1. 2013Q2

2. Principles of Foam Two types of foam:
Chemical: produced as a result f a reaction between two chemicals
Mechanical: Must be proportioned and aerated before use

4. Foam Expansion Principles of Foam Foam Concentrate Foam Proportioners
Solution
Foam
Foam Expansion

6. 4 Methods to Proportion Foam
Induction- stream flows through eductor
Injection- external pump or head pressure forces foam concentrate into fire stream
Batch mixing- foam concentrate is poured directly into the tank
Premixing- pre-measured portions of water and foam concentrate are mixed in a container

10. Foam Concentrates Class A Foam Proportioning
Used in structure, wildland, tire storage, coal mines, and fires with deep seated fuels
Proportioning
Fire attack and overhaul with standard nozzle %
Exposure protection with standard nozzle %
Any application with air aspirating foam nozzles 0.3 to 0.7%
Compressed Air foam systems %

11. Foam Concentrates Class A Foam Application of Foam types
Application rate is the same as application rate of water
Application of Foam types
Wet foam: areas requiring maximum penetration foam
Dry foam: vertical surfaces
Medium foam: areas requiring a balance of penetration and clinging ability

12. Foam Concentrates Class B Foam Proportioning
Used in fires involving flammable and combustible liquids
Proportioning
1-6%
Follow manufacturers instructions
Factors that affect degree of expansion
Type of foam, accurate proportioning, quality of foam concentrate and method of aspiration

13. Foam Concentrates Class B Foam Foam expansion types/ratios
Low expansion 20 parts finished foam for every part of foam solution
Medium: 20:1 through 200:1
High expansion: 200:1 to 2000:1
Application rate
Depends on type of foam, if fuel is on fire, type of fuel involved, whether fuel is spilled or in tank

14. Foam Concentrates Regular protein foam Fluoroprotein Foam
Derived from naturally occurring sources of protein hoof, horn, or feather meal
Fluoroprotein Foam
Combination of protein based and synthetic based foam
Very high degree of heat resistance and water retention
Film forming Fluoroprotein Foam (FFFP)

15. Foam Concentrates Aqueous Film forming Foam (AFFF) How’s it Work?
Completely synthetic
Consists of flourochemical and hydrocarbon surfactants combined with high boiling point solvents and water
How’s it Work?
Air and vapor excluding film is released ahead of foam blanket
Foam blanket then insulated the surface from heat

18. Foam Proportioning Systems
Two basic types
Pressure of a water stream flows through and orifice creating a venturi that indicts foam into water stream
Pressurized proportioning devices inject foam into the water stream at the desired ratio and at higher pressure than that of water

19. In-line Eductors Use the venturi principle to draft foam
Nozzle and eductor must have the same gpm rating

20. 6 Rules of In-line Eductors
The eductor must control the flow through the system
Pressure at outlet of eductor must not exceed 65 to 70% of inlet pressure
Foam solution concentration is only correct at the rated inlet pressure, usually psi
Eductors must be properly maintained and flushed after each use
Metering valves must be set to match the foam concentrate % and burning fuel
Foam concentrate inlet should not be more than 6 feet above the surface of the foam concentrate

27. CAFS
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) introduce compressed air into the foam solution prior to discharge into the hoseline

28. CAFS Advantages: Disadvantages: Reach of stream is longer
Produces uniformly sized, durable, small air bubbles
Foam adheres to fuel surface and resist heat better
Hoses are lighter
Can be used to flow plain water
Disadvantages:
Adds $ to operations and purchase
Hose reaction is erratic
Compressed air accentuates the hose reaction in rupture
Additional training required
Option to use or not use is usually made far in advance of the fire

33. Practical Skill Assignment
Review Foam Operations
Directions
For this scenario firefighers can utilize a mix of dish soap and water in a bucket for inline educators, or walk through the steps without flowing foam. The goal of this training session is to review the operations of foam equipment on your apparatus and ensure you can properly assemble a functioning foam attack line.
Ensure firefighter safety at all times during this training evolution. Before proceeding with live fire training evolutions, read and adhere to NFPA 1403®, Standard on Live Fire Training Evolutions. Have students repeat this exercise, rotating the hoseline duties so that each student has a chance to perform on the nozzle.
Equipment & Materials
Full protective clothing and SCBA for all firefighters
Adequate hand lines to achieve all objectives
Attack line (separate water source)
Back-up line (separate water source)
Optional: Flammable gas cylinder fire prop set up and monitored according to NFPA 1403®. The NFPA® does not indicate the minimum size or number of fires involving this type of fire
Handheld radios
Dish soap, bucket and foam equipment

34. Skills Evaluation Checklist
Objective 8: Control a pressurized flammable gas container fire.
Task Steps
Yes No 1.
Confirm order with officer to extinguish fire. 2.
Size up incident scene for hazards.
a. Fire conditions
b. Type of fuel
c. Integrity of container
d. Wind conditions
e. Escape route and safe haven 3.
Verify foam type and concentration are appropriate for fuel and fire conditions.
a. Bleed air from hoselines.
b. Ensure adequate hoseline to reach container. 4.
Cool cylinder or storage tank.
a. Apply straight stream to container. 5.
Extend hoselines to isolate control valve.
a. Approach upwind and uphill.
b. Approach container from the side.
c. Push flame away from valve with fog stream ( degree pattern). 6.
Maintain situational awareness. 7.
Close control valve.
a. Shut valve completely.
b. Report to officer that control valve is closed. 8.
Cool container from safe distance.
a. Withdraw hoselines.
b. Apply straight stream to container. 9.
Report to officer completion of assigned task.