Professional Documents
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This specification has been revised as indicated below and described in the revision record on the
following page. Please destroy all previous revisions.
Lead Engineer
Project Manager:
Client Approval:
RECORD OF REVISIONS
Table of Contents
1.0 GENERAL
This specification contains the minimum design, installation, testing and commissioning
requirements for Automatic and Semi-Automatic Foam Systems. The Automatic and Semi-
Automatic Foam Systems are to assure the safety and protection of both personnel and property
during a fire. The design of the Automatic and Semi-Automatic Foam Systems shall conform to
this specification and the complete Automatic and Semi-Automatic Foam Systems shall be fully
compatible to all components supplied.
2.0 REFERENCES
The referenced codes and standards are intended to provide an acceptable level of quality for
materials, products and workmanship. In case of conflict between these standards and the text of
this Specification, the Specification text shall govern.
The latest revision of the referenced codes and standards shall be used as a minimum guide. In
case of conflict, the Contractor shall propose equipment, materials and processes conforming to
one group of codes and standards.
2.1 MARAFIQ
MQ-SP-P-4900 – PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS
MQ-SP-P-4901 – PUBLIC FIRE SERVICE MAINS-HYDRANTS AND FLOW
REQUIREMENTS
MQ-SP-P-4908 – FOAM-WATER SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
MQ-SP-P-4911 – STATIONARY FIRE PUMPS
MQ-SP-P-4912 – WATER STORAGE TANKS AND SUPPLY FOR PRIVATE
FIRE PROTECTION
MQ-SP-P-4922– PROTECTED PREMISES AND PROPRIETARY STATION
FIRE ALARM SYSTEM
MQ-SP-P-5001 – PROCESS AND UTILITY PIPING DESIGN, LAYOUT AND
DRAWING
MQ-SP-P-5002 – PIPING – MATERIAL SPECIFICATION LINE CLASS –
PROCESS AND UTILITY PIPING
MQ-SP-P-5003 – SHOP FABRICATION AND HANDLING – PROCESS AND
UTILITY PIPING
MQ-SP-P-5004 – FIELD FABRICATION AND INSTALLATION – PROCESS
AND UTILITY PIPING
MQ-SP-P-5005 – INTERNAL CLEANING OF PIPING SYSTEMS
MQ-SP-P-5007 – BOLT TORQUE AND TENSIONING REQUIREMENTS
MQ-SP-P-5008 – PIPE MARKERS AND VALVE TAGS FOR COMMODITY
AND SAFETY ID
MQ-SP-P-5009 – GENERAL PIPING SPECIFICATION – PIPING
STANDARD DETAILS
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 6 of 18
Revision 1
All works undertaken in relation to this Specification are to be completed in full compliance with
the respective health and safety requirements established by the following:
MARAFIQ Standards
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 7 of 18
Revision 1
The Contractor shall submit the following items for review and approval before commencing the
work:
Product Data
Product data shall include principal dimensions, general construction and material for
each item intended to be furnished and installed.
Manufacturer's catalog data sheets shall be submitted for all nozzles/sprinklers, valves,
alarms, and all other accessories and system components.
Installation Instructions
Submit copies of the manufacturer's installation and maintenance instructions for all
equipment. Include valve data and servicing instructions.
Shop Drawings
Working plans, prepared according to NFPA 11.
Submit Coordination Drawings
Hydraulic Calculations
The hydraulic calculations for the entire Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water
Spray Systems shall be by a computer generated hydraulic calculation program, such
as HAS, Elite, or Pipenet. The calculations shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11.
As-Built Drawings
Clearly indicate foam chambers, systems, locations and symbols on the Shop
Drawings and As-built plans.
Clearly indicate valves, alarms and controls locations.
Identify any variation from Contract Drawings.
Maintenance and Operating Instructions
Submit data conforming to NFPA 11 for maintenance of a foam system.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 8 of 18
Revision 1
The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of work and shall develop and propose
programs and methods of construction and testing to achieve the specified quality for approval.
The Contractor shall prepare and submit a set of As-Built Drawings and hydraulic calculations of
the system, maintenance and instruction bulletins and the applicable parts of the Contractor’s
material and test certificates covering material and tests certifying that the work has been
completed and tested in accordance with plans and specifications.
6.1 Engineering Responsibility
Preparation of working plans, calculations and field test reports by professional
specialized fire protection engineer.
6.2 Single-Source Responsibility
System components and accessories shall be obtained from one source and a single
manufacturer, as far as possible.
6.3 Product Quality
Products shall be free of defects in materials, fabrication, finish and installation.
All materials and performance shall meet the appropriate NFPA standard.
