Foam Use Class PP

7TH ANNUAL ARKANSAS FIRE BOAT SCHOOLFRIDAY AND SATURDAY, JUNE 4TH AND 5TH, 2010

SPILLWAY LAUNCHING RAMP/IRON MOUNTAIN RESORT

DEGRAY LAKE, ARKANSAS

Instructors

• Michael Ayers Pierce MFG. Senior Fire Protection Specalist

• Paul Gaines Regional Manager Elkhart Brass

Class A combustibles: Wood, paper, tires, piles of mulch/brush, bales of hay/straw/cotton, car fires

Effective in initial attack, overhaul, mop-up and exposure protectionDoes NOT affect water application rates or manpower requirements

98% of the fires we face are considered Class A fires, so for most departments, it just makes sense to use Class A

• Is a surfactant-treated water that acts as a wet water solution unfoamed and has the ability to be turned into foam.

CA B D

FlammableFlammableLiquidsLiquids

GasolineGasolineAcetoneAcetone

KeroseneKerosene

OrdinaryCombustibles

WoodClothPaperWool

Energized Electrical

Equipment

TransformersComputers

Electric Ovens

CombustibleMetals

MagnesiumTitanium

ZirconiumSodium

Potassium

• Faster Knockdown With Less Chance of Fire Rekindling

• Reduction of Water Damage and Better Preservation of Evidence

• Improved Efficiency of Water Saves Money Due to Fewer Trips by Tenders…(Fuel, wear and tear, manpower, less time on scene, etc.)

• Simply put…It makes water Better

• Class A foam– Wood, paper, tires, any Class A combustible – Effective in initial attack, overhaul, mop-up and

exposure protection– Does NOT affect application rates or manpower

requirements

• Class B foam– Liquid Hydrocarbons and polar solvents

• Emulsifier / Spill response agent– Vapor suppression and hydrocarbon recovery

• Gel– Exposure protection (wildland)

Good at wetting and cooling fuels.Suppress flammable vapors.Reduce smoke emission.Reflect away radiant heat.Insulate against radiant and convective heat.Hold water on surfaces.Durability (hold water on surfaces).Biodegrade easily.Low mixing ratio (0.1% to 1.0%).

• PRO’S• Improved wetting/cooling

and heat absorption• Suppression of

flammable vapors• Reduction in smoke• Biodegradable(conditional)

• Opaque surface reflects heat (exposure protection)

• Ability to hold water on any surface

• Durability & controlled drain time

• Mix rates .1%-1%• CON’S• Degreaser• Conditional use for

class B fires

A measure of the durability and viscosity of foam

Foam Solution

Wet Foam

Fluid Foam

Dry Foam

0.1%-1%

0.2%

0.5%

1.0%

Class A foam attack - 125 gpm at 0.5%

NOTE: Lack of smoke; ability of Class A foam to bond with carbon

• 1890’s brick schoolhouse– 4 miles outside

of town– No hydrants

• First pumper on scene– 6 minute response– 750 gallons of

water

– FoamPro 2001

• Initial attack 2-1/2” line 328 gpm 0.5% Class A

foam• Knockdown

6 seconds 33 gallons of water 0.17 gallons of Class A foam concentrate

Water:– 750 gpm supplied by:

– Two 2-1/2” – Two 1-3/4”

– No effect

Tire FireClass A Foam

Class A foam:– 60 gpm @ 0.5%– Medium expansion– 20 minute knockdown

Tire FirePlain Water

• Class A Foam• Carbon-attractive so that material is

prone to migrate toward the fuel.• Low water surface tension to

promote spreading.• Low water surface tension to

promote wetting• High detergency to emulsify oils &

waxes to allow wetting.• High foamability• High degradability in the

environment.

• Class B Foam• Carbon-shedding so that the

foam tends to stay away from the fuel.

• Low water surface tension to promote spreading and allow a film of solution to form over fuel.

• Low detergency to resist fuel pickup.

• High foamability.

• Moderate degradability in the environment.

