1 ethanol… the new hazard in town part ii: foam delivery bill ballantyne

1

Ethanol…Ethanol…The New Hazard In TownThe New Hazard In Town

Part II: Foam Delivery

Bill Ballantyne

2

What Municipal Fire Departments What Municipal Fire Departments Typically Prepare For…Typically Prepare For…

3

Our Logic…Our Logic…

• 97% of the fires we encounter are Class A fuels – so carry Class A foam

• For the occasional Class B fire:– Use Class A at 1% - BUT know there is no

sealing capabilityor…

– Call in the local ARFF truck for mutual aidor…

– Let it burn

4

With Ethanol That Logic No Longer AppliesWith Ethanol That Logic No Longer Applies

• Use Class A at 1% - BUT know there is no sealing capability– Class A foam does not work on Ethanol

• Call in the local ARFF truck for mutual aid– The ARFF truck only carries AFFF, which also

does not work on Ethanol

• Let it burn– Dept of Homeland Security has stated the need to

protect critical infrastructure…highways, bridges, railways, ports, etc.

5

Which Means We Also Need To Prepare For…Which Means We Also Need To Prepare For…

6

So What We Really Need Is…So What We Really Need Is…

• Class A capability for the majority (97%) of the fires we encounter

AND…

• AR-AFFF capability for Ethanol fires

7

What WeWill Cover

WaterAdditives

ForEthanol

DevelopingA

Plan

TraditionalFoam Delivery

Systems

What’s New InFoam Delivery

Systems

8

Water AdditivesFor Ethanol


DefinitionsAnd

Concentrates

DefinitionsAnd

Concentrates

NFPAAccuracyStandards


9

Foam Concentrates - Water AdditivesFoam Concentrates - Water Additives

• Wetting Agents• Class A Foam• Class B Foam Concentrates

– Protein & Film Forming Fluoroprotein (FFFP)– Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF)– Alcohol Resistant-AFFF (AR-AFFF)

• Emulsifiers / Spill Response Agents• Gels

The only concentrate effective on Ethanol fires

10

Proportioning RatesProportioning Rates

• Ratio of concentrate to water

• Expressed as a percentage– 1.0% = 1 unit of concentrate to 99 units of

water– 3.0% = 3 units of concentrate to 97 units of

water– 0.5% = 0.5 unit of concentrate to 99.5 units of

water

11

Common Proportioning RatesCommon Proportioning Rates

• Class A– 0.1% - 1.0%

• Class B– 1%, 3%, 6%– (1% x 3%), (3% x 6%), (3% x 3%)

(Hydrocarbons x Polar Solvent fuels)

• Emulsifiers / Gels– Varies by manufacturer / usage

12

Do NotDo Not Mix Class A & B Concentrates Mix Class A & B Concentrates

• Result of mixed concentrates (in strainer)

13


DefinitionsAnd

Concentrates


14

• For proportioning rates equal or greater than 1%:– - 0% to + 30% or 1 percentage point, whichever is less

(21.10.2)• For proportioning rates less than 1%:

– - 0% to + 40% (21.10.1)

6%

30%30% 20%20% 10%10% 10%10% 20%20% 30%30%

3%

1%

- +40%40%

Lean Rich

Allowable Range:Allowable Range:

6%:6%: 6.0 – 7.0%6.0 – 7.0%

3%:3%: 3.0 - 3.9%3.0 - 3.9%

1%:1%: 1.0 – 1.3%1.0 – 1.3%

0.5%: 0.5 – 0.70%0.5%: 0.5 – 0.70%

0.2%: 0.2 – 0.28%0.2%: 0.2 – 0.28%

NFPA 1901 Now Requires…NFPA 1901 Now Requires…

15

Why Is Accuracy So Important?Why Is Accuracy So Important?

• Performance– Ability to make wet, fluid or dry foam (Class A

foam)– Ability to richen for heavy rain (Class B foam)– Ability to seal (Class B foam)

• Logistics

• Cost

• Environmental Concerns (Class B)

16

What Is The Cost Of Inaccuracy?What Is The Cost Of Inaccuracy?

• Let’s assume:– $20 per gallon for concentrate– 5,000 gallons per minute flow rate– 3% proportioning rate– 10% inaccuracy rate

17

The Cost Of Inaccuracy Becomes:The Cost Of Inaccuracy Becomes:

• The logistics of wasted foam:– 15 extra gallons per minute– 900 extra gallons per hour– 9,000 extra gallons per 10 hours

• The cost of wasted foam:– $300 per minute– $18,000 per hour– $180,000 per 10 hours

18

Let’s Look At BIG WATERLet’s Look At BIG WATER

• Now assume:– $20 per gallon for concentrate– 20,000 gallons per minute flow rate– 3% proportioning rate– 30% inaccuracy rate

19

Now, The Cost Of Inaccuracy Now, The Cost Of Inaccuracy Becomes…Becomes…

• The logistics of wasted foam:– 180 extra gallons per minute– 10,800 extra gallons per hour– 108,000 extra gallons per 10 hours

• The cost of wasted foam:– $3,600 per minute– $216,000 per hour– $2,160,000 per 10 hours

20

What Is The True Cost Of Your System?What Is The True Cost Of Your System?