All equipment shall be constructed using new materials designs and built in
accordance with the best practices of the industry.
Each item of equipment shall be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and/or
approved by Factory Mutual (FM).
Each major item of equipment shall bear the manufacturer’s name, trademark, serial
number and a UL or FM label.
6.4 Electrical Components, Devices and Accessories
Electrical components, devices and accessories shall be UL Listed and/or FM
Approved and shall meet the requirements of NFPA 70 and NFPA 72.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 9 of 18
Revision 1
An automatic and semi-automatic foam system shall be designed to delivery a specific amount of
a foam extinguishing solution to a tank or area to extinguish or control a fire.
The method of delivery of the foam extinguishing solution shall be by a subsurface foam injection
system, full surface protection or rim-seal protection. Project Specification shall be define the
method of delivery.
The automatic and semi-automatic foam system design, duration of foam delivery and design
density shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11 and Projection Specification.
7.1 Foam Dam
Foam dams are designed to retain the foam at the seal area while causing it to flow
laterally. Dams will be designed and constructed to meet the requirements of API 650
and NFPA 11.
7.2 Foam Chambers and Foam Makers
Foam chambers and deflectors shall be located above the top shoe of the floating
roof. The foam chambers shall be equally spaced around the tank wall.
7.3 Delivery Lines and Accessories
Sizes of piping system shall be hydraulically calculated to deliver foam solution at
approximately the same rate to each foam maker.
All foam system piping inside the dikes shall be properly supported above the ground
and protected against mechanical damage.
Foam delivery piping shall not run through dike areas of any other tank or groups of
tanks. When passing through a dike wall, piping shall be protected against external
corrosion by coating or wrapping.
Delivery line terminals for the connection of hose discharges from fire pumpers shall
be located to meet the following criteria:
Located one tank diameter from the tank protected, outside the dike wall on
the road side of all pipe lines and drainage ditches.
When prevailing winds exist, delivery line terminals shall be located upwind of
the tank protected.
The connection shall clearly identify the tank protected.
7.4 Foam Concentrate
The available foam concentrate supply shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11 and
shall be sufficient for the operation of the largest multiple foam chambers system of
the largest floating roof tank. Additionally, foam concentrate requirements for the
operation of the additional hose streams shall be considered when calculating largest
foam concentrate demands.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 10 of 18
Revision 1
8.1 General
The design of the automatic and semi-automatic foam system shall meet the
requirements of NFPA 11 and Project Specifications.
The design of the foam system shall be complete with all necessary accessories for
proper operation.
System design and installation shall reflect high quality professional work that
properly accounts for practical maintenance concerns and aesthetic concerns, as well
as meets the design requirements.
The firewater and foam supply lines, controlling devices, protective devices, alarm
systems, supervisory devices and related equipment shall be made compatible so
that all equipment shall function together as specified.
The foam system shall be designed to avoid undue danger to the lives and safety of
its occupants from a fire.
Water supply for the foam systems shall be compatible with the foam concentrate that
is used.
Backflow preventers shall be used where potable water could be contaminated
through siphoning or back pressure from fire water piping.
Foam systems designed by a pipe schedule system shall not be accepted.
The foam system shall be capable of being isolated by a single isolation valve. The
isolation valve in each section shall be readily accessible, and its location clearly and
permanently indicated.
Duration of the firewater supply and foam supply shall meet the requirements of
NFPA 11 and Project Specifications.
Discharge duration of the foam solution shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11 and
Project Specifications.
8.2 Foam Concentrate
The water/foam concentrate ratio shall be as required by Project Specifications.
The foam concentrate proportioning system shall consist of a main bladder tank and
a reserve bladder tanks. The bladder tank shall be either vertical or horizontal tank to
suit the site condition.
8.3 Hydraulic Calculations
The pipe diameters for the automatic and semi-automatic foam system shall be
based on hydraulic calculations to determine the required pressures and required
water flows. Calculation procedures shall be per NFPA 11. Hydraulic calculations
shall be submitted for approval.
The fire hose demand shall be included in the hydraulic calculations.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 11 of 18
Revision 1
The water supply for the automatic and semi-automatic foam system shall be from a water
source dedicated for firewater use. The firewater source shall meet the firewater volume and
pressure required for the automatic and semi-automatic foam system
Water that is supplied to foam-water systems shall be compatible with the foam concentrate that
is used. Water containing solids is acceptable for use to make foam water solution, but only after
passing through line strainers.
The water supply must be oil-free. Traces of oil may affect the formation and stability of fire
fighting foam. Process effluent should not be used for fire water systems capable of generating
firefighting foam, when anti-foaming and emulsion-breaking compounds are used for water
treatment.
