Woking of the foam fire fighting system–

Foam concentrate is stored in a foam tank. The foam pump takes suction from the tank and
injects it in the water line. This foam concentrate quantity is controlled by the device
proportioner. The water in the line comes from the fire pump. As shown in the diagram a water
line is coming from the fire pump and another line from foam pump connecting at proportioner.
The amount of foam concentrate required is added to the water with proportioner and remaining
foam goes back to foam tank. Sometimes a relief valve is also provided in the return line, it will
solely depend on the type of proportioner in use.

This foam solution is carried through pipes(always painted in yellow) to the desired location. A
foam monitor or nozzle is provided at end of it. The function of the monitor and nozzle is to suck
air from the atmosphere and mix it with foam solution. It also works on venturi effect. The high-
pressure foam solution when passes through the monitor it creates a low pressure and air will
rush inside through provided holes. Because of the shape of the foam monitor(eductor shape -big
opening at the outlet), the foam solution and air have turbulence in the flow. Therefore, the
intermixing of foam solution and the air is very good. The outcoming foam should always be
directed at the base of the fire, or at the bulkhead if nearby.