1 Application
This chapter details the specifications for fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems as required by chapter II-2 of the Convention.
2 Engineering specifications
2.1 General
Fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires.
2.2 Fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems
2.2.1 Quantity and performance of foam concentrates
2.2.1.1 The foam concentrates of high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems shall be approved by the Administration based on the guideline developed by the Organization.
2.2.1.2 Any required fixed high-expansion foam system in machinery spaces shall be capable of rapidly discharging through fixed discharge outlets a quantity of foam sufficient to fill the greatest space to be protected at a rate of at least 1 m in depth per minute. The quantity of foam-forming liquid available shall be sufficient to produce a volume of foam equal to five times the volume of the largest space to be protected. The expansion ratio of the foam shall not exceed 1,000 to 1.
2.2.1.3 The Administration may permit alternative arrangements and discharge rates provided that it is satisfied that equivalent protection is achieved.
2.2.2 Installation requirements
2.2.2.1 Supply ducts for delivering foam, air intakes to the foam generator and the number of foam-producing units shall in the opinion of the Administration be such as will provide effective foam production and distribution.
2.2.2.2 The arrangement of the foam generator delivery ducting shall be such that a fire in the protected space will not affect the foam generating equipment. If the foam generators are located adjacent to the protected space, foam delivery ducts shall be installed to allow at least 450 mm of separation between the generators and the protected space. The foam delivery ducts shall be constructed of steel having a thickness of not less than 5 mm. In addition, stainless steel dampers (single or multi-bladed) with a thickness of not less than 3 mm shall be installed at the openings in the boundary bulkheads or decks between the foam generators and the protected space. The dampers shall be automatically operated (electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically) by means of remote control of the foam generator related to them. 2.2.2.3 The foam generator, its sources of power supply, foam-forming liquid and means of controlling the system shall be readily accessible and simple to operate and shall be grouped in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut off by a fire in the protected space.
2.3 Fixed low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems
2.3.1 Quantity and foam concentrates
2.3.1.1 The foam concentrates of low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems shall be approved by the Administration based on the guidelines developed by the Organization.
2.3.1.2 The system shall be capable of discharging through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 5 min a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of 150 mm the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread. The expansion ratio of the foam shall not exceed 12 to 1.
2.3.2 Installation requirements
2.3.2.1 Means shall be provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to suitable discharge outlets, and for the foam to be effectively directed by fixed sprayers on other main fire hazards in the protected space. The means for effective distribution of the foam shall be proven acceptable to the Administration through calculation or by testing.
2.3.2.2 The means of control of any such systems shall be readily accessible and simple to operate and shall be grouped together in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut off by a fire in the protected space.
