The document details the fire triangle, its components, and various systems for fire fighting, particularly focusing on foam systems used in marine applications. It explains the methods of foam generation, types of foams, their properties, and the systems for application, including SOLAS and ABS requirements for foam extinguishing systems. Additionally, it highlights operational procedures, maintenance, and inspection protocols necessary for ensuring foam systems are ready for use.

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