Copyright 2002 and 2005 by The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Exclusively published and distributed by Architectural Computer Services, Inc. (ARCOM) for the AIA
SECTION 211339 - FOAM-WATER SYSTEMS
EDITING INSTRUCTION
The following editing instruction relates directly to specific parts of the Section Text where it is referenced by the applicable Editing Instruction No. in the editor's notes:
- Manufacturers and products named in MASTERSPEC Sections are neither recommended nor endorsed by the American Institute of Architects or ARCOM. Before retaining names, verify that products correspond with other requirements and are both available and suitable for the applications indicated.
WRITING GUIDE
The organization of this Section specifies all the products in Part 2 - Products without regard to how they are applied on the Project. An article in Part 3 - Execution specifies where to use the various products in Part 2, including which pipe materials, fittings, and joining methods to use for each pipe size and installation situation. Edit this Section as follows:
- Begin with Part 3 - Execution. Review and select applications required for the Project. Review sizes and pipe, fitting, and joining options for each application. Proceed with the following:
- Delete piping, fitting, joining method, and other options not required. Repeat this step for each pipe system and installation situation.
- Review the installation articles. Insert installation options required but not listed; delete listed options not required. Review Division 21 Section "Common Work Results for Fire Suppression" for installation methods specified in that Section and do not repeat those methods in this Section.
- Edit Part 2 - Products. Review and select materials as follows:
- Select products in the "Pipe and Fittings" Article that match those choices made in the "Piping Applications" Article in Part 3. Add material options required but not listed; delete listed options not required.
Obtain special requirements from the Owner's insurance carriers for submittals, approvals, materials, installations, tests, and inspections.
GENERAL COMMENTS
This Section specifies fixed, low-expansion, 3% aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), fire-extinguishing systems for flammable-liquid spill fires. AFFF is lighter than water. The foam creates a blanket that floats on the flammable-liquid surface, preventing air from reaching the burning liquid and keeping the burning liquid vapors from escaping.
Foam systems include a foam concentrate (suitable for the fire expected), concentrate storage tank and piping, water supply piping and specialties, concentrate proportioning and mixing device, foam-water distribution piping, discharge devices, and controls. Shutoff valves must be supervised, indicating type. A fire pump may be required to provide higher water pressure.
The Section Text describes the foam-water system design criteria, the storage or proportioning tank, the proportioning/mixing device, the concentrate piping, and added requirements for discharge devices or sprinklers that are specified in Division 21 Section "Water-Based Fire-Suppression Systems." This equipment can be a part of wet-pipe, dry-pipe, preaction, or deluge foam-water system. The foam-water system can be designed to cover a particular hazard within a larger sprinkler system, or an existing sprinkler system could be retrofit to provide foam-water coverage for a new hazard. The foam-water distribution piping must be specified in Division 21 Section "Water-Based Fire-Suppression Systems."
NFPA 16 uses the term discharge device to describe closed or open sprinklers, nozzles, and monitors used in foam-water distribution systems. The Section Text follows this naming convention.
PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
This Section describes fixed, low-expansion, AFFF fire-extinguishing systems for flammable-liquid fires that are covered by NFPA 11, Low-Expansion Foam, and listed by both FM Global (FMG) and Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).
There are two types of AFFF. One type is for use on hydrocarbon liquids like gasoline and paint. The other type, alcohol-resistant-AFFF (AR-AFFF), is for use on hydrocarbons or polar solvents like alcohol and acetone that are miscible in water. AR-AFFF is popular because it can be used on either liquid.
Some manufacturers recommend using only brass or stainless-steel pipe for the AR-AFFF concentrate. Steel pipe can be used for the AFFF concentrate.
Because AFFF is a surfactant, it can leak through joints that water cannot; therefore, welded pipe is preferred and mechanical joints are not recommended by most manufacturers.
PRODUCT SELECTION AND APPLICATION CONSIDERATIONS
The equipment described in the Section Text is intended primarily for warehouses to protect the property from flammable-liquid spills, to quickly suppress the fire, and to limit damage to the building and its contents.
Closed-sprinkler, foam-water systems are designed to protect a widely distributed hazard that cannot be expected to occur in a specific area. Closed sprinklers must be automatic, non-air aspirating. Deluge foam-water systems with either air-aspirating or non-air-aspirating sprinklers are used to protect large amounts of hazardous materials that are stored in a specific area.
Closed-sprinkler systems can be wet-pipe, dry-pipe, or preaction systems. Dry-pipe systems are required where freezing conditions exist. Preaction systems are used where the threat of water standing in the piping is a concern.
Sprinklers listed and labeled for compliance with UL 199, for automatic sprinklers in fire-protection systems, are listed for specific foam-water concentrations according to UL 162.
