I N T E G R A T E D COMPRESSED AIR FOAM SYSTEMS

1
I N T E G R A T E DCOMPRESSED AIRFOAM SYSTEMS
Alberta Industrial Fire Chiefs
Systems Inc.
www.fireflex.com
2
INTEGRATED SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
History FireFlex
1990Power Plants Unit
1991Commercial Unit
2002Second Generation
3
INTEGRATED SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Expanding the concept
Extended range of configurations
Skid unit
Remote controlled unit
Self-contained unit
4
Integrated Clean Agent Systems
FireFlex 1230
5
Integrated Clean Agent Systems
FireFlex DUAL
6
Agenda
Alberta Industrial Fire Chiefs

• COMPRESSED AIR FOAM (CAF) TECHNOLOGY
• Introduction history
• Description
• Fire Tests

7
Agenda
Alberta Industrial Fire Chiefs

• ICAF SYSTEM
• Components
• Design
• Applications
• Case Studies

1. CONCLUSION

8
CAF TECHNOLOGY
History

• 1941 Hose lines by US Army during WWII
• 1994 First fixed piping tests for CDN Navy
• 2001 Licensing agreement with NRCC
• 2004 FM Approval Hydrocarbons

9
CAF TECHNOLOGY
History and industry recognition

• 2006 NFPA-11, TIA 05-1 New foam type
• 2006 FM Approval enhanced Polar solvents
• 2007 Meets FM 5130 requirements
• 2007 Simultaneous CAF Spkr Discharge Testing
  - FM Approved
• 2008 NFPA 850 - 851 CAF New Option
• 2009 FM 7-29 Flam. Liquid Portable Storage

10
Introduction Fire-fighting foams
NFPA 11

• Foam Type Expansion ratio
• Low expansion 120
  CAF 101
• Medium expansion 20200
• High expansion 2001000

11
Introduction Fire-fighting foams

• 3 basic components of foam
• Foam Concentrates Synthetic AFFFs
• Foam Generation Aeration vs. agitation
• Delivery Distribution System

12
Introduction Foam Quality - Low exp
Extinguishing Mechanism - seals fuel surface CAF
- Improved physical separation on top of fuel

• Performance 2 contributing factors
• Greater Exp Ratio high end of low ex
• Long Drain time ability to hold water

13
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

• Uniform stable
• Robust foam blanket
• Low-Ex 101
• New foam type

14
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description
An homogenous foam produced by combining
Water
Piping Network
Compressed Air
CAF
CAF Nozzles
Mixing Chamber
FoamConcentrate
ICAF Cabinet
15
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Compressed Air Foam (CAF)
Lower design densities
Uses 4 times less water
16
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

• Shorter discharge durations
• 5 minutes on Specific Hazard Configuration
• 10 minutes on Ceiling Nozzle Configuration
• with automatic shut-off after foam discharge

17
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

• Foam Concentrates
• Hydrocarbons
• National Foam Aer-O-Lite 3 AFFF
  Aer-O-Water 3EM 3 AFFF (MIL Spec.)
• Polar Solvents
• Ansul Ansulite 3X3 LV Alcohol Resistant
  AFFF

18
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Compressed Air Foam (CAF)

• Foam concentrate
• Non-toxic Biodegradable
• Storage 20F (-7C) and 120F (49C)
• Shelf-life 15-25 years
• Ref. NFPA-11 Annex F

19
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Description Comparing foam consistencies
Compressed Air Foam
Foam-Water
20
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Fire tests Class 'B' - Flammable Liquids
Typical sprinklers
UL 162
Spill Fire
Transformers
'Critical' Applications
21
ICAF SYSTEM
Description Typical System Layout
Air Cylinders
Piping Network
Distribution Nozzles
Integrated Cabinet
Foam Tank
(water tank also available)
22
ICAF SYSTEM
Description Typical System Layout
Air Cylinders
Twin Hazards Trim Cabinet
Foam Tank
Integrated Skid
(water tank also available)
23
CAF TECHNOLOGY
Components Integrated System
Air Cylinders
Water Tank
Integrated Skid
Foam Tank
24
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles
Turbine action rotary nozzles ceiling specific
hazard configurations
25
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles

• Ceiling Nozzle Configuration
• Max. spacing 12-3" x 12-3"(10-0" x 10-0"
  on polar solvents)
• Max. dimension 16 ft.(irregular spacing)
• Max. height 46 ft.
• (35 ft. on polar solvents)

TAR-225C
26
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles
Typical discharge pattern
27
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles
TAR-225C Nozzle Balanced flows with
bullhead tees Small pipe sizes 150 ft2
per nozzle 4800 ft2 per zone
28
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles

• Specific hazard configuration
• Aimed directly at hazard surface
• 7 ft. diam. discharge pattern
• 10 ft. horizontal throw
• Effective on cascading fires

TAR-225L
29
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles

• Balanced flows
• Groups of 2, 4, 8, 16 or 32 nozzles
• Same equiv. length for each branch pipe
• Bullhead tees

30
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles
Typical discharge patterns
31
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Nozzles
Coverage on cascading fire
32
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Piping requirements

• Piping
• Black or Galvanized
• Sch.10 or 40
• ASTM A-795, A-53 A-135
• Hangers per NFPA-13

• Fittings
• Threaded, Grooved, Welded or flanged
• Cast iron Class 125, ASME B16.4
• Malleable iron Class 150, ASME B16.3

Improved hydraulics Feed Main up to 500 ft.
(tested and listed)Elevation losses only 10 of
water (0.04 psi vs. 0.43)
33
ICAF SYSTEM
Components New ICAF Nozzles

• FPO Oscillating Nozzle
• Low level mounting
• 2 to 4 diam. Inlet pipe
• 90 or 180 discharge pattern

FPO-4-90
34
ICAF SYSTEM
Components ICAF Nozzles

• New FPO Oscillating Nozzle
• Up to 92 ft. throw
• 90 or 180 degree arc of oscillation
• Densities
• - Hydrocarbon 0.025 GPM/Ft2 at 3
• - Polar solvents 0.06 GPM/Ft2 at 6
• 
  (FM Approval in progress)

FPO-4-90
35
ICAF SYSTEM
Components ICAF Nozzles

• FPO Nozzle Applications
• Aircraft hangars
• Helipads
• Loading/unloading racks
• Diked areas

FPO4-90
36
ICAF SYSTEM
Examples of application

• Hydraulic Presses
• Diesel Generators
• Lube Oil Skids
• Diesel Fuel Storage Refueling

37
ICAF SYSTEM
Examples of application

• Rolling Mills
• Pump rooms
• Fuel Pumping Stations
• Methanol Storage
• Etc.

38
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies
Aircraft Hangars
Transformers
Oil Storage Rooms
39
CONCLUSION
ICAF Projects / Deciding Factors
Project Water Supply Containment Drainage Environment Performance
6 x Aircraft Hangars in USA Canada (26 to 46,000 ft2) ? ?
Montreal Transit Commission Diesel Refueling Stations ? ?
CFB Trenton, ONFuel Trucks Garages ?
Belco, BermudaXFormers, Fuel Transf Pumps ? ?
Sam Electron, QC Flamm. Liquid Process ?
40
CONCLUSION
ICAF Projects / Deciding Factors
Project Water Supply Containment Drainage Environment Performance
Encana FCCL Oil SandsFlash Crude Drums ?
Bank of MontrealFuel Tanks Pump Room ? ?
PG E South San FranciscoH-Voltage Regulators ? ?
Hewitt ChicagoFuel Tank ?
BC HydroUnderground Power Station ? ?
41
CONCLUSION
ICAF Projects / Deciding Factors
Project Water Supply Containment Drainage Environment Performance
Manitoba HydroH-Voltage Transformers ? ? ?
Pella Windows, IAWood Treatment ?
Enovation Graphics, FLFlamm. Liquid Room ?
EssChem, PAAlcohol Storage ?
Metro North, NJFlamm. Liquid Room ? ?
42
CONCLUSION
ICAF Projects / Deciding Factors
Project Water Supply Containment Drainage Environment Performance
Momentive, FLFlamm. Liquid Process ?
Croda, RIPump Room ? ?
Ontario HydroTransformer Oil Storage ?
43
ICAF SYSTEM
Costs Comparisons 45,000 ft2 Aircraft Hangar
44
CONCLUSION
Reasons to use CAF Systems