10.0 PRODUCTS
All goods and products covered by these Specifications shall be procured, when available, from
an in-Kingdom manufacturer. Procurement of all goods and products manufactured out-of-
Kingdom must be approved by MARAFIQ. All products, system components and hardware shall
be in compliance with NFPA 11.
All products, system components and hardware shall be in compliance with the applicable NFPA
standards and the Project Specifications.
System components installed outside, or in the presence of a corrosive atmosphere, shall be
constructed of materials that will resist corrosion or shall be suitably protected from corrosion.
All valves, foam chambers, and system components shall be UL listed and/or FM approved.
All valves, foam chambers and any additional fire fighting equipment shall be UL listed and/or FM
approved.
All valves, foam chambers, and system components shall be compatible to the foam concentrate
used.
10.1 Foam Concentrates
Foam concentrates shall meet UL requirements.
Foam concentrates shall be listed for use with the discharge devices and foam
concentrate proportioning equipment with which the system is equipped.
Replacement or reserve supplies of foam concentrates shall be listed for use with
system components. Different brands of foam shall not be mixed for storage.
Different brands of the same foam type shall not be mixed unless data are provided
to prove brands are compatible.
The quantity of foam concentrate used shall be based on flow rates and duration
times for foam application.
A reserve supply of foam concentrate shall be made available to meet the design
requirements of the system and to put the system back in service within 24 hours
after system has been operated. Foam concentrate shall be stored in accordance
with the manufacturer recommendations and the requirements of NFPA 11.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 12 of 18
Revision 1
Foam concentrate storage tanks shall have the capacity to accommodate the
required quantities of foam concentrate plus additional space for thermal expansion.
Pressure type storage tanks shall have means for drainage, cleaning, and inspection.
They shall also have means for filling, and for gauging the level of foam concentrate
in the tank.
10.5 Foam Concentrates
Foam concentrates shall be listed for use with the discharge devices and foam
concentrate proportioning equipment with which the system is equipped.
A reserve supply of foam concentrate shall be made available to meet the design
requirements of the system and to put the system back in service within 24 hours
after system has been operated.
10.6 Valves
All valves shall be specifically designed for the Fire Protection Service. All valves
shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11.
Drain valves and test valves shall be UL listed and/or FM approved.
10.7 Gate Valves
Use gate valves for isolation duty. Gate valves shall be UL Listed and/or FM
approved for firewater service.
10.8 Check Valves
Check valve shall be manufactured with supply side and system side gauge
connections and a main drain outlet.
Spring loaded type check valve, when selected shall have stainless-steel spring and
hinge pin; for vertical/horizontal mounting.
Swing type check valve, when selected shall have rubber coated clapper assembly
hinged to a removable access cover for periodic inspection as required in NFPA 25.
All check valves must have non-slamming characteristics.
Check valves shall be UL Listed and/or FM approved for fire protection service.
10.9 Backflow Preventer
If the foam system is connected to the public water supply, a backflow preventer shall
be provided to prevent contamination of the public water supply.
All backflow preventers shall be UL listed and/or FM approved, and listed for use in
fire protection service.
10.10 Pipes, joints and fittings
Piping and fittings used in the foam system shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11
and shall be compatible with the foam concentrate and foam solution. Pipe and
fittings shall meet the requirements of MQ-SP-P-5002 – PIPING – MATERIAL
SPECIFICATION LINE CLASS – PROCESS AND UTILITY PIPING
Copper pipe and fittings shall not be used.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 14 of 18
Revision 1
All products and equipment shall be installed in accordance with NFPA, the manufacturer's
written installation instructions and Project Specifications.
Provisions shall be made to facilitate frequent inspection, testing and maintenance as described
in NFPA 25.
Protect all equipment and materials at all times.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 15 of 18
Revision 1
Cover and protect equipment and materials from dirt, water, chemical or mechanical damage.
12.0 INSTALLATION
All materials and equipment used in the installation of the automatic and semi-automatic foam
system shall be new and the latest design by the manufacturer.
All materials, valves and devices essential to successful system operation shall be UL Listed
and/or FM approved.
System components installed outside, or in the presence of a corrosive atmosphere, shall be
constructed of materials that will resist corrosion or be suitably factory protected from corrosion.
12.1 Foam Backboards
Foam backboards and dams shall be carbon steel, and capable of withstanding
design wind pressure. Dam bracing shall be located outside the dam area, so as not
to obstruct flow of foam.
Backboards shall be mounted flush with the ID of the shell, and be of minimum height
but high enough for the foam deflector to clear maximum travel of roof seal
protrusions when roof is at its highest position.
