How does a mechanical foam system work?

Foam fire extinguishing systems

Mechanical foam systems are conceptually similar to wet pipe systems but differ in the presence of a foam concentrate tank and appropriate foam production and discharge systems (foam generators). This type of system utilizes foam as the extinguishing agent.

How does a foam fire suppression system work?

To generate foam, two distinct operations are carried out in specific sections of the system.

Specifically:

Preparation of the water-foam solution, which can be done in a dedicated pumping station or directly in the foam generators.
Generation of foam by introducing air into the foam solution. Foam can be generated using foam nozzles, foam generators, or foam cannons.

Based on the expansion ratio of the foam used, foam systems can be classified as:

Low and medium expansion foam systems.
High expansion foam systems.

Low and medium expansion foam systems are particularly suitable for the protection of refineries, chemical plants, storage tanks for flammable liquids, as well as airport facilities, oil tanker docks, and so on. The foam produced forms a surface layer capable of covering and isolating the burning materials from contact with the air.

High-expansion foam systems

High expansion foam systems are designed to saturate the entire enclosed space containing the materials to be protected. They are primarily used for fire suppression in warehouses, storage facilities, and other areas where it is possible to determine the required amount of extinguishing agent to combat a potential fire.

High expansion foam systems offer the following advantages:

Protection of areas not directly affected by the fire from radiant heat transfer.
Ability to volumetrically fill the protected area, including all gaps, corridors, etc.

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