• Water supply
• eliminate / reduce size of water tanks fire
  pumps
• Drainage / Containment
• eliminate / reduce size of drainage systems and
  spill tanks, oil separators

45
CONCLUSION
Reasons to use CAF Systems

• System performance
• effective extinguishing mechanism
• Environmental impact
• Less water foam
• Reduced disposal costs of AFFF
• Potential for LEED points

46
Sustainable Fire Protection

Alberta Industrial Fire Chiefs
Thank you !
www.fireflex.com
47
Information required for pricing

• To determine foam type and nozzle spacing
• Type of product involved, provide MSDS if
  available
• Hydrocarbon or Polar Solvants

• To establish the nozzle layout
• Drawing or sketch of the area(s) to be protected
• Plan view showing dimensions and ceiling height
• Elevation view required for 3D hazard such as
  transformer
• Dimensions and location of obstructions that may
  affect discharge pattern
• Beams
• Columns
• Ducts
• Equipment

48
Information required for pricing

• To determine the system size
• Identify the fire scenario
• How many zones could be actuated simultaneously
• Will multiple areas be protected by a single
  system
• Single zone system or multiple zone system
• Could be a multiple zone system design for the
  largest zone
• Advantages to use a common foam tank and cylinder
  bank
• What is the minimum discharge time ?
• 5 minutes for specific hazard applications such
  as transformers
• 10 minutes for ceiling nozzle applications
• 20 minutes recommended for aircraft hangars

49
To complete evaluation

• Determine if minimum water supply is available
• Based of minimum flow and pressure established
  during design
• Determine if available water supply is sufficient
• May require fire pump if pressure is not
  sufficient
• May require stand alone water tank if flow is not
  sufficient
• Fireflex can offer a pressure vessel type tank up
  to 2000 US-gallons

50
To complete evaluation

• Determine actuation means
• What type of fire detection is require ?
• There are no specific requirements for the ICAF
  System
• Heat, rate of rise or compensated, Protectowire,
  UV-IR, beam could be used to actuate the system
• Does the hazard area require explosion-proof or
  weather proof wiring and devices ?
• Are there any devices that need to be shut down
  prior to discharge ?

51
To complete evaluation

• Identify possible location of system and
  maintenance area
• Identify preferred piping route
• Identify any obstructions to the piping route
• Record dimensions of possible mechanical room
• Will a discharge test be done ?

52
(No Transcript)
53
Start UL-162
54
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Test Requirements
• Density 0.10 gpm/ft2
• Foam-water sprinklers _at_ 15 ft. high
• Extinguishment 5 min. max.
• Max. 25 foam drainage after 30 sec.
• Min. 5 min. burn back resistance

55
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Test set-up
• 50 ft2 Heptane pan
• 4 nozzles at 40 ft. H.
• 12-3" x 12-3" spacing
• 15 sec. pre-burn
• 5 min. discharge

56
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Comparing
• Foam-water sprinklers
• AFFF 3 solution
• 0.16 gpm/ft2 density
• Vs.
• TAR nozzles
• AFFF 2 solution
• 0.04 gpm/ft2 density

57
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests
Comparing extinguishing performances nozzles at
40
2 AFFFCAF0.04 gpm/ft²
3 AFFFFoam-Water0.16 gpm/ft²
58
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Test 2 Nozzles at 40 ft.
Hydrocarbon Liquid
UL162
CAF
Foam-Water
0.04
0.16
Density (gpm/ft2)
0.10
2
3
AFFF concentration
500
117
1 42
Extinguishing time (minsec)
330
030
25 Drainage (minsec)
030
500
2600
1709
Burn back resistance (minsec)
UL safety factor of 1.6 included
59
Start Safety Factors
60
FIRE TESTS
UL Safety Factors

