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March, 11 2025

How to select the foam system for Generator room

Designing a foam fire suppression system for a generator room involves several steps to ensure effective fire protection. Generator rooms are typically classified as high-hazard areas due to the presence of flammable liquids (e.g., diesel fuel) and electrical equipment. Below is a step-by-step guide to designing a foam fire suppression system for a generator room, along with key considerations.

Step-by-Step Foam System Design

1. Assess the Hazard

  • Hazard Classification: Generator rooms are usually classified as Class B hazards (flammable liquids) and may also involve Class C hazards (energized electrical equipment).

  • Fire Risks: The primary fire risks include diesel fuel spills, electrical faults, and overheating equipment.

2. Determine the Design Criteria

  • Foam Type: Use Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) or Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF) for flammable liquids.

  • Design Density: Typically, a design density of 6.5 L/min/m² is used for flammable liquid fires.

  • Area of Application: Calculate the area of the generator room to determine the required foam solution volume.

  • Discharge Time: The foam system should discharge for a minimum of 10 minutes for flammable liquid fires.

3. Calculate the Foam Solution Requirements

  • Foam Solution Flow Rate:

    Q=A×DQ=A×D

    Where:

    • QQ = Foam solution flow rate (L/min)

    • AA = Area of the generator room (m²)

    • DD = Design density (L/min/m²)

  • Foam Concentrate Quantity:

    C=Q×T×Cp100C=Q×T×100Cp​​

    Where:

    • CC = Foam concentrate quantity (L)

    • TT = Discharge time (minutes)

    • CpCp​ = Foam concentrate percentage (typically 3% for AFFF)

4. Select the Foam System Type

  • Fixed Foam System: Installed permanently in the generator room.

    • Sprinkler System: Uses foam sprinklers to discharge foam over the entire area.

    • Foam Chambers: Used for local application (e.g., fuel tanks).

  • Portable Foam System: Includes foam monitors or hose reels for manual application.

5. Design the Foam Delivery System

  • Foam Concentrate Storage: Store the foam concentrate in a dedicated tank or container.

  • Proportioning System: Use a balanced pressure proportioning system or an inline eductor to mix foam concentrate with water.

  • Piping and Nozzles: Design the piping network to ensure even foam distribution. Use foam sprinklers or nozzles suitable for the hazard.

6. Integration with Fire Detection and Alarm System

  • Install smoke detectors, heat detectors, or flame detectors to automatically activate the foam system in case of fire.

  • Ensure the system is integrated with the building’s fire alarm system for timely notification.

7. Compliance with Standards

  • Ensure the design complies with relevant standards, such as:

    • NFPA 11: Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam.

    • NFPA 20: Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.

    • UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice: Local regulations for fire protection systems.

Example Calculation

Generator Room Specifications

  • Room Area: 100 m²

  • Design Density: 6.5 L/min/m²

  • Discharge Time: 10 minutes

  • Foam Concentrate Percentage: 3% (AFFF)

Foam Solution Flow Rate

Q=100 m²×6.5 L/min/m²=650 L/minQ=100m²×6.5L/min/m²=650L/min

Foam Concentrate Quantity

C=650 L/min×10 minutes×3100=195 LC=650L/min×10minutes×1003​=195L

Foam System Components

  1. Foam Concentrate Tank:

    • Capacity: 200 L (to accommodate 195 L of foam concentrate).

  2. Proportioning System:

    • Balanced pressure proportioner or inline eductor.

  3. Foam Sprinklers/Nozzles:

    • Number of sprinklers: Based on coverage area (e.g., 10 sprinklers covering 10 m² each).

  4. Piping Network:

    • Designed to deliver foam solution at the required flow rate and pressure.

  5. Fire Pump:

    • Ensure the pump can deliver the required flow rate (650 L/min) and pressure.

  6. Detection and Control Panel:

    • Automatic fire detection and system activation.

Installation and Maintenance

  1. Installation:

    • Install the foam system as per the manufacturer’s guidelines and local fire codes.

    • Conduct a hydraulic calculation to ensure proper pipe sizing and pressure.

  2. Testing and Commissioning:

    • Perform a foam discharge test to verify system performance.

    • Ensure all components are functioning correctly.

  3. Maintenance:

    • Regularly inspect and maintain the foam system.

    • Test the foam concentrate annually to ensure it has not degraded.

Summary

A foam fire suppression system for a generator room should be designed to:

  • Address Class B and Class C fire hazards.

  • Provide adequate foam solution flow rate and discharge time.

  • Comply with NFPA standards and local fire codes.

  • Include automatic detection and activation for rapid response.

 

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