II Brazilian Sprinkler Conference October 27-28, 2016 1
Foam Sprinkler Systems Foam Basics 101 Foam systems components: Foam Concentrates Proportioning Equipment Discharge Devices Foam agent formulation changes from C-8 carbon chain length to C-6 carbon chain length Why the change? How does this effect current and future AFFF foam systems Listings required? Environmental concerns? 2
Foam Basics 101
Foam Expansion High Medium Low Best Choice for Sprinkler applications 4
Low-Expansion < 20:1 5
Medium-Expansion 20:1-200:1 6
High-Expansion > 200:1 7
Fixed System Applications Marine/Offshore 8
Fixed System Applications POG 9
Fixed System Applications Loading Racks 10
Synthetic Foams Very good heat resistance Very good fuel tolerance Very good burn back resistance Low aspiration / expansion required Makes this foam ideal for sprinklers Typical shelf life = greater than 10 years 11
Aqueous Film Forming Foam Primary agent of choice for foam sprinkler systems Shelf life: greater than 10 years Storage and usage temperatures 35-120ºF (2-49ºC) PH values 7-8.5 35-120OF (2-49OC) 12
Regular AFFF s not suitable for polar solvents; AR foams required 13
Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam AR- AFFF Mil-Spec 14
Approval Standards and Bodies Land-Based UL 162 FM 5130 EN13565 (Europe) - 3 rd Party Tested CCCF (China) European country approvals Marine US Coast Guard MED Type Approval by 3 rd Parties IMO Type Approval by 3 rd Parties 15
Various Foam Approval Agencies 16
Proportioning Equipment
What is a Fixed Foam System? Foam Concentrate & Storage Proportioning System Discharge Devices 18
Typi cal Syst em Arra nge ment 19
Bladder Tanks 20
Balanced-Pressure Proportioners 21
Typical IBP System Pump Output Requirements Friction Loss 22
Pump Skid / Diaphrag m Valve 23
Discharge Devices
Discharge Devices Sprinklers Nozzles Monitors Foam Chambers High Back Pressure Foam Makers Floating Roof Foam Makers High Expansion Foam Generators 25
Foam Concentrates
Sprinklers Air-Aspirated (B-1) Sprinklers Non Air- Aspirated Standard Sprinklers 27
Foam Concentrates: Why the Change to C-6? The U.S. EPA s voluntary PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) Stewardship Program was set into motion in 2006, with the goal of eliminating PFOA from manufacturing plant emissions and finished products by 2015 PFOA is an 8 carbon molecule considered to be a persistent, bio accumulative and toxic (PBT) substance. It is a trace contaminant in many AFFF foams. Older generations of AFFF foam concentrates contained C8 and other fluorosurfactants that are presumed precursors to PFOA when they break down in the environment Impact to U.S. foam manufacturers; many of the starting materials used to make the critical components of the C8 formulations were phased out as of January 1, 2016 Environmental agencies in the EU, Canada and elsewhere have implemented similar programs 28
Environmentally-Mindful Foam Agents Tyco s new line of foam concentrates are formulated using shorterchain C6 fluorochemicals C8 C6 These C6 foam concentrates do not break down to yield PFOA (too short) Tyco s reformulated foam concentrates meet the goals of EPA s PFOA Stewardship Program, the EU s Directive 2006/122/ECOF, Canada s Environmental Protection Act SOR/2008-178 and similar regulatory directives globally 29
Consider All Factors Any substance foreign to an ecosystem can have a negative impact on that ecosystem All environmental aspects should be considered in evaluating foam performance Complete ecosystem impact from foam Water pollution and fish toxicity Biodegradability Environmental effects of fire event often the largest impact Air pollution Soil and water pollution from released liquid fuel (e.g., hydrocarbon spills if fire not contained). Risk to/loss of life and property 30
Continued Use of C8 Concentrates At this point in time, no legislation pending to phase out existing stocks of foam concentrate products containing PFOA. However, regulatory bodies of certain countries/regions are taking measures that will indirectly impact use of these products. US: state-level rules, EPA health advisories EU: limitations on import and manufacture of chemicals that contain PFOA Australia: Queensland DEHP currently drafting policy around use of fluorosurfactants in firefighting foams Local regulations will determine whether or not continued use of C8 foam concentrates is acceptable NY reporting requirements..\documents\symposiums 2016\Houston\Technical Bulletins\NYSDEC Response - ANSUL.pdf 31
C6 Products: Performance Tyco s reformulated foam concentrate product line is predominantly C6 products, which will have differences as compared to their C8 predecessors. Therefore, it is best practice to check the most current technical data sheets and the agency (UL, FM, etc.) websites for updated listing information. C6 foam concentrates generally have similar application rates and/or fire performance ratings as their C8 predecessors. However, before using C6 concentrates in existing installations, verify that: The C6 foam concentrate has the appropriate approvals and ratings per the AHJ The hardware and proportioning equipment is properly calibrated The appropriate application rates are being used (see Mfg. technical data sheets) 32
C6 Products: Compatibility Long-term mixing of C6 and C8 products is not recommended, except for select products of the same type made by the same manufacturer Long-term stability of the mixtures is uncertain (C-6 formulations are new) Mixing C6 with C8 foam concentrates results in a non-c6 concentrate Annual foam quality tests may be less deterministic/effective Exception: AFFF concentrates qualified under MIL-F-24385F specification have been evaluated by the US Naval Sea Systems Command for prolonged compatibility with other qualified AFFF foams Use of C6 products in conjunction with comparable foams (C8 or C6) for immediate incident response is appropriate For changeover of a bladder tank foam system from C8 to C6, it is recommended that the tank and piping be thoroughly flushed 33
C6 Products: Storage & Handling Tyco s foam concentrates have demonstrated effective firefighting performance with contents stored in the original package under proper conditions for more than 10 years Factors affecting foam concentrate long-term effectiveness include temperature exposure and cycling, storage container, air exposure, evaporation, dilution and contamination Foam concentrates should be inspected periodically per NFPA 11, NFPA 25, EN13565-2 or other relevant standards 34
Foam Concentrate Testing Procedures
Foam Testing Procedures NFPA recommends yearly inspection and testing of foam concentrate. Test labs can perform a complete analysis including pan-fire test and foam quality testing. 36
Foam Testing Procedures Foam solution testing - Only tells you if the foam system is proportioning correctly. - Does NOT tell you if the foam concentrate is good Foam concentrate Testing - Must go back to the manufacturer or qualified lab. - Kits available to help facilitate sample collection and shipping - Can Include a lab fire test to ensure foam is still good to use on fires. 37
Foam System Maintenance NFPA 25 38
Thank You!