VE Foam Maker
Discharge Devices | Model KLF
General description
Foam makers are in-line fixed foam aspirating devices. They are used in low expansion foam discharge applications to protect tank farm dikes and other low-level discharge applications.
Foam makers are used in the dike foam delivery system as referred to in design standards such as NFPA 11.
Foam makers are part of a low-level foam delivery system that also incorporates foam storage bladder tanks, proportioning devices and suitable foam concentrates. Foam solution can also be supplied by foam pumping systems or in semi-fixed systems supplied from a portable supply such as a fire brigade appliance.This technical data is intended for trained experts.
For further information, please contact Fomtec or refer to the technical documentation. The contents of this publication are subject to modifications without notice.
Technical data – Construction features
• Available in 1.5”, 2.5”, 3”, 4” sizes to cover a wide range of design configurations
• Painted carbon steel or painted stainless steel for increased corrosion protection
• Available with ANSI 150 or PN16 flanges
• Available with foam pourer
• Vertical or horizontal installation
• Specifically FM Approved and UL Listed with Fomtec foam concentrates
Ordering information
The inlet orifice plate(s) are manufactured according to your specific project requirements. The following steps should be followed to ensure the correct order processing information is specified.
1. Use the tables in section 7 (Performance data) to determine what size foam maker will satisfy the flow and pressure requirements for your specific project. (Required)
2. Check the FM Approval or UL Listing for the specific foam concentrate model to ensure the inlet pressure, orifice size and fuel type is approved or listed. (Recommended)
3. Select the foam maker size, flange pattern and material from table 3.4.1. (Required)
4. Select a foam pourer with the flange pattern that matches the outlet flange pattern of the foam maker. (Required)
5. When the official purchase order is made for a foam maker, the size, orifice inlet pressure, and desired flow rate must be provided. Please use the foam maker order form to ensure your order is processed correctly. (Required)
NOTE: The inlet orifice size will be manufactured to match the pressure and flow information that you provide in step 5.
Refer to your customer service representative for further information and order form.
Scope of supply
Ensure that all components are complete and in good condition.
Included:
• Foam maker
• Sized orifice (quantity x 1)
• Inlet flange gaskets (quantity x 2)
Not included:
• Foam pourer (Sold separately – see Table 3.4.1)
• Nuts, bolts, washers
• System pipework and fittings
Availability
Please contact Fomtec for further information.
Product variants
Options
• Also available with galvanized or paint over galvanized finish (Not FM Approved or UL Listed)
• Various colours
Installation
The foam/water solution supply provided to the foam makers must be continuous, clean, and obstruction free. Foam makers should be installed with adequate clearance and be protected from physical damage. Adequate clearance should be maintained for maintenance and inspection. Foam makers are deluge system discharge devices, and should be provided with adequate shutoff capabilities during adjustment or maintenance. The foam maker should be installed in accordance with NFPA 11: The Standard for Low-Expansion Foam or other
applicable standards.
The foam maker inlet is to be mounted to a compatible piping flange. Piping to the foam maker should be self-supporting and installed in accordance with NFPA 11 or other applicable standards. The foam maker orifice plate is to be installed between the inlet flange and the supply piping flange. Orifice plate gaskets are to be installed against the inlet flange and the supply piping flange.
The orifice plate has a knife-edged or tapered-edge orifice. The flat side of the orifice plate is to be installed facing the supply piping flange. Orifice plates are identified according to size by numeric values indicated on the orifice plate. Prior to installation of an orifice plate, verify the suitability of the orifice plate for the specific range of flows and pressures required for the foam maker.
Discharge piping is to be sized in accordance with the outlet sizing charts for the specific foam maker. (Table 6.2.1) Normal methods of piping the discharge outlet from the foam maker is to install the foam maker horizontal and rise up from the end of the foam maker with a 90 degree elbow, cross over the dike wall, drop down the dike wall and terminate with the foam pourer directed back towards the wall. See Figure 8.1.1- Typical Installations.
Operation
The foam maker is an in-line foam discharge device. Foam/water solution is provided in a “pre-mix” condition through either an automatic or mobile proportioning system. The foam maker does not proportion foam concentrate into the water stream.
Foam/water solution is supplied to the inlet side of the foam maker. The inlet side of the foam maker is equipped with an orifice plate and air strainer. When foam solution initially passes through the air strainer, water will discharge from the vent holes. When the flow rate is of a greater velocity, a venturi effect will draw air into the fluid stream at a greater rate than water is escaping. At this point, solution will cease to flow from the air strainer.
The foam solution is aerated, which will cause the foam discharge to expand. The aerated foam solution will have enhanced foam qualities of greater expansion and normally longer drain times. The foam maker used with the foam pourer has an increased outlet size to allow for the foam expansion. The foam pourer then discharges foam indirectly at a burning liquid by deflecting the foam at the interior wall of a dike or bund area. Foam then spreads across the surface of the dike or bund area and covers the burning liquid, creating a vapor barrier to suppress or extinguish the fire.
Guarantee
For details of warranty, contact Fomtec directly.
Inspections tests and maintenance
Notice: The owner is responsible for maintaining the fire protection system and devices in proper operating condition. The Pilot Operated Pressure Control Valve must be kept from freezing conditions and physical damage that could impair its operation.
Warning: Any system maintenance or testing that involves placing a control valve or detection system out of service may eliminate the fire protection capabilities of that system. Prior to proceeding, notify all Authorities Having Jurisdiction. Consideration should be given to employment of a fire patrol in the affected areas.
It is important that the system is inspected and tested on a regular basis. This is the owner’s responsibility. System piping is to be hydrostatically tested as prescribed in NFPA 11: The Standard for Low-Expansion Foam. Foam maker supply piping is to be flushed after use in accordance with NFPA 11.
The air screen is to be inspected for obstruction of air inlet holes. If any obstruction exists, remove the obstruction and flush as necessary. The air strainer is over sized to prevent obstruction from nesting.
Disposal
At end of use the product described here should be disposed of via the national recycling system. Upon request, the manufacturer can take back and properly dispose of the electrical equipment and electronic devices.
Accessories and spare parts
1. When the official purchase order is made for the orifice plate, the foam maker size, the orifice inlet pressure and desired flow rate must be provided (required).
NOTE: The inlet orifice size will be manufactured to match the pressure and flow information provided in step 2. Any modifications made after the release of the foam maker are the responsibility and at the risk of the authorized purchaser.Changes could include but are not limited to an entire system redesign, revamping of system components, restocking fees, etc.
2. The final (ordering) part number will contain the required orifice size. Example: An orifice plate for a 2-1/2” foam maker with a 0.750 inch orifice will be given the part number F20911/0750.
Declaration of conformity
If required, contact the appropriate sales office in Section 5 Availability for further assistance.
