Stages in foam production

There are two basic stages in the generation of foam. The first is when "foam concentrate" is added to water in a given concentration to form "foam solution". This stage is called proportioning. It is a very critical stage because it is vital that the correct percentage concentration is formed if the foam is to perform properly.

The next stage is when air is mixed with the solution to produce bubbles of foam or "finished foam".

Of course, producing bubbles is not all there is to a foam system. There are many different types of foam concent­rate available, many types of proportioners and many different types of foam generating and application equipment.

For every flammable liquid fire protection problem there is an optimum combination of equipment, concentrate and application technique. Many factors including cost and environmental impact must be taken into account. In Control Fire Protection can provide this optimum combination in every case.

To produce a reliable and cost-effective foam system, detailed hazard and fuel information is required and several vital decisions have to be made:

    • What is the risk protected?

    • Which foam is the best for the task?

    • What proportioning system is most appropriate?

    • What is the best application method?

    • What standard of protection should be applied?

    • What foam solution flow rate is required?

    • How long should the system run for?

    • How much foam concentrate is required?