PETROLEUM STORAGE TANK FIRE PROTECTION

SECTION INDEX
Foam Application Method: Fixed Surface Systems (Design Reference NFPA 11) ..................................... K2
Fixed, Full Surface Foam Application ..............................................................................................................................K3-K5
Foam Chambers..........................................................................................................................................................................K6-K8
Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area - Foam/Water Monitors.........................................................K9
Foam Application Method: Seal Area Protection (Design Reference NFPA 11)...............................K10-K12
Standard LW Foam Makers - Typical Installations .......................................................................................................K13
Spectrum LW9/WSDB, Foam Maker with Wind Shield/Discharge Board ........................................................ K14
Standard LW Foam Makers ........................................................................................................................................................K15
Foam Application Method: Subsurface Foam Injection - (Design Reference NFPA 11) .................K16-K23
Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area - Foam/Water Monitors.......................................................K24
High Back Pressure Foam Makers / Medium Flow - Brass ...................................................................................... K25
High Back Pressure Foam Makers / High Flow - Aluminum .................................................................................... K26
High Back Pressure Foam Makers / Self Educting........................................................................................................ K27

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Foam Application Method: Fixed Surface Systems

(Design Reference NFPA 11)

General:

Fixed Surface Application Systems provide a potentially effective method of foam fire protection for vertical, atmospheric
cone roof, internal floating roof, or open floating roof storage tanks containing hydrocarbon or alcohol (water miscible) liquids.
For this application, discharge outlets are commonly referred to as NFPA 11, Type II foam Chambers. Foam Chambers can
be sized and installed to provide either full surface fire protection, or seal protection only, when installed on floating roof tanks
with foam dams.
In general, ThunderStorm solution is proportioned and delivered into the system inlet piping which supplies one or more
topside-mounted foam chambers. Upon entering the foam chamber, foam solution is then: introduced at the designed application rate through a calculated orifice and frangible vapor seal; aerated and expanded a nominal 8:1 with air; directed into the tank
through a flanged penetration; deflected down the interior tank shell where it reaches the fuel surface; and (ultimately) delivered
across the burning liquid surface to extinguish the fire.

FUEL STORAGE TANKS- Basic Configurations

Cone Roof Tank

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Covered Floating
Roof Tank

K2

Open Floating
Roof Tank

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High Volume Foam Monitors

Design Considerations
Minimum Application Densities
To use the chart, first look up the liquids flash
point and its water solubility. Determine their point
of intersection and zone on the chart. Then refer to
the data below to determine the minimum application density. Examples of common flammable liquids are listed in each category. Flash point and solubility data on additional flammable liquids can be
found in the NFPA Hazardous Materials Handbook
and in other similar sources.

Type of Fuel

Foam

Minimum Application
Density, gpm/ft2

Combustible Liquids
(flash point <100 F)

F-601A ATC @ 1%

0.16

Flammable Liquids
(flash point >100 F)

F-601A ATC @ 1%

0.16

Crude Petroleum

F-601A ATC @ 1%

0.16

Gasohol

F-601A ATC @ 1%

0.16

Category B

F-601A ATC @ 3%

.13

Category C

F-601A ATC @ 3%

*.13

Category D

F-601A ATC @ 3%

*.13

Hydrocarbons - Category A

Water Miscibles - Category B,C,D

(Alcohols)

* Contact Williams Fire & Hazard Control, Inc for recommendations regarding application densities for specific
fuels Telephone 409-727-2347

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Fixed, Full Surface Foam Application
Design Considerations
Minimum Application Rates

To determine the minimum application rate, use the following calculations (where tank diameter = D).

Minimum Application Rate =

(D x D) x 0.785 X Min. Application Density

When Application Density is 0.1 Gpm per Sq. Ft:
(D x D) x 0.785 X 0.1
Example for an 80 Diameter Crude Oil tank:

80 x 80 x 0.785 x 0.1 = 503 gpm minimum application rate.

When Application Density is 0.16 Gpm per Sq. Ft.:
(D x D) x 0.785 X 0.16
Example for an 80 Diameter Ethanol tank:

80 x 80 x 0.785 x 0.16= 804 gpm minimum application rate.