• REMOVING FUELS• Good wetting agent (penetrating fuel with

water)• Ability to hold water on any surface

• INTERRUPTION OF CHEMICAL CHAIN REACTION

• Suppression of flammable vapors• Reduction of smoke

Foam Bubble

Class A Class B Emulsifiers

Carbon-lovingGood SpreadingExcellent wetting

Carbon-sheddingExcellent spreading

Poor wetting Designed to reactwith the fuel source

When plain water is applied to fuel, surface tension causes water to bead up …

Add Class A foam to plain

water…solution

spreads and penetrates the

fuel…

… moisture content of the fuel increases and chance of rekindle is reduced.

5.3.4.1.1 Wetting agent solutions at the concentractions specified by the manufacturer shall be evaluated to, and comply with, the requirements of UL711 for Class A fires utilizing a 3A wood crib.

5.3.4.1.2 The test shall be conducted utilizing a 9.5 L (2.5 gal) listed 2A rated water extinguisher.

U.L. 711 is the portable extinguisher test series. A 2.5 gallon extinguisher can never get more than a 2A rating with plain water. When a wetting agent or Class A foam is added to the water then the extinguisher is more effective.

The 3A test fire is larger than the 2A and is two (2) two times the amount of fire loading, in general, as the 2A fire loading.

When an agent in an extinguisher passes the test cycle, then the agent is rated by U.L. as better than plain water.

• U.L. 162 test

• A test for class B foams• 50 sq. Ft. Pan with 8” of freeboard• N-heptane fuel• 2” of fuel on top of water• 1 minute preburn• 2 gpm application rate• Time allowed to extinguish – 3

minutes• Secure time – 9 minutes• Re-ignition – try twice• Burn back test - yes

• NFPA 18 Test

• A test for wetting agent / foams• 50 sq. ft. pan with 8” of freeboard• N-heptane fuel• 2” of fuel on top of water• 1 minute preburn• 10 gpm application rate• Time allowed to extinguish – no time,

don’t overflow pan• Secure time - not tested• Re-ignition – not tested• Burn back test - no

The 162 test is obviously much more demanding

• Upon testing and approval to the 162 standard, a foam can have a UL label on the container and the good ones do.

• There isn’t a UL standard assigned to the NFPA 18. However, companies pay UL to perform the NFPA 18 test. Then the company puts a UL label on the container. You have to read carefully to see what UL tested the foam for, 162 or NFPA 18…….

• Only independent testing lab that tests

Class “A” Foam

For the best results, you should use approved products

http://www.fs.fed.us/ rm/fire/download/chemical/qpl_current.pdf

Many Fire Departments Are Carrying Only Class A Or Universal Foams

• Those departments include Los Angeles County (Class A).

1. Such departments have performed tests and conducted exercises that have determined their policies. These departments have not abandoned Class B foam. They have re-assigned how the Class B foam is carried and stationed.

2. These departments carry Class A foam on the first due engines and carry Class B foam on target hazard vehicles. The target hazard vehicles are stationed in areas where the Class B hazard is the highest.

Choosing A Foam, Or Foams

1. Determine the foam generating capacity to be required of first due engines, special hazard engines, and special hazard units (foam trailers, foam tenders, etc.

2. Determine the type and amount of foam concentrates required to implement the program(s)

3. Upon implementation of a program: CONDUCT TESTS to determine if the program is adequate to meet the needs.

4. Adequately evaluate the hazards present, past, current, and future.

Other Considerations • $$$ Per Gallon vs. Application Rate: Lower Cost per

Gallon of Concentrate Does Not Always Equate to Lower Operating Costs

• 1% foam does not cost six times as much as 6% foam. 3% does not cost 1/3 of what a 1% foam costs.

• DO THE MATH……..DO THE HOMEWORK

• A Class A foam, in order to work properly, needs to be attractive to carbon based fuels and a good emulsifier.

• A Class B foam shouldn’t be fuel attractive or necessarily an emulsifier.

Well….for one thing, at the concentrate level, Class A foam and

Class B AR AFFF don’t like each other……

• Result of mixed foam (in strainer)

• Two basic types

• Manual

• Automatic

• Placing a pre-measured amount of foam concentrate into a tank of known volume.

• Foaming in tank

• Pump priming difficulties

• Water refill difficulties

• Cleansing of lubricant

• Use of excessive foam concentrates

• Foam solution degradation

EDUCTOR

A mixing system that uses water pressure to draw foam concentrate

into the water stream for mixing.

