FOAM

IntroductionOperations trained responders should

understand the characteristics of and be familiar

with the applicability of

appropriate foams

FOAM

Foam is a stable aggregation of small bubbles of lower density than water or oil, and shows a tenacious quality for covering horizontal surfaces.

FOAM

Uses of foam / How it works Smothers - Prevents air and

flammable vapors from combining Cools - lowers the fuel surface

temperature Suppresses vapors - prevents

release of flammable vapors Separates - intervenes between the

fuel and the fire

FOAM

Types of flammable / combustible

materials

Non-polar (Hydrocarbon) - liquid that is not miscible

in waterPolar solvent (Alcohol)

- liquid that is soluble with water

FOAMFoam Terms

Foam Concentrate Raw foam liquid before its mixed with water and

air Foam Solution

the mixture of foam and water before air is added Expansion

the ratio of final foam volume to original foam volume

Finished Foam the completed product after foam concentrate,

water, air, and mechanical agitation have been combined

FOAM

Elements necessary for high quality foam:

1. 1. Foam concentrate

2. 2. Water 3. Air 4. Mechanical

agitation (aeration)

FOAM

Foam Equipment Metering devices

In-line eductor Bypass eductor Self educting Fixed apparatus

foam systems

Foam Equipment

Handheld foam nozzles

Foam Nozzle and Eductor Master stream device

250 – 500 gpm

Fixed Apparatus Foam Device

Foam Eductors

Foam concentrate

In From Pump

(200psi)

Out to nozzle(130psi)

70 psi of friction loss for eductor

FOAM

Foam Equipment (continued)

Nozzles Non air aspirating hand line nozzles

Air aspirating hand line nozzles

Non air aspirating monitor nozzles

Hand line nozzle clamp–on device

Foam

Non air aspirating Hand line nozzle and eductor

Air aspirating Hand line nozzle

Non air aspirating Monitor nozzle

Handline nozzle clamp-on device

FOAM

Foam Equipment The four D’s of

making foam Dirty

Devices

Don’t

Deliver

FOAM

The four C’s of making foam Compatible

Components

Create

Competence

Types of Foam Class A Foam

Used on Class A materials as wetting agent

Class B Foam Used on Class B materials broken into 2

categories Non-Polar and Polar solvents Specialty Foam

Manufactured for specific products where traditional foam will not work.

Emulsifiers Breakdown the product

FOAM Types of Foam

Protein Fluoroprotein Film Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Alcohol Resistant (ARC /ATC)

High Expansion

FOAM

Protein Foam Made from protein based materials Heat strengthens the foam bubbles Suitable only for non polar

hydrocarbons Used at 3% and 6%

FOAM

Fluoroprotein Foam Made by mixing protein agents with

fluorinated surfactants Sheds fuel (subsurface injections) Has good water retention Excellent heat and burn-back

resistance Compatible with most dry chemicals Superior sealing power

FOAM

Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP)

Based on fluoroprotein technology and aqueous film forming capabilities

Can be used for subsurface injection

Incorporates fast knockdown and long lasting resistance

Compatible with most dry chemicals

FOAM

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Describes action rather than product

makeup Floats in very thin layers over liquid which

spreads quickly over flammable fuels Water drainage from bubbles slides out

from foam mass

Knockdown 2-4 times greater than protein based foams

Self healing

Foam Blanket

Non-Polar Solvent

Air

Aqueous Film(light water)

AFFF FOAM

FOAM Alcohol Resistant / Polar Solvent

Universal Foam Concentrate Protein or synthetic based

Used on polar and non polar solvents

Creates a “membrane” rather than a film over fuel

3% for non polar solvents

6% for polar solvents

Foam Blanket

Polar Solvent

Air

Polymer Film

Alcohol Resistive Foam

FOAM

Hazardous Materials Foam Concentrates

Special purpose foams Use on pesticide fires

Suppress acid vapors

Stabilized

Foam

High Expansion Foam Detergent based

150:1 expansion ratio

Low water contact

Suppress fires in concealed spaces

FOAM

Application of Foam Guidelines

Select proper concentrate

Compatible nozzle and eductor

Sufficient foam concentrate on hand prior to beginning operation

Work from uphill / upwind side

Never plunge stream into fuel

FOAM

Application Techniques:

1. Lob / Cascade / Raindown

2. Bank / Bounce

3. Roll

4. Subsurface Injection (Fluoroprotein)

1. Lob / Cascade / Rain down

2. Bank / Bounce

3. Roll

Subsurface Injection

Foam Solution

Foam Concentrate

Subsurface Injection

Foam Solution

Foam Concentrate

Foam Activity

Foam Application Techniques