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AFFF Foam Systems
How Foam Systems Work
Fire fighting foam systems suppress fire by separating
the fuel from the air (oxygen). Depending on the type of
foam system, this is done in several ways:
- Foam blankets the fuel surface smothering the fire
- The fuel is cooled by the water content of the foam
- The foam blanket suppresses the release of flammable vapors that can mix with the air.
 About AFFF Foam Systems
Aqueous Film-Forming Foams (AFFF) are based on
combinations of fluoro-chemical surfactants, hydrocarbon
surfactants, and solvents. These agent require a very
low energy input to produce a high quality fire fighting
foam. Consequently, they can be applied through a wide
variety of foam delivery systems. This versatility makes
AFFF systems an obvious choice for airports, refineries,
manufacturing plants, municipal fire departments, and
any other operation involving the transportation,
processing, or handling of flammable liquids.
Alcohol Resistant fire fighting AFFF Foam Sytems
Alcohol-resistant foams are based on AFFF chemistry to
which a polymer has been added. ARCs are the most
versatile of the fire fighting foam agents in that they
are effective on fires involving polar solvents like
methanol as well as hydrocarbon fires such as gasoline.
Mixing Foam Systems with Water
A foam system requires proportioning equipment to mix
the foam with water in the required concentration.
Automatic pressure balancing valves regulate the foam
concentrate pressure to match the water pressure.
AFFF Foam System Bladder Tanks
Foam concentrate is often stored in a bladder tank
system. In AFFF systems a bladder tank containing a
nylon reinforced elastomeric bladder is used to store the
foam concentrate. System water pressure is used to
squeeze the bladder providing fire fighting foam
concentrate, at the same pressure, to the proportioner.
With bladder tank foam systems, no external power is
required, and little maintenance is needed.
Columbus Fire & Safety can not only supply you
with the foam systems you need, but also with a complete
installed system. If you wish, complete our Survey
Request Form to request additional information, or
request a Reliable sales representative to contact you
about our fire fighting foam systems.
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