1. Ethanol… The New Hazard In Town
Part II: Foam Delivery
Bill Ballantyne

2. What Municipal Fire Departments Typically Prepare For…

3. Our Logic…
97% of the fires we encounter are Class A fuels – so carry Class A foam
For the occasional Class B fire:
Use Class A at 1% - BUT know there is no sealing capability or…
Call in the local ARFF truck for mutual aid or…
Let it burn

4. With Ethanol That Logic No Longer Applies
Use Class A at 1% - BUT know there is no sealing capability
Class A foam does not work on Ethanol
Call in the local ARFF truck for mutual aid
The ARFF truck only carries AFFF, which also does not work on Ethanol
Let it burn
Dept of Homeland Security has stated the need to protect critical infrastructure…highways, bridges, railways, ports, etc.

5. Which Means We Also Need To Prepare For…

6. So What We Really Need Is…
Class A capability for the majority (97%) of the fires we encounter AND…
AR-AFFF capability for Ethanol fires

9. Foam Concentrates - Water Additives
Wetting Agents
Class A Foam
Class B Foam Concentrates
Protein & Film Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP)
Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF)
Alcohol Resistant-AFFF (AR-AFFF)
Emulsifiers / Spill Response Agents
Gels
The only concentrate effective on Ethanol fires

10. Proportioning Rates Ratio of concentrate to water
Expressed as a percentage
1.0% = 1 unit of concentrate to 99 units of water
3.0% = 3 units of concentrate to 97 units of water
0.5% = 0.5 unit of concentrate to 99.5 units of water

11. Common Proportioning Rates
Class A
0.1% - 1.0%
Class B
1%, 3%, 6%
(1% x 3%), (3% x 6%), (3% x 3%) (Hydrocarbons x Polar Solvent fuels)
Emulsifiers / Gels
Varies by manufacturer / usage

12. Do Not Mix Class A & B Concentrates
Result of mixed concentrates (in strainer)

14. NFPA 1901 Now Requires…
For proportioning rates equal or greater than 1%:
- 0% to + 30% or 1 percentage point, whichever is less ( )
For proportioning rates less than 1%:
- 0% to + 40% ( ) 6%
30%
20%
10% 3% 1% - +
40%
Lean
Rich
Allowable Range:
6%: 6.0 – 7.0%
3%: %
1%: 1.0 – 1.3%
0.5%: – 0.70%
0.2%: – 0.28%

15. Why Is Accuracy So Important?
Performance
Ability to make wet, fluid or dry foam (Class A foam)
Ability to richen for heavy rain (Class B foam)
Ability to seal (Class B foam)
Logistics
Cost
Environmental Concerns (Class B)

16. What Is The Cost Of Inaccuracy?
Let’s assume:
$20 per gallon for concentrate
5,000 gallons per minute flow rate
3% proportioning rate
10% inaccuracy rate

17. The Cost Of Inaccuracy Becomes:
The logistics of wasted foam:
15 extra gallons per minute
900 extra gallons per hour
9,000 extra gallons per 10 hours
The cost of wasted foam:
$300 per minute
$18,000 per hour
$180,000 per 10 hours

18. Let’s Look At BIG WATER Now assume: $20 per gallon for concentrate
20,000 gallons per minute flow rate
3% proportioning rate
30% inaccuracy rate

19. Now, The Cost Of Inaccuracy Becomes…
The logistics of wasted foam:
180 extra gallons per minute
10,800 extra gallons per hour
108,000 extra gallons per 10 hours
The cost of wasted foam:
$3,600 per minute
$216,000 per hour
$2,160,000 per 10 hours

20. What Is The True Cost Of Your System?
$ Initial Cost + $ Ongoing Operational Costs $ True Total Cost

21. For Your Consideration
Different Initial and Ongoing Operational Costs
Different performance capabilities and limitations
Equipped to consider the total picture

23. Application Rates
A measure of foam solution, applied per unit of time, per unit of total area
Typically expressed as GPM/Sq Ft
Or, LPM/Sq Meter
Not to be confused with proportioning rate
Expressed as % concentration

24. NFPA 11 Minimum Application Rates

25. Spill Fires – Loading Racks NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.6.5.3.1)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
AFFF/FFFP/AR(ATC)
0.10
4.1
Protein / Fluoroprotein
0.16
6.5
Alcohol / Polar Solvents
AR Concentrate (Typical)
0.10 – 0.16
4.1 – 6.5
Min Discharge Time
15 Min

26. Spill Fires – Diked Areas NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
Low Level Discharges
0.10
4.1
Foam Monitors
0.16
6.5
Polar Solvents
0.10 – 0.16
4.1 – 6.5
Min Discharge Time
20-30 Min

