Foam Fire Suppression Systems

What is a Foam Suppression System Work?

Every facility has unique fire suppression requirements based on factors such as facility size, the specific hazard areas, regulatory guidelines, and the assets that need protection. These elements are crucial in determining the most appropriate fire suppression system.

A Foam Suppression System, which is water-based with an added extinguishing agent, is particularly effective in environments where flammable or combustible liquids are present, processed, manufactured, or stored. It is also ideal for vapor mitigation, providing comprehensive protection against fire hazards in such high-risk areas.

How Does a Foam Suppression System Work?

A foam fire suppression system effectively extinguishes fires through three key mechanisms:

Rapid Heat Removal:

Foam cools the fire by absorbing heat faster than it is released, effectively lowering the temperature to a point where combustion cannot continue.

O2 Removal & Fuel Split

Foam forms a barrier between the fuel and the oxidizing agent (such as oxygen), preventing the fire from sustaining itself.

Vapor Suppression:

Foam reduces the concentration of flammable vapors by diluting them, lowering their levels below what is needed for combustion to occur.

Typical Areas For Foam Suppression Systems

Foam suppression systems are suitable for use in the following hazard types:

Types of Foam Suppression Systems

Foam suppression systems are designed to meet the specific fire protection needs of various facilities. Here are the three standard types of foam suppression systems, each providing a unique method of fire suppression based on the facility’s requirements:

Low Expansion Foam Systems: Produces a wet, fluid foam with small bubbles, ideal for fast-spreading fires. Commonly used in flammable liquid storage, manufacturing areas, loading racks, fuel tanks, rooftop helipads, and aircraft hangars.
Medium Expansion Foam Systems: Creates a dense foam blanket, ideal for vapor suppression in refineries, chemical plants, and containment dike protection.
High Expansion Foam Systems: Generates large, damp foam bubbles with a blanket up to 45 feet deep. Ideal for total flooding in large areas such as aircraft hangars, warehouses, and LNG impound basins.