Minimum Foam Application Durations.

Combustible liquids (flash point > 100 degree F.)Flammable liquids (flash point < 100 degrees F.)Crude oilsAlcohols-

30 minutes
55 minutes
55 minutes
55 minutes

NFPA 11 Recommendation for Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area (Hose Streams)*.
Note:
NFPA 11 recommends the following minimum rates for supplementary foam hose streams to protect the diked area
from small spills or fires. Minimum flow rates are based on 50 gpm per handline.

Number of Hose Streams

Diameter of
Largest Tank
up to 65
65 to 120
over 120

Minimum No. of
Hose Streams
1
2
3

Hose Stream Operating Times

Simultaneous operation of required minimum
number of hose streams discharging
at a rate of 50 gpm.

Diameter of
Largest tank

Minimum Operating
Time

up to 35
35 to 95
over 95

10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes

* Refer to Page K9 for Williams recommendations regarding Dike Protection.

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Fixed, Full Surface Foam Application

Design Considerations
Minimum Foam Concentration Inventories
Calculation for minimum foam inventory:
r2 x Application Rate x % of Proportioning x Application Duration +
Supplemental Dike Protection (As per NFPA 11)
Example for an 80 Diameter Tank in Crude Oil Service:
(Foam Concentrate Inventory is ThunderStorm ATC 1 x 3 AR/AFFF @ 1%)
40 x 40 x 3.14 x 0.1 x 0.01 x 55 + 60 =
Add for 100% Reserve Inventory (if required) +

889 gallons
889 gallons

Total Minimum Foam Inventory

1,778 gallons

Example for a 120 diameter Tank in Ethanol Service:

(Foam Concentrate Inventory is ThunderStorm ATC 1 x 3 AR/AFFF @ 3%)
60 x 60 x 3.14 x 0.16 x 0.03 x 55 + 135 =
Add for 100% Reserve Inventory (if required) +

6,104 gallons
6,104 gallons

Total Minimum Foam Inventory

12,208 gallons

Discharge Outlets (Foam Chambers)

Minimum number of topside foam discharge outlets (chambers for full surface application is listed below). Where two
or more outlets are used the foam chambers should be spaced equally around the tank and each should be designed to deliver
foam at approximately the same discharge rate. Foam chambers should be installed at the top of the tank shell, located above
the products highest level. Each chamber should be secured to the tank shell in a way that minimizes the possibility of damage, in the event that the tanks roof is displaced by a vapor-air explosion. Each chamber should be equipped with a low
pressure frangible vapor seal, as well as a suitable means for inspection.

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Tank Diameter

Minimum No. of
Discharge Outlets

up to 80

> 80-120

> 120-140

> 140-160

> 160-180

> 180-200

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Product:
Foam Chambers
Description:

Spectrum Foam Chambers are discharge outlets defined by NFPA 11 as Type II

top-side application devices. They are designed to meter foam flow, then gently expand
and deliver foam directly onto the surface of a flammable or combustible liquid. Foam
chambers are installed on the vertical wall of fuel storage tanks, above the products
highest liquid level. Flow rates are sized for full surface application, or for protection
of the annular seal area (only) of open floating roof tanks. Foam solution supply piping to the chamber can either be connected to a fixed foam storage and proportioning
system, or tied into a dry pipe, semi-fixed system which receives foam solution from
a mobile foam apparatus.
In operation, foam solution passes through an orifice plate which is sized to deliver
the required flow rate at a specific inlet pressure. The metered flow of foam solution is
then introduced into the foam maker, where it is aerated. The foam chamber inlet piping is fitted with a frangible vapor seal, which is designed to rupture at a predetermined
pressure. The aerated foam solution enters the foam expansion chamber body, where additional expansion occurs, and the
velocity of the foam is reduced. As the foam leaves the chamber body, it passes through the tank shell, and then impacts a
foam deflector, which directs the foam down the tank wall and ultimately onto the fuel surface.
The foam chamber is accessible for inspection and service through a removable inspection hatch which is located on top
of the chamber body. Foam deflectors are available in either solid, split, or shallow configurations. Solid style deflectors
allow for installation when the shell is accessible from both inside and outside the tank (new tank installations). Split-style
deflectors allow for installation when the shell is only accessible from outside the tank (existing tank installations). Standard
finish, primed, with red epoxy exterior coating.

