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Fire extinguishing by compressed air foam systems

UDC 614.842.615
Authors Kamlyuk Andrey Nikolaevich, PhD in Physico-Mathematical Sciences, Associate Professor
Navrotskiy Oleg Dmitrievich, PhD in Technical Sciences
Grachulin Aleksandr Vladimirovich, PhD in Technical Sciences
Abstract Purpose. The research is devoted to the substantiation of tactical and technical characteristics and application methods of the use of compressed air foam systems to extinguish fires.
Methods. The field tests of compressed air foam systems to determine the fire extinguishing efficiency of conditional seat of Class A fires, the possibility of supply of compressed foam on the upper floors of high-rise buildings, as well as the use of compressed air foam systems at low temperatures.
Findings. Extinguishing of conditional seat of Class A fires by compression foam required 2 times less time and extinguishing substances than while using the nozzle SVP-2. The permissible minimum concentration of foaming agents in water solution for compressed foam in compressed air foam systems has been defined: OPS 0.4 – 0,4%, Sintek and film-forming Bar'er – 2%. The possibility of supplying compressed foam to 18, 25 and 32 floors of high-rise buildings is shown. The pressure drop along the length of hose line when applying dry compression foam were lower than when applying wet compression foam. Besides, the possibility of using compressed air foam systems at low temperatures is determined, whereby compressed foam in hose line freezes, but does not create ice plugs and does not cause damage to a fire hose.
Application field of research. The research results can be used in fire and rescue departments for firefighting by compressed air foam system.
Conclusions. The results of the field test of the compressed air foam system show the effectiveness of extinguishing Class A fires, the possibility of supplying compressed foam to a height of 100 m, as well as its use at low temperatures.
Keywords compressed air foam system; fire extinguishing; compressed air foam; field tests
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