12.2 Foam Concentrate Tanks
They shall be permanently located and shall be solidly mounted. The temperature
limits at the storage tank locations shall be considered so that the listed storage
temperature requirements of the foam concentrate are not exceeded.
12.3 Piping
The ring supply piping to the foam chambers shall be installed so that this equipment
may be accessible for maintenance, inspection, and testing. Ring supply piping shall
be free-draining.
Any foam system piping that runs underground or passes through a dike wall shall be
protected against external corrosion.
Installed piping, valves and fittings shall meet the requirements of NFPA 11 and
Project Specifications.
Use pipe, fittings and hangers that resist corrosion; or apply a protective coating to all
unprotected exposed surfaces of the foam system, where corrosive conditions exist
due to moisture or fumes from corrosive chemicals or both.
Close pipe openings with caps or plugs during installation.
12.4 Hanging, Bracing and Restraint of System Piping
Installation of hangers, hanger rods, supports and fasteners shall be in accordance
with the requirements of NFPA 13 and Project Specifications.
12.5 Isolation Valves
At least one listed indicating valve shall be installed in each source of water supply.
Locate all isolation valves where they shall be readily accessible and free of
obstructions.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 16 of 18
Revision 1
Locate isolation valves at a safe location from the hazard being protected.
Provide access ladders or platforms for isolation and drain valves which are not
accessible from grade. Access and signage shall be obvious.
12.6 Check Valves
Install a check valve where there shall be more than one source of water supply, in
each connection.
12.7 Backflow Prevention
Install a listed backflow prevention device where public or potable water supplies
shall be connected to a foam system.
12.8 Strainers for Foam Systems
Main pipeline strainers shall be provided for all systems where the water is likely to
contain obstructive material.
The strainer shall be located immediately upstream of the foam concentrate. The
strainer shall be of a type that can be cleaned while in service and shall be listed for
fire service.
12.9 Valve Supervisory Switches
Valve supervisory switches shall be used to signal the operation of an isolation valve.
OS&Y switches shall monitor stem movement and shall be complete with mounting J-
bolts
Supervisory switches shall be on all isolation valves connected to the water and foam
supply.
Mount switch so as not to interfere with normal operation of the valve.
12.10 Pipe Sleeves
Sleeves shall be provided where piping passes through walls, floors, dike walls and
containment areas. Sleeves shall be of sufficient length to pass through entire
thickness of walls.
Sleeves shall be secured in proper position and location.
Size and install so that foam pipes are not stressed.
Sleeves shall be installed prior to construction of walls or pouring of concrete.
12.11 System and Main Drain
Provision shall be made to properly drain all parts of the foam system to a safe
location.
Drain connections shall be sized in accordance to NFPA 13.
Install all system pipe and fittings so that the system can be drained.
Locate all drain valves where they shall be readily accessible and free of
obstructions. Provide access ladders or platforms where drain valves are located
above grade. Access and signage shall be obvious.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 17 of 18
Revision 1
Flush all new piping and the existing water supply before interconnecting to the existing and new
firewater piping. Flush the existing water supply and the new piping in accordance with NFPA
13. Flushing water shall be directed such that it will not cause accidental damage to property or
danger to persons.
Make provision for the disposal of flushing water.
14.0 TESTING
All new Foam Systems shall be hydrostatically tested in accordance to NFPA 11.
In addition to the hydrostatic test, the foam system shall perform a foam discharge test in
accordance to NFPA 11.
The operation of the foam proportioning equipment shall be tested in accordance to NFPA 11.
If any or all of the system components fail the specified tests shall be retested after corrective
measures have been taken.
Following the foam discharge test and the foam proportioning test all piping contaminated with
foam concentrate and foam solution shall be flushed clean in accordance with NFPA 11.
Those portions of the system not normally containing foam concentrate when the system is in
service shall be flushed with water to remove foam residue.
Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-B-4909
Project Name: Date: 12 Oct 2011
Contract Number: Page 18 of 18
Revision 1
15.0 CERTIFICATION
The Contractor shall prepare and submit a set of As-built Drawings and hydraulic calculations of
the system, maintenance and instruction bulletins, and the applicable parts of the Contractor’s
material and test certificates covering material and tests certifying that the work has been
completed and tested in accordance with plans and specifications.
The Contractor shall deliver, handle and store equipment and material units in accordance with
Project Specifications.
All products shall be inspected at time of delivery for damage and for compliance with
specifications.
All products shall be handled and stored as recommended by the manufacturer.
Pipe, fittings, valves, valves and foam chambers shall be stored with open ends sealed until
removed for installation.
Materials shall be protected from weather, soil; and damage during delivery, storage and
construction.
Any products that are damaged or found not to be in accordance with the specifications shall be
immediately replaced.