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FIRE SUPPRESSION GREY

CARD TRAINING

MODULE 1
FIRE FIGHTING

April 2016 revision 0 © Publication Number 69 343 195

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CONTENTS

PRINCIPLES OF COMBUSTION – FIRE TETRAHEDRON ................................................................ 3

FLASHPOINTS & AUTO IGNITION.................................................................................................... 4
EXTINGUISHING AGENTS ................................................................................................................ 4
FUNDAMENTALS OF FOAM ............................................................................................................. 6
FOAM CONCENTRATES ................................................................................................................... 7

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PRINCIPLES OF COMBUSTION – FIRE

TETRAHEDRON
It is critical to understand the basic fundamentals of fire creation and how various extinguishing agents
function.

Combustion can be simply defined as a chemical reaction (oxidation) that is accompanied by the
evolution of light and heat.

In order for a fire (combustion) to occur, four basic factors are required:

− Fuel source (combustible matter)

− Oxygen (usually in the form of air)
− Heat (reach and maintain a certain minimum temperature)
− Chain Reaction (Combination of the other 3 elements creating a chain reaction)

This process of combustion is generally displayed in the form of a Fire Tetrahedron as shown in figure
1.0.1.

A fire will only burn for as long as all four factors are
present and maintained.

If one of these factors are removed, the fire will

extinguish.

− Smother a fire by removing the oxygen and the fire Oxygen

goes out.
− Starve a fire by removing the fuel source and the fire
goes out.
Chain
− Cool a fire by lowering the temperature and the fire
goes out.
− Interrupt the chemical chain reaction and the fire goes
out. Fuel Heat

Fire extinguishing agents all work on the principle of

removing one or more of the factors in the fire
tetrahedron. All firefighting is based on this simple Figure 1.0.1
principle.

Burning of combustible matter is usually accompanied by flame. A flame is produced when a gaseous
body burns. Therefore solids and liquids must produce flammable vapors before a fire can occur. In
actual fact, in a fire of solid or liquid matter, it is the vapors that are burning and not the fluid or solid.

A substance that can produce such vapors is termed to be flammable.

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FLASHPOINTS & AUTO IGNITION

Most substances need to be heated well above normal ambient temperature before they produce
flammable vapours. Some liquids such as petrol or acetone vaporizes at lower than ambient temperature
and are termed to be volatile.

The flashpoint of a substance is the lowest temperature a vapour and air mixture can be ignited by a
spark or small flame.

Example,

− Acetone has a flashpoint of minus 18°Celsius (0°F).

− Petrol (gasoline) has a flashpoint of minus 43°Celsius (minus 45°F)
− Diesel fuel has a flashpoint range of 40 to 60°Celsius (100 to 140°F).
− Motor or transmission oil ranges from 200 to 300°Celsius (390 to 570°F).
− Hydraulic oil has a flashpoint range of 200 to 250°Celsius (390 to 480°F).
− Grease generally has a flashpoint exceeding 250°Celsius (exceeding 480°F).

The flashpoint for fuels and oils varies depending on the manufacturer and additives used. The figures
above are only to provide a comparison of the various types of fuel.

The auto ignition temperature is the temperature where a substance is hot enough to ignite without an
external ignition source.

Examples:

− Petrol (gasoline) has an auto ignition temperature of 246°Celsius (475°F).

− Diesel has an auto ignition temperature of 175 to 330°Celsius (350 to 625°F).

Although petrol is more volatile and will start to evaporate at much lower temperatures than diesel, the
auto ignition temperature of petrol can be higher than some diesel fuel products.

There are many factors contributing to the chemistry of fire.

EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
There is an assortment of extinguishing agents available. All with inherent advantages and
disadvantages, suitable for different classes of fires and applications.

Due to the superior post fire protection offered by foam, this type of system is preferred in mobile
equipment applications.

Another advantage to the foam system is the peace of mind offered knowing that the system is
discharged at the time of commissioning and each scheduled discharge service, proving operational
performance and functionality. Of course this is also possible with dry chemical powder systems,
however not practical due to the environmental issues caused and requirement to disassemble major
system components (such as discharge control valve) for cleaning. All Sandvik systems use foam as an
extinguishing agent.

