MAY 1992 NBR 12615

Foam Suppression Systems

ABNT
Av. Treze de Maio, 13 – 28º andar
20031-901 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Tel.: 55 21 3974-2300
Fax: + 55 21 3974-2346
abnt@abnt.org.br
www.abnt.org.br

Procedure

Origin: Project 00:001.03-028/1983

© ABNT 1992
Todos os Direitos Reservados
CB-24 – Brazilian Fire Safety Committee
CE-24:302.06 – Fixed Fire Fighting System Study Commission
NBR 12615 - Foam Suppression Systems – Procedure
Descriptor: Fire Safety

Key word: Fire safety 19 pages

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 SUMMARY NBR 7821 – Welded tanks for storage of oil and
1 Purpose byproducts - Procedure
2 Reference Documents
3 Definitions ANSI B 31.1 - Piping and piping systems
4 Generalities
5 General Conditions NFPA n9 13 - Standard for the installation of sprinkler
6 Specific Conditions systems

Bulletin API 650 - Appendix H - Welded Steel tanks for

oil storage
1 Purpose
3 Definitions
1.1 This Standard provides the guidelines for development
of designs for fixed, semi-fixed and portable mechanical For the purposes of this Standard the definitions 3.1 to
foam suppression systems, and for the installation, 3.30.3 are used.
inspections, approval test, operation and maintenance of
the referred to systems. 3.1 Extinguishing agent

1.2 This Standard is applicable to combustible liquids and/or Product used to extinguish fire.
flammable liquid production, storage and handling facilities,
in areas or places indoors or outdoors. 3.2 Hazardous area

2 Reference Documents Area where the existing conditions might cause a fire.

In the application of this Standard, reference shall be made 3.3 Sprinkler

to the following:
Device used in automatic or under command sprinklers for
NBR 5363 – Explosion proof enclosures for electrical application of extinguishing agent.
equipment - Specification
3.4 Containment basin
NBR 5418 – Electrical installations in environments with
flammable liquids, gases or fumes - Procedure Region delimited by a depression of the terrain or dams,
designed to contain leaked liquid.
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 NBR 12615/1992 3

3.5 Foam chamber 3.18 Water mist

Device equipped with a vapor seal designed to conduct the Stream of small water particles, produced by special
foam to the cone-roof storage tank. nozzles.

3.6 Foam slider 3.19 Tank

Device designed to facilitate the smooth application of foam Cylindrical reservoir to store liquid fuels.
over combustible liquids stored in tanks.
3.20 Vertical tank
3.7 Doser
Tank with its base supported on the ground.
Equipment designed to mix specified quantities of water and
foaming agent. 3.21 Cone-shaped roof tank

3.8 Nozzle Tank with vertical sides, equipped with a fixed cone-shaped
roof that is welded to the sides of the tank.
A device attached to the end of a fire hose that directs,
shapes and regulates the flow of an extinguishing agent. 3.22 Open-top floating roof tank

3.9 Mechanical foam Tank with a pontoon type roof that floats directly on the
flammable liquid surface.
Extinguishing agent consisting of a
collection of minute bubbles formed by agitation of water, 3.23 Foam turret
foaming agent and air.
Portable device designed to facilitate the application of foam
3.10 Fixed emulsion station in tanks.

Place where pumps, dosers, valves and foaming agent 3.24 Foam sprinkler system
reservoirs are located.
Special system linked to the source of the producing
3.11 Mobile emulsion station solution, equipped with water mist sprinklers for discharge
and distribution in the area to be protected.
Specialized vehicle for transportation of foaming agent and
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its emulsion with water. 3.25 Discharge devices

3.12 Foam Generator Usually, they are divided into two categories: (i) the ones
designed to discharge foam in the form of mist, and (ii) the
Equipment designed to facilitate the solution/air mixing to ones designed to discharge the agent as a low-velocity
create foam. compact stream, namely:

3.13 Hydrant a) devices that discharge foam in the form of

aspersion; end up in a baffle or chute that
Equipment designed to feed with water or foam solution distributes the foam;
firefighting hoses.
b) devices that discharge foam in the form of low-
3.14 Foam line velocity compact stream; there may be (or not)
baffles or chutes included as an integral part of the
Pipes or hose line designed to conduct the foam. system. Such devices may have the shape of open
tubes, directional flow nozzles or small generation
3.15 Solution line chambers with open outlets.

