Foam Systems

A foam system is a fixed fire suppression system designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires by applying firefighting foam. The foam forms a blanket over the fuel surface, cutting off oxygen, suppressing vapours, and helping to prevent re ignition. Foam systems are widely used in high risk environments such as oil and gas facilities, marine applications, aviation, and industrial sites.

A foam system typically includes foam concentrate storage, proportioning equipment that mixes foam concentrate with water at the correct ratio, and discharge devices such as monitors, sprinklers, or foam nozzles that apply the foam to the hazard area.

At Delta Fire, both skid-mounted and containerised foam systems are designed to deliver complete fixed foam fire protection solutions, but they differ mainly in how they are packaged and installed.

Skid-mounted foam system
A skid-mounted foam system is supplied on an open steel frame or skid. It is pre-assembled and factory tested, making it easy to install on site. These systems are often used where equipment is installed inside an existing building, plant room, or protected structure. They offer flexibility for integration into existing fire protection setups and can be customised for different capacities and applications.

Containerised foam system
A containerised foam system is fully enclosed within a weatherproof container. This provides additional protection for the equipment and allows it to be deployed outdoors or in harsh environments such as offshore platforms, petrochemical sites, and remote industrial locations. Containerised systems are often used where a complete self contained solution is required, including protection of the equipment itself.

Choosing the right foam system depends on the type of fuel risk, the operating environment, and the required level of fire protection.

For industrial sites, the main factor is the type of flammable liquid present, such as hydrocarbons or chemicals. Systems are selected based on hazard size, storage layout, and whether fixed or mobile protection is needed.

For aviation risks, foam systems are designed for rapid response and large scale fuel spill fires. High expansion or medium expansion systems are often used to quickly cover wide areas such as hangars or refuelling zones.

For marine applications, space, corrosion resistance, and compliance with marine fire safety standards are key. Systems are typically compact, robust, and suitable for engine rooms, tank decks, and fuel handling areas.

For offshore environments, reliability in harsh conditions is critical. Containerised or skid mounted systems are commonly used to provide complete, self contained protection that can withstand weather exposure, vibration, and limited access for maintenance.

Foam concentrate is stored in dedicated tanks or containers within a foam system package. It is protected using bunded areas to contain leaks and prevent environmental damage.

Temperature control is important to maintain performance, so insulation, heating, or weatherproof housing may be used depending on site conditions. Regular inspections ensure the concentrate remains in good condition and ready for use.

Foam concentrate requirements are calculated based on the fire risk area, application rate, and required discharge time.

This involves determining the size of the hazard, selecting the correct foam type, and applying the relevant design standard. The total concentrate volume is then calculated from the system flow rate and the percentage mix ratio, typically 1 percent, 3 percent, or 6 percent depending on the application.

A fire risk assessment is essential to ensure the system is correctly sized for the specific site and operational requirements.

Yes, existing foam systems can often be modified to suit changes in risk layout or hazard type.

Modifications may include upgrading proportioning equipment, adjusting foam application devices, changing discharge coverage, or increasing system capacity to match a revised fire risk assessment. In some cases, different foam concentrates or mixing ratios may also be required depending on the new hazard.

Foam systems should be serviced through a planned inspection and maintenance programme to ensure they remain fully operational in an emergency.

This includes regular visual inspections of all components, testing of pumps, valves, and detection systems, and checking that foam concentrate is within its shelf life and stored correctly. Proportioning equipment should be calibrated to confirm correct mixing performance, and discharge devices should be inspected for blockages or damage.

Periodic full system testing is also recommended in line with relevant standards and site requirements to confirm the system will operate as designed during an incident.

Before a foam system is put into service, a full commissioning process is carried out to confirm it is installed correctly and will operate as designed.

This typically includes checking that all equipment is installed to specification, verifying pipework integrity, and confirming correct valve operation and system alignment. The foam proportioning system is tested to ensure the correct mixing ratio is achieved, and discharge devices are checked for correct coverage and flow performance.

Control systems and detection interfaces are also tested to confirm proper activation and alarm functionality. Finally, a full system functional test is carried out, often using water or test mediums, to verify overall performance before the system is handed over for live operation.