• Normal flow 0.04 gpm / ft2, 2 AFFF
• Reduced water flow factors of 1.33 1.64
• Increased water flow factor of 1.6
• Foam-water sprinkler 0.16 gpm / ft2, 3 AFFF

61
FIRE TESTS
UL Safety Factors - Comparing densities
Foam-water at 0.16
CAF at 0.064
CAF at 0.024
CAF at 0.04
Densities in gpm/sq.ft.
62
FIRE TESTS
UL Safety Factors
AFFFConcent.
Density(gpm/ft2)
Burn backTime (minsec)
Extinguishmenttime (minsec)
Test
2.0
0.04
3050
100
CAF TAR
1000
110
3.3
0.024
CAF TAR
1.2
1650
131
0.064
CAF TAR
3
1709
140
0.16
Foam-Water
63
FIRE TESTS
UL Safety Factors

• Normal Design Density (0.04 gpm/ft2)
• Safety factor greater than 1.64
• Both for extinguishment burn-back protection
• Increased Reduced Densities
• Better performance than foam-water sprinklers

64
Start Spill Test
65
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)

• Test set-up
• 20 x 20 test pad
• Continuous flow of Heptane at 6 gpm
• 10.7 ft2 shielded area
• Nozzles at 35 ft.

66
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)

• 4 x Foam-water sprinklers
• 3 AFFF at 0.16 gpm/ft2 density
• vs.
• 4 x TAR CAF nozzles
• 2 AFFF at 0.04 gpm/ft2 density

67
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)
150 ft2 Heptane spill before ignition
15 sec. pre burn before system activation
68
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B flammable liquids)
Comparisons of extinguishing performances
2 AFFFCAF0.04 gpm/ft²
3 AFFFFoam-Water0.16 gpm/ft²
69
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)
Technology
99Extinguishment time (minsec)
100Extinguishment time (minsec)
N/A
130
Foam-Water
458
155
ICAF
Fuel flow had to be manually stopped !
70
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)
Shielded area before CAF build-up
Shielded area during CAF build-up
71
FIRE TESTS
Spill Fire (Class B - flammable liquids)

• 100 fire extinguishment
• No flammable liquid overflow
• CAF build up under shielded area
• Always on top of fuel
• Limits runoff

72
Start Transformers Test
73
Transformers (Class B - flammable liquids)
FIRE TESTS

• Typical protection
• NFPA-15 Deluge system
• 22 water spray nozzles
• Requires 240 gpm

74
Transformers (Class B - flammable liquids)
FIRE TESTS

• Test Setup
• 20 gpm ?Volt Esso 35 Transformer Oil
• Pre-heated to 167F (75C)
• 8 x TAR-225L Nozzles
• 2 AFFF at 42.3 gpm

75
FIRE TESTS
Transformers (Class B - flammable liquids)
Comparing extinguishing performances
2 AFFFCAF0.04 gpm/ft² (42.3 gpm)
Water SprayDeluge0.25 gpm/ft² (240 gpm)
76
Transformers (Class B - flammable liquids)
FIRE TESTS
Test Results
Foam (gal)
Water(gal)
Flow(gpm)
Extinguishment Time (minsec)
System
0
940
240
355
Deluge
1.3
63.5
42.3
130
ICAF
77
Start Critical Applications Test
78
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Critical Applications - Hydrocarbons
• 50 ft2 Heptane pan
• Alcohol Resistant AFFF
• Density 0.06 gpm/ft2
• ICAF nozzles _at_ 35 ft. high
• 10-0 x 10-0 spacing

79
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests - Critical Applications
80
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Critical Applications - Hydrocarbons
• Extinguishment 41 seconds
• 25 foam drainage after 30 minutes
• Burn back resistance Self extinguishment !
• Alternate
• 3 AFFF MIL Spec. Concentrate
• Density 0.04 gpm/ft2
• Extinguishment 38 seconds