Model

Nominal Flow
@ 100 psi

Inlet Flange

Discharge Flange

LW-9

40-150 gpm

2.5

LW-17

100-280 gpm

LW-30

190-600 gpm

LW-55

400-1000 gpm

10

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Foam Chamber Exploded View

Materials of Construction

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Body, Maker & Flanges

Carbon Steel

Retainer Hatch

Stainless Steel & Brass

Orifice Plate

Stainless Steel

Retainer, Vapor Seal

Brass

Gaskets

Buna-N

K7

LW-9

7.5

.75

4.75

LW-17

9.5

.875

6.625

LW-30

11.75

.875

8.75

LW-55

14.25

10.75

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Foam Chamber Schematic and Data

Foam Chamber Dimensional Data

MODEL

WEIGHT

LW-9

28.1875

8.125

9.8125

2.5

2.75

12

80 LBS.

LW-17

32.25

9.125

10.625

4.125

9.5

12

18

10

130 LBS.

LW-30

34.25

10.875

10.6875

10

5.5

11

16

24

12

200 LBS.

LW-55

42

12

13

12

6.5

12

20

30

16

350 LBS.

Required Ordering Information

Foam Chamber Model No. can be determined by providing the following:
1. Product in tank
2. Tank configuration
3. Tank diameter
4. Full surface or seal protection
5. Height of Foam Dam (Seal protection)

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Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area - Foam/Water Monitors

ThunderStorm
AFFF/ATC

Foam/Water Monitors provide the following advantages over (as well as exceed) the recommendations of NFPA 11 for (50 gpm) supplemental hoselines.
Versatility

Firewater monitors are usually installed, or otherwise made available for exposure protection, as well as tank cooling in
and around the tank farm. When employed for water application, they can also serve a dual purpose and be used for applying
foam for vapor suppression and/or spill fire protection. Firewater monitors are easily converted to this dual foam/water
application through the use of a separate/dedicated foam reservoir and a Hydro-Foam Nozzle installed on each monitor. As
opposed to a central foam system, which charges a common line with foam solution, this configuration provides the versatility
of allowing operators to selectively use each monitor for either foam or water.

Fire Fighting Capability

Hydrocarbon spill fires require a minimum nominal foam application density of 0.1 gpm per sq. ft. Therefore, a 50 gpm
handline has the capability of controlling and suppressing approximately 500 sq. ft. of flame surface area. Scaled up, a 500
(750, 1,000) gpm foam water monitor has the capability of controlling and suppressing 10 (15, 20) times the flame surface
area versus that of a 50 gpm handline nozzle.

Operator Safety

Monitors flowing between 500 gpm and 1,000 gpm have an effective range which is about 3-4 times farther than that of
a 50 gpm handline. This greater projection of foam or water translates proportionally into more safety for the operator. In
addition, when the monitor nozzle is adjusted to the full fog position the higher volume of foam or water provides proportionally more cooling for the operator. Also, (as opposed to handlines) monitors can be set up and adjusted - then temporarily
left unattended, if necessary.

Foam/Water Management

Individual/dedicated foam reservoirs at each monitor eliminate the possibility of depleting a central foam storage tank, in
the event a single foam monitor is opened and then left unattended.

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Foam Application Method: Seal Area Protection
(Design Reference NFPA 11)
General:

Annular Seal Area Protection of Open Top Floating Roof Tanks. Top of Seal method with
foam dam, utilizing fixed discharge outlets (foam chambers).

Design Criteria - Foam Dams:

Foam dams should be designed and constructed so that the expanded foam is retained between the dam and the tank shell,
in sufficient quantities to adequately cover the seal area. Minimum recommended height of the foam dam is 12 , and should
extend upward to a minimum of 2 above the secondary seal. Spacing between the foam dam and the tank shell should be a
minimum of 12 and a maximum of 24. The foam dam bottom should be slotted to allow drainage of rain water. However,
the slots should also be designed and sized to prevent excessive loss of foam. Maximum recommended height of the slots is
.375. Slots should be sized on the basis of 0.4 sq. inches of slot area per sq. ft. of dam area.

