam making branch pipe (FMB) is a hand held nozzle used in all types of low expansion foam systems. It is generally used where the foam is required to be applied manually. The branch pipe is used to protect loading racks, tank farms, chemical plants, spill fires etc.

PURPOSE OF FMB The function of discharging foam is to blanket the fuselage, giving it added insulation and to establish a fire control area around the fuselage for rescue purpose. Generally the foam trucks monitor is used to widen the rescue area and hold it secure, so that the aircraft occupants can be brought out. Hand line nozzles will then be used to bring the rest of the fire under control or to extend the safe area. Using variable foam making branches can be moderated from solid stream to dispersal pattern. Solid stream is mainly used to reach out for the fire from a distance. A solid stream will not be used for close-in rescue operations as it can injure people and can break-up already-laid foam blanket. Dispersed or diffused foam is applied at a relatively short range often to secure the rescue area. The foam protects the firefighters from heat radiation and smothers the fire fast. A well laid foam blanket on the fuselage substantially decreases the temperature and hopefully increases the survival time for the passengers and crew inside the aircraft.

TYPES OF FMB There are several types of foam making branches for creating foam. Among them are: 1. Foam Making Branch of 10X (FB10/10).

General Description The FMB FB10/10 is easy to handle, lightweight yet rugged powerful branchpipe (Figure 1). This is capable of producing 4500 l/min of high quality finished foam bubbles with a jet throw of 25 metres. Application A major feature of the FB10/10 is the facility for the firefighter to change foam output from jet to a variable spray pattern by operating the forward control handle. This branchpipe will operate using natural protein or synthetic based foam premix solutions. Instantaneous 65mm inlet couplings are fitted as standard with alternatives available.

Figure 1. Foam Making Branch of 10X (FB10/10).

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Features: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Produces excellent aspirated foam Light and easy to operate Simple yet effective spray jet nozzle Wide operating pressure range Long range jet Suitable for use with all low expansion foam liquids Can be supplied with shut-off valve

Technical Information a. b. c. d. e. f. g. Finish - Foam Tube and Jet Head - Anodised and orange epoxy powder coated Handles - Black Weight - 5kg Solution requirement at 7 bar - 455 l/min Operating pressure range - 3.5 to 10.5 bar Foam Liquid - P, FP, AFFF, FFFP, AR Foam Liquid Consumption: - with 3% Liquid - 14 l/min - with 6% Liquid - 27.5 l/min Foam Output - 4540 l/min Nominal expansion - 10:1 Jet length at 7 bar: - Bulk 21 m - Maximum 25 m Spray Jet Pattern at 10 m - 3.5 wide x 1 m deep Standard Coupling - 65 mm (2.5 in) (M) instantaneous Material - Light Alloy

h. i. j.

k. l. m.

NOTE: Performance figures are based on equipment using the appropriate foam liquid with clean water at 15C (59F) ambient temperature.

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2.

Foam Making Branch of 5X.

Pressured water entering through the valve push the air out, cause occurrence of air vacancy in the vacuum suction hose (pick-up tube), which will attract foam liquid into chamber through the pick-up tube. At the same time attract air into the induction chamber and will mix with foam and water in expansion space.

Features: a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k. 63.5mm (2 ) male coupling Induction Chamber Suction Hose 1.5m (5 x ) c/w 2 Pick-Up tube. Expansion chamber with holder. Middle Selinder 15mm (1/2) ON and OFF lever. Pressure at branch 5.5 bar Water flow 42 lpm Liquid foam flow 3 lpm Expansion rate 5:1 Foam output 225 lpm

CARE AND SERVICE TESTING OF FMB After used this device, it need to be entirely washed, dried and stored in designated places. Inspection should always be done to ensure that equipment is in good condition. CONCLUCION On completion of this lesson the students shall be able to identify the various types of Foam Making Branches.

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