$ Initial Cost

+ $ Ongoing Operational Costs

$ True Total Cost

21

For Your ConsiderationFor Your Consideration

• Different Initial and Ongoing Operational Costs

• Different performance capabilities and limitations

• Equipped to consider the total picture

22

DevelopingA

Plan

NFPA 11Application

Rates

DoingThe

Math

23

Application RatesApplication Rates

• A measure of foam solution, applied per unit of time, per unit of total area– Typically expressed as GPM/Sq Ft– Or, LPM/Sq Meter

• Not to be confused with proportioning rate– Expressed as % concentration

24

NFPA 11 Minimum Application RatesNFPA 11 Minimum Application Rates

SPILLFIRES

LOADINGRACKS

DIKEDAREAS

NONDIKEDAREAS

TANKFIRES

FULLSURFACE

SEALAREA

25

Spill Fires – Loading RacksSpill Fires – Loading RacksNFPA 11 – 2005 (5.6.5.3.1)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.6.5.3.1)

Minimum Application Rates GPM/SF LPM/SM

Hydrocarbons

AFFF/FFFP/AR(ATC) 0.10 4.1

Protein / Fluoroprotein 0.16 6.5

Alcohol / Polar Solvents

AR Concentrate (Typical) 0.10 – 0.16 4.1 – 6.5

Min Discharge Time 15 Min 15 Min

26

Spill Fires – Diked AreasSpill Fires – Diked AreasNFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)


Hydrocarbons

Low Level Discharges 0.10 4.1

Foam Monitors 0.16 6.5

Polar Solvents 0.10 – 0.16 4.1 – 6.5

Min Discharge Time 20-30 Min 20-30 Min

27

Spill Fires – Diked AreasSpill Fires – Diked AreasNFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.7.3.2)


Hydrocarbons



Min Discharge Time 15 Min15 Min


AR Concentrates (Typical) 0.10 – 0.16 4.1 – 6.5


28

Spill Fires – Non Diked AreasSpill Fires – Non Diked AreasNFPA 11 – 2005 (5.8.2.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.8.2.2)


Hydrocarbons




AR Concentrate (Typical) 0.10 – 0.16 4.1 – 6.5


29

Tank Fires – Fixed Roof (Full Surface)Tank Fires – Fixed Roof (Full Surface)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.5.2.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.5.2.2)


Hydrocarbons

Type I & II Discharge Devices 0.10 4.1

Min Discharge Time – Type I 20-30 Min 20-30 Min

Min Discharge Time – Type II 30-55 Min 30-55 Min


Type I & II Discharge Devices 0.10 – 0.16 4.1 – 6.5

Min Discharge Time – Type I 20-30 Min 20-30 Min

Min Discharge Time – Type II 30-55 Min 30-55 Min

30

Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III)Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)


Hydrocarbons 0.16 6.5

Alcohol / Polar Solvents Refer To Listings Refer To Listings

Min Discharge Time

Flash Point Above 100 F 50 Min 50 Min

Flash Point Below 100 F 65 Min 65 Min

Crude Petroleum 65 Min 65 Min

31

Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III)Tank Fires – Full Surface (Type III)Over 60 foot diameter - RecommendedOver 60 foot diameter - Recommended


Up To 150 Foot Diameter 0.16 6.5

151 to 200 Foot Diameter 0.18 7.3



Over 300 Foot Diameter 0.25 1.0

32

Tank Fires – Seal Area (Floating Type)Tank Fires – Seal Area (Floating Type)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)NFPA 11 – 2005 (5.2.4.2.2)


Top Of Seal 0.30 12.2

Below Seal 0.50 20.4

Min Discharge Time

Top Of Seal 20 Min 20 Min

Below Seal 10 Min 10 Min

33

NFPA 11 Standards Are MinimumsNFPA 11 Standards Are MinimumsDesign To SucceedDesign To Succeed

• Flow Rates– At least times 2 or more (especially with Ethanol)

• Flow Durations– Enough water and concentrate to flow at least 50%

longer than the time specified

• Bigger Is Better– One large nozzle generally is more effective than

several smaller ones of equal combined flow

34

DevelopingA

Plan

NFPA 11Application

Rates

DoingThe

Math

35

Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Water RequirementsWater Requirements