Maximum Spacing of Foam Chambers

Foam Chambers (Makers) are to be equally spaced around the tank per the following criteria:
Tanks with Foam Dams < 24 High Tanks with Foam Dams 24 high or Greater-

Maximum spacing is every 40 linear ft.

Maximum spacing is every 80 linear ft.

Minimum Number of Foam Chambers

Calculation for Minimum Number of Foam Chambers (Makers)
Tank Circumference ( x D) / Maximum Spacing Between Devices
Example Calculation for an 120 Diameter Tank with 24 High Foam Dams:
Tank Circumference Calculation
Tank Circumference =
Minimum Spacing of Discharge Devices =
Minimum Number of Discharge Devices =
Therefore Actual Number of Discharge Devices =

PRODUCT INFORMATION
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(3.1416 x 120)
377
Every 80 ft.
377/80 or 4.713
5

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Foam Application Method: Seal Area Protection
(Design Reference NFPA 11)
Area of Zone - Calculation of Seal Area
Example Calculation for a 120 Diameter Tank:
(60 x 60) x 3.14 =
(58 x 58) x 3.14 =

11,304 sq. ft.

10,563 sq. ft.

11,304 - 10,563 =

741 sq. ft. , Area of Zone

Minimum Application Density of Foam Solution is 0.3 gpm per Sq. Ft.
Minimum Application Rate (gpm) -

Calculation for Minimum Application Rate =

Area of Zone x Minimum Application Density
Example Calculation for a 120 Diameter Tank:
Area of Zone
Minimum Application Density
Minimum Application Rate Calculation
Minimum Application Rate

= 741 Sq. Ft.

= 0.3 Gpm per Sq. Ft.
= 741 x 0.3
= 223 Gpm

Minimum Application Rate per Foam Chamber (Maker)

Calculation for Minimum Application Rate per Chamber =

Minimum Application Rate / Minimum No. of Foam Chambers

Example Calculation for an 120 Diameter Tank:
Minimum Application Rate = 223 gpm
Minimum No. of Foam Chambers (Makers)
Minimum Application Rate Per Foam Chamber

=5
= 223/5 = 44.6 Gpm

Minimum Foam system Application Duration is 20 Minutes

Minimum Foam Application into the Seal area is 20 minutes.

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Foam Application Method: Seal Area Protection
(Design Reference NFPA 11)
NFPA Minimum recommendations for Supplementary Foam Application in
Diked Area - (Hose Streams)*
NFPA 11 recommends the following minimums for supplementary foam hose streams to protect the diked area from small
spills or fires. Minimum flow rates are based on 50 gpm per handline.

Hose Stream Operating Times

Number of Hose Streams

Diameter of
Largest Tank

Minimum Operating
Time up to

Diameter of
Largest Tank

Minimum No. of
Hose Streams

35

10 minutes

up to 65

35 to 95

20 minutes

65 to 120

over 95

30 minutes

over 120

Simultaneous operation of the required minimum

number of hose streams discharging at a rate of 50 gpm.

* Refer to page K9 for Williams recommendations regarding Dike Protection.

Minimum Foam Concentrate Inventories

Calculation for Minimum Foam Inventory is (where tank diameter = D):
Minimum Foam Inventories =
(Seal Area) x (Application Density) x (% Proportioning) x (Application
Duration) + (Supplemental Dike Protection)

Example Calculation for a 120 Diameter Tank in Gasoline Service:

(Foam Concentrate is 3% AFFF)
Seal Area =
741 Sq. ft.
Application Density =
0.3 Gpm per Sq. Ft.
Proportioning =
3%
Application Duration =
20 minutes
Supplemental Protection = Two Handlines @ 50 gpm for 30 minutes
741 x 0.3 x 0.03 x 20 =
(50 +50) x 0.3 x 0.03 x 30 =
Minimum Foam Concentrate Inventory =
Add for 100% Reserve inventory (if required) +
Total Minimum Foam Inventory

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134 gallons - Seal Protection (Foam Chambers) +

90 gallons - Supplemental Protection
224 gallons
224 gallons
448 gallons

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Standard LW Foam Makers - Typical Installations

