Most of the time, fires that occur as a result
of accidents or negligence cause loss of life and property. In order to be
protected from fires and to prevent these harmful consequences, fire safety
systems are of great importance. With these systems installed in homes,
workplaces or industrial areas, fires can be controlled in a short time. Fire
extinguishing systems vary depending on the areas where they will be used. The high expansion foam system is also one
of the commonly used systems.
Such systems are used with a generator, which helps to expand the
foam. The foam expanded thanks to the generator ensures that the entire area is
covered with foam. This leads to the fact that flames and flammable materials
are covered with foam and their contact with air is cut off. On the generators,
which are responsible for mixing water and chemical products, there are also
different apparatus that will facilitate this process. Generators used with fire foam supprassion systems can meet
the air they need from indoor and outdoor environments. In cases where the air
supply will be provided from outside, extra ventilation installation may be
required for this. This is not necessary in installations where indoor air will
be used. High expansion foam systems
also have valves and hoses that can be used manually to respond to fires that
start in blind spots.
Where Can High
Expansion Foam Extinguishing Systems Be
Used?
Fire foam suppression systems are preferred in many areas due to their high
level of reliability. Especially for industrial areas with strong flammables,
high-expansion systems are one of the best options. The main areas where these
systems are used can be listed as follows:
- Solvent
or hydrocarbon storage areas
- Ship
engine rooms
- Cargo
areas
- Aircraft
and helicopter hangars
- LNG
storage facilities
- Paint
production facilities
- Production
areas
- Overflow
pools
- Jet
engine testing facilities
Technical
Specifications of Foam Generators
Generators for a high expansion foam system are considered the most important
element. Today, there are many types of generators used in these systems.
However, in order to maximize system efficiency and reliability, some technical
standards must be considered in the generators to be used. Some of the
technical characteristics that foam generators should have are as follows:
• Together
with the generator in the system, the foam tank, valves and foam concentrates
must have CE certificate and be manufactured using new technologies.
• Systems
should be installed using stainless steel or galvanized material.
• The
generator should operate in the range of at least 8, maximum 16 bar and with a
flow rate of 80m3 / min.
• The
foam tank should have a diaphragm and a capacity of 1500 liters.
• The
foam proportioner must have a capacity of 1600 liters/minute. The generator
must have a concentrated, synthetic and 3% mixture inside.
FAQ
What is High
Expansion Foam?
High expansion foam is sprayed on large surfaces with the help of
a generator and used to cover the entire area.
Thanks to the generator, the mixture consisting of water and foam is
expanded and discharged to the floor at high speed. The expanding foam, which
forms an integrated layer on the flammable materials thanks to its air bubble
structure, cuts the contact between these substances and the air and thus
prevents the growth of the fire. It also prevents oxygen contact of the flames
and ensures that the fire is extinguished in a short time.
What is High
Expansion Foam Usually Used For?
High expansion foam can be used for many
purposes due to its properties. However, fire extinguishing systems are among
the areas where it is widely used. Also, high expansion foams are often used as
fillers and coating materials in constructions..
Where can Foam High
Expansion Extinguisher be Used?
High expansion foams are used in a wide
variety of fields for firefighting purposes. This method is needed especially
in facilities where substances with high flammable properties are available.
Because water is not enough in the fires that will break out in these areas.
Flammable materials magnify the fire in a short time and become difficult to
intervene. On the other hand, high-expansion foam systems extinguish the fire
at the very first stage.
How Does a High
Expansion Foam System Work?
Fire foam suppression systems work according to a simple working logic. The
mixture of water and foam, which is stored in a tank at certain rates, is
sprayed on the entire surface in the fire area with the help of a generator.
The generators used for this take the air they need from the indoor environment
or from the external environment thanks to the ventilation system. The system
can be activated automatically thanks to sensors placed in the area. In
addition, it is also possible to use it manually.
What is the
Difference Between Low Expansion Foam and High Expansion Foam?
Foams are divided into different classes
depending on their level of expansion. Low-expansion foams can expand up to 20
times their volume, medium-expansion foams up to 200 times their volume, and
high-expansion foams up to 2000 times their original volume. In this way, they
ensure that a larger area is covered. In fire systems, high expansion foams are
generally preferred.