Pipes or hose line designed to conduct the mechanical 3.26 Hose line stream
foam solution.
Foam stream from a nozzle that can be held and directed
3.16 Hose manually. The reaction of the nozzle usually restricts the
flow of the solution to approximately 1000 L/min at the most.
Flexible conduit made of natural or artificial threads, used to
channel water, solution or foam. 3.27 Foam monitor (gun) stream

3.17 Monitor A large capacity foam stream from a nozzle that is

supported in position and can be directed by one person. A
Firefighting delivery apparatus – also known as deluge gun solution flow of 1200L/min or more may be used.
- designed to shape and direct foam or water streams of
large volume and range.

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 4 NBR 12615/1992
3.28 Fixed monitor (Gun)
A device that delivers a large foam stream and is mounted
on a stationary support that either is elevated or is at grade.
The monitor may be fed with a solution through permanent
piping or hoses.
3.29 Portable monitor (Gun)
A device that delivers a foam monitor stream and is
mounted on a movable support or wheels so it can be
transported to the fire scene.
3.30 Foam application
3.30.1 Type I
It uses an applicator that places the foam gently on the
surface of the liquid, causing minimum submergence.
Example: type I chamber (see Figure 1).
3.30.2 Type II
It uses applicators that do not place the foam gently on the
surface of the liquid, but are designed to reduce
submergence and agitate the surface of the liquid. Example:
type II chamber (see Figure 2).
3.30.3 Type III
It uses devices that apply the foam through free-falling
streams on the surface of the liquid. Example: common
nozzles, monitors, etc.
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4 Generalities
4.1 For the purposes of this Standard, mechanical foam or
air foam is produced by mixing a foam concentrate with
Placa de Artifício
Figure 1 – Type I Chamber
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water to produce a foam solution. The bubbles are formed
by the turbulent mixing of air and the foam solution, and as
the name ‘air foam’ implies, the bubbles are filled with air.
The foam solution contains concentrate of animal, synthetic
or vegetal origin.
4.2 As foam density is lower than that of flammable liquids,
it may be used mainly to form a floating film, extinguishing,
covering and cooling off the fuel, in such a way as to
interrupt evaporation of vapors and prevent their mixture
with oxygen from the air.
4.3 Mechanical foam or air foam is useful as a fire
prevention and extinction agent in a number of situations,
satisfying all requirements referring to a fluid of very low
density and high capacity of heat absorption. Mechanical
foam is not considered a proper agent for gas fires.
4.4 In containers or tanks containing hot products,
temperature of which is above the water boiling point, the
application of mechanical foam shall be preceded by a
judicious study of the situation. In tanks containing high-
viscosity liquid fuels, which have remained burning for a
long time, the use of mechanical foam is not advisable.
4.5 Mechanical foam conducts electricity; therefore, this
extinguishing agent shall not be used against energized
electrical equipment.
5 General Conditions
5.1 Water/Foaming Agent Mixture
The methods proposed to obtain a proper water/foaming
agent mixture are provided for in item 5.1.1 to 5.1.5
Flange “I”
Tank
 NBR 12615/1992
Aerator
Orifice
Plate
Figure 2 – Type II Chamber
5.1.1 Air mixture made directly by portable fixed-flow foam
nozzles.
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5.1.2 Air mixture made in the hoseline by means of fixed-
flow line proportioners.
5.1.3 Air mixture made by a doser installed between the
water pump outlet and inlet. It allows flow variation, Always
depending on the operator.
5.1.4 Air mixture made through a pressure vessel or pump
and doser that automatically control the foaming agent flow
in relation to the water flow. They allow a wide flow
variation, regardless of the operator.
5.1.5 The methods indicated in 5.1.3 and 5.1 4 can be
obtained through fixed or mobile emulsion stations
(vehicles).
5.2 Mechanical foam generator
5.2.1 The methods proposed hereby to obtain mechanical
foam are the following:
a) generation by means of portable nozzle type
devices, to allow the mixture ‘air and mechanical
foam solution‘;
b) generation by means of fixed nozzle type devices,
to allow the mixture ‘air and mechanical foam
solution‘.