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QUICK COMPARISON BETWEEN FOAM AND DRY CHEMICAL SYSTEMS:

FOAM AGENT DRY CHEMICAL POWDER AGENT (DCP)

Ambient temperature Ambient temperature

Not suitable for cold climates (freezing). Suitable for any climate.
Toxicity Toxicity

Nontoxic. Decomposition of some dry chemical agents during

combustion can release toxic fumes.
Extinguishment Extinguishment

Foam has excellent knockdown capabilities and Dry chemical generally has rapid fire knockdown
additional security of cooling properties properties (interrupts chain reaction).

Electrical equipment Electrical equipment

Foam is designed for hydrocarbon (fuel) fires on Dry chemical is non-conductive and can be used on
diesel powered plant and equipment. It has limited openenergised electrical equipment.
application for electrical equipment
Visibility during system discharge Visibility during system discharge

Full visibility is maintained during the discharge of a The discharge area of a dry powder system will be
foam system, either in open air or in a confined engulfed in a dense cloud of powder. This may
space. temporarily disorientate personnel and hide normally
visible means of escape and hazards.
Ventilation (engine fan) Ventilation (engine fan)

May be affected by strong airflow while fans are still Dry chemical dust particles are very susceptible to
running, however liquid is much less adversely air movement and may be dispersed by strong
affected than powder. airflow. In underground applications, powder can
also cause issues in air filtration systems.
Post fire security Post fire security

Foam provides cooling of application area during the Dry chemical has limited post fire security as the
discharge and can also provide foam blanket powder has very little cooling capabilities. Once the
coverage over ground fuel spills. This offers powder cloud disperses, chances of re-ignition are
excellent post fire security by reducing the risk of fire much higher than foam.
re-ignition.
Post system operation clean up Post system operation clean up

Clean up is very quick and simple. The area covered Some dry chemical agents form a resin during
in foam agent residue can be hosed off using fresh exposure to the heat of a fire. Depending on the
water. chemical composition of the dry powder, resins can
be very acidic and corrosive and in some cases
difficult to remove.

System maintenance System maintenance

Foam systems are simple to maintain. Regular In applications of constant vibration, dry powder
maintenance checks and annual change of the foam agents may precipitate (compact). Powder agents
charge is all that is required. are also susceptible to any ingress of moisture.

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Please note: The table above shows a general comparison and does not refer to any specific brands or
products.

FUNDAMENTALS OF FOAM
A variety of firefighting foams have been developed over the years. The product used predominately in
mobile equipment systems are the film forming type.

These firefighting foams were specifically created to combat

class B (liquid based) hydrocarbon fires. As hydrocarbons
are lighter than water and will float on top of the water COOLING
surface, water alone in many cases would be mostly
ineffective as an extinguishing agent. OXYGEN

Foam is a mixture of water, foam concentrate and air.

BLANKET ON FUEL SURFACE
The water and concentrate are mixed, stored in liquid form
and foam is generated once air is added during the
discharge of the fire system. VAPOUR

Generally applied through non-aspirated nozzles (no air

FUEL
injected into liquid) results in a thin layer of bubbles, unlike a
high expansion type foam that produces extensive foam.
Figure 1.2.1
As the liquid drains from the foam, it forms a thin skin over
the top of the fuel, blanketing the protected area. It is this blanket forming property that gives the product
its extinguishing properties. Blanket forming foam attacks three sides of the fire tetrahedron in the
following manner:

− Foam forming over the top of the fuel surface prevents oxygen from mixing with the fuel.

Oxygen supply eliminated

− Foam seals in the fuel vapours. As previously mentioned, it is these vapours that are burning, not the
flammable liquid.

Flammable vapors eliminated

− Water content in the extinguishing agent solution cools hot surfaces on the vehicle. This is maintained
for a period of time after the fire is extinguished (to prevent re-ignition from heat).

