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FOREWORD
INTRODUCTION
1. Purpose
This Standard is prepared for use and guidance of those charge('
with the purchasing, designing, installing, testing, inspecting, ap,
proving, listing, operating or maintaining high expansion foa,~
systems, in order that such equipment will ftmction as intended
throughout its life.
2. Scope
This Standard includes rninimum requirements for high expan,
siGn foam systems.
Only those skilled in this field are competent to design and in.
stall this equipment. It may be necessary for" many of those charged
with the purchasing, inspecting, testing, approving, operating, anti
maintaining this equipment to consult with an experienced and
competent fire protectionengineer in order" to effectively discharge
their respective duties.
3. Definitions. For purposes of clarification, the following gen.
eral terms used with special technical meanings, in this Standard,
are defined :
AUTHORITV HAVING JURISDICTION iS usually the purchaser or tlw
competent engineer or organization appointed by him to interpret
and make decisions as set forth in this Standard. Where insurance
is involved, the inspection department representing the insurance
carrier generally becomes the authority having jurisdiction. In
some cases, civil or military authorities may have final jurisdiction.
HIGH EXPANSION FOAM is an aggregation of bubbles resulting
from the mechanical expansion of a foam solution by air or other
gases with a foam-to-solution volume ratio of 100:1 to approxi.
mately 1000:l (see Section A-143).
FOAM CONCENTRATE is a concentrated liquid foaming agent at
received from the manufacturer.
FOAM SOLUTION is water into which foam concentrate has been
introduced in the proper proportion.
01A-8 HIGH EXPANSION FO A M SYSTEMS
569
C H A P T E R 1. G E N E R A L I N F O R M A T I O N
AND R E Q U I R E M E N T S
il. General Information
111. Scope. Chapter 1 contains general information, and the
I*.esign and installation requirements for features that are generally
Iommon to all high expansion foam systems.
112. Mechanisms of Extinguishment. High expansion foam
r fire by reducing the concentration of oxygen at the
teat of the fire, by cooling, by halting convection, and by excluding
~dditional air from the fire.
113. Use and Limitations. While high expansion foam is find-
Ing application for a broad range of fire fighting problems, this
~tandard is presently limited to considering specific types of hazards.
1131. Some important types of hazards that high expansion_
loam systems may satisfactorily protect include:
1. Ordinary combustibles
2. Flammable liquids
3. Combinations of each
that the system has been properly installed, and will function a,
intended. Only listed or approved equipment and devices shall J~
used in these systems.
1341. Such tests should include a discharge of foam if possible
This foam should be checked visually for desired quality. If actt,:d
discharge is not permitted, the supplier or installer should chccl,
air flow and liquid flow in a manner satisfactory to authority havinl~
jurisdiction. All piping up to each foam generator shall be sub,
jected to a 2-hour hydrostatic pressure test at 200 psi or 50 I)~J
m excess of the naaximtun pressure anticipated, whichever i~
greater, in general conformity with the NFPA Standard for the
Installation of Sprinkler Systems (No. 13). Operating instructioqb
provided by the supplier and the proper identification of device~
shall be checked.
CHAPTER 2.
T O T A L F L O O D I N G SYSTEMS
21. General Information
211. Description. A total flooding system consists of fix~.(
foam generating apparatus complete witb a piped supply of foa,,
concentrate and water, arranged to discharge into an enclosv~q
space or enclosure about the hazard.
212. Uses. This type ot system may be used where there is
permanent enclosure about the hazard that is adequate to enabll
the required amount of fire extinguishing medium to be built ul:
and to be maintained for the required period of time to ensure tin
control or e~inguishment of the fire in the specific combustibl,
material or materials involved.
2121. Examples of hazards that may be successfully protectc~l
by total flooding systems include rooms, vaults, storage areas, ware~
housing facilities and buildings containing Class A and Class I|
combnstibles either singly or in combination. Thrce dimensional
fires in flammable liquids (falling or flowing under pressure) havint,,
flash points below 100~ generally will not be extinguished by'
total coverage. Ahhough this fire may continue in the foam; heal
radiation will be reduced and kept under control with continued
foam application.
2122. Fires which can be controlled or extinguished by total
flooding methods can be divided into two categories: namely (1)
surface fires invoh, ing flanamable or combustible liquids and solid~
and (2).deep seated fires invoh, ing solids subject to smoldering.