Foam Maker Details

Typical Storage Tank Protection

Typical Tank Dike Protection

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Product:
Spectrum LW9/WSDB, Foam Maker
with Wind Shield/Discharge Board
Description:

The Spectrum LW9/WSDB Foam Makers are integrated systems providing NFPA 11 Type II foam application to the seal area of open floating roof tanks. It is
designed to allow for installation without taking the tank
out of service. They are designed to meter foam flow,
then gently expand and deliver foam directly onto the
seal area surface of flammable or combustible liquids. Foam solution
supply piping to the system can either be connected to a fixed foam
storage and proportioning system, or tied into a dry pipe, semi-fixed
piping network, which receives and delivers foam solution from a
mobile fire apparatus.
In operation, foam solution passes through an orifice plate which
is sized to deliver the required flow rate at a specific inlet pressure.
The metered flow of foam solution enters the interior of the discharge
board, where additional aeration occurs as it impacts the deflector
plates and passes through a wired mesh discharge opening.
The entire unit can be installed to the top of the storage tank shell
without the need for welding, or any hot work by utilizing heavy duty galvanized mounting clamps secured with stainless
steel machine bolts and jam nuts. Constructed of galvanized carbon steel, with 304 stainless steel mesh screen and trim.

LW9/WSDB
Operating Inlet Pressures

75 - 125 psi

Min/Max Flows

25 - 100 gpm

K-Factor

2.5 - 10.0

Material of Construction

Piping & Body - Galvanized Carbon Steel

Wire Mesh Screen & Deflector Trim - Stainless Steel

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Product:
Standard LW Foam Makers
Description:

Foam Makers are used to aerate foam solution in-line prior to

application into the hazard area. They are ideal for dike or rim seal
fire protection where low velocity foam streams are desired. In general,
standard foam makers should be installed within 10 ft. of foam application points. Nominal foam expansion is from 5:1 to 8, depending on
the type of foam as well as the size and configuration of the discharge
piping and nozzle. Foam Makers are available in two basic configurations - threaded and flanged. Flanged Foam Makers are available with
optional vapor seals.

Threaded Foam Maker

Flanged Foam Maker

Model

Nominal flow
@ 100 psi

A-Length

LW 15D

10 to 40 gpm

16

LW 25D

40 to 140 gpm

20

LW-9D

30-150 gpm

24

LW-17D

100-280 gpm

LW-30D

175-600 gpm

Inlet

Discharge

Recommended Size,
Foam Delivery Pipe

1.5 NPT (F)

1.25 NPT(M)

2.5 NPT (F)

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5 Flanged

2.5 Flanged

30

3 Flanged

3 Flanged

36

4 Flanged

4 Flanged

THREADED

FLANGED

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Foam Application Method: Subsurface Foam Injection

(Design Reference NFPA 11)

General -

Subsurface injection is a potentially effective method of providing fixed (or semi-fixed) foam fire protection for vertical,
atmospheric cone roof storage tanks containing hydrocarbon liquids. In general, ThunderStorm ATC solution is expanded
a nominal 4:1 with air and injected into the tank at its base through a High Back Pressure Foam Maker. The expanded foam is
delivered to the tanks base by directing its flow either through an existing product line or through dedicated foam distribution
piping. In either case, the injection point(s) must be located above any potential water layer at the bottom of the tank.

Advantages of Subsurface Injection

Efficiency:
Expanded foam solution is delivered to the burning fuel surface with minimum exposure to heat and flame.
Survivability:
Piping and equipment is located at the tanks base, in an area not as subject to damage from convected/conducted
heat, vapor-air explosion and/or detonation.
Product Surface Cooling:
Percolating foam bubbles rise to the hydrocarbon surface from the injection point(s) at the tanks base. This process tends to cycle cooler product to the surface which can assist in reducing heat and flame intensity.
Installation Versatility:
Certain subsurface systems can be installed using procedures that do not require taking the tank out of service.

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Subsurface Foam Injection
Design Considerations
Limitations:
Subsurface injection should not be used on:
Floating Roof Tanks (as the primary system).
Tanks containing water miscible (alcohol) type flammable/combustible fuels.
Tanks containing Class 1A hydrocarbon flammable liquids
(i.e. those with a flash point < 73 F., and a boiling point < 80 F.)