TYPES OF EDUCTORS

IN LINE

BY-PASS

NAVY IN LINE

PUMP PANEL DEDICATED DISCHARGE

THE FOAM EDUCTOR

AN EDUCTOR USES THE VENTURI PRINCIPLE TO INTRODUCE A PROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF WATER AND FOAM INTO A STREAM

CREATES A LOW PRESSURE / VACUUM AREA TO DRAW FOAM CONCENTRATE

THE EDUCTOR

NORMALLY RATED AT

200 PSI INLET PRESSURE RATED AT A SPECIFIC GPM FLOW

AVAILABLE IN 30, 60, 95, 125, 150, & 250 GPM SIZES

PROPORTIONING RATIOS OF ½, 1, 3, OR 6%

LINE EDUCTORSLINE EDUCTORS

Low CostLow Cost

Minimal Moving PartsMinimal Moving Parts

Minimal MaintenanceMinimal Maintenance

PortablePortable

Simple OperationSimple Operation

NOTE: CHECK MANUFACTURERS’ RECOMMENDATIONSFOR INLET PRESSURE TO EDUCTOR

NOTE: CHECK MANUFACTURERS’ RECOMMENDATIONSFOR INLET PRESSURE TO EDUCTOR

BY-PASS LINE EDUCTORBY-PASS LINE EDUCTOR

RECOVERY SECTIONRECOVERY SECTION

EDUCTOR JETEDUCTOR JET

LOW PRESSURE AREALOW PRESSURE AREA

METERING & CHECK VALVEMETERING & CHECK VALVE

INLETINLET

FOAM / WATER SELECTORFOAM / WATER SELECTORWATER PASSAGEWATER PASSAGE

NOTE: CHECK MANUFACTURERNOTE: CHECK MANUFACTURER’’S RECOMMENDATIONSS RECOMMENDATIONSFOR INLET PRESSURE TO EDUCTORFOR INLET PRESSURE TO EDUCTOR

CONCENTRATECONCENTRATEPICKPICK--UP TUBEUP TUBE

IMPORTANT EDUCTOR NOTES

NOZZLE MUST MATCH THE EDUCTOR

A 95GPM EDUCTOR REQUIRES A NOZZLE THAT WILL FLOW 95GPM

65% RULE OF THUMB---FL = 65% OF THE RATED CAPACITY OF THE EDUCTOR

65% OF 100GPM = 65PSI

INLET PRESSURE IS CRITICAL

200 PSI

GUIDELINES FOR FLUSHING

Flush with water on the scene

Do NOT utilize “empty” foam buckets

Flush with clean fresh water upon returning to station

Immerse clogged equipment in a detergent solution

Flush thoroughly with clean, fresh water

• EJECTOR SYSTEM

• A mixing system the injects foam concentrate into the water stream, is sometimes called an injector system

A system situated at the pump that draws concentrate into the water system

Works by drawing concentrate by venturi action utilizing pump pressure and vacuum with a venturi to draw concentrate into the water stream.

22

Abilities:– Foam solution available to all discharges

Limitations:– Maximum incoming pump pressure of 5 to 10 psi– Average operating foam proportioning error of 1 to 1 1/2 % – Pump solely dedicated to foam operation– Long return to service (flush time)

Around the Pump Proportioner

Eductor

Check-ValveMetering Valve

FoamConcentrate

Shut-offValve

Shut-off Valve

Max. 10 psi.Incoming Pressure

WaterPump

Foam solution from all discharges

Around the Pump Proportioner

Do NOT Recirc water when foam system is on

Set and monitor water flow rate and

adjust metering

valve accordingly

WaterTank

FoamTank

FlowMeter

WaterPump

• Surface- (Impact)

• Nozzle- (air aspirated foam)

• Pump- Compressed air foam (CAFS)

• All Nozzles will work with Class A Foam Depending on the Application.

Combination Combination NozzleNozzle

Non-AspiratedNon-Aspirated

Automatic Nozzles with Foam Automatic Nozzles with Foam TubeTube

Low Expansion

Medium Expansion

High Expansion

Ground MonitorGround Monitor

CLASS B FOAMS

• APPLICATION RATE EXAMPLES

So, What Happens When Class A Foam Is Used on Class B Fuels ?

Often times, it works.