213. General Requirements. Total flooding systems shall be
designed, installed, tested and maintained in accordance with the
applicable requirements in the previous chapter and with the ad.
ditional requirements set forth in this chapter. Only listed or ap,
proved equipment and devices shall be used in these systems.
22. Enclosure Specifications
221. Leakage and Ventilation. Since the efficiency of the high
expansion foam system depends upon the development and mainte.
nance of a suitable quantity of foam within the particular en.
closure to be protected, leakage of foam from the enclosure shall
be avoided.
2211. Openings below design filling depth, such as doorways,
windows, etc., shall be arranged to close automatically before, ol
ImlA-18 HIGH F~XPANSION FOAM SYSTFMS
579
multaneously with the start of the foam discharge, with due con-
,titration for evacuation of personnel. They shall be designed to
laintain a closure during a fire and be capable of withstanding
twssures of foam and sprinkler water discharge. If any unclosable
penings exist, the system shall be tested to assure proper per-
}l'lllanco.
TABLE I
Maximum Submergence Time for
High Expansion Foam Measured
From Time of System Actuation, (Minutes)
Heavy or Protected
Light or Unproflected or Fire Resistive
Hazard Steel Construction Construction
Not Not
Sprinklered Sprinklered Sprinklered Sprinkloru#
Flammable Liquids with
Flash Points below
140~ * * 3 2 5 3
Combustible Liquids
with Flash Points of
140~ and above.** 4 3 6 4
Low Density Combustibles
i.e., Foam Rubber
Foam Plastics
Rolled Tissue or
Crepe Paper 4 3* 6 4*
High Density Combustibles
i.e., Rolled Paper
-Kraft or Coated-
Banded 7 S* 8 6*
High Density Combustibles
i.e., Rolled Paper
-Kraft or Coated-
Unbanded S 4* 6 5"
Rubber Tires 7 S* 8 6*
Combustibles, in cartons,
bags, fiber drums 7 S* 8 6*
C H A P T E R 3. L O C A L A P P L I C A T I O N SYSTEMS
31. General Information
311. Description. A local application system consists of fist,'l
foam generating apparatus cornplete with a piped supply of foa#~b
concentrate and water and arranged to discharge foam dire~lL
onto the fire.
312. Uses. Local application systems may be used for the t~
tinguishment of fires in flammable or combustible liquids, i., "
ordinary Class A combustibles where the hazard is not totally ~,
closed. Limited control may also be provided for certain c-u:
bustible metals such as magnesium and zirconium. These systc~
are best adapted to the protection of essentially flat surfaces am'
as confined spills, open tanks, drainboards, diked areas, In~:
trenches, etc. For multiple level or three dimensional fire hazlm"
where total building flooding is not practical, the indivh{,,
hazard shall be provided with suitable contaimnent facilities ;:
ceptable to the authority having jurisdiction..
IIA-22 HIGH I ~ X P A N S I O N FOAM S Y S T E M S
583
313. General Requirements. Local application systems shall
be designed, installed, tested and maintained ill accordance with
tile applicable requirenlents in previous chapters and with the ad-
ditional requirements set forth in this chapter. Only listed or ap-
proved equipment and devices shall be used in these systems.
32. Hazard Specifications
321. Extent of Hazard. T h e hazard shall include all areas to
which or from which fire may spread.
322. Location of Hazard. The hazard may be indoors, partly
.~heltered~ or completely out-of-doors. Foam should be protected
from strong winds or air currents.
33. F o a m Requirements
331. General. The design quantity of foam required shall be
sufficient to cover the hazard to a depth of at least 2 feet within
0ne-half of the submergence times shown in Table I but not more
than 2 minutes.
332. Quantity. Sufficient foam concentrate and water shall
be provided to permit continuous operation of the entire system
for at least 12 minutes (see Section 161).
3321. Reserve supplies shall be provided in accordance with
Section 163.
3't. Method. Discharge outlets shall be arranged to enst, re that
|oam is delivered over all areas which constitute the hazard. Where
parts of the hazard are elevated or raised up from the ground or
Iloor line, the arrangement of the system shall be such that foam
will be delivered to, and retained on, such parts in sufficient depth
~0 ensure prompt and final extinguishment.
584 PORTABLE G E N I'~ R A 'F IN G I.)EVICES 11A-23
C H A P T E R 4. P O R T A B L E F O A M G E N E R A T I N G D E V I C F ~
41. General Information
411. Description. Portable foam generating devices consist
of a high expansion foam generator, mant, ally operable and trans.
portable, connected by means of hose, or piping and hose, to a
supply of water and foam concentrate. The proportioning equip.
ment may be integral with or separate from the foam generato,'.