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5
Selo
5.2.2 The ratio between quantity of foam produced by the
devices and quantity of foam solution (expansion ratio) shall
be of the order of eight times as maximum value and four
times as minimum value. The time of permanence of the
foam on the surface of the liquid shall be 15min (at a
minimum). For products with high vapor tension, different
time rates may be accepted.
5.3 Storage of foaming agent in fixed facilities
5.3.1 The foaming agent shall be stored in metallic
containers or tanks properly protected against corrosion.
5.3.1.1 The tanks or containers shall be located, whenever
possible, equidistant from the hazards to protect, at
emulsion stations, so that the temperature of 45ºC inside
the liquid mass is not exceeded.
5.3.1.2 Foaming agent tanks shall be fitted with proper
vents; discharge valves; filling, measurement and level
control device; and manhole for purposes of inspection,
cleaning and sampling.
5.4 Designs of systems for protection or extinction by
means of mechanical foam
5.4.1 Those designs shall be developed by companies with
the required technical requirements.
 5.4.2 Such designs shall have the following basic
information:
a) details of the various hazards to protect, including
local, physical arrangement and points of higher
danger;
b) technical specification of the foaming agent to be
used by the system proposed;
c) application rates of the mixture (water + foaming
agent) and of the foam;
d) water flowrates in liters per minute (LPM) required
by the system proposed, including the required total
volume reserve;
e) maximum time, expressed in minutes, in which the
mixture (water + foaming agent) can circulate in the
piping without losing their foam properties;
f) foaming agent flowrates in liters per minute (LPM)
required by the system proposed, including the
required foaming agent total volume reserve;
g) technical specification and capacity of generation,
flow and/or storage of all items of equipment
proposed;
h) schematics of pump actuator electrical systems,
when the proposed system provides for a fixed
emulsion station;
i) certificate of warranty with term of validity for
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manufacturing defects of all items of equipment
proposed.
5.4.3 The protection or extinction system designs
considered herein shall be approved by the competent
authorities, for protection against fires in the location prior to
their installation.
5.4.4 The operation and final acceptance tests of the
protection or extinction systems considered in this Chapter
shall be conducted in the presence of the competent
authority for protection against fires at the location and in
light of the documents indicated in items 5.15.1 and 5.15.2.
5.4.5 The protection or extinction systems considered in this
Standard shall be designed and built so that the generated
foam is not applied inside the equipment during the
execution of the tests.
5.5 Water supply
5.5.1 The basic item to determine the efficiency of the
mechanical foam protection or extinction systems shall be
the water flow (volume per unit of time).
5.5.2 The water flow shall be determined in relation to the
highest hazard to be protected (tank, basin, area).
5.5.3 The water flow determined by the highest hazard to be
protected shall be added to the required flowrate to feed
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mobile equipment to be provided for in the design (foam or
water nozzles).
5.5.4 The water sources shall ensure minimum supply of 2h
for coverage of the highest hazard foreseen in the design.
5.5.5 Water supply to the mechanical foam systems can be
made with fresh or salty water; however, with the required
quality, so that the foam generated does not sustain
adverse effects.
5.6 Foaming agent supply
5.6.1 The foaming agent supply shall be determined by
percentage calculation based on the solution flowrate
projected for the coverage of the highest hazard plus the
flowrate of the manual foam lines of the area considered in
the design, multiplied by the recommended time of
operation, plus the required volume to fill the piping.
5.6.2 The mechanical-foam suppression system designs
shall provide for availability of foaming agent in the
minimum quantity of twice the required volume, for
coverage of the highest hazard in the area, considering the
estimated discharge times, with one initial charge and
another as replacement charge.
5.6.2.1 At locations where it is possible to replace foaming