Minimum Application Density/Rate:

The minimum foam solution application density for subsurface injection is 0.1 gpm per sq. ft. To determine the minimum
application rate, use the following calculation (where tank diameter = D).
Minimum Application Rate =
(D x D) x 0.785 X 0.1

Minimum Application Durations:

Combustible Liquids (flash point > 100 F.) Flammable Liquids (flash point < 100 F.) Crude Oils 55 minutes

30 minutes
55 minutes

NFPA 11 Recommendation for Supplementary Foam application in Diked Area - (Hose Streams) *.
NFPA11 recommends the following minimum rates for supplementary foam hose streams to protect the diked area from
small spills or fires. Minimum flow rates are based on 50 gpm per handline.

Hose Stream Operating Times

Number of Hose Streams

Diameter of
Largest Tank

Minimum No. of
Hose Streams

up to 65
65 to 120
over 120

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1
2
3

Simultaneous operation of the required minimum

number of hose streams discharging at a rate of 50 gpm.

Diameter of Largest Tank

Minimum Operating Time

up to 35
35 to 95
over 95

10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes

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Subsurface Foam Injection
Design Considerations
Minimum Foam Concentration Inventories

Calculation for minimum 3% foam inventory is (where D = tank diameter):

(D x D) x .785 X 0.1 x 0.3 x (Application Duration) + Supplemental Dike Protection
Example for an 80 Diameter Tank in Crude Oil Service:
(Foam Inventory is 3% ThunderStorm ATC )
80 x 80 x 0.785 x 0.1 x 0.03 x 55 + 60 =
Add for 100% Reserve Inventory (if required) +
Total Minimum Foam Inventory

889 gallons
889 gallons
1,778 gallons

Expanded Foam Rates & Velocities

Maximum (expanded foam inlet velocities should not exceed 10
ft. per second (fps) for flammable liquids and 20 fps for combustible
liquids. To determine the expanded foam rate, use the minimum application rate (established previously) and multiply by four (4), which is
the maximum anticipated foam expansion (4:1) through the high back
pressure foam maker. Refer to the adjacent chart to determine minimum
(schedule 40) pipe sizes.

Maximum Allowable Back Pressure

a) Maximum Allowable Back Pressure = 40% of Inlet Pressure.
When using Spectrum High Back Pressure Foam Makers, the total allowable system back pressure should not exceed
40% of foam solution inlet pressure or:
Maximum Allowable Back Pressure = Inlet Pressure x 0.4
Spectrum High Back Pressure Foam Makers are rated 150 psi (standard inlet pressure).
Therefore:
Maximum Allowable Back Pressure = 150 x 0.4
Maximum Allowable Back Pressure = 60 psi

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Subsurface Foam Injection
Design Considerations
Maximum Allowable Back Pressure (contd.)
The maximum allowable back pressure increases (decreases) proportionally with the inlet pressure into the foam maker.
K Factors are provided in this catalog for each Spectrum High Back Pressure Foam Maker, or refer to the following formula
for determining the adjusted flow through the Foam Maker for pressures other than 150 PSI:
Example, HPB Foam Maker # HBFM - 250B @ 150 psi:
Standard Flow Rate = 250 gpm @ 150 psi.
K factor* = 20.4
Adjusted Inlet Pressure = 160 psi.
Flow = K x *P
Flow = 20.4 x * 160
Flow = 20.4 x 12.65
Flow = 258 gpm

*K Factor Calculation
K=
K=
K=
K=

Flow/ P*
250 / 150*
250/12.25 =
20.4

b) Maximum Allowable Back Pressure < 40 % of (Maximum Friction Loss + Static Head Pressure of Stored Material)
To determine static head by using the adjacent chart, first locate the highest possible level of the product in the storage
tank, then locate the line representing the specific gravity of the stored product.