The Outcome is wholly determined by the The Outcome is wholly determined by the situation.situation.

Class AClass B

•Carbon-shedding•Excellent spreading•Might form a film to speed foam spreading•Will either float or sink to bottom

•Carbon-attractive•Good Spreading•Will begin to emulsify some fuel and sink to bottom

Alcohol Resistant Class B

•Carbon-shedding•Excellent spreading•Forms a polymer film between fuel and bubbles•Will either float or sink to bottom

Mechanism of Foams on a Liquid

A Class B foam must form a cohesivecohesive barrier over the surface of the liquid that is impermeable to product vapors

A layer of foam over the liquid surface is usually a cohesive barrier.

A film is often not a vapor barrierA film is often not a vapor barrier

The Most Critical Aspects of Class B Foam Application Are….

• The Application Rate.» The application rate is the amount foam solution,

expressed in GPM, that will be needed to achieve extinguishment.

• The Extinguishment Time.» The extinguishment time is the amount time,

expressed in minutes, that will be needed to achieve extinguishment.

• The Concentrate Consumption Rate.» The concentrate consumption rate is computed in

gallons by multiplying the application rate by the percentage.

The Most Critical Aspects of Class B Foam Application Are….

• The Concentrate Consumption Total.» The concentrate consumption rate is computed in

gallons by multiplying the application rate by the percentage, and then by the application time.

Concentrate Consumption Rate & Concentrate Consumption Rate & Concentrate Consumption Total Are Critical Concentrate Consumption Total Are Critical In Determining A Department’s Ability To In Determining A Department’s Ability To Handle A Class B IncidentHandle A Class B Incident

AREA x RATE = GPM of Solution

2000 .10 200 gpm

GPM x %CON. = GPM of Concentrate

200 .03 6 gpm

GPM x %Water = GPM of Water

200 .97 194 gpm

GPM x TIME = TOTAL GAL CONC.

6 15 90 gal

GPM x TIME = TOTAL GAL WATER

194 15 2910 gal

Ignited Fuel Spill: GasolineIgnited Fuel Spill: Gasoline

Application Example 3% Concentrate

50’40’

What Are The Main Logistics Issues On This Fire?

• #1 is making sure that a foam concentrate flow of 6 gpm is achievable. That is not possible with a single FoamPro 2002 or Hale 5.0, regardless of what is done. If there are two of them, then it is possible.

• #2 is having a total of 90 gallons of concentrate available within a 15 to 30 minute time frame. The 90 gallons is the total needed. The attack can commence when there is enough concentrate available to do the original suppression.

• If the proper application rate for the fuel is reached, the attack should take no more than 3 to 5 minutes to reach extinguishment or fire control. 20 to 30 gallons of concentrate will be needed. However that amount of concentrate leaves no reserve.

• Don’t attack until it is assured that the proper amount of concentrate to both extinguish and hold is available.

How Big Is The Actual Fire?• The original fire, inclusive of the

spill may have been 2000 sq. ft.• Now it is smaller. The tank is

only about 400 sq. ft.• BUT it is full depth of heated

fuel. Only a good foam will work, but a relatively small, well placed stream will do the job.

• The biggest mistake made is to get too close with the nozzle and to continually agitate the fuel. The fire will not stop all the way until the agitation stops.

• Find a “REAL” foam nozzle to finish off the fire, not a fog nozzle with no aspiration.

50’8’

•After the ground spill is out of the way the fire isn’t very big and a large foam flow isn’t required. Hitting what you are aiming at is of the utmost importance, however.

•When people can do that, a fire like this can be done on a 30 gallon foam tank and people have done it.

•However, when they got it wrong, the 30 gallon tank was just enough to screw things up royally.


2000 .10 200 gpm


200 .01 2 gpm


200 .99 198 gpm


2 15 30 gal


198 15 2970 gal

Ignited Fuel Spill: GasolineIgnited Fuel Spill: Gasoline

Application Example 1%

A 1% Hydrocarbon Foam Is Much More Efficient In Terms Of Storage And Handling

50’40’


• #1 is making sure that a foam concentrate flow of 2 gpm is achievable. That is achievable with any of the automated proportioners except the FoamPro 1600s.