Heat eliminated

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FOAM CONCENTRATES
Sandvik has carried out extensive testing on various brands of foam concentrate to determine the best
suited product for the FS1000 fire suppression systems. All of these are classified as film forming foams
generally referred to as AFFF (Aqueous film forming foam). Sandvik's Eclipse foam is not classified as
and AFFF however, it is an environmentally sustainable 'fluorine free' synthetic foam extinguishing agent.

FOAM BRANDS

Foam products available from reputable manufacturers have undergone stringent testing for their listing
profile and approval by UL (Underwriters Laboratories), FM (Factory Mutual) or similar recognized testing
agencies.

Different applications, pressures and piping significantly effects foam brands performance. It is therefore
crucial that the only extinguishing agent used in any system is the type and brand tested by the
manufacturer of that fire system.

Sandvik systems have been tested and proven with specific brands of foam.

The current brand of foam used in the Sandvik systems is Eclipse™ foam. This foam is fully
biodegradable and fluorine free.

WARNING: ONLY SANDVIK APPROVED FOAM CONCENTRATE SHALL BE USED

ECLIPSE™ FOAM PROPERTIES

Properties and benefits of Eclipse™ foam:

− UL listed (Underwriters Laboratories).

− Not classified as hazardous for airfreight
− Non- toxic, and does not contain carcinogenic products.
− Does not contain PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) or PFOA (perflurorooctanoic acid). Explanation:
Perfluorinated chemicals are very persistent and bio-accumlative.
− Does not contain any Fluorosurfactants, Fluoropolymers or Fluorotelomers and therefore fluorine free.
− Has a pH of 7.0 to 8.5 (neutral to slightly alkaline).
− Environmentally responsible and fully biodegradable.
− Fast knockdown and rapid fire extinguishment. Improved temperature resistance.
− Excellent cooling properties giving superior post fire protection.
− Extended drain time and adheres to vertical surfaces.
− Not affected by water quality.
− Shelf life of >10 years if stored in original sealed containers.

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MIXING

Mixing references throughout this manual are based on using Eclipse™ foam concentrates. The mixing
ratio of potable water and foam concentrate must be as stated on the main tank label and in the relevant
recharging instructions in the current parts and services manual manual.

The foam concentrate should not be pre-mixed with water until it is added to the tank during the charging
procedure.

STORAGE & SHELF LIFE

Foam concentrate should be stored in original containers as supplied by Sandvik.

The minimum and maximum storage temperature for the Sandvik Eclipse form concentrate is 1.7º to 49º
C (35º F to 120º F)

When stored in original container and within the specified temperature range, the shelf life is ten years.

Bottle caps are marked with the fill date (month and year) and boxes with the package date to facilitate
turnover on a first in first out basis.

FOAM CONTAMINATION

Any contamination of foam concentrate or solution can affect system performance:

− Contaminated funnel or measuring containers previously used with other substances (oil, brake fluid,
etc) can result in contamination and possibly destroy the film-forming properties.
− Cross contamination from change of foam. If a system has contained incorrect extinguishing agent, it
is imperative to flush the system before recharging. Different suppliers’ products may not necessarily
be chemically compatible.
− Using the fire system discharge line for incorrect practices such as degreasing or wash-down can also
lead to contamination of the foam and must be avoided.

WORST CASE SCENARIO CONTAMINATED FOAM MAY NOT EXTINGUISH FIRE!

FOAM SDS (SAFETY DATA SHEETS)

Please refer to the relevant Sandvik Part manual (69-343-136) for copies of all safety data sheets of
foam currently approved by Sandvik for use in all Sandvik fire protection systems.

FOAM TECHNICAL DATE SHEET (69-343-192)

Technical date sheet is available upon request from Sandvik fire suppression engineering at
fsdoc@sandvik.com

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ECLIPSE FOAM SOLUTION (FOAM, WATER MIX)

The Sandvik Fire Suppression system charged with Eclipse Fluorine Free Foam has a recommended
operating temperature range of 0º - 60º C. To comply with system manufacturer guidelines and
Australian Standard AS5062-2006 requirements, all contents of the system should be discharged during
a level 2 annual service.

Refer to module 4 in this training package for minimum service requirements of the Sandvik fire
suppression system.

April 2016 revision 0 © Publication Number 69 343 195