GPM/SF LPM/SM

Application Rate 0.16 6.5

Times Total Area (200’x100’) 20,000 1,858

Equals Solution Flow Rate 3,200 12,077

Times Minimum Flow Time 15 Min 15 Min

Equals Min Water Req’t 48,000 181,155

Flow at 0.25 GPM/SF 5,000 19,000

Minimum Water Requirement 75,000 285,000

36

Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Water RequirementsWater Requirements

Pumping Distance 750’ 1,500’

Application Rate (GPM/SF) 0.25 0.25

Flow Rate (GPM) 5,000 5,000

Number Of Engines @ 1,500 GPM 4 8

Number Of 2.5” Supply Lines Required 20 20

Number Of 4” Supply Lines Required 8 8




37

Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Foam RequirementsFoam Requirements

Flow Rate (GPM) 5,000 5,000 5,000

Total Water (Gallons) 75,000 75,000 75,000

Proportioning Rate 1% 3% 6%

Concentrate Rate (GPM) 50 150 300

Total Concentrate Required (Gallons) 750 2,250 4,500

5 Gallon Pails (Number Required) 150 450 900

55 Gallon Drums (Number Required) 14 41 82

300 Gallon Totes (Number Required) 3 8 15

6,000 Gallon Tanker (Number Required) 1 1 1

Required For Ethanol Fires

38

Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Example Pre-Plan (Spill Area)Foam Usage RateFoam Usage Rate

Flow Rate (GPM) 5,000 5,000 5,000

Proportioning Rate 1% 3% 6%

Concentrate Rate (GPM) 50 150 300

5 Gallon Pails (Usage Rate) 6 sec 2 sec 1 sec

55 Gallon Drums (Usage Rate) 66 sec 22 sec 11 sec

300 Gallon Totes (Usage Rate) 6 min 2 min 1 min

6,000 Gallon Tanker (Usage Rate) 2 hrs 40 min 20 min

What Is Realistic

39

Portable Pumps For Water SupplyPortable Pumps For Water Supply

40

Foam Supply – 300 Gallon TotesFoam Supply – 300 Gallon Totes

Foam Pick-up Tubes

Or Stingers

41

Foam Supply – 300 Gallon TotesFoam Supply – 300 Gallon TotesNote: Portable

Pumps

42

Foam Supply – 300 Gallon TotesFoam Supply – 300 Gallon Totes

Note: Pre Plumbed Foam Concentrate Discharge Manifold

43

Foam Supply - TankersFoam Supply - Tankers

44

Tips For Sizing EquipmentTips For Sizing Equipment

• Something is not always better than nothing– The size of the hazard determines the requirements

• Size the system to the hazard and size the apparatus to the system– Not the other way around!

• NFPA standards are MINIMUM requirements– Design to succeed

45


Systems

PortableJet Ratio

Controllers

Truck MountedBalanced Pressure

Systems

46

Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’s)Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’s)

• In-line Super Eductors• 60:40 Mix

– 60 parts water– 40 parts concentrate

• 1-1/2” In / 2-1/2” Out

47

Jet Ratio Controller LayoutJet Ratio Controller Layout

2 – 1,500 GPM 5” Water Supply Lines

Foam Mix Injected Here

2-1/2” 60:40 Water/Foam Mix

Supply Line From JRC

Note: To make 3,000 GPM foam solution with 3% or 6% concentrate you may need 2

JRC’s feeding this nozzle!

Hot Tip!

When setting up – lay water supply first, then

foam supply.

48

• Capabilities:– Can be fairly accurate at a single point– Inexpensive to purchase

• Limitations:– Labor intensive to operate– Narrow sweet spot

Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’)Jet Ratio Controllers (JRC’)

49


Systems

PortableJet Ratio

Controllers

Truck MountedBalanced Pressure

Systems

50

CheckValve

FoamTank

ConcentratePump

Metering Valve

Check Valve

Modified Venturi or Ratio Controller(one per discharge)

WaterPump

Pilot-OperatedBalance Valve

oorr

Balanced Pressure Pump ProportionersBalanced Pressure Pump Proportioners

51

Metering ValveMetering Valve

ADJUSTINGKNOB

POINTERPLUG

STEM

CONCENTRATEFLOW

TODISCHARGE

PROPORTIONER

52

Balanced Pressure Pump SystemBalanced Pressure Pump SystemMetering/Shut-Off ValveMetering/Shut-Off Valve

53

LOW PRESSURE AREA

SOLUTIONRECOVERY AREA

CONCENTRATE INLET

FLOW

BLENDING AREA

WATER FLOW

Ratio ControllerRatio Controller

54

2” Modified Venturi Cut-Away2” Modified Venturi Cut-Away

Foam capabilities of 60 to 200 GPM

Water flow and pressure restrictions

55

Balanced Pressure Pump SystemBalanced Pressure Pump SystemParts Cut-AwayParts Cut-Away

Ratio Controller (venturi) creates a pressure drop allowing the foam concentrate to be pumped into the water way

