FT 03 FIRE PHASE

MECHANICAL FOAM MAKING EQUIPMENT

OBJECTIVE 1. To explain how the mechanical foam making equipment works and their types.

REFERENCE 2. a. b. Manual of Fireman Ship Book 2. Student Note 2 of Lancashire County Fire Brigade.

CONTENTS 3. Scope and Outline of the Instruction: a. This note is intended to provide information about the types, construction and operating principles of some of the various methods of producing mechanical foam for fire fighting on aerodromes. b. The subject will be dealt with under the following: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 4. General Principles. Foam Making Branch pipes. Foam Generators. Foam Liquid Proportioning System. Foam Inductors.

General Principles: a. Mechanical foam is always made with foam liquid introduced the water stream before both liquids come in contact with air to from foam,. b. The most general method of producing mechanical foam as by means of a foam making branch used in conjunction with a pump and a liquid metering device. Alternatively foam can be manufactured in a foam making generator. c. The following requirements are generally involved in the manufacture of mechanical foam. (1) A pump for imparting the necessary energy to the water. (2) A metering device for introducing the foam liquid in correct proportion to the water stream. (3) A mean of resulting mixture and a suitable branch for projecting the resultant foam on to the fire. d. Certain order types of airfield foam tenders incorporate a special foam making pump unit, known as the Air Foam pump. This consists of: (1) Valve assembly; which meters water and foam liquid into the entry side of the pump casing. (2) Rotary pump with movable blades controlled by eccentrically set guide rings. (3) (4) Mixing chamber set vertically above the pump unit. Expansion chamber set horizontally above the mixing chamber. 19

5.

Foam Making Branch Pipes: a. As previously stated, foam-making equipment is designed to utilize water, foam liquid and air and to covert all three into foam. With foam making branch pipes foam is produced from a solution of water and foam liquid entering a special water head in the branch entry. Resultant agitation causes a drop in sideways pressure and atmosphere air is drawn into the liquids through ports and the whole is thus mechanically mixed. b. Certain foam making branch pipes introduce the foam liquid into the water head where it can controlled by a valve to give different solution strengths. Other branch pipes such as those used in conjunction with foam tenders or with inductors the water and foam liquid solution arrive at the branch in pre-determined strength. c. The usual method of producing foam by this means, which incidentally is often referred to as branch-aspirated foam is to use water from a pump, foam liquid from a tank or drum-contained supply and to operate at a branch pressure commensurate with type is use. d. There are many variations of foam making branch pipes and a list of some of those in general uses are described below: (1) F.M.B. No 2. At one time this was the most widely used model. (2) It consists of branchpipes and knap-sack type tank of 4 gallons (18 ltrs) capacity which is worn on the back of the operator. The branchpipes and tank are interconnected by a short-length of armored tubing which acts as suction hose supplying foam liquid to the branch pipes. The knap-sack tank is fitted with a quick-release cover to permit rapid replenishment. The cover is provided with air vents the foam liquid is being fed to the branch, entry of air above the liquid in the tank will be restricted and the flow of the foam liquid will be affected. A control cock fitted near the base of the tank enables from the foam liquid to be turned on or off as required; this control cock also embodies a quick-action screw coupling for the connection of the rubber suction hose. (3) The branchpipe is constructed of steel or brass and consists of a 2 inch (6 cm) diameter tube (discharge tube) about 3 feet (91.4 cm) in length. Joined to the discharge tube by a brazed collar is a cone (mixing chamber) tapering from 2 inch (6 cm) diameter to a 5 inch (12.7 cm) diameter and about 18 inches (45.7 cm) in length, open at the end to permit air entrainment. The wide end of the cone acts as a carrier for a gun-metal water head which incorporates four nozzles, three of which are set a oblique angles so that the water issues from them in the form of a cone. In the centre of the water head is the fourth nozzle which is fitted with a vans type deflector and embraces and ejector in the form of a venture which is the fourth nozzle which is fitted with a vane type deflector and embraces an ejector in the form of a venture which is situated to this nozzle passes through the ejector and sets up a vacuum condition which causes the foam liquid to flow from the knap-sack tank through a short length 0 inch T.D (1.3 cm) rubber suction hose. This water stream thus becomes composes of a predetermined moisture of foam liquid and water which, when ejected from this central nozzle, strikes the apex of the water from the three outer streams, whereupon the impinging jets break up into spray, filling the bore of the branch. As the spray moves forward at high velocity towards the discharge end a piston effect is produced which draws air through the spaces is provided around and behind water head. This air mixes with the spray and the energy of the stream is used to produce the complete formation of foam. 20

