Foam Operations Manual

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson
Download our mobile app to listen on the go
Get App

Questions and Answers

What is the primary mechanism by which firefighting foam extinguishes a fire?

  • Forming a barrier that excludes oxygen from the combustion process. (correct)
  • By chemically reacting with the fuel to neutralize it.
  • By rapidly cooling the fuel to below its ignition point.
  • Introducing a catalyst that inhibits the combustion reaction.

Why is water not always effective as an extinguishing agent, necessitating the use of firefighting foam in certain situations?

  • Water alone does not work
  • Water can exacerbate fires involving flammable liquids by causing them to spread. (correct)
  • Water's high surface tension prevents it from spreading across burning liquid surfaces.
  • Water is ineffective on Class A fires.

What is the purpose of the metering valve on an in-line foam eductor?

  • To measure the output flow rate of the foam solution.
  • To prevent backflow of foam concentrate into the water supply.
  • To precisely control the amount of foam concentrate introduced into the water stream. (correct)
  • To regulate the pressure of the water flowing through the Venturi.

How does the Venturi principle contribute to the function of an in-line foam eductor?

<p>It generates a low-pressure area that draws foam concentrate into the water stream. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Akron Municipal Eductors featuring a removable metering dial?

<p>It allows for easy adjustment of foam concentrate settings (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a foam shaper when assembling a foam fire stream system?

<p>To control the pattern and reach of the foam stream. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the typical assembly of a foam fire stream system, what component is attached directly to the pump discharge?

<p>The in-line foam eductor. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to use the correct foam application technique?

<p>To ensure the foam effectively covers the fuel surface and extinguishes the fire. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances is the 'bank-down' method of foam application most suitable?

<p>When there is an elevated structure near the burning fuel. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is the 'rain-down' method of foam application preferable to the 'roll-on' or 'bank-down' methods?

<p>When the area is so large, or lack of an object to bank the stream make other application techniques impractical. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the Quick Attack Foam Tube enhance firefighting capabilities when attached to a nozzle?

<p>It provides air-aspirated foam capability with up to a 12:1 expansion ratio with AFFF. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What flow rate (in GPM) can the Foam Tube achieve when attached to a nozzle?

<p>125 GPM (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What range of inlet pressure (in psi) are Akron Municipal Eductors rated to flow?

<p>200 psi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What range of percentage settings do Akron Municipal Eductors feature on their metering dial?

<p>0% and 6% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What range of nozzle pressure (in psi) rating do Akron Municipal Eductors work efficiently with?

<p>50 to 100 psi (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many lengths of 1 3/4" hose line should be attached to the eductor?

<p>No more than 3 lengths (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What pump discharge pressure (in psi) must be maintained when assembling a foam fire stream system?

<p>200 PSI (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of extinguishing agent do PFD engine companies use?

<p>Universal Gold 1% / 3% AFFF (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

For which classes of fires is foam intended?

<p>Classes A and B (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the policy outlined, what is the overarching purpose of the manual chapter on basic foam operations?

<p>To provide general information about basic foam operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific role does rank play in the implementation of the manual chapter on basic foam operations?

<p>Rank influences the level of control exercised by a member in implementing the guidelines. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of in-line foam educators, what is the 'Venturi'?

<p>A tapered section and small orifice within the eductor that creates a low-pressure area. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'reverse tapered section' in the discharge end of an in-line foam eductor?

<p>To ensure optimal mixing of the foam concentrate and water. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In assembling a foam fire stream system, why is it crucial to avoid exceeding the recommended number of hose lengths connected to the eductor?

<p>To prevent excessive pressure drop and maintain effective foam induction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining the correct pump discharge pressure (200 PSI) in a foam fire stream system critical for effective fire suppression?

<p>To provide sufficient pressure for the in-line foam eductor to properly induct the foam concentrate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates the 'roll-on' method of foam application?

<p>Directing the foam stream onto the ground near the edge of a spill, allowing it to roll across the surface. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would the 'rain-down' method be the most effective foam application technique?

<p>Suppressing a large-scale chemical spill where approaching the fire directly is hazardous. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the expansion ratio of AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) affect its firefighting capabilities?

<p>A higher expansion ratio enables AFFF to cover a larger surface area with less solution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental principle underlies the functionality of all three foam application techniques (roll-on, bank-down, rain-down)?

<p>Formation of a stable foam blanket that separates the fuel from the oxygen source. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Akron Municipal Eductor incorporate a large and easy-to-read metering dial?

<p>To enable quick and accurate adjustment of the foam concentrate percentage, even in low-visibility conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critical factor determines the selection of the most appropriate foam application technique for a given fire scenario?

<p>The characteristics of the burning fuel and the surrounding environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are in-line foam eductors designed with specific inlet pressure ratings (e.g., 200 PSI) and nozzle pressure compatibility?

<p>To optimize the Venturi effect for proper foam concentrate induction and mixing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between water, foam concentrate, and air in the formation of firefighting foam?

<p>Water provides the medium for mixing foam concentrate, while air creates the bubbles that form the foam blanket. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) enhance the effectiveness of firefighting operations on flammable liquid fires, compared to conventional foam concentrates?

<p>AFFF forms a thin aqueous film on the fuel surface, suppressing vapor release and reignition. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When dealing with a three-dimensional flammable liquid fire (e.g., a running fuel spill from an elevated tank), which foam application technique would be MOST effective?

<p>Rain-down method (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST critical factor to consider when determining the appropriate application rate of firefighting foam?

