This type of fire fighting system is used onboard ships. It effectively suppresses fire & cools adjacent surfaces.

1. 12DE
1004 Saiesh
1005 Brembley
1006 Russell
1007 Mukesh

2. THE FIRE TRIANGLE
Three components
required for combustion
Fuel – to vaporize and burn
Oxygen – to combine with fuel vapour
Heat – to raise the temperature of the fuel
vapour to its ignition temperature.

3.  Two important factors to remember in
preventing and extinguishing a fire:
i) If any of the three components are missing, then a fire
cannot start.
ii) If any of the three components are removed, then the
fire will go out.

4. THE FIRE TETRAHEDRON
 solid figure with four triangular faces
 shows the chain reaction and each face touches the
other three faces.
 The basic difference - illustrates how flaming combustion
is supported and sustained through the chain reaction of
the oxidation process.

5. VARIOUS SYSTEMS USED ONBOARD FOR
FIGHTING FIRE
 HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM
 CO2 SYSTEM
 SPRINKLER & SPRAYER SYSTEM
 HALON SYSTEM

6. WHAT IS FOAM ?
 combination of three materials:
• Water
• Air
• Foam making agent
 formed by mixing the foam-making agent with water to
create a foam solution.
 foam bubbles created by introducing air into the foam
solution through aerating devices.
 Two most common concentrations are 3% and 6%
foams.

7. HOWIS FOAM GENERATED ?
 A constant amount of foam concentrate is added to water
by means of a proportioner.
 The resulting mixture of water/foam concentrate is
expanded with air in the foam generator.

8. AIR IN
FAN SPRAY NOZZLE
SEA WATER EDUCTOR
FOAM CONCENTRATOR
NYLON MESH
TO ENGINE ROOM

9. THE INDUCTION RATE
 specifies the percentage ratio of foam concentrate added
to water.

 At 3% induction rate, for example, 3 parts of foam
concentrate are mixed with 97 parts of water.

10. FILM FORMATION
Aqueous film
(AFFF effect)
 The foam produces a very thin aqueous film on non polar
liquids
 This film floats ahead of the foam and provides for its
excellent flowing, extinguishing and re-ignition inhibiting
properties.

11. Polymer film
• produced by the polymer film formers contained in the
foam when extinguishing polar hydrocarbons (e.g
alcohols, ketones, ester).
• The film floats as an insulating protective layer between
the foam destroying alcohol and the foam cover above.

12. HOWFOAM EXTINGUISHES FIRE ?
o Separating effect
The closed foam cover separates the combustion zone
from the ambient air.
o Cooling effect
The flammable material is cooled down by the water/
foam solution discharged by the foam.

13. o Cover effect
The closed foam cover stops any further gas evaporation
from burning materials, i.e. flammable gases
foam forms a blanket on the surface of flaming liquids
o Repression effect
Flooding spaces, channels, plant parts, etc. with high or
medium expansion foam represses the atmospheric oxygen
and flammable gases necessary for the combustion
process.
o Insulation effect
foam insulates flammable material which has not yet caught
fire

14. FOAM CHARACTERISTICS
 Knockdown Speed and Flow- ability to spread across a
fuel surface or around obstacles

 Heat Resistance-able to resist the destructive effects of
heat radiated from any remaining fire
 Vapour Suppression. capable of suppressing the
flammable vapours to break the fire triangle.

15. Alcohol Resistance-foam blankets that are not
alcohol-resistant will be destroyed if used on
alcohol-based cargoes.
cohesive properties- to stick together
sufficiently to establish and maintain a vapour
tight blanket
light enough-to float on flammable liquids, yet
heavy enough to resist winds

16. TYPES OF FOAMS
Chemical foam
• formed by mixing together a solution of an alkali, an acid,
water and a stabilizer.
• forms a foam or froth of bubbles filled with carbon dioxide
gas.
• 7 to 16 volumes of foam are produced for each volume of
water.
• Needs a device called a foam hopper or separate tanks

17.  Mechanical (Air) Foam
• produced by mixing a foam concentrate
with water to produce a foam solution.
• The bubbles are formed by the turbulent
mixing of air and the foam solution.

18. TYPES OF MECHANICAL FOAMS
 Protein Foam
produced by the hydrolysis of waste protein material, such as
protein-rich animal waste and vegetable waste that is
hydrolyzed
 Fluoroprotein Foam (FP).
formed by the addition of special fluorochemical surfactants
with protein foam
 Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP)
combination of fluorochemical surfactants with protein foam
release a film on the surface of the hydrocarbon.

