Fixed Foam Systems

Fire safety is critical on ships due to the confined spaces and presence of flammable materials. On ships, foam is a widely used firefighting agent, effective against liquid fuel fires and spills, which are common in marine environments.


What Is Firefighting Foam?


This is a foam that is used for effective fire suppression. We all know that water is generally used to combat most firefighting situations. However, when dealing with flammable liquids such as crude oil or heavy fuel oil, applying water can be dangerous. The water rapidly turns to steam, expanding and causing the burning liquid to overflow from its containment, which can make the fire spread even further. In such hazardous situations, firefighting foam is the solution. Its role is to cool the fire, coat the fuel to prevent its contact with oxygen, and thus suppress overall combustion. For all the major potential hazards, foam is the chief fire-extinguishing agent. It is also great for the places where flammable liquids are transported, processed, stored, or used as an energy source.


Types of Foam


Foam concentrates are broadly categorized into tw types: Protein and Synthetic foam. Each with distinct subtypes:


Protein Foams

Composed of decomposed proteins, stabilizers, and additives to prevent freezing, bacterial decay, and equipment corrosion.


Advantages:

  • Cost-effective.
  • Good burn-back resistance and stability.
  • High heat resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • Degrades if thawed and frozen.
  • Slower spread on liquid surfaces.


Fluoroprotein Foam

This is a variant of protein foam with synthetic fluorinated surfactants for improved flow, faster flame knockdown, and enhanced burn-back resistance.


Advantages:

  • Overfuel flows faster.
  • Better burn-back resistance.
  • Improved vapour suppression and sealing.

Disadvantages:

  • More costly than standard protein foams.
  • Shorter shelf life.


Synthetic Foams

Typically containing fluorocarbons and derived from hydrocarbons.


Advantages:

  • Compared to protein foams, it has freer flow.
  • Lower concentrate usage.

Disadvantages:

  • Cost expensive.
  • Reduced burn-back resistance.
  • May mix with fuel.


Alcohol-Resistant Foam


Specifically formulated for water-soluble liquids such as alcohols, ketones, and other fuels that can reduce the effectiveness of standard foams. These foams form an insoluble membrane between the fuel and the foam.


Advantages:

  • Suitable for hydrocarbon fuel fires.
  • Quick flame knockdown and good burn-back resistance.

Disadvantages:

  • Unsuitable for premixing.


Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)


It creates a thin water layer on the surface of the fuel to prevent vapor release, commonly known as light water.


Advantages:

  • Rapid spread and flame knockdown.
  • Effective for large area fuel spills.
  • Compatible with dry chemical extinguishants.
  • Can be stored premixed or protected with antifreeze.

Disadvantages:

  • Short-term vapor suppression.
  • Limited chemical resistance.

 

Why Choose Fremont Marine For a Foam System In The UAE


Our unmatched experts provide high-quality and cost-effective foam system innovations for both marine and land applications. We are offering services in the UAE, the Middle East, and Asia. Here we share the benefits of choosing Fremont Marine for a foam system:

  • Ensures compliance with UAE civil defense codes and international fire safety standards.
  • Provides expert system design, inspection, and maintenance for optimal performance.
  • Identifies potential risks and system faults before they lead to failure.
  • Uses certified equipment and approved foam concentrates suitable for local conditions.
  • Reduces downtime and operational disruptions through efficient servicing.
  • Enhances safety for personnel, property, marine, and high-risk industrial environments.
  • Extends the lifespan of the foam fire suppression system.
  • Offers reliable emergency response readiness and peace of mind.