Wet-piping systems are initially filled with water that is displaced by the foam-water mixture after a sprinkler fuses. The time delay caused by the displacement of water in the system with the foam-water solution is a concern. However, the foam-water solution cannot be allowed to sit in the piping for extended periods because the piping may deteriorate and loose its initial flow characteristics.
The following table summarizes the types of discharge devices that can be used in each system:
| DISCHARGE DEVICE
|
SYSTEM TYPE
|
HEAD ACTUATOR
|
AIR ASPIRATION
|
ALARM VALVE ACTUATOR (NOTE 1)
|
| Closed sprinkler
|
Wet pipe
|
Fusible link
|
Non
|
None
|
| Closed sprinkler
|
Dry pipe
|
Fusible link
|
Non
|
None
|
| Closed sprinkler
|
Preaction
|
Fusible link
|
Non
|
Smoke or heat detectors (Note 2)
|
| Open sprinkler
|
Deluge
|
None
|
Either
|
Smoke or heat detectors (Note 2)
|
Notes:
- NFPA 16 allows the use of piping materials identified in NFPA 13 for sprinkler systems. Therefore, the Section Text refers to Division 21 Section "Water-Based Fire-Suppression Systems" for all foam-water piping.
- Refer to Division 28 Section "Fire Detection and Alarm" to describe the type of detectors, spacing, and control sequence.
|
The Section Text provides minimum design criteria based on NFPA 16 as follows:
- Minimum 3% foam-water solution.
- Maximum of 100 sq. ft. (9.5 sq. m) per sprinkler, and maximum 12-foot (3.7-m) spacing.
- Minimum 0.16 gpm/sq. ft. (0.108 L/s per sq. m).
- Minimum 10-minute foam discharge time.
- Minimum 60-minute water supply.
- Minimum 5000-sq. ft. (476-sq. m) design area for closed-sprinkler systems. Open-sprinkler systems must discharge over the entire system area.
- Maximum sprinkler temperature rating of 250 to 300 deg F (121 to 149 deg C) at a roof or ceiling, and 135 to 170 deg F (57 to 77 deg C) for intermediate sprinklers.
All design criteria must be approved by authorities having jurisdiction, and may vary for specific components if used according to their listing.
If required, the Section Text may be edited to include other foam concentrates, concentration percentages, and expansion ratios appropriate for the anticipated fire.
TESTING AND INSPECTING
According to NFPA 16, the following is required:
- All piping must be thoroughly flushed.
- Water supply flow testing is required to establish the piping design parameters.
- All piping must be hydrostatically tested at a minimum of 200 or 50 psig (1380 or 345 kPa) above the minimum static pressure.
- Foam-water concentration must be tested within 30% of design concentration at maximum and minimum flow conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
Cleanup of discharged foam, flammable liquid, and products of combustion may be an environmental issue. Verify disposal requirements with authorities having jurisdiction. NFPA 16 requires the safe removal or retention of the largest anticipated flammable-liquid spill plus free water reaching the floor from the fixed, fire-protection system as well as the discharge from hose steams. AFFF and the other materials remaining after a fire should not be discharged into a storm sewer or directly into a waterway.
SEISMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Refer to NFPA 13's "Protection of Piping Against Damage Where Subject to Earthquakes" paragraphs for seismic protection.
Anchor tanks to building substrate when the installation is in an area that requires seismic restraint.
Refer to Division 21 Section "Vibration and Seismic Controls for Fire-Suppression Piping and Equipment" for seismic control of mechanical piping systems.
REFERENCED STANDARDS
Publication dates represent the editions on which the current Section Text is based. Standards are revised periodically, which may occur before this Section is updated again.
