The system utilizes low pressure PN16 piping which is easy to install and thus reduces the costs. The system is a dry pipe system, meaning there is no water in the system until the pump is started and relevant section is opened. The foam storage tank is located in the Foam Central Room. The tank is made from GRP for preserving the foam liquid for longer life span. The type of foam liquid selected depends on the type of hazard and applications.
A centrifugal pump is used to pump out the foam liquid from the storage tank. The foam liquid is mixed with water at the correct ratio (1, 3 or 6%) at the proportioner. The foam solution is discharged through the foam generating equipment located at the protected space. The system is normally manually operated and can be designed for remote or local operation if required.
Deck Foam System is built-up using standardized components:
- Foam Storage Tank (Glass Reinforced Plastic)
- Foam Liquid (Protein, Floroprotein, AFFF)
- Foam Liquid Pump
- Low Mixing Unit (Proportioner)
- Foam Generating Equipment (Monitor, hand applicator, nozzle)
- PN16 Piping (Galvanized)
This system is used for protection of the tank decks of tankers and also the helidecks of offshore vessels.
The External Fire Fighting System (Fi-Fi System), as the name implies, provides the water/foam for fighting external fires. The source of power is very often the main engine, which is transferred to the fire pumps via remotely-operated gearboxes or clutch assemblies.
On ships with fixed propellers, an independent diesel engine or electrical or hydraulic driver may be used to prevent the impact from ship operation to the Fi-Fi System.
Very often the External Fi-Fi System includes also a Water Curtain System, with water taken from the Fi-Fi pumps, for self-protection of the vessel.
The system is built-up of standard components :
- Prime driver
- Fire pump and compatible Gearbox or Clutch assembly
- Foam pump and Foam proportioner
- Foam/Water monitor and Control
- Valves and Deckheads
- Deluge nozzles
The fire pumps are normally installed in the engine room, below water line, for best possible performance . The water from the pumps is delivered to the monitors normally located at the bridge or other ideal positions.
Remote control of the fire pumps, monitors and valves is achieved from the Control Panel normally located at the Wheelhouse.
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