27. Spill Fires – Diked Areas NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
AFFF/FFFP/AR(ATC)
0.10
4.1
Protein / Fluoroprotein
0.16
6.5
Min Discharge Time
15 Min
Alcohol / Polar Solvents
AR Concentrates (Typical)
0.10 – 0.16
4.1 – 6.5
30 Min

28. Spill Fires – Non Diked Areas NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.8.2.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
AFFF/FFFP/AR(ATC)
0.10
4.1
Protein / Fluoroprotein
0.16
6.5
Alcohol / Polar Solvents
AR Concentrate (Typical)
0.10 – 0.16
4.1 – 6.5
Min Discharge Time
15 Min

29. Tank Fires – Fixed Roof (Full Surface) NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.5.2.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
Type I & II Discharge Devices
0.10
4.1
Min Discharge Time – Type I
20-30 Min
Min Discharge Time – Type II
30-55 Min
Alcohol / Polar Solvents
0.10 – 0.16
4.1 – 6.5

30. Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III) NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Hydrocarbons
0.16
6.5
Alcohol / Polar Solvents
Refer To Listings
Min Discharge Time
Flash Point Above 100 F
50 Min
Flash Point Below 100 F
65 Min
Crude Petroleum

31. Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III) Over 60 foot diameter - Recommended
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Up To 150 Foot Diameter
0.16
6.5
151 to 200 Foot Diameter
0.18
7.3
201 to 250 Foot Diameter
0.20
8.1
251 to 300 Foot Diameter
0.22
8.9
Over 300 Foot Diameter
0.25
1.0

32. Tank Fires – Seal Area (Floating Type) NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)
Minimum Application Rates
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Top Of Seal
0.30
12.2
Below Seal
0.50
20.4
Min Discharge Time
20 Min
10 Min

33. NFPA 11 Standards Are Minimums Design To Succeed
Flow Rates
At least times 2 or more (especially with Ethanol)
Flow Durations
Enough water and concentrate to flow at least 50% longer than the time specified
Bigger Is Better
One large nozzle generally is more effective than several smaller ones of equal combined flow

35. Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area) Water Requirements
GPM/SF
LPM/SM
Application Rate
0.16
6.5
Times Total Area (200’x100’)
20,000
1,858
Equals Solution Flow Rate
3,200
12,077
Times Minimum Flow Time
15 Min
Equals Min Water Req’t
48,000
181,155
Flow at 0.25 GPM/SF
5,000
19,000
Minimum Water Requirement
75,000
285,000

36. Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area) Water Requirements
Pumping Distance
750’
1,500’
Application Rate (GPM/SF)
0.25
Flow Rate (GPM)
5,000
Number Of 1,500 GPM 4 8
Number Of 2.5” Supply Lines Required 20
Number Of 4” Supply Lines Required
Number Of 6” Supply Lines Required
Number Of 8” Supply Lines Required 2
Number Of 12” Supply Lines Required 1

37. Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area) Foam Requirements
Required For Ethanol Fires
Flow Rate (GPM)
5,000
Total Water (Gallons)
75,000
Proportioning Rate 1% 3% 6%
Concentrate Rate (GPM) 50
150
300
Total Concentrate Required (Gallons)
750
2,250
4,500
5 Gallon Pails (Number Required)
450
900
55 Gallon Drums (Number Required) 14 41 82
300 Gallon Totes (Number Required) 3 8 15
6,000 Gallon Tanker (Number Required) 1

38. Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area) Foam Usage Rate
Flow Rate (GPM)
5,000
Proportioning Rate 1% 3% 6%
Concentrate Rate (GPM) 50
150
300
5 Gallon Pails (Usage Rate)
6 sec
2 sec
1 sec
55 Gallon Drums (Usage Rate)
66 sec
22 sec
11 sec
300 Gallon Totes (Usage Rate)
6 min
2 min
1 min
6,000 Gallon Tanker (Usage Rate)
2 hrs
40 min
20 min
What Is Realistic

39. Portable Pumps For Water Supply

40. Foam Supply – 300 Gallon Totes
Foam Pick-up Tubes
Or Stingers

41. Foam Supply – 300 Gallon Totes
Note: Portable Pumps

42. Foam Supply – 300 Gallon Totes
Note: Pre Plumbed Foam Concentrate Discharge Manifold

43. Foam Supply - Tankers

44. Tips For Sizing Equipment
Something is not always better than nothing
The size of the hazard determines the requirements
Size the system to the hazard and size the apparatus to the system
Not the other way around!
NFPA standards are MINIMUM requirements
Design to succeed

46. Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’s)
In-line Super Eductors
60:40 Mix
60 parts water
40 parts concentrate
1-1/2” In / 2-1/2” Out

47. Jet Ratio Controller Layout
Hot Tip!
When setting up – lay water supply first, then foam supply.
2-1/2” 60:40 Water/Foam Mix Supply Line From JRC
Foam Mix Injected Here
2 – 1,500 GPM 5” Water Supply Lines
Note: To make 3,000 GPM foam solution with 3% or 6% concentrate you may need 2 JRC’s feeding this nozzle!

48. Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’)
Capabilities:
Can be fairly accurate at a single point
Inexpensive to purchase
Limitations:
Labor intensive to operate
Narrow sweet spot

50. Balanced Pressure Pump Proportioners
Foam
Tank
Concentrate
Pump
Metering Valve
Check Valve
Modified Venturi
or Ratio Controller
(one per discharge)
Water
Pilot-Operated
Balance Valve or
Check
Valve

51. TO DISCHARGE PROPORTIONER
Metering Valve
ADJUSTING KNOB
CONCENTRATE FLOW
POINTER
PLUG
STEM
TO DISCHARGE PROPORTIONER

52. Balanced Pressure Pump System Metering/Shut-Off Valve

53. Ratio Controller CONCENTRATE INLET LOW PRESSURE AREA SOLUTION FLOW
RECOVERY AREA
FLOW
WATER FLOW
BLENDING AREA

54. 2” Modified Venturi Cut-Away
Foam capabilities of 60 to 200 GPM
Water flow and pressure restrictions

55. Balanced Pressure Pump System Parts Cut-Away
Metering/Shut-off valve sets amount of foam concentrate entering the system by percentage selected
Ratio Controller (venturi) creates a pressure drop allowing the foam concentrate to be pumped into the water way

56. Balanced Pressure Pump System Panel Controls
Duplex Pressure Gauge

57. Balanced Pressure Pump System Plumbing
Balanced Pressure Pump Compartment
Modified venturi or ratio flow controller (one required per discharge)

58. Balanced Pressure Pump Proportioners
Capabilities:
Foam concentrate flow to 300 GPM
Plumbed discharges capable of foam or water
Ability to vary foam concentrate % rates by discharge
Limitations:
Water flow limits
Discharge pressure restriction
Installation
Calibration – Time / Concentrate
Medium sweet spot

60. Electronic Direct Injection Proportioner
3000 Series
Foam
Supply
Line Strainer
Water
Tank
Check
Valves
Flow
Meter
Multiple
Discharges
Water
Pump

61. FoamPro AccuMax Multi Port Foam Injection Systems
Choose foam solution or plain water
Control % rate at each discharge

62. Flow Comparison Balance Pressure vs. Electronic Direct Injection
No restriction permits maximum flow

63. New FoamPro AccuMax Models from 90 to 300 gpm
Use Multiple Foam Sources
Foam tank or outboard pickup
Calibration And Testing
Fast, easy, reuse the foam
Use For
Industrial Apparatus, ARFF Vehicles, Marine

64. Shell Oil Truck With AccuMax

65. View Of Pump House

66. Installation Of AccuMax Line Controllers

67. Pump Panel With AccuMax Controllers

68. Saudi Electric Company

69. Saudi Electric Company

70. Direct Injection Technology
Does not recirculate concentrate
No flow restrictions
High accuracy
Wide performance range
Calibrate / test without consuming concentrate
Easy to install
Toward the high end of price range … initially
- 0% / + 2%
Standard Actual
6%: 6.0 – 7.0% 6.0 – 6.12%
3%: % 3.0 – 3.06%
1%: 1.0 – 1.3% 1.0 – 1.02%
0.5%: – 0.70% 0.5 – 0.51%
0.2%: – 0.28% 0.2 – 0.204% 6%
30%
20%
10% 3% 1% - +
40%
Lean
Rich

72. Foam Trailer – AccuMax 3300

73. Stingers and Totes

74. 1 Master and 4 Line Controllers

75. 2 – 6” and 2 – 3” Supply Lines

76. Feeding The Concentrate

77. Foam Trailer Operations

78. RTFC Training Facility

79. 3000 GPM Nozzle

80. Some Final Comments
It’s one thing to develop a plan on paper… it’s another thing to practice it on the fire ground.
Know for sure…
Safely supply foam solution (flow, distance, duration)
Pumps
Hose
Nozzles
Proportioners
Concentrate
Manpower

81. How To Fund Grant Money Mutual Aid Initiative Capital Lease Fire Act
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
Mutual Aid Initiative
Municipal Departments
Ethanol Refineries
Blending Terminals
Capital Lease

82. Download this presentation at:
Questions / Comments
Bill Ballantyne
Download this presentation at:

83. And Finally, Remember To Always:
Buckle Up!
Use Foam!
Be Safe!
Thank You!