A separate foam concentrate supply may be provided for each
unit, or soh, tion may be piped from central proportioning equip-
ment.
412. General Requirements. Portable foam generating de-
vices and associated equipment shall be used and maintained i,i
accordance with the applicable requirements in the preceding
chapters and w i t h t h e additional requirements set forth in this
chapter. Only listed or approved equipment and devices shall be
used in these systems.
42. Hazard Specifications
421. Portable foam generating devices may be used to comba!
fires in all hazards covered under Chapters 2 and 3, except those
which are inaccessible and beyond the scope of manual fire
fighting.
43. Location and Spacing
431. Location. Portable foam generating devices which are
-preconnected to a water or solution supply shall be placed when:
they are easily accessible and with enough hose to reach the most
distant hazard' which they are expected to protect. Foam concen-
trate shall be available for immediate use. These devices shall bc
located such that they are not exposed to the hazard. Those not
preconnected to a water or solution supply and their associated
equipment shall be located and arranged for immediate transport
to all designated hazards.
44. Foam Requirements
441. Rate and Duration of Discharge. The rate and duration
of discharge and consequently the quantity of foam concentrate
and water shall be determined by the type and potential size of
hazard. T o the extent that the specific hazards can be identified,
the applicable requirements of Chapters 2 or 3 shall apply.
I I A-24 HIGH EXPANSION FO A M SYSTEMS
585
442. Simultaneous Use of Portable Foam Generating Devices.
Where simultaneous use of two or inore devices is possible, suffi-
x'lent supplies of foam concentrate and water shall be available to
supply the maximum munber of devices that are likely to be used
~t any one time.
,15. Equipment Specifications
451. Hose. Hose used to connect the generator to the water
or solution supplies shall be listed lined hose. Unlined fabric hose
shall not be used. T h e hose size and length shall be selected with
consideration to the hydraulics of the entire system. Such hose
should be stored in an arrangement that will permit immediate
use and be protected against the weather.
452. Electric Power Supply and Connections. Power supply
and connections needed for operation of the generator shall be
adequate to transmit the required power, and shall be selected
witn considerauon to the intended use. All power,cables shall be
sufficiently rugged to withstand abuse in service, be impervious
to water and shall contain a ground wire. Unless electric con-
nectors are waterproof, care should be taken to prevent them from
being immersed in water.
46. Training
461. Successful extinguishment of fire with portable foam gen-
erating devices is dependent upon the individual ability a~d .tech-
nique of the operator. All personnel likely to use this equipment
shall be properly trained in its operation and in the necessary fire-
fighting techniques.
586 APPENDIX 1 1 A -2 5
APPENDIX
A-122. Clearance to Live Electrical Apparatus
General. As used in this Standard, "clearance" is the air distance betwee,
high expansion foam equipment, including piping and nozzles, and unenclosed
or uni.nsulated live electrical components at other than ground potential.
The clearances given are for ahitudes of 3,300 ft. or less. At alti-
tudes in excess of 3,300 ft., the clearance shall be increased at the rate of
1 percent for each 330 ft. increase in altitude above 3,300 ft.
Clearance. Clearance shall not be less than that given in the followln~
Table.
The clearances are based upon minimum general practices related to desig,
Basic Insulation Level (BIL) values. To coordinate the required clearance
with the electrical design, the design BIL of the equipment being protected
should be used as a basis, although this is not material at nominal line volt-
ages of 161 kv or less.
Up to electrical system voltages of 161 kv the design BIL kv and corre-
sponding minimum clearances, phase to ground, have been established
through long usage.
At voltages higher than 161 kv, uniformity in the relationship between
design BIL kv and the various electrical system voltages has not been estab-
lished in practice and is dependent upon several variables so that the re-
quired clearances to ground should be based upon the design BIL used rather
than on the nominal llne or ground voltage.'