19.  Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
• combination of fluorochemical surfactants and synthetic foaming
agents
• film spreads rapidly causing dramatic fire knockdown.
 Alcohol Resistant-Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)
• combination of synthetic stabilizers, foaming agents, fluorochemicals
and alcohol resistant additives
• offers good burnback resistance, knockdown and high fuel tolerance
on both hydrocarbon and alcohol fuel fires.
 Synthetic Foam
• made up of alkyl sulfonates.
• It foams more readily than the proteins and requires less water
important where the water supply is limited

20. CATEGORIES OF FOAM SYTEMS
 Low Expansion Foams
• expansion ratio of 12:1 when mixed with air
• effective in controlling and extinguishing most flammable liquid
(Class “B”) fires
• typically used on tanker deck foam systems
 Mid Expansion Foams
• expansion ratio of between about 20:1 to 100:1
• truly three dimensional; it is measured in length, width, height, and
cubic feet
 High-expansion foam
• designed for fires in confined spaces
• Heavier than air but lighter than oil or water

21. LIMITATIONS ON THE USE OF FOAM
 Because they are aqueous (water) solutions, foams are
electrically conductive
 Like water, foams should not be used on combustible-metal
fires.
 not suitable for fires involving gases and extremely low
temperature liquids.
 If placed on burning liquids whose temperatures exceed
100°C (212°F), the water content of the foam may cause
frothing, spattering or slopover.
 Sufficient foam must be available.

22. ADVANTAGES OF FOAM
 effective smothering agent and provides cooling effect.
 sets up a vapor barrier that prevents flammable vapors
from rising
 Can be used on Class “A” fires because of its water
content.
 effective in blanketing oil spills
 uses water economically

23.  most effective extinguishing agent for fires involving large
tanks of flammable liquids.
 can be made with fresh water or seawater, and hard or
soft water
 does not break down readily and extinguishes fire
progressively
 Foam stays in place, covers and absorbs heat from
materials that could cause re-ignition
 Foam concentrates are not heavy, and foam systems do
not take up much space.

24. PRACTICAL ISSUES
 Water Temperature and Contaminants
more stable when generated with lower temperature
water.
temperature range 1.7°C to 26.7°C
 Combustible Products in Air
It is desirable to take clean air into the foam nozzle at all
times
 Water Pressures
Nozzle pressures should be held between 3.4 bar and
13.8 bar (50 and 200 psi)

25.  Non-ignited Spills
Where flammable liquids have spilled, fires can be
prevented by prompt coverage of the spill with a foam
blanket
 Electrical Fires
not generally recommended for use on electrical fires
 Vaporized Liquids
not recommended for use on materials that react with
water, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium etc.

26. HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT

27. FOAM GENERATOR
 Delivers large quantity of expanded foam by blowing air
through a screen
 Because of high expansion ratio requires little water

28. FOAM GENERATOR

30. FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN

31. FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN

32. FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN

33. 1) Proportioning Devices
 Eductor
 most common form of proportioning equipment works on
the Venturi principle.
 extremely reliable and simple pieces of equipment

34. Around-the-Pump Systems
 an eductor is installed on the discharge side of the water
pump
 water flow causes a vacuum that picks up and introduces
the foam concentrate into the water

35.  Balanced Pressure Foam Proportioners
 extremely versatile and accurate
 The principle of operation based on the use of a
modified venturi proportioner commonly called a
ratio controller.

36. 2) FOAM NOZZLES
 designed to air aspirate (expand) the foam
solution and form finished foam.
 High expansion foam nozzles expands foam in
excess of 100:1, when high expansion foam
concentrates are used.

37. 3) FOAM MONITORS
 are permanently-installed foam discharge units
 capable of being aimed and projecting large
quantities of foam substantial distances.
 normally mounted on a rotating base (360-
degree circle)

38. 4) VALVES AND PIPING
must be adequately designed to match the flow
rates of the equipment, and a thorough
understanding of the system
 control valves is critical for quick and effective
operation of the system
 Color coding of the valves

39. 4) VALVES AND PIPING

40. 5) FOAM CONCENTRATE STORAGE
 stored in tanks ready to supply the proportioning
system
 The concentrate tank should be kept filled with
liquid halfway
 The tank should be kept closed to the atmosphere

41. SOLAS REQUIREMENTS
 FOAM CONCENTRATE
 Foam concentrates to be of the type approved by
administration
 Capable of rapidly discharging foam @ at least 1 m
in depth per minute
 Volume of foam = 5 x volume of largest space
 Expansion ratio not to exceed 1000:1

42.  INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
• System should provide effective foam production and
distribution
• Foam generator delivery ducting to be protected
against fire risk, withstand 925 deg C.
• Foam delivery ducts to be constructed of steel
having thickness > 5 mm
• Dampers to be automatically operated by remote
control
• All system equipment to be readily accessible and
simple to operate

43. ABS REQUIREMENTS FOR FOAM EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
 Design and Certification of Piping Components
• All valves, fittings and piping to comply with the
applicable requirements
• be suitable for the intended pressures
 Pipe and Pipe Joints
the wall thickness, type and design of the pipe joints to
comply with the requirements

44.  Materials
• materials used in the system should not to be
rendered ineffective by heat.
• material to have a melting temperature higher
than the test temperature specified in an
acceptable fire test.
Pumps
• should be tested in the presence of a Surveyor

45.  Pressure Vessels
 the tank is to be considered a pressure vessel and is to
comply with the requirements as applicable.
System Component Certification
 fixed fire-extinguishing system components are to be
certified.
 Accordingly, components such as foam system eductors,
proportioners, monitors, nozzles, etc., are to comply with
the certification requirements

46. STARTING PROCEDURE
 AUTOMATIC START
 Stop the supply fan and exhaust fan in the E/R.
 Break the Destruct plate and push the system standby
switch.
 Alarm sound for evacuation in the E/R.
 Start the Emergency fire pump manually.
 After evacuation is confirmed push the foam discharge
switch.
 TO STOP;
 Push the system stop switch.
 Stop the Emergency fire pump.

