INSPECTION, TEST, AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS It is important to test the system at regular intervals but Question Four: Question

It is important to test the system at regular intervals but Question Four: Question Five:
FOR A FOAM-WATER DELUGE SYSTEM IN AN AIRCRAFT HANGAR OPTION A also to inspect on a weekly basis. These inspections Why is foam used and what does it add to What is monitor protection and how can it
(Controller after sprinkler valve)
(Adapted from NFPA 409 – 1995 Edition) and tests assure that the components are in full opera- the fire protection of a hanger? help protect the aircraft hangar?
tional condition and will perform in a fire condition as
TO designed. NFPA 409 – 1995, “Standard on Aircraft Fire fighting foam was originally developed Monitors and their nozzles (sometimes called
Frequency O.S. & Y. VALVE SPRINKLERS
Hangars,” requires inspection and testing at regular in the 1930s to fight flammable liquid fires. water cannons) discharge a stream of water
Item Weekly Monthly Quarterly Semi-Annual Annual Year 5 (Supervised)
Water deluge systems alone will not suppress or foam/water solution covering a particular
intervals. (See Figure 2 for actions and intervals for
Fire Pumps F D a large pool fire on the floor of a hangar. This area such as the under-wing area that could
periodic inspection, testing and maintenance.)
Foam Pump F O D is due to the very high heat release rate of a be obstructed by the overhead sprinkler sys-
CONCENTRATE large pool fire of flammable liquid in an air- tem. (See Figure 4 for typical monitor and
Optical Detectors V F O ISOLATION VALVE
TEST craft hangar with a high roof structure. The nozzle combination.)
Sprinkler Alarm Value V O CONNECTION water alone cannot cool the fuel to create fire
PROPORTIONER
Fixed low-level nozzles or oscillating moni-
Deluge Valve V O D CONTROLLER
suppression. Using foam, which is the aspira- tors are typically used as supplemental sys-
Water Reservoirs V tion of a water and foam concentrate, will tems to provide coverage for those
suppress the fire by blanketing the fuel and obstructed areas created by large aircraft.
Concentrate Pumps F O D smothering the flames as well as providing
TO Although NFPA 409 – 1995 only allows an
Control Valves V F BLADDER TANK vapor suppression. Today there are many dif- overhead foam/water deluge for protection of
Foam Proportioning Device V D FROM
BLADDER TANK
ferent types of foam concentrates including Group I Hangars, it does allow alternate
Control Panels V F O Protein, Fluoroprotein, Film-Forming methods if they can be proven to provide an
SPRINKLER VALVE
Fluoroprotein, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, equivalent level of protection. Hangars have
Alarm Transmission F (DELUGE) Alcohol-Resistant Concentrate AFFF and been built and equipped with monitor noz-
Hose Stations V D Synthetic Detergent (High/Medium- zles as protection in Group I Hangars.
002542
Drains (Floor) V D Expansion). The foam concentrate is com- Supporting this fire protection concept, the
O.S. & Y. VALVE bined with water by mechanical U.S. Military is currently investigating the
Fire Doors V F (Supervised) WATER SUPPLY
proportioning devices to a 3% or 6% solu- use of floor level systems to replace the over-
Gas Detectors V F tion to form the foam/water solution. head foam/water deluge sprinkler systems.
Tamper Switch F Although there are several different types of
002371a
foam concentrates, the most commonly used Group I Hangars that have been equipped
Electric and Pneumatic Detector F O with monitor nozzles as protection have been
is 3% AFFF or Aqueous Film-Forming
Supervisory Alarms F Foam. accepted by the local Authority Having
Manual Actuation Stations F OPTION B Jurisdiction (AHJ) based on quick response
(Controller after sprinkler valve) Many aircraft hangar owners have converted (flame) detection and fast delivery of foam.
Ventilation System in Pits, F their water deluge systems to foam/water
Tunnels, Ducts
The protection provided by the monitor noz-
TO deluge sprinkler systems. NFPA 409 – 1995 zles does not provide the wetting effect on
SPRINKLERS
Piping Hangers V makes this conversion a little easier with a the structural steel that the overhead deluge
Strainers V few concessions for the higher densities of foam/water system will provide. However, if
FROM these water deluge systems. The standard the foam/water solution can be applied
Flow Indication Switch O BLADDER TANK 002543
allows a reduction of the foam discharge quickly enough, the fire is not expected to
KEY: V = Visual Inspection FIGURE 4 duration for the higher density up to 7 min- grow to a point where the steel structure will
F = Functional Test Question Three: utes and waves the uniform discharge be at risk from fire exposure.
SPRINKLER
O = Operational Test VALVE requirement of 15% maximum variation
(DELUGE) What is the purpose of a test manifold? between output of the sprinkler head flow
D = Operational with Actual Discharge
NFPA 409 – 1995 requires discharge testing every five rates.