A 2 inch (6 cm) instantaneous male coupling, fitted with a shut-off cock to permit control of the water stream by the branch man, is fitted to the water head. e. FMB No 5X. This is the modern version of the F.M.B. No.2. (1) Similar in operation to the F.M.B. No. 2 the 5X can be operated from a knap-sack tank or from a foam liquid drum using a pick up tube. (2) The control valve on this branch has alternative settings producing foam of different qualities for fire fighting or test purposes. This valve in the fully close position isolated the foam liquid supply and in the close position isolates the foam liquid supply and in the fully-open position produces foam of fire lighting quality.
464 mm

Fig.1: FMB 5X f. F.M.B No. 10 and larger sizes. Larger branches designated N0 10, 20 and 30 are used to deal with fires in oil and petroleum depots. (1) It will appreciated because of the increased rate of consumption of foam liquid per minute which is assisted with the F.M.B 10 and larger sizes, the introduction of the foam liquid at the branch from knap-sack tank or other tube of container becomes impracticable. Other methods of introducing from liquid into the water stream are therefore employed and, since this occurs before the water reaches the branch, the larger sizes of F.M.Bs are not usually fitted with an inlet for foam liquid at the water head as is the case with the No.2 sizes, neither is the centre jet fitted with an ejector. The principles upon which serration takes place are however identical. (2) The methods generally employed to introduce foam liquid into the water stream with branch pipes of this order are: (a) (b) (c) In line inductors. Multiple jet inductors. Proportioning systems.

g. F.M.B 10X and 20X. These are special types of foam branch pipes originally developed in conjunction with the department and now in general use with certain types of major airfield foam tenders. The 10X branch pipe is supplied in two versions. (1) The 10X long branch pipe is constructed in light alloy metal and has an overall length of 4 feel 6 inches (1.3 m); a maximum tube diameter of a inches (12.7 cm) and weight approximately 21 Ib (10 kilos). It incorporates a water head consisting of two metal plates, each having four circular jet orifices which are positioned back to back but with the jet orifices slightly offset to each other. Air is entrained through four large-area ports situated immediately in front of the water head, so when the branch is operated care