• Don’t attack until it is assured that the proper amount of concentrate to both extinguish and hold is available. With today’s foam tanks there should be enough

How Big Is The Actual Fire?

• The original fire, inclusive of the spill may have been 2000 sq. ft.

• Now it is smaller. The tank is only about 400 sq. ft.

• BUT it is full depth of heated fuel. Only a good foam will work, but a relatively small, well placed stream will do the job.

• The biggest mistake made is to get too close with the nozzle and to continually agitate the fuel. The fire will not stop all the way until the agitation stops.

• Find a “REAL” foam nozzle to finish off the fire, not a fog nozzle with no aspiration. Add the foam tube that all the manufacturers offer

50’8’

•After the ground spill is out of the way the fire isn’t very big and a large foam flow isn’t required. Hitting what you are aiming at is of the utmost importance, however.

•When people can do that, a fire like this can be done on 10 gallons of 1% foam and people have done it.

•However, when they got it wrong, the 10 gallons was just enough to screw things up royally and keep the fire going.


2000 .20 400 gpm


400 .06 24 gpm


400 .94 376 gpm


24 15 360 gal


376 15 5640 gal

Ignited Fuel Spill: EthanolIgnited Fuel Spill: Ethanol


50’40’

A 6% Alcohol foam will make this fire a logistics issue. Where is 360 gallons of foam going to come from?


• #1 is making sure that a foam concentrate flow of 24 gpm is achievable. That is not possible with a single Husky 12, FoamPro 2002 or Hale 5.0, regardless of what is done. If there are two Husky 12s then it is possible. A single Husky 30 will be fine for this fire



• Don’t attack until it is assured that the proper amount of concentrate to both extinguish and hold is going to be available.

• A proportioner that can draft is paramount in this situation.


2000 .20 400 gpm


400 .03 12 gpm


400 .97 388 gpm


12 15 180 gal


376 15 5640 gal

Ignited Fuel Spill: MethanolIgnited Fuel Spill: Methanol


A 3% Alcohol Foam Is Efficient In Terms Of Storage and Handling As Compared To 6% Alcohol Foam. Large Amounts Of Concentrate Are Still Required

50’40’


• #1 is making sure that a foam concentrate flow of 12 gpm is achievable. That is not possible with a single FoamPro 2002 or Hale 5.0, regardless of what is done. A single Husky 12 will be fine for this fire



• Don’t attack until it is assured that the proper amount of concentrate to both extinguish and hold is going to be available.

• A proportioner that can draft is paramount in this situation.

Motor Fuel Is The Most Prevalent Hazard

BLENDED GASOLINEA polar solvent is blended with a hydrocarbon Process performed at the refinery level and at tank terminals

RESULTSA slightly polar hydrocarbon with high vapor pressure and certain degree of a lowered surface tension and water miscibility

MATERIALS USED IN BLENDINGMETHANOLETHANOL

DIFFERENT BLENDS AVAILABLEBlends can contain from 7% TO 20% (varies by region and weather)

You can make a difference

Get back to the basics!

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Life Safety Initiatives

2004

Duty and responsibility --

Make EVERY DAY a TRAINING DAY….so that…

EVERYONE GOES HOME!

Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives

Drive with care – everyone wears a seatbelt….EVERYONE!

• Safe speed --- always under control• Stop at red lights…STOP!• Remain seated and belted while in motion• Protect the roadway/scene

Public Safety is our Duty

Firefighter Safety is our Responsibility

EVERYONE GOES HOME!

The right FIREFIGHTING Strategy - Offensive or Defensive?

• SIZE-UP & Evaluate risks before attacking…• Do not risk a firefighter’s LIFE to save property• Closely monitor changing conditions



EVERYONE GOES HOME!

Stay together so WE don’t get lost

• Accountability and crew integrity are essential…• Stay oriented --- always know the way out• Predict and manage your air supply• Communicate with your crew & command



EVERYONE GOES HOME!



EVERYONE GOES HOME!

Focus on “FIREFIGHTING FIT” and remember REHAB at the scene!

• Regular medical examinations • Physical fitness program• Monitored rehab after strenuous activity• Eat Smart

• PLEASE ASK ANY AND ALL QUESTIONS !

• We want you to leave the Class with all the information you need to operate at a Fire Scene with confidence.

Education

Foam Use Class PP