FOAM

SUPPRESSION
SYSTEM

Area of applic.: Protecting Generator Room

Author: Ansar Thowfeek (Fire protection Engineer)
INTRODUCTION

• Foam system is a type of fire suppression system that uses

foam to extinguish fires
• Foam is a mixture of water and a foaming agent, and it works
by smothering the fire and preventing the spread of flames
• Foam systems are often used to protect areas where flammable
liquids (Class B hazards)or used, such as generator rooms,
Fuel Storage Tank protection.
 EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Mechanical and Electrical Equipment

• Foam bladder tank: Stores the foam concentrate, which is the liquid
that is mixed with water to create foam
• Foam agent: This is the chemical that is added to the water to create
foam. There are different types of foam agents, each with its own
properties
HEAT
DETECTOR

Senses heat and activates the deluge

valve if a fire is detected.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION

When operation of the electrical

detection device, heat sensitive
detector and electrical manual control
station signals the valve releasing
panel to operate the solenoid valve.
In turns, the operated solenoid valve
opens to release water from the
diaphragm chamber.
BUTTERFLY
VALVE

Controls the flow of foam concentrate

from the tank to the proportioner and
act as a Isolation valve to the system
 CONTROL PANEL
1. Extinguishing Control Panel is a stand-alone panel. The
function of the panel is to monitor zones or areas for
fire conditions and give an appropriate audible/visible
indication. The panel also provides a facility for
initiating the Deluge valve to put out fire, both manually
and automatically.

2. Panel has 2 detection zones, Emergency Override

Control (emergency start/abort button), gas release can
be controlled in field.
 CONTROL PANEL
 P o w e r G r e en . Li g ht e d w h e n p ow er s up p li e d.

 A C F a ul t A mb er. Li g ht e d w he n t h er e i s A C F au l t.

 B a t t F a ul t A mb er. Li g ht e d w he n b at t e r y v o lt a ge i s b el o w 5V.

 G a s R el e a s e R ed . Fl a s he s d u r in g d e la y t i me . Li gh t e d a f t er g as
r e le a s e d . E x t in g ui s he d b y r e s et .

 F ir e R e d . G en e r al f ir e i nd ic a t io n. L ig h te d b y an y f i r e s i gn a l.
E x ti n g ui s h e d b y r e s et .

 S i le n c e G r e e n. L ig ht e d i f th e pa n el is s i l en c ed . E x t i n gu is h ed
w h e n i t r e - s ou n ds .

 A u t o E n ab l e G r ee n. L i gh t ed if t h e p an e l i s i n a u to ma t i c mo d e. O ff
f or m an u a l on l y m od e .
 E v ac u at e G r e en . F la s h e s w h e n “ E v a c u a te ” k e y is pr e s s e d .
E x ti n g ui s h e d b y r e s et .

 D E L AY T I M E R e d. In d i c a t in g t h e t i me ( in s e c on d ) be f or e ga s
r e le a s i ng
 CONTROL PANEL
When fire occurs in its protected area, press
emergency start button, messages can
be sent to gas extinguishing control panel, which will
give gas extinguishing command and start the
solenoid after delay
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. Do not activate the system unless there is a fire.

2. Do not enter the generator room while the foam system is
activated.
3. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with
the foam system. This includes gloves, goggles, and a
respirator.
4. Dispose of the foam properly. This may involve draining it
into a sump or sewer system.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(Before system Activation)

1. Do not activate the system unless there is a fire.

2. Do not enter the generator room while the foam system is
activated.
3. Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working with
the foam system. This includes gloves, goggles, and a
respirator.
4. Dispose of the foam properly. This may involve draining it
into a sump or sewer system.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
(After activation)

1. Reset the system after it has been activated. This may

involve clearing a fault code or resetting a timer.
2. Clean and inspect the system after it has been used. This will
help to prevent corrosion and damage.
3. Replace any damaged or worn components. This will ensure
that the system is operating at peak efficiency
GENERAL INSPECTION
1.Inspect the system regularly. This includes checking the
Sprinkler, nozzles, and electrical components for damage.
2.Test the system monthly. This will ensure that the system is
working properly by checking pressure gauge & condition of
control panel.
3.Make sure that the generator room is clear of people and
flammable materials before activating the system.
OPERATION PHILOSOPHY

1. Detection / releasing system installed will be operating on cross zone philosophy (Double
Knock Interlock).
a. Activation of any zone heat detector in any detection zone shall:
 Cause a first stage Alarm.
 Energize a lamp of the activated Detector and Control panel.
 Operates first stage Alarm bell.
 Transmit an Alarm signal to Fire Alarm Panel.
a. Activation of second zone heat detector shall:
 Cause foam discharge flashing Beacon and Sounder to operate.
 Initiate a programmable delayed electrical output for deluge valve.
OPERATION PHILOSOPHY

2. The releasing control panel gives the signal to solenoid valve, thus solenoid valve is actuated
to open the deluge valve.

3. The pressure switch senses pressure difference because of deluge valve opening and gives
signal to the release control panel.

4. The releasing control panel will give signal to operate the deluge valve.

5.The water from the nearest wet system in which the foam sprinkler system is connected
OPERATION PHILOSOPHY

enters the protection piping to the foam nozzles through the foam proportioner located in foam
bladder tank. The water shall also enter the foam bladder tank through a gate valve, squeezing
the bladder tank to inject foam compound at a required concentration to proportioner.

6. The proportioner mixes the required foam concentrate with the flowing water and the
mixture is conveyed to all open type nozzles through piping. The foam shall be formed at
open type nozzles and discharges down to the floor.
OPERATION PHILOSOPHY

7. When the deluge valve is activated, there will be a reduction in pressure in fire water main.
A pressure transducer located on each of the local control panels, senses the pressure drop and
the fire water pumps are started automatically in sequence, pressurizing the pipe work
allowing the foam nozzle to discharge spray.

8. The foam at floor level shall form a blanket / layer thereby shutting down the oxygen to
extinguish the fire. (System is designed to form a density of 12.2 lpm/m2 (12 mm/m2) of
foam and water mixture for 10 minutes)
OPERATION PHILOSOPHY

9. There is a manual release panel installed near the door which will open the deluge valve
immediately without any delay.

10. Any faults on the system, will appear on fire extinguishing panel and fire extinguishing
panel will transmit Fault / Trouble signal to main fire alarm panel.