AFFF Foam Systems
How Foam Systems Work
Fire fighting foam systems suppress fire by separating the fuel from the air (oxygen). Depending on the type of foam system, this is done in several ways:
- Foam blankets the fuel surface smothering the fire
- The fuel is cooled by the water content of the foam
- The foam blanket suppresses the release of flammable vapors that can mix with the air.
About AFFF Foam Systems
Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) are based on combinations of fluoro-chemical surfactants, hydrocarbon surfactants, and solvents. These agent require a very low energy input to produce a high quality fire fighting foam. Consequently, they can be applied through a wide variety of foam delivery systems. This versatility makes AFFF systems an obvious choice for airports, refineries, manufacturing plants, municipal fire departments, and any other operation involving the transportation, processing, or handling of flammable liquids.
Alcohol Resistant fire fighting AFFF Foam Sytems
Alcohol-resistant foams are based on AFFF chemistry to which a polymer has been added. ARCs are the most versatile of the fire fighting foam agents in that they are effective on fires involving polar solvents like methanol as well as hydrocarbon fires such as gasoline.
Mixing Foam Systems with Water
A foam system requires proportioning equipment to mix the foam with water in the required concentration. Automatic pressure balancing valves regulate the foam concentrate pressure to match the water pressure.
AFFF Foam System Bladder Tanks
Foam concentrate is often stored in a bladder tank system. In AFFF systems a bladder tank containing a nylon reinforced elastomeric bladder is used to store the foam concentrate. System water pressure is used to squeeze the bladder providing fire fighting foam concentrate, at the same pressure, to the proportioner. With bladder tank foam systems, no external power is required, and little maintenance is needed.
Columbus Fire & Safety can not only supply you with the foam systems you need, but also with a complete installed system. If you wish, complete our Survey Request Form to request additional information, or request a Reliable sales representative to contact you about our fire fighting foam systems.