81
Start Typical Sprinklers Test
82
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests

• Sprinklers on Heptane Fire
• Water only
• Upright sprinklers (K 11.2)
• Mounted at 35 ft. high
• Density 0.60 gpm/ft2
• Extinguishment NO ! Control only

83
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Based Tests Water Sprinklers
84
Start Case Study Oil Storage
85
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room

• Underground facility
• 83 ft. x 35 ft.
• 10 x 8,000 gal. transformer oil storage
  tanks

86
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room
Water Used (US Gal)
Water Flow (gpm)
Technology
36000(60 min.)
600
Foam Water
2140 (10 min.)
214
ICAF
3000 (12 min.)
250
Hi-Ex
87
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room
Actual ICAF System footprint
88
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room
ICAF System arrangement
89
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room
After 2 minutes foam discharge test
90
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Oil Storage Room
Minimal residues left after 16 hours
91
Start Case Study Aircraft Hangar
92
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
Existing hangar Limited water supply
restricted drainage
93
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars

• Dimensions
• 184 x 250 (46,000 ft2) ceiling at 32 ft.
• 320 x TAR Nozzles installed at 26 ft. ( 16
  nozzles under a gantry)
• 5 zones with 64 nozzles each

94
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
View of the hangar space
95
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
5 zones piping layout
96
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
2 levels ICAF System mechanical room
97
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
Cabinets, foam tanks compressed air cylinders
98
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
2 x 2000 gpm diesel fire pumps
99
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
Full discharge test video
100
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Aircraft Hangars
Foam coverage after discharge test
101
Start Case Study Transformers
102
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Power Transformers
Deluge / ICAF Comparison
Water Used (US gal)
Water Flow (gpm)
Nozzle Qty
System
5000 (10 min.)
500
44
Deluge
475 (5 min.)
95
16
ICAF
103
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Power Transformers
Top
Front
ICAF System Piping Layout
104
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Power Transformers
Side
Isometric
ICAF System Piping Layout
105
ICAF SYSTEM
Case Studies Power Transformers
Actual ICAF System footprint
106
Start Burn Back
107
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Burn Back Tests

• Foam undisturbed for 15 minutes
• 1 ft. diam. opening in foam blanket
• Manual re-ignition of fire after 1 min.
• Max. burn back of 10 ft2 after 5 min.

108
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Burn Back Tests
Opening is created in foam blanket
109
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Burn Back Tests
Free fuel is re ignited in the opening
110
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Burn Back Tests
Pipe is removed and fire is allowed to burn
freely
111
FIRE TESTS
UL-162 Burn Back Tests
10 ft2 max. burn-back area after 5 min.
112
Start Components
113
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Generation Trim
Mixing chamber 1", 1½", 2" or 3" 
Manual release
CAF outlets(up to 3)
Releasing trim Electric, Pneumatic,
or Failsafe
Flow control valve
Water supply 50 to 175 psi
Drain
114
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Releasing Panel

• FireFlex ARC-1
• Microprocessor based
• Factory programmed
• LCD Annunciator
• User friendly interface

115
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Releasing Panel

• FireFlex ARC-1
• EMI resistant
• Programmable I/O ccts
• Timers counters
• Auxiliary relays
• Emergency batteries

116
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Supply

• No bladder
• Stainless steel
• Pressure vessel type (ASME Sect. VIII, Div. 1)
• Up to 550 gallons

117
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Foam Supply
Foam outlet
Air supply inlet
Foam refilling valve
Foam level sight tube
Siphon tube
Pressure vessel type tank (normally
non-pressurized)
118
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Air Supply

• Factory assembled
• 4, 6, 8 or 10 cyl. skid
• Pressure transducer
• Field refilling port
• Labor reducing

119
ICAF SYSTEM
Components Air Supply
Factory adjusted pressure regulator
Pressure sensor
Pressure gauge
Refilling port
Pressure outlet (100psi)