NOTE: All actions required “Monthly” will be required on the next level of time period – i.e., Annual but may move from a Visual “V” to a years. The installation of a testing manifold will reduce
function – “F”. O.S. & Y. VALVE
(Supervised) the time and expense of performing the test as well as
FIGURE 2 minimize damage to unrelated hangar equipment that
CONCENTRATE could occur in a test.
ISOLATION VALVE
Question Two: package to protect the hangar against the threat of fire. The test manifold on the foam/water sprinkler system
TEST
How do you ensure that your hangar’s foam/water Since the system is integrated, the design should be CONNECTION
allows testing to be performed without discharging the
sprinkler system is reliable? performed by a fire protection engineer who has exper- PROPORTIONER foam/water solution from the sprinkler heads them-
The reliability of the fire protection system is highly ience in both suppression and detection systems. The CONTROLLER TO BLADDER TANK selves. The test manifold verifies the proper mixture of
dependant on the quality of design, installation, and installation includes many contractors: general, electri- water and foam concentrate developed by the propor-
service (testing/inspection/maintenance). cal, mechanical, sprinkler, etc. These contractors must WATER SUPPLY
tioning equipment. This arrangement allows periodic
work as a partnership to install an integrated fire pro- testing without affecting electrical equipment, aircraft
A foam/water deluge sprinkler system is generally the tection system that does not lead to the expense of false or other water sensitive equipment in the hangar.
heart of most aircraft hangar fire protection systems. It discharges or lack of operation in a fire emergency. 002371b NFPA16 – 1995, “Deluge Foam – Water Systems,”
includes fire pumps, foam pumps or bladder tanks, indicates that test manifolds can be used for testing.
detection systems, deluge valves and other accessory Lastly, the most overlooked part of ensuring a reliable NOTE: Details typical of deluge sprinkler system with bladder-type proportioner
(See Figure 3 for configuration of piping for test mani-
equipment. These components work together as a total system is periodic testing, inspection and maintenance. FIGURE 3 folds.)
Question Six:
Who understands fire protection systems
for aircraft hangers and how these systems
work?
A hangar fire protection system is complex
enough to require specialized expertise. It is
important to hire experienced engineers for
their design and an experienced contractor
for installation, inspection and testing.
However, the ultimate responsibility for the
operation of the fire protection systems lies
with the owner. It is best to examine the engi-
neer’s and contractor’s qualifications before
they are hired to work on your system. In
addition, you will need to become familiar
with the requirements of your system to veri-
fy that the installation and service people are
performing all tasks required in accordance
with the AHJ as well as the insurance carrier
requirements.
A good place to find qualified contractors or
engineers is to ask your colleagues. Another
option is to consult with your insurance car-
rier or insurance broker. Insurance carriers or
brokers are responsible for many facilities
and have worked with many different con-
tractors and engineers. In many cases, the
fire equipment manufacturers of the foam or
sprinkler equipment conduct training courses
for contractors and engineers and can be a
source of information. It is wise to develop a
specific qualification request package that
relates to your requirements. Ask for infor-
mation on the company’s staff, experience
and project history. It is vital to get contact
names on past projects to verify their ability
and quality. Develop a list of questions for
each company you interview and target the
actual task they would be asked to perform.
Obtain as much detail on testing and inspec-
tion protocols as possible from each
company.
To upgrade the industry’s technical capabili-
ties, The National Institute For Certified
Technicians (NICET) has developed a pro-
gram to certify technicians on inspection and
testing of fire protection systems. This will
assist owners in identifying qualified con-
tractors with personnel who are certified to
perform the testing and inspection of fire
protection systems. NICET information can
be verified by having the individual’s name,
certification number and calling NICET at:
(800) 787-0034.
Question Seven:
What are the major differences between
protection with a foam/water deluge sys-
tem and a high-expansion foam system
and why would I use a high-expansion
foam system?
Foam systems for aircraft hangers are either
low-expansion or high-expansion type. The
overhead foam/water deluge sprinkler system
uses low-expansion foams to blanket the fuel
spill. High-expansion foam suppresses the
fire by using more air and creating a large
volume of foam to protect the hangar. This
volume of foam will extinguish a fire by
flooding the room and displacing the fuel
vapor, heat and smoke. High-expansion foam
systems require less water volume and pres-
sure than a foam/water deluge system; how-
ever, the foam equipment is more expensive.
If the infra-structure around the hangar will
not provide the required amount of water for
a foam/water deluge sprinkler system, a
high-expansion foam may be a cost-effective
option.
Question Eight:
What are the environmental concerns with foam?
Recently, firefighting foams have been analyzed to
determine their environmental impact when released.
