Vaahtojärjestelmät

Vaahtojärjestelmät, known in English as foam systems, are fire suppression systems that utilize foam as their extinguishing agent. These systems are particularly effective against Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. Foam works by creating a blanket over the burning fuel, separating the fuel from the oxygen and cooling the surface. This physical barrier prevents the re-ignition of vapors.

There are several types of foam systems, including low-expansion, medium-expansion, and high-expansion foam. Low-expansion foam, with an expansion ratio of up to 20:1, is ideal for liquid pool fires and offers good heat resistance. Medium-expansion foam, with an expansion ratio between 20:1 and 200:1, is suitable for enclosed spaces and larger spill fires. High-expansion foam, expanding from 200:1 to over 1000:1, is used to fill large volumes such as warehouses or aircraft hangars, rapidly suppressing fires by displacing oxygen and cooling.

The components of a foam system typically include a foam concentrate, a proportioner to mix the concentrate with water, a storage tank for the concentrate, and discharge devices such as nozzles or foam pourers. These systems are often found in industries where flammable liquids pose a significant risk, such as petroleum refineries, chemical plants, airports, and marine vessels. The selection of the appropriate foam concentrate and system design depends on the specific hazards and the type of fire expected. Regular testing and maintenance are crucial to ensure the reliable operation of foam systems.