agent stocks within 24h, the aforementioned replacement
reserve shall be released.
5.7 Emulsion stations
5.7.1 The water/foaming agent mixture can be made
through:
a) fixed emulsion station;
b) mobile emulsion station (vehicle).
5.7.2 When the water/foaming agent mixture is performed at
a fixed emulsion station, the following requirements shall be
observed:
a) the station shall be located as much as possible
equidistant from the hazards to protect, in order to
meet the provisions of item 5.4.2, and sufficiently
protected against damage caused by fire and/or
explosion and with easy access to foaming agent
supply vehicles;
b) the fixed station shall be built with fire proof material
and be provided with access ways and natural
lighting oriented to lower risk areas;
c) the fixed station shall be equipped with electrical
and communication systems sufficiently protected
against damage caused by fire and/or explosion;
d) the fixed station may have the following basic items
of equipment for the water-foaming agent mixture:
- water pump, control valves and the respective
piping, according to design needs;
 NBR 12615/1992
- foaming agent pump, control valves and the
respective piping, according to design needs;
- container for storage of foaming agent in
quantities estimated in the design, according to
5.6.2;
- control valves and water alignment and mixture;
- instruments to indicate water flow pressure,
foaming agent, mixture and level of foaming
agent;
- doser(s);
- appropriate devices to fill tanks with foaming
agent through portable containers or vehicles;
- appropriate devices to allow operational
inspections and tests of the equipment;
- appropriate devices to allow cleaning, with
clean water of all dozing equipment.
5.7.3 When the mixture of water and foaming agent takes
place in a mobile emulsion station (vehicle), the following
basic requirements shall be observed in the technical
specification of inspections of the foam suppression system:
-v
a) chassis and engine shall be preferably
manufactured in Brazil;
b) electrical systems, brakes, suspension and wheels,
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cabin, shall comply with Brazilian standards in
effect;
c) the foaming agent tank shall be built with material
resistant to corrosion, with capacity to store the
product in volume estimated in the design and with
the technical requirements set forth by the Brazilian
standards in effect;
d) the connections for water inlet, pre-mixture
discharge, foaming agent fill and discharge shall be
specified;
e) the foaming agent pump and/or doser shall be
specified with indication of minimum and maximum
flowrate and pressure, so that the coverage of the
highest hazard considered in the design is fully
satisfied;
f) water pump shall be specified with indication of
minimum and maximum flowrate and pressure, so
that the coverage of the highest hazard considered
in the design is fully satisfied;
g) the position of the operation panel and actuation
and control devices shall be specified with the
indication of their respective functions;
h) for firefighting portable equipment transportation the
following shall be provided: emulsion system
drawings and flowcharts,
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7
inlet and outlet, operation and maintenance
instructions of the various mechanisms, as well as
general dimensions and characteristics of the
vehicle;
i) along with the documents mentioned in paragraph
h), certificates of warranty and certificates for
operation, flowrate and final acceptance tests shall
also be provided.
5.8 Water pumps and foaming agent
5.8.1 Water pumps and foaming agent to be installed on
fixed emulsion stations may be powered by electric motors,
internal combustion engines and/or steam motor.
5.8.2 The source of energy selected shall allow for the
operation of the pumps with no interruptions in emergency
situations.
5.8.3 The pumps shall be designed in order to meet total
demand of the highest hazard, within projected flowrates
and pressures.
5.8.4 Electrical equipment of the system shall meet the
provisions set forth in NBR 5363 and NBR 5418
5.9 Control valves
5.9.1 In all foaming system, especially in fixed emulsion
stations, the main actuation valves and pre-mixture
distribution valves shall have devices that identify when they
are opened or closed and shall be placed in protected
locations in areas of hazard.
5.9.2 In fixed or mobile emulsion stations, all actuation and
distribution valves shall be clearly identified in order to allow