Metering/Shut-off valve sets amount of foam concentrate entering the system by percentage selected

56

Duplex Pressure Gauge

Balanced Pressure Pump SystemBalanced Pressure Pump SystemPanel ControlsPanel Controls

57

Balanced Pressure Pump SystemBalanced Pressure Pump SystemPlumbingPlumbing

Modified venturi or ratio flow controller (one required per

discharge)

Balanced Pressure Pump Compartment

58

• Capabilities:– Foam concentrate flow to 300 GPM– Plumbed discharges capable of foam or water– Ability to vary foam concentrate % rates by discharge

• Limitations:– Water flow limits– Discharge pressure restriction– Installation– Calibration – Time / Concentrate– Medium sweet spot

Balanced Pressure Pump ProportionersBalanced Pressure Pump Proportioners

59


Systems

Truck MountedDirect Injection

Systems

Trailer MountedDirect Injection

Systems

60

WaterTank

WaterPump

MultipleDischarges

3000 Series

Line Strainer

FoamSupply

Electronic DirectElectronic DirectInjection ProportionerInjection Proportioner

Check Valves

FlowMeter

61

FoamPro AccuMaxFoamPro AccuMax• Multi Port Foam Injection Systems

– Choose foam solution or plain water– Control % rate at each discharge

62

PipeSize Bal. Press.

(Max Acc) (Max Rng)

2" 60 - 200 15 - 520 5 - 625

2-1/2" 80 - 320 20 - 750 8 - 900

3" 150 - 625 30 - 1,150 12 - 1,380

4" 300 - 1,250 55 - 1,980 20 - 2,380

Flow RangeElectronic Direct Injection

No restriction permits maximum flow

Flow ComparisonFlow ComparisonBalance Pressure vs. Electronic Direct InjectionBalance Pressure vs. Electronic Direct Injection

63

NewNew FoamPro AccuMax FoamPro AccuMax

• Models from 90 to 300 gpm• Use Multiple Foam Sources

– Foam tank or outboard pickup

• Calibration And Testing– Fast, easy, reuse the foam

• Use For– Industrial Apparatus, ARFF

Vehicles, Marine

64

Shell Oil Truck With AccuMaxShell Oil Truck With AccuMax

65

View Of Pump HouseView Of Pump House

66

Installation Of AccuMax Line ControllersInstallation Of AccuMax Line Controllers

67

Pump Panel With AccuMax ControllersPump Panel With AccuMax Controllers

68

Saudi Electric CompanySaudi Electric Company

69

Saudi Electric CompanySaudi Electric Company

70

Direct Injection TechnologyDirect Injection Technology

• Does not recirculateconcentrate

• No flow restrictions• High accuracy• Wide performance range• Calibrate / test without consuming concentrate• Easy to install• Toward the high end of price range … initially

Standard Actual6%: 6.0 – 7.0% 6.0 – 6.12%

3%: 3.0 - 3.9% 3.0 – 3.06%

1%: 1.0 – 1.3% 1.0 – 1.02%

0.5%: 0.5 – 0.70% 0.5 – 0.51%

0.2%: 0.2 – 0.28% 0.2 – 0.204%

6%

30%30% 20%20% 10%10% 10%10% 20%20% 30%30%

3%

1%

- +40%40%

Lean Rich

- 0% / + 2%

71


Systems

Truck MountedDirect Injection

Systems

Trailer MountedDirect Injection

Systems

72

Foam Trailer – AccuMax 3300Foam Trailer – AccuMax 3300

73

Stingers and TotesStingers and Totes

74

1 Master and 4 Line Controllers1 Master and 4 Line Controllers

75

2 – 6” and 2 – 3” Supply Lines2 – 6” and 2 – 3” Supply Lines

76

Feeding The ConcentrateFeeding The Concentrate

77

Foam Trailer OperationsFoam Trailer Operations

78

RTFC Training FacilityRTFC Training Facility

79

3000 GPM Nozzle3000 GPM Nozzle

80

Some Final CommentsSome Final Comments

• It’s one thing to develop a plan on paper… it’s another thing to practice it on the fire ground.

• Know for sure…– Safely supply foam solution (flow, distance, duration)

– Pumps– Hose– Nozzles– Proportioners– Concentrate– Manpower

81

How To FundHow To Fund

• Grant Money– Fire Act– Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)

• Mutual Aid Initiative– Municipal Departments– Ethanol Refineries– Blending Terminals

• Capital Lease

82

Questions / CommentsQuestions / Comments

Bill [email protected]

651-766-6308Download this presentation at:

www.foampro.com

83

And Finally, Remember To Always:And Finally, Remember To Always:

Buckle Up!

Use Foam!

Be Safe!

Thank You!

1 ethanol… the new hazard in town part ii: foam delivery bill ballantyne

Documents