<p>The type and quantity of the burning fuel. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of foam fire streams, what does 'air aspiration' refer to, and why is it important?

<p>The introduction of air into the foam solution to create bubbles, which enhances its coverage and insulating properties; it creates the foam blanket. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What potential hazard is MOST directly associated with the improper application of firefighting foam, particularly in enclosed spaces?

<p>Asphyxiation due to displacement of oxygen by the expanding foam. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is maintaining the correct ratio of foam concentrate to water crucial when using an in-line foam eductor?

<p>To achieve the optimal foam expansion and fire suppression capabilities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where firefighters encounter a large-scale spill fire with no nearby structures or objects suitable for banking foam, what is the MOST appropriate foam application method and why?

<p>Rain-down method, as it provides a gentle application over a large area without direct disturbance of the fuel. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When assembling a foam fire stream system with an in-line foam eductor, what is the potential consequence of exceeding the recommended number of hose lengths between the eductor and the nozzle?

<p>It could result in inadequate nozzle pressure, hindering effective foam production and stream reach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the MOST appropriate way to handle a situation where the metering valve on an in-line foam eductor becomes clogged during foam operations?

<p>Shut down the foam operation, disassemble the eductor, and clear the obstruction before resuming. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the pressure ratings of the Akron Municipal Eductors affect their performance, and how does this influence their use in firefighting operations?

<p>The educators are rated to flow at 200 psi (14 bar) inlet pressure and work efficiently with nozzles rated from 50 to 100 psi (3 to 7 bar), which means not using the correct ratings could affect the device. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is Firefighting Foam?

Foam is an extinguishing agent formed by mixing a foam concentrate with water and aerating the solution for expansion. It is used for Class A and Class B fires.

What is an In-Line Foam Eductor?

An in-line foam eductor is a device that uses the Venturi principle to introduce foam concentrate into the water stream.

What is a Quick-Attack Foam Tube?

The Quick Attack Foam Tube is designed to easily and quickly latch on to various nozzles to provide air-aspirated foam capability.

How do you use the Roll-on Method?

Direct the foam stream on the ground near the front edge of a burning liquid spill.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do you use the Bank-Down Method?

Direct the foam stream onto the elevated structure and allow the foam to run down and onto the surface of the fuel.

Signup and view all the flashcards

How do you use the Rain-Down Method?

Direct the stream into the air above the fire and allow the foam to float gently down onto the surface.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • This manual chapter provides general details regarding basic foam operations
  • Each member is responsible for appropriate control as dictated by their rank in the execution of this chapter

General Information

  • Foam is required under certain conditions, while water is not always effective for fire extinguishing
  • Firefighting foam forms a blanket of foam on the surface of burning fuels
  • Foam removes oxygen from the burning process and overtime the water from the solution is slowly released in turn cooling the fuel.
  • Foam created by combining a foam concentrate with water and aerating the solution for expansion, is an extinguishing agent
  • Foam is designed for Class A and Class B fires
  • All PFD engine companies have an in-line foam eductor, foam shaper, and 3- to 5-gallon buckets of Universal Gold 1%/3% AFFF

Akron 125 GPM In-Line Foam Eductor

  • The in-line foam educator uses the Venturi principle to introduce foam concentrate into the water stream
  • Water goes in through a 1 ½ inch inlet of the educator, goes through a tapered section and out through a small orifice (the Venturi) into a larger chamber, resulting in a low-pressure area within the chamber
  • A metering valve connects to an inlet to this chamber, and when open, allows the higher atmospheric pressure beyond the chamber to push the foam concentrate into the chamber
  • The foam concentrate then mixes with the water coming out of the venturi and the mixture moves to the reverse tapered section in the discharge end of the eductor
  • Akron Municipal Eductors have a large, easy-to-read, and removable metering dial with settings from 0% to 6%
  • The Eductors can flow at 200 psi (14 bar) inlet pressure and work well with nozzles from 50 to 100 psi (3 to 7 bar)

Quick-Attack Foam Tube

  • The Quick Attack Foam Tube quickly latches on to various nozzles bringing air-aspirated foam capability
  • It has up to 12:1 expansion ration with AFFF
  • When latched onto a nozzle, the Foam Tube flows up to 125 GPM

Assembling a Foam Fire Stream System

  • Steps for assembling a system include:
    • Attach the in-line foam eductor to the pump discharge
    • Attach no more than 3 lengths of 1 3/4" hose line to the eductor
    • Attach nozzle to the hose line
    • Attach the foam shaper to the nozzle
    • Pump discharge pressure must be 200 PSI

Foam Application Techniques

  • Important techniques for applying foam are the roll-on, bank-down, and rain-down methods

Roll-On Method

  • Direct the foam stream on the ground near the front edge of a burning liquid spill
  • The foam then rolls across the surface of the fuel, it's application must be applied until it spreads across the entire surface and the fire is extinguished

Bank-Down Method

  • This method can be used when there is an elevated structure near the burning fuel
  • Direct the foam stream onto the structure and allow the foam to run down and onto the surface of the fuel

Rain-Down Method

  • This method is used when roll-on and bank-down are impractical because of area size or no object to bank the stream
  • Direct the stream into the air above the fire, allowing the foam to float down onto the surface

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

202-09 Basic Foam Operations
15 questions

202-09 Basic Foam Operations

DextrousAlexandrite avatar
DextrousAlexandrite
Engine Ops | Foam
18 questions

Engine Ops | Foam

ProtectiveDaffodil avatar
ProtectiveDaffodil
I-C-04 Foam Operations 06/22/2021
67 questions
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser