Foam fire protection systems

Engineering services (Foam systems)

FESOL develops foam fire protection requirements from the fuel hazard, operating conditions, facility arrangement and intended response. We coordinate concentrate selection, proportioning equipment, water supply and discharge devices as parts of one protection system.

The scope can address tank and bund protection, process areas, loading facilities and other defined hazards. The fuel type and equipment evidence determine the appropriate system approach and the information required from the selected manufacturer.

Scope of expertise

• Fuel and hazard information, protection objectives and system design basis
• Foam concentrate suitability and compatibility with proportioning and discharge equipment
• Storage arrangements, concentrate supply and proportioning requirements
• Hydraulic design, firewater demand and pump-system interfaces
• Discharge layouts, monitors, foam chambers or other application equipment as appropriate
• Detection, activation, isolation and operational response interfaces
• Drainage, containment and test-discharge coordination with the project team
• Commissioning evidence, operational information and handover requirements

Concentrate changes and existing-system reviews

A change of concentrate needs an engineering review of the complete system. The assessment considers the fuel, concentration, operating range, proportioning method, pipework and discharge equipment against the proposed product’s supporting evidence.

Where fluorine-free foam is being considered, we review the proposed concentrate and equipment combination for the defined application. Existing performance assumptions need to be checked before a conversion is specified. Test arrangements, containment and disposal responsibilities are coordinated with the relevant project specialists.

Engineering deliverables

The appointed scope can include a design-basis report, system layouts, hydraulic calculations, equipment schedules, technical specifications and review comments. We identify interfaces with fire pumps and hydraulics, deluge and water spray systems, and the facility’s operating arrangements.

Project information

Provide the fuel information, quantities and storage or process arrangement, site layouts, available firewater data and any insurer or project specification. For an existing installation, include concentrate details, equipment schedules, drawings and recent test records.