Most people rely on water as a means of extinguishing fires. Water is easily available and can be applied directly to prevent large fires. But it turns out that fire is not the only option. In some cases, extinguishing fires using water is not effective. Foam based system is another material that can be relied on to prevent large fires under certain conditions. Apart from water and foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals, and other materials are also effective in extinguishing fires in certain situations.
In this article, we will learn more about how a foam based system works and to extinguish a fire. You may be wondering, under what conditions can foam be effective in extinguishing a fire? What kind of foam should be used? And where can I get this one fire extinguishing product? Let’s listen to the following description to get the answer.
How do Foam-Based Systems Extinguish Fires?
The foam effectively extinguishes fires for flammable liquids stored in tanks or other bulk storage facilities. When a liquid is ignited, you must rush to use the foam based system so that large fires and explosions can be prevented.
When the foam is sprayed, it covers the surface of the liquid and prevents oxygen from reaching the liquid. Unlike water, its lightweight allows this to effectively prevent fires. But foam also contains water which is about 97 percent.
Under What Conditions Should I Use a Foam-Based System?
As explained in the first point, it can effectively extinguish fires originating from flammable liquids stored in tanks. But its use is not limited to those situations. Fire extinguishing using foam can also be applied to fire fighting actions in enclosed spaces, aircraft hangars, train cars, and other enclosed spaces containing flammable objects or liquids.
Under What Conditions Can I Not Use a Foam-Based System?
So, that you can be precise and smart in using foam to extinguish a fire, you should also be aware of situations that are not effective, even if it is not allowed to use foam. The following are situations in which you should not use foam to extinguish a fire:
– Fires Caused by Electricity
Most of the content of venom is water. Meanwhile, water conducts electricity. Extinguishing a fire due to an electrical short is potentially dangerous, where you may be electrocuted. Fire fighting can be done if all electrical connections have been cut.
– Fire In Three Dimensional Space
Foam based system most likely will not be effective in stopping the rate of fire on three-dimensional objects. Foam plays a role in covering the source of the fire and blocking the flow of oxygen. So, when the fire source is in an open and three-dimensional space, the use of foam will not be very effective.
– Pressurized Gas Fire
Pressurized gases such as NPG and LPG are packaged by pressing and liquefied. When the ignition source comes from this material, you should not use foam because the object is volatile, and the foam will not be able to block the rate of fire.
– Metal Fire
Foam is the same as water, although the weight is different. But when this substance is sprayed onto hot metal, the chemical reaction intensifies the fire and heat. Using foam to extinguish a metallic ignition may trigger an explosion such as fireworks.
Where Can I Get a Good Foam-Based System?
You can rely on Totalfire Indonesia to get the most complete service to protect yourself and your property from fire, including the best range of foam based system products. To start a collaboration or find out more about our services, please contact us at any time.