- ASME International
- ASME B16.1-98: Cast Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings
- ASME B16.3-98: Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings
- ASME B16.4-98: Gray Iron Threaded Fittings
- 2001 ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section VIII, "Pressure Vessels," Division 1; Section IX, "Welding and Brazing Qualifications"
- ASTM International
- ASTM A 53/A 53M-01: Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped, Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
- ASTM A 106-99: Specification for Seamless Carbon Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A 135-01: Specification for Electric-Resistance-Welded Steel Pipe
- ASTM A 182/A 182M-01a: Specification for Forged or Rolled Alloy-Steel Pipe Flanges, Forged Fittings, and Valves and Parts for High-Temperature Service
- ASTM A 213/A 213M-01a: Specification for Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler, Superheater, and Heat-Exchanger Tubes
- ASTM A 234/A 234M-02: Specification for Piping Fittings of Wrought Carbon Steel and Alloy Steel for Moderate and High Temperature Service
- ASTM A 249/A 249M-02: Specification for Welded Austenitic Steel Boiler, Superheater, Heat-Exchanger, and Condenser Tubes
- ASTM A 269-01: Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Tubing for General Service
- ASTM A 276-02: Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes
- ASTM A 312/A 312M-01a: Specification for Seamless and Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipes
- ASTM A 376/A 376M-02: Specification for Seamless Austenitic Steel Pipe for High-Temperature Central-Station Service
- ASTM A 403/A 403M-02: Specification for Wrought Austenitic Stainless Steel Piping Fittings
- ASTM A 479/A 479M-02: Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes for Use in Boilers and Other Pressure Vessels
- ASTM A 733-01: Specification for Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel and Austenitic Stainless Steel Pipe Nipples
- ASTM A 795-00: Specification for Black and Hot-Dipped Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded and Seamless Steel Pipe for Fire Protection Use
- ASTM A 865-97 (Reapproved 2002): Specification for Threaded Couplings, Steel, Black or Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Welded or Seamless, for Use in Steel Pipe Joints
- ASTM B 43-98: Specification for Seamless Red Brass Pipe, Standard Size
- ASTM B 584-00: Specification for Copper Alloy Sand Castings for General Applications
- FM Global
- Fire Protection Approval Guide. 2002.
- InterNational Electrical Testing Association
- NETA ATS-1999: Acceptance Testing Specifications: "Inspection and Test Procedures" and "System Function Tests"
- Manufacturers Standardization Society of The Valve and Fittings Industry Inc.
- MSS SP 114-01: Corrosion Resistant Pipe Fittings Threaded and Socket Welding, Class 150 and 1000
- National Fire Protection Association
- NFPA 11-98: Low-Expansion Foam
- NFPA 13-99: Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 16-99: Installation of Deluge Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems
- NFPA 70-02: National Electrical Code
- NFPA 72-99: National Fire Alarm Code
- Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
- UL 162-94: Foam Equipment and Liquid Concentrates
- UL 393-96: Indicating Pressure Gauges for Fire-Protection Service
- UL 753-95: Alarm Accessories for Automatic Water-Supply Control Valves for Fire Protection Service
- UL 1091-94: Butterfly Valves for Fire-Protection Service
- Fire Protection Equipment Directory. 2002.
REFERENCES
The following publications are useful in specifying foam fire extinguishing. Other references may be needed for design purposes.
- Association Publications
- American Society of Plumbing Engineers. ASPE Data Book. Chicago, IL: ASPE. (Ch. 7, "Fire Protection." 1997) (8614 W. Catalpa Ave., Suite 1007, Chicago, IL 60656).
- National Fire Protection Association. NFPA 409: Aircraft Hangars. Quincy, MA: NFPA, 2001.
- _____. Fire Protection Handbook. 18th ed. 1997. (Section 6, "Suppression," Ch. 22, "Foam Extinguishing Agents and Systems")
- Society of Fire Protection Engineers. SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineering. Quincy, MA: SFPE, June 1995. (Section 4, Ch. 5, "Foam System Calculations") (One Batterymarch Park, Boston, MA 02269-9101)
- Magazine Articles
- Darwin, Robert L., et al. "Foam and the Environment: A Delicate Balance." NFPA Journal May/June 1995: 76+.
- Matlick, Leonard, P.E. "Hangar Fire Protection Using Aqueous Foam." Plumbing Engineer July 1996: 33+.
- Sealine, David A., CIPE. "Place Equipment to Allow Servicing." Plumbing Engineer June 1992: 14+.
- Workman, Martin. "Synthetic AFFF Concentrates (Extinguishing Agents)." PM Engineer August 2000.
- Books
- Bryan, Dr. John L., ed. Fire Protection Structure and Systems Design. 2nd ed. Lexington, MA: Ginn Press, 1985. (Unit 15, "Specialized Suppression Systems," Section 3, "Foam Systems")
- Coon, J. Walter, P.E. Fire Protection: Design Criteria, Options, Selection. Kingston, MA: R. S. Means, 1991. (Ch. 3, "Water Agent Suppression Systems")
LISTED MANUFACTURERS
The list of manufacturers is neither a recommendation for the companies nor an endorsement of their products. Verify manufacturers' capability to comply with indicated requirements each time the Section Text is edited.
Ansul Incorporated
Marinette, WI
(800) TO-ANSUL; (715) 735-7411
www.ansul.com
Chemguard Inc.
Mansfield, TX
(800) 222-3710; (817) 473-9964
www.chemguard.com
National Foam, Inc.
Division of Kidde Fire Fighting
Exton, PA
(610) 363-1400
www.kidde-fire.com
Viking Corporation (The)
Hastings, MI
(800) 968-9501; (616) 945-9501
www.vikingcorp.com
* * * * *