Specific Gravity
A = 1.00 (Water)
B = 0.90 (Oils)
C = 0.84 (Fuel Oil)
D = 0.72 (Gasoline)
E = 0.68 (Heptane)

Back Pressure Calculation

Maximum Allowable Back Pressure < 40% of Inlet Pressure
Back Pressure (PSIG) < X + Static Head / 2.3
Maximum Allowable Back Pressure < 40% of Inlet Pressure

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Subsurface Foam Injection
Design Considerations
Determining Expanded Foam Friction Loss in Pipe
Subtract the static head pressure (derived from chart in section B) from maximum allowable back pressure for the higher
back pressure foam maker. The remaining figure is the maximum allowable friction loss in pipe. Calculate the length of
total delivery pipe needed and establish a pipe size so that pressure drop in the system does not exceed the maximum allowable friction loss. Assume a 4:1 foam expansion rate for calculation purposes (flow rate x 4).

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Storage Tank Protection

Subsurface Foam Injection
Design Considerations
Number of Discharge Outlets

Minimum number of subsurface foam discharge outlets are listed in the adjacent table

Tank Diameter

Flash Point <100

Flash Point >100

up to 80
80 - 120
120 - 140
140 - 160
160 - 180
180 - 200
over 200

1
2
3
4
5
6
One outlet for each
additional 500 [Link].

1
1
2
2
2
3
One outlet for each
additional 7500 sq. ft.

Configuration of Discharge Outlets

Where two or more outlets are required, they should be located so that the horizontal foam travel on the fuel surface
does not exceed approximately 80 ft. Each outlet should be sized to deliver foam at approximately the same flow rate. Foam
outlet(s) can either be connected directly to the tank shell, or can be supplied through a pipe manifold within the tank from a
single shell connection.

Typical Configurations
Pipe Manifold Configuration

Tank Shell Configuration

2 Outlets

3 Outlets

4 Outlets

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Subsurface Foam Injection - Schematics

Typical Flow Diagrams
Dedicated Line - Foam Injection

Product Line Foam Injection

Single Inlet - Dual Outlet Manifold

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Subsurface Foam Injection Recommended Foam Piping Inlet Configurations

STRAIGHT IN

HORIZONTAL ELL

HORIZONTAL TEE

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Storage Tank Protection

Supplementary Foam Application in Diked Area - Foam/Water Monitors

ThunderStorm
AFFF/ATC

Foam/Water Monitors provide the following advantages over (as well as exceed) the recommendations of NFPA 11 for (50 gpm) supplemental hoselines.
Versatility
Firewater monitors are usually installed, or otherwise made available for exposure protection, as well as tank cooling in
and around the tank farm. When employed for water application, they can also serve a dual purpose and be used for applying
foam for vapor suppression and/or spill fire protection. Firewater monitors are easily converted to this dual foam/water
application through the use of a separate/dedicated foam reservoir and a Hydro-Foam Nozzle installed on each monitor. As
opposed to a central foam system, which charges a common line with foam solution, this configuration provides the versatility
of allowing operators to selectively use each monitor for either foam or water.

Fire Fighting Capability

Hydrocarbon spill fires require a minimum nominal foam application density of 0.1 gpm per sq. ft. Therefore, a 50 gpm
handline has the capability of controlling and suppressing approximately 500 sq. ft. of flame surface area. Scaled up, a 500
(750, 1,000) gpm foam water monitor has the capability of controlling and suppressing 10 (15, 20) times the flame surface
area versus that of a 50 gpm handline nozzle.

Operator Safety
Monitors flowing between 500 gpm and 1,000 gpm have an effective range which is about 3-4 times farther than that of
a 50 gpm handline. This greater projection of foam or water translates proportionally into more safety for the operator. In
addition, when the monitor nozzle is adjusted to the full fog position the higher volume of foam or water provides proportionally more cooling for the operator. Also, (as opposed to handlines) monitors can be set up and adjusted - then temporarily
left unattended, if necessary.

Foam/Water Management
Individual/dedicated foam reservoirs at each monitor eliminate the possibility of depleting a central foam storage tank, in
the event a single foam monitor is opened and then left unattended.