its quick and perfect operation.
5.9.3 Specification of the main actuation and distribution
valves shall be approved for use in firefighting and
according to the provisions in 6 2.6.2.
5.10 Piping network
5.10.1 The piping network shall be designed according to
the needs of the hazards to protect, in full compliance with
designed flowrates and pressures.
5.10.2 The piping network shall be installed so that it will not
be damaged by fire or explosion in case of emergencies.
5.10.3 All branches of the piping network shall be clearly
identified to facilitate the quick operation of the system.
5.10.4 When the piping network is overland, support racks
and means that allow proper drainage shall be estimated, if
necessary.
5.11 Foam makers
5.11.1 The yield of foam maker equipment shall be
calculated, according to water and foam flowrates estimated
in the design.
 8 NBR 12615/1992
5.11.2 The foam makers shall be installed next to or away
from foam chambers, though always facilitating inspections
and maintenance.
5.12 Chambers, baffles and sliders for foam application
5.12.1 The yield of the foam application chambers shall be
calculated according to flowrates estimated in the design.
5.12.2 The chambers shall be installed in equidistant points
around the tank, so that liquid coverage is even.
5.12.3 Chambers, baffles and sliders shall be installed in
such a way as to ensure its operation, even in case of
explosion.
5.12.4 Baffles and sliders shall be designed and installed in
cone-shaped roof tanks, when necessary, so that the foam
is smoothly applied without submergence in the liquid to a
depth greater than 25 mm.
5.12.5 The chambers shall have devices that allow testing
without foam penetration in the tanks.
5.13 Hydrant system (see 6.3.4.2)
5.13.1 Foam systems for tanks shall be supplemented by
hydrant systems in order to feed the hoses and ensure the
extinction of fire sources in areas adjacent to hazards
anticipated in the designs.
5.13.2 Minimum water flowrates for each hydrant discharge
outlet shall be of the order of 900 L/min.
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5.13.3 The design shall anticipate that the hydrants may
work with water and/or pre-mixture (water +foaming agent).
5.13.4 Next to hydrants with foam solution, there shall be
hose storage cabinets, nozzles, switches and special
support tools for firefighting, except when vehicles are
available to timely transport such materials to the desired
location.
5.14 Operation and discharge tests - Acceptance
5.14.1 After the installation of all equipment projected in the
design, the assembler shall carry out operation and
discharge tests of the system.
5.14.2 The test shall mandatorily take place in the presence
of local firefighting competent authority, contracting party
representative of the system and representatives of the
designer and assembly companies.
5.14.3 After execution of the operation and discharge tests,
the designer and assembly companies shall issue a
technical report to the system contracting company.
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5.14.4 The technical report mentioned in 5.14.3 shall
receive the signature of local firefighting competent
authority and the “OK” of the contracting company which
attended and monitored all the tests.
5.15 Drawings – Spare part catalogue – Operation,
maintenance and inspection manuals
5.15.1 The design and/or assembly company shall provide
to the contracting company the drawings of all parts of the
designed system, as well as spare parts of the designed
system, spare part catalogues and preventive and
corrective maintenance, inspection and operation manuals.
5.15.2 All drawings, schemes, lists, catalogues, operation
and maintenance manuals shall be provided in Portuguese.
6 Specific Conditions
6.1 Fixed suppression systems for flammable/
combustible liquids in closed areas
6.1.1 Generalities
6.1.1.1 This section refers to foam firefighting systems used
in specific hazards to protect in rooms, closed areas and
buildings, which may be included in the building itself or not.
6.1.1.2 These systems have the purpose of protecting
stocks and handling flammable and combustible liquids
inside buildings and structures. Typical application would be
in storage, areas subject to large leaks, process equipment,
pump room, open tanks, such as for example immersion
painting tanks, mixture tanks, etc., existing in industries,
solvent extraction processes, and distillation and refinery
plants.
6.1.1.3 This section is not