Foam fire suppression systems are specialized fire protection systems designed to suppress flammable liquid and high-hazard fires by applying a foam solution that blankets the fuel surface, separates the fuel from oxygen, cools the fire, and prevents vapor release. These systems are commonly used in facilities with high-risk fuel loads such as aircraft hangars, fuel storage areas, chemical processing plants, and industrial operations.
When performing foam system work, S&S Fire Protection will:
- Design or install foam-water, low-expansion, medium-expansion, or high-expansion foam systems based on the hazard and applicable codes.
- Install proportioning equipment, foam concentrate tanks, bladder tanks, discharge devices (foam nozzles, generators, or chambers), and system piping.
- Set up detection, actuation, and control interfaces for automatic or manual release.
- Ensure proper foam concentrate selection and compatibility with superseding environmental regulations.
- Perform acceptance testing, discharge testing (when required), and ongoing inspection and maintenance per
NFPA 11, NFPA 16, NFPA 25, and site-specific requirements.
Characteristics & Benefits:
Special-hazard protection
Designed specifically for flammable and combustible liquid fire risks.
Multiple foam types
Includes low-expansion, medium-expansion, and high-expansion systems depending on application.
Suppresses vapors
Foam blankets the fuel surface to prevent re-ignition.
Highly engineered systems
Require correct foam concentrate proportioning and discharge density.
Code-driven design
Governed by NFPA standards and sometimes additional authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) or environmental requirements.