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Foam Makers
Product:
High Back Pressure Foam Makers
Medium Flow - Brass
Description:

High Back Pressure Foam Makers are used for in-line foam
expansion and delivery into foam fire protection distribution systems that
are subjected to discharge head pressure. They are typically designed
for subsurface foam injection into flammable (combustible) hydrocarbon fuels, stored in vertical cone roof atmospheric tanks. In subsurface
applications, expanded foam is injected directly into the fuel, then gently
rises to form a foam blanket at the fuel surface. Maximum allowable
back pressure for the HBFM series High Back Pressure Foam Makers is
40% of foam solution inlet pressure. Flow rates are available from 100
gpm to 300 gpm @ 150 psi inlet pressure. Nominal foam expansion is
4:1. SAE 40, cast brass construction, with stainless steel trim.
For fixed subsurface injection foam system installations, design considerations should address the following (per NFPA
11): application density rate; quantity and configuration of foam injection points; maximum back-pressure allowance; foam
injection velocity.

Model

Flow Rate
@150 psi

K-Factor

Standard
Inlet

Optional
Inlet

Standard
Discharge

Material

HBFM-100B

100 gpm

8.2

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5NH(F)

2.5NPT(M)

Brass

HBFM-150B

150 gpm

12.2

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5NH(F)

2.5NPT(M)

Brass

HBFM-200B

200 gpm

16.3

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5NH(F)

2.5NPT(M)

Brass

HBFM-250B

250 gpm

20.4

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5NH(F)

2.5NPT(M)

Brass

HBFM-300B

300 gpm

24.5

2.5 NPT(M)

2.5NH(F)

2.5NPT(M)

Brass

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Foam Makers

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Product:
High Back Pressure Foam Makers
High Flow - Aluminum
Description:

High Back Pressure Foam makers are used for in-line

foam expansion and delivery into foam fire protection distribution systems that are subjected to discharge head pressure. They
are typically designed for subsurface foam injection into flammable (combustible) hydrocarbon fuels stored in vertical cone
roof atmospheric tanks. In subsurface applications, expanded
foam is injected directly into the fuel, then gently rises to form
a foam blanket at the fuel surface. Maximum allowable back
pressure for the HBFM series High Back Pressure Foam Makers
is 40% of inlet pressure. Flow rates are from 300 gpm to 550
gpm @ 150 psi inlet pressure. Nominal foam expansion is 4:
1. T-6 tempered and hardcoat anodized aluminum with stainless
steel trim.
For fixed subsurface injection foam system installations, design considerations should address the following (per NFPA
11): application density rate4; quantity and configuration of foam injection points; maximum back-pressure allowance; foam
injection velocity.

Model

Flow Rate
@150 PSI

K-Factor

Standard
Inlet

Optional

Discharge
Inlet

Optional
Discharge

Material

HBFM-300A

300 gpm

23.7

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

HBFM-350A

350 gpm

27.7

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

HBFM-400A

400 gpm

31.6

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

HBFM-450A

450 gpm

35.6

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

HBFM-500A

500 gpm

39.6

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

HBFM-550A

550 gpm

43.5

4 Flange

2.5, 3.5 NH (F)

6 Flange

6NPT (N)

Aluminum

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Product:
High Back Pressure Foam Makers
Self Educting
Description:

Proportions foam concentrate at 1% or 3%, then aspirates the

foam solution. Capable of discharging expanded foam against
considerable back pressure, not exceeding 25% of foam solution inlet pressure. For use in either atmospheric systems or for
subsurface injection. Designed to operate at inlet pressures from
100 to 250 psi. Flow rates are based on 150 psi inlet pressure.
Standard material or construction is SAE 356 cast anodized aluminum, heat treated to T6 temper and hard coat anodized to Mil.
A-8625, Type III. Also available (special order) in SAE 40 cast
brass red.

Model

Flow Rate
@150 psi

K-Factor

Standard
Inlet

Standard
Discharge

Optional
Discharge

SEFM-LB300

300 gpm

24.5

4 150# Flg.

6 150# Flg.

6NPT(M)

SEFM-LB400

400 gpm

32.7

4 150# Flg.

6 150# Flg.

6NPT(M)

SEFM-LB500

500 gpm

40.8

4 150# Flg.

6 150# Flg.

6NPT(M)

SEFM-LB565

565 gpm

46.1

4 150# Flg.

6 150# Flg.

6NPT(M)

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