47.  MANUALLY START AT LOCAL SIDE.
 Check all Valves.
 Start the Emergency fire pump.
 Check pressure gauge, indicate 4 bar.
 Open valve and start foam liquid pump.
 TO STOP:
 Stop the Emergency fire pump.
 Close the valves.

48. EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF THE CAPACITY OF
FOAM SYSTEM FOR OIL CARRIER SHIP
14.5 m 9m
PARTICULARS
• BEAM = 14.5 M
• LENGTH = 56 56m
OF CARGO AREA M
• LENGTH OF LARGEST CARGO TANK = 9 M
• CARGO DECK AREA = 14.5 M ×56 M = 812 M2
• HORIZONTAL SECTIONAL AREA OF SINGLE LARGEST
TANK = 14.5 M ×9 M = 130.5 M2
• PROPOSED MONITOR SPACING = 9 M
AREA PROTECTED BY LARGEST MONITOR = 9 M × 14.5 M = 130.5 M2

49. A CASE STUDY

50. LESSONS LEARNT
 Proper maintenance should be done including putting
back the cover
 Blowing/purging the line after hydraulic pressure testing
 Inspection of the foam nozzle after test
 Foam line on board to be pressure tested regularly
 Draining the line to prevent accumulation of water

51. WHERE IS HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM
USED ?
 ENGINE ROOM
 PURIFIER ROOM
 INCINERATOR ROOM
 PUMP ROOM

52. PACKING OF FOAM
CONCENTRATES
20 litres Plastic Can
Size (ca. cm) 38 x 38 x 18
Tara ca. kg 1,4
Suitability Synthetic, Protein
Net weight approx Synthetic 20 Kg, Protein 23 Kg
Stackable 2 high, to 40°C, shrink-wrapped onto a
pallet

53. 20 litres Plastic Can
Blue
Size (ca. cm) 29 x 26 x 39
Tara ca. kg 1,2
Suitability Synthetic, Protein
Net weight approx 25 – 30 Kg
Stackable 2 high, to 40°C, shrink-wrapped onto a
pallet

54. 200 litresValenthene
Barrel
Size (ca. cm) 60 x 90
Tara ca. kg 21
Suitability Synthetic, Protein
Net weight approx 200 – 225 Kg
Stackable 2 high

55. 1000 litres Palett
Container
Size (ca. cm) 100 x 120 x 116
Tara ca. kg 80
Suitability Synthetic, Protein
Net weight approx Synthetic 1040 Kg, Protein 1150 Kg
Stackable 2 high

56. TYPES OF HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS
TOTAL FLOODING SYSTEM

57. MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF SYSTEM AND
APPLIANCES.
 Operational readiness
• To be in good order and readily available for immediate
use while the ship is in service.
 Maintenance and Testing
• should be carried out in accordance with the ship's
maintenance plan.
• Inspections should be carried out by the crew in
accordance with manufacturer's maintenance and
inspection guidelines

58.  MONTHLY TESTING AND INSPECTIONS
• Verify all control and section valves are in the
proper open or closed position, and all pressure
gauges are in the proper range.

59.  QUARTERLY TESTING AND INSPECTIONS
• Verify the proper quantity of foam
concentrate is provided in the foam
system

60. ANNUAL TESTING AND INSPECTIONS.
o visually inspect all accessible components
o functionally test all fixed system audible alarms
o flow test all water supply and foam pumps for
proper pressure and capacity
o Ensure all piping is thoroughly flushed with fresh
water after service

61. o test all system cross connections to other sources of
water supply for proper operation;
o verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set
o examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of
debris and contamination
o verify all control/section valves are in the correct
position

62.  blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the
discharge piping
 confirm the pipework and nozzles of high expansion foam
systems are clear of any obstructions, debris and
contamination
 take samples from all foam concentrates carried on
board and subject them to the periodical control tests
 test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection
systems for proper operation.

63.  FIVE-YEAR SERVICE
 perform internal inspection of all control valves
 flush piping with fresh water, drain and purge with air
 check all nozzles to prove they are clear of debris
 test all foam proportioners to confirm that the mixing
ratio tolerance is within +30 to -10% of the nominal
mixing ratio

64. TESTING OF FOAM SAMPLES
No Type of foam concentrate Minimum frequency
1 All Fixed systems except protein based non-alcoholic
Within 3 years from the date
of manufacture and every
year thereafter.
2 All Fixed systems of protein based non-alcoholic
Annually.
3 All factory-sealed portable containers excluding
protein based
Ten yearly.
4 All factory-sealed portable containers of protein
based concentrates
Five yearly.
5 All non-sealed portable containers Within 3 years from the date
of manufacture and every
year thereafter