Table A-122
Clearance From High Expansion Foam Equipment
To Live Uninsulated Electrical Components
Nominal Line Nominal Voltage Design BIL Minimum
Vohage To Ground Clearance
kv kv kv inches
15 9 110 6
23 13 150 8
34.5 20 200 12
46 27 250 15
69 40 350 23
115 66 550 37
138 80 650 44
161 93 750 52
196-230 114-132
1050 76
287-380 166-220 1175 I 87
1300 98
1550 120
500 290 1675 ~131
1800 ~142
500-700 290-400 t1925 1153
2100 168
2300 184
!1A-26 HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS
587
Possible design variations in the clearance required at higher vohages are
evident in the Table, where a range of voltages is indicated opposite the vari-
ms BIL test values in the high voltage portion of the Table. However, the
h.arance between unlnsulated energized parts of the electrical system equip-
ment and any portion of the high expafision foam system shall not be less
Ihan the minimum clearance provided elsewhere for electrical system insula-
tions on any individual component.
NoTe: BIL values are expressed as kilovolts (kv), the number being
tim crest value of the full wave impulse test that the electrical equip-
ment is designed to withstand.
A-143. Operating Devices. A block diagram of a typical automatic high
expansion foam system is shown in Fig. A-143-1.
Foam Generators. Foam generators for high expansion foam are either
uf two types, namely aspirator or blower. In either case, the properly pro-
portioned foam solution at appropriate velocity is made to impinge on a
porous screen or series of screens in a moving air streaan thereby producing
dm high expansion foam. The capacity of foam generators is generally de-
termined by the time required to fill an enclosure of known volume by top
upplication within 1 to 5 minutes.
Foam Generators - - Aspirator Type. These may be fixed or portable.
,let streams of foam solution aspirate sufficient amounts of air which is
then entrained on the screens to produce foam (see Fig. A-143-2).
Foam Generators - - Blower Type. These may be fixed or portable.
The foam solution is discharged onto screens through which an air stream
developed by a fan or blower is passing. As the air passes through the
,qcreens wetted with the foam solution, it is entrapped in the form of large
masses of bubbles or foam. The blower may be powered by compressed air
nr gas, electric motor, internal combustion engine, hydraulic or water
motor (see Fig. A-143-3).
[ • • DETECTOR
MANUAL
OV ERRI D ~ . _ ~
I
t ;Y
STRAINER FOAM
WATER 4-....i ~ ~ l IGENERATOR
FOAM
~ o ~
t- FOA ~p~O~eUTIQN
t.L~T ,OA.SOLU,,O.
Fig. A-143-2. Asplrat;ng Type Foam Generator.
SCREEN-\
oo
//~0 00r~
r ~! 0 0 (Yr~O
/ Jl~ ~176176
- / ~ ~ 0 "'0 V~
- //~1o~##;~
.J _ x " ~ / ! o~OoOoOoO
PRIME Po ~ o o
MOVER / ~ ~
i i " ~ - ~
- - 0
Io@go
~ u
I oOoOo
\~ - ~Ioo%oOo
\ \ Io o o ~
x ~ i 0000
\ ~. I O O o O
\ -.~0 0 0 0
\ IooO~ o o
NN/I o o'-'o O
FOAM
SOLUTION
Fig. A-143-3. Blower Type Foam Genera:'or.
Foam Concentrate Proportioning Systems. Some typical proportioning
systems are shown in NFPA Standard for Foam Extinguishing Systems (No.
II).
A-1811. Resistance of Foam Generators to Fire Exposure. To be ac-
ceptable for installation inside the hazard area, a generator, its associated
piping and electrical wiring, protected in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations, shall be started and operated after a 5 minute exposure
10 feet above a 50 square foot gasoline fire using 100 gallons of fuel. The
test fire should be shielded to enstire flame impingement on the generator.
I I A-28 HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS
589
A.234. Submergence Time - - Vulnerability of Structure. It is impera-
~we that the integrity of primary structural members be maintained under
Cite exposure (which in sprinklered structures normally support the sprin-
LIcr system). Light unprotected bar joist and other similar types of sup-
~ r t s are especially vulnerable to damage by fast developing fires as com-
0m,'ed to that of heavy steel construction. So also is heavy unprotected
~lcel framing more vulnerable than fire resistive (concrete) or protected
~lruetural members.
A.2351. Sample Calculation of Total Generator Capacity
GiveN: Building Size - - 100 feet x 200 feet x 30 feet high
Building Construction - - Light bar joist, Class I steel deck
roof, adequately vented. Masonry
walls with all openings closable.
Sprinkler Protection - - Wet system, 10 feet x 10 feet spacing.
0.25 gpm /sq ft density.
* Occupancy - - Vertically stacked unbanded rolled Kraft paper
25 feet high.
