Vahutõrjesüsteemide

Vahutõrjesüsteemid are fire suppression systems that utilize foam as their extinguishing agent. These systems are particularly effective against Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids and gases such as gasoline, oil, and solvents. The foam works by creating a blanket over the burning surface, separating the fuel from the oxygen and cooling the fuel below its ignition temperature.

There are several types of foam used in these systems, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), alcohol-resistant aqueous film-forming foam (AR-AFFF), and synthetic foams. AFFF is commonly used for hydrocarbon fires, while AR-AFFF is designed to suppress fires involving polar solvents that can break down regular AFFF. Synthetic foams offer various properties depending on the specific application.

Vahutõrjesüsteemid are typically deployed in areas where flammable liquids are stored or handled, such as aircraft hangars, fuel storage facilities, chemical plants, and industrial manufacturing sites. The systems can be fixed or portable. Fixed systems involve a network of pipes, nozzles, and a foam concentrate proportioning system that delivers foam to the protected area automatically or manually. Portable systems include foam extinguishers and mobile foam units that can be deployed quickly to combat fires.

The design and installation of vahutõrjesüsteemid are subject to stringent regulations and standards to ensure their effectiveness and reliability. Regular maintenance and testing are crucial to guarantee that the system will function correctly when needed. Environmental considerations are also important, as some older foam formulations contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which have raised environmental and health concerns. Modern foam agents are increasingly developed to be more environmentally friendly.