12DE

1004 Saiesh
1005 Brembley
1006 Russell
1007 Mukesh
 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.
 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.
 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.
 VARIOUS SYSTEMS USED ONBOARD FOR
FIGHTING FIRE

 HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM

 CO2 SYSTEM

 SPRINKLER & SPRAYER SYSTEM

 HALON SYSTEM
 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.
HOW IS 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.
 FAN SPRAY NOZZLE NYLON MESH

AIR IN

SEA WATER EDUCTOR TO ENGINE ROOM

FOAM CONCENTRATOR
 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.
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.
 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.
HOW FOAM 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.
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
 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.
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
 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
 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.
 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.
 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
 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
 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.
 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

 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.
 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)
 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.
HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM AND EQUIPMENT
 FOAM GENERATOR

 Delivers large quantity of expanded foam by blowing air

through a screen

 Because of high expansion ratio requires little water

FOAM GENERATOR
FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN
FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN
FOAM GENERATOR SCREEN
 1) Proportioning Devices

 Eductor

 most common form of proportioning equipment works on

the Venturi principle.
 extremely reliable and simple pieces of equipment
 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
 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.
 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.
 3) FOAM MONITORS

 are permanently-installed foam discharge units

 capable of being aimed and projecting large

quantities of foam substantial distances.

 normallymounted on a rotating base (360-

degree circle)
 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

4) VALVES AND PIPING
 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

 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

 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
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
 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
 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
  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.
 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.

EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF THE CAPACITY OF
FOAM SYSTEM FOR OIL CARRIER SHIP
14.5 m 9m
PARTICULARS
• BEAM = 14.5 M
56m
• LENGTH OF CARGO AREA = 56 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
A CASE STUDY
 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

WHERE IS HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEM
USED ?
 ENGINE ROOM

 PURIFIER ROOM

 INCINERATOR ROOM

 PUMP ROOM
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
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
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
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
TYPES OF HIGH EXPANSION FOAM SYSTEMS

TOTAL FLOODING SYSTEM

 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
 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.
 QUARTERLY TESTING AND INSPECTIONS

• Verify the proper quantity of foam

concentrate is provided in the foam
system
 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
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
 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.
  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
 TESTING OF FOAM SAMPLES
No Type of foam concentrate Minimum frequency

1 All Fixed systems except protein based non- Within 3 years from the date
alcoholic of manufacture and every
year thereafter.
2 All Fixed systems of protein based non- Annually.
alcoholic
3 All factory-sealed portable containers excluding Ten yearly.
protein based
4 All factory-sealed portable containers of protein Five yearly.
based concentrates
5 All non-sealed portable containers Within 3 years from the date
of manufacture and every
year thereafter