ASSUME: Fire will open 50 sprinkler heads. Foam leakage around
closed doors, drains, etc., hence, C~. -- 1.2
CALCULATION :
Foam Depth
Depth = 25 x 1.1 = 27.5 feet
(This is ,greater than minimum cover of 2 feet)
Submergence Volume
V = 100 X 200 • 27.5 = 550,000 cubic feet
Submergence Time
T = 5 minutes (from Table I)
Rate of Foam Breakdown by Sprinklers
S m 10'cfm/gpm (from Section 2352)
Q - No. of heads x area/head • density.
= 50 x (10 X 10) • 0.25 = 1250gpm
Rs = S x Q = 10 x 1250--- 12,500cfm
Normal Foam Shrinkage
C,~ = 1.15 (from Section 2353)
Leakage
C,. ---- 1.2 (assumption)
Total Generator Capacity
R = ( (550,000
+ 12,500) • 1.15 x 1.2
R = 169,000 cfm
The number of generators required will depend upon the capacity of
the generators available.
A-2352. Rate of Breakdown by Sprinklers. Where sprinklers are present
in an area to be protected by high expansion foam, simultaneous operation
will cause breakdown of the foam. The rate of breakdown will depend
59O APPENDLX 1 IA-2!J
upon the number of sprinklers operating and the subsequent total rate of
water discharge. The number of sprinklers expected to operate will depend
upon various factors as outlined in N'PPA Standard for Installation o|
Sprinkler Systems (No. 13).
A-2354. Foam Leakage. It is essential that uncontrolled leakage be re,
duced to an absolute minimum through the use of foam-tight barriers at
all openings below the effective hazard control level or depth, contemplatin~
the increased rate of foam escape as its fluidity is increased by anticipated
sprinkler discharge.
Such leakage through drains, trenches, under doors, around windows,
etc. can be minimized by use of suitable automatic closures, sealing agents,
or mechanisms. Additional generator capacity should be added to com.
pensate for the aggregate losses where foam escapement cannot be effective.
ly controlled.
A-24. Maintenance of Submergence Volume. The choice of a total flood-
ing foam system for protection of a hazard, does not necessarily imply thai
it is expected that the system will completely extinguish the fire, or even
so nearly extinguish it as to render the fire incapable of regaining the
offensive. Rather, the effect sought might often be speedy control with
minimum damage to contents not involved in the fire.
When high expansion foam is establishing or has established control
of a fire, care must be exercised that control is not lost. The following
points should be kept in mind. Depending upon the particular fire, some or
all might be vital.
1. All should be aware of the necessity for tight closure. Employees,
brigade members, and the fire department should move rapidly to
close any openings through which foam is being lost. Improvised
closures can be made of practically any available material such as
screening, plastic, plywood, hardboard.
2. If the material involved is liable to deep-seated fires, such as fur-
niture, packaged material, fibers, rolls of paper, etc., particular care
must be exercised in opening up the areas and removing the foam.
Even where only surface fire is thought possible as in flammabh:
liquids, smoldering Class A material may cause reignition.
3. A "soaking" period should elapse before foam is removed. This
may be as long as an hour and should be predetermined based
upon the fuel in the area.
A-25. Overhaul. The following points should be considered during over-
haul operations :
1. All foam and sprinkler systems which are shut off should have
men standing by valves to turn them back on if this should be-
come necessary.
2. Foam supplies should be replenished if depleted.
3. Hand hose lines should be charged and manned. Personal protec-
tive equipment should be do'nned, self-contained breathing apparatus
should be worn in the "ready" position so there will be no delay
in putting it in service.
4. Foam should be removed first from the fire area and foam removal
should be coordinated with overhaul and salvage operations. The
I I A-30 HIGH KXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS
591
total loss will be kept to a m i n i m u m if thoughtless operations are
avoided. T h e fire is u n d e r control; u n d u e haste to e x t i n g u i s h the
last e m b e r m a y greatly increase the loss.
5. C a u t i o n should be taken in e n t e r i n g previously foam-filled areas,
particularly in structures with pits or openings in the floor.
6. T h e a r e a should be well ventilated b u t openings t h r o u g h w hich
foam m i g h t be lost should be kept to a m i n i m u m a n d m a n n e d for
closing if this should b e c o m e necessary.
7. C o n s i d e r a t i o n shall be given to disposal of the f o a m to p r e v e n t any
u n d u e h a z a r d to a d j a c e n t areas.