21

must be taken to ensure that these ports are not obstructed by the hand or body of the branchman. A 2 inch (6 cm) instantaneous male coupling incorporating a conical strainer is fitted at the inlet end of the branch pipe whilst at the discharge (or nozzle end) a diffuser in the foam of four pivoted vanes is fitted. Two handles are provided; the forward for nozzle end) handle also forming the operating control for the diffuser arrangement. The operation of the diffuser is that when the operating control handle is turned to the left or to the right a solid formation jet of swirling spray of good area coverage can be employed. A hand control in the form of a Trinity type valve is fitted. (2) The branch pipe is designed to operate at a pressure of 60 Ib/psi (1 bars) at the water head and at this pressure the consumption of water and foam liquid is 95 gallons (427 ltrs) and 5 gallons (22.5 ltrs) respectively, producing approximately 1000 gallons (1500 ltrs) of foam per minute. (3) The 10X short branch pipe is constructed in light alloy metal, has an overall length of 37 inches (.98 ml) a maximum tube diameter of 4 inches (114 mm) and weight approximately 16 Ib (6.6 kg). It incorporates a water head consisting of a single plate fitted centrally with a tube 1 inches (32mm) ling and approximately 1 inch (26mm) in diameter, each end flange of the tube (inlet and outlet orifices) reduces to inch (19mm) diameter, so that, as the premises solution passes through the tube, a slight venture effect is created. Air is entrained through four large-areas, so when the branch is operated care must be taken to ensure that these ports are not obstructed by the hand or body of the branchman. A 2 inch (64mm) instantaneous male coupling incorporating conical strainer is fitted at the inlet of the branch pipes whilst at the discharge (or nozzle end) handle also turning the operating control for the diffuser arrangement. The operation of the diffuser is simple in as much that when the operating control diffuser is simple in as much that when the operating contract handle is pulled rearwards the diffuser vanes are in position parallel to the foam stream thus helping to improve the solid formation of the jet. When the operating control handle is moved fully forwards through a distance of about 3 inches (76 mm) the vanes are pivoted so that they are set at an angle of about 45 to the foam stream. In practice this has the effect of breaking up the jet into a swirling spray providing area coverage and protection to the branch operator. F.M.B. 10X for use with the Thorneycroft appliances are also fitted with a hand control in the form of a Trinity type valve. Due to the compact design of the branch pipe and the light weight it is considerably easier to handle than the F.M.B. 10X (long) type. (4) The branch pipe is designed to operate at a pressure of 60 Ib/psi (4 bar) at the head and at this pressure the consumption of water and foam liquid is 95 gallons (425 ltrs) and 5 gallons (22.5 ltrs) respectively, producing approximately 1000gallons (1500 ltrs) of foam per minute.

Fig.2: FMB 5X

22

h. Other Types of Foam Making Branch Pipe. Other types of foam making branch pipe are in wide use and some of these are referred to as foam generating nozzles or branch pipes. The principles of operation however are similar to those described in the foregoing paragraphs. Outputs of foam from g.p.m. (900 liters) in the smaller sizes to 1500 g.p.m. (6750 litrs) in the larger sizes. i. Operational Data. The following are some figures given for foam production and must be taken as an approximation because variations may occur between different grades of foam liquid, temperature of the water and air, the degree of hardness of the water and the presence of foreign matter. The following table outline the approximate operational data. j. k. 6. Foam Making Branchpipes. Foam Generating Nozzle types.

Foam Generators: a. There are two classes of mechanical foam generators, portable and fixed installation units and the special systems sometimes used in military type foam tenders. b. Portable and fixed installation mechanical foam generators are similar in operating principle to foam making branch pipes being designed to induce foam liquid and air in correct proportion to the quantity of water flowing. Foam is generated within the barrel and delivered to the point of discharge. Back pressure is developed during operation and this limits the conditions under which foam can be produced and this limits the conditions under which foam can be produced length and sizes of hose and height of branch above appliance level are two critical factors. A feature of these generators is that whilst in put pressure is of a fairy high order 150 Ib/psi (10 bars) the output pressure is likely to be region of only 25/30 Ib/psi (1.7/2 bars). c. There are a number of different models in use, the majority of which are used with standard 2 3/1 inch (70 mm) hose. Larger models are more generally used in fixed installations where advantage may be taken of larger diameter delivery hose. Some older types of airfield foam tenders are equipped with generators integral positional, usually within lockers and provided with valve-controlled outlets. d. The following are some figure given for foam production.
Air Inlet Pick-up Tube

Pick-up Tube

Foam Concentrate

Fig. 3: Operational of Mechanical Foam Generator

23

7.

Foam Liquid Proportioning Systems: a. There are in service with airfield foam tenders a number of mechanical foam proportion designed for the introduction of foam liquid in correct ratio into a water stream. Proportions are generally classes under one of two groups. (1) (2) Around the pump type Pump suction type

b. Around the pump. These proportioning systems incorporate a venture located in a by-pass between the pump delivery side and the suction inlet. When water flow is established its passage through the venture creates a low pressure condition which induces foam liquid to flow from the foam tank through the proportioned and hence into the pump via its suction side. (1) Regulation is provided by variance of the bore through which the foam liquid flows. A two, four of six position control lever selects requirement for the number of foam making branches in use. (2) Such a system is positive in section and has the advantage of being free from extended linkage and spring operated control systems. (3) The operating pressure is usually related to that required by the of foam making branch in use.

Foam Concentrate Tank

Foam Concentrate Tank Valve

Venturi
Round the Pump Isolating Valve

Tank to Pump Valve Suction Inlet

Drain/Flushing/ Pick-up Tube Valve Foam Concentrate Pump Variable Proportional Water Foam Solution

Fig.4: Proportioning Systems (Around the Pump)

24

Fig.5: Proportioning Systems (Incorporates Foam Concentrate Pump)

c. Pump Suction Type. Such system meter foam liquid into the suction side of a pump in proportion to the pump output. (1) One example of such a system is the VACTROL system. This employs a vacuum servo to serve the pump suction condition which is dependent upon pump output and to adjust the water and foam liquid values accordingly. It is normally pre-set to maintain a 5% water/foam liquid solution. (2) Throttle adjustment is necessary to maintain the normal operating pressure as branches are opened of closed. (3) System operating on this principle is often referred to as automatics but there is no provision made for automatic operation of the throttle. The pump operator must anticipate the pump energy required by observing the number of branches in use increasing or decreasing engine speed as branches are opened up or closed down. 8. Foam Inductors: a. Inductors are sometimes employed in connection with some aspects of airfield fire fighting. The following is a brief description of two differing types of inductor. b. Inline Inductor. An inline inductor comprises a portable foam liquid tank usually of 15 gallons (67.5 ltrs) capacity to which an inductor is fitted and the appliance is placed in the line of delivery hose. The inline inductor employs the venture tube principle in so far that high pressure water is passed through a narrowing orifice thus increasing the velocity of the water and reducing the pressure 25

at the throat to below that of the atmosphere. This is the entry point for the foam liquid which is induced to flow along a fixed suction pipe from liquid which is induced to flow along a fixed section pipe from the tank, and combining with the high velocity water jet, is carried forward as a stream of water and foam liquid to the water head of the branch pipe where aeration takes place.

Inline Inductor

Swiveling Pick-up Tube

60 liter foam concentrate tank

Fig.6: Inline Foam Inductor c. Multiple Jet Inductors. (1) The multiple jets inductor comprises a portable foam liquid tank usually of 30 gallons (135 ltrs capacity) which is fitted at the top with at least of four small inductors each g overned by its own control or pet cock and each tank provided with a foam liquid suction tube leading down into the tank. This in inductor unit is fitted delivery connection. The 1 inch (25 mm) inlet is connected by rubber hose to a special 2 inch (64 mm) inlet adaptor fitted at the pump delivery outlet and the 1 inch (39mm) delivery is likewise connected by rubber hose to a special 4 inch (102 mm) adaptor fitted to the pump inlet.

26

Suction Inlet Delivery Valve Suction Inductor Cock

Straight Through Cock 25mm Rubber Hose

Inductor Control Cock

38mm Rubber Hose

Inductor Inlet Foam Solution

Inductor Outlet Foam Concentrate Tank

Suction Inlet Delivery Valve 25mm Rubber Hose Suction Adaptor Valve 38mm Rubber Hose Delivery Adaptor Suction Adaptor Delivery Hose

Delivery Hose Suction Hose

Fig.8: Multiple Jet Inductor

27

(2) Method of Operation. The multiple jet inductors should be connected up and operated in the following manner: (a) Fit special adaptors. The 4 inch (102 mm) adaptor to the pump inlet and 2 (64 mm) adaptor to the pump delivery outlet. (b) Connect the length of 1 inch (26 mm) rubber hose from the adaptor on the pump delivery outlet to the inlet connection on the inductor unit. (c) Connect the 1 inch (39 mm) rubber hose from the inductor unit outlet to the adaptor on the pump inlet.

28