The National Fire Protection Association’s Technical
Committee on Foam formed a task group to study this
issue. This task group has determined that firefighting
foam should not be restricted, but the task group
encourages the use of foam in an environmentally
responsible manner. Foam/water deluge sprinkler sys-
tems discharge foam during testing, during an acciden-
tal discharge or during a fire. The local jurisdiction
may require that the discharge of foam be contained in
a fixed containment system for new installations.
Determining if a containment system is required is
based on the location of the facility, the risk to the envi-
ronment, the possible impairment of facility opera-
tions, the design of the fixed foam system, the ability of
the responding fire department to execute temporary
containment measures and any local applicable rules or
regulations. These conditions could require contain-
ment for volumes of 100,000 gallons (378,540 L) or
more.
Ethylene gycol is a freeze point suppressor and is used
in freeze protected foam concentrates. Releases of eth-
ylene gycol in excess of 5,000 pounds are reportable
under U.S. EPA Comprehensive Environmental
Response Compensation & Liability Act (CERCLA)
Sections 102 (b) and 103 (a). Most foam concentrates
are not freeze protected, but check with your foam
manufacturer for more information.
Glycol ethers are also used in foam concentrates. As of
June 12, 1995; the EPA has issued a final rule on sever-
al broad categories of chemicals including glycol
ethers. At this time, the EPA has no reportable quanti-
ties for any of the glycol ethers. Additional information
is available through Ansul Technical Bulletin No. 60.
ANSUL INCORPORATED
ISO 9001 Registered
ONE STANTON STREET
MARINETTE, WI 54143-2542
ANSUL is registered trademark of Ansul Incorporated.
ANSUL INCORPORATED, MARINETTE, WI 54143-2542 715-735-7411
Question Nine: WHAT OWNERS SHOULD KNOWABOUT
Are foams compatible and interchangeable?
When foams are tested and listed by Underwriters
AIRCRAFT HANGAR FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS
Laboratories (UL), they are tested with a specific
manufacturer’s equipment. These listings require that Written On Behalf of Ansul Incorporated by Steve C. Dryden, P.E., CSP; J&H Marsh & McLennan
the only foam that can be used in a system is the foam
concentrate tested with the equipment. The foam is ANSUL INCORPORATED, MARINETTE, WI 54143-2542 WHITE PAPER 1011
tested to determine if it will suppress a minimum fire
size with specific test protocols and if it will meet a
film forming test. These tests are performed on most INTRODUCTION Question One:
commercial foam agents. There is additional testing Aircraft hangar fire protection systems are unique and How does NFPA 409 – 1995 specify the fire protec-
required to perform to the military foam standard of have many different issues surrounding their design, tion requirement in aircraft hangars?
MIL-F-24385 and all foams performing to this standard installation and service. The following is a discussion
of those issues. Basically, the fire protection requirement is based on
are tested for compatibility. Typically the military spec- the fire hazard size, door height and construction type.
ification foam agent is more expensive than the com- There are also other variables involved, but for easy
mercial foam agent. guidelines the following matrix in Figure 1 is provided.
SUMMARY
Aircraft hanger fire protection systems are unique and
FIRE PROTECTION MATRIX FOR AIRCRAFT HANGARS
present a challenge to owners. It is important to under-
stand how these systems work and how to keep them in
(Fueled Aircraft)
service.
Your fire protection system will provide protection if NFPA Size Door Ht. Type of Primary
Group* Sq. Ft. (m2) Ft. (m) Protection**
the system is designed for the hazard present and the
system is inspected and tested periodically. These para-
meters are the same for most industrial fire hazards. I 40,000 or more (3716) 28 or more (8.5) Foam-Water Deluge Activated by Thermal Detection
What makes an aircraft hanger unique is the large fuel
source present, the high value of the aircraft, the air-
II Less than 40,000 (3716) Less than 28 (8.5) Foam-Water Deluge Activated by Thermal Detection
craft’s mobility and size, and the aircraft’s vulnerability
to fire damage. Therefore it is essential that the fire
or
protection system operate in a fire or the consequences
may be great.
Sprinkler System at the Roof with Low Level Low Expansion
Foam System Activated by Thermal Detection
or
Closed-Head Foam-Water Sprinkler System
or
Sprinkler System at the Roof with High Expansion Foam
System Activated by Thermal Detection
III Less than 30,000 (2787) Less than 28 (8.5) None Required Except Where Hazardous
Operations are Performed
* NOTE: Correct Group Classification must also take into account: Type of Construction, Number of Stories and Layout of Fire Areas.
** Supplemental underwing protection is required for aircraft with wing areas in excess of 3000 ft.2 (279 m2) in Group I hangars.
Supplemental protection is optional for other groups and is frequently used to protect military aircraft.
FIGURE 1
Form No. F-9807-1 ©1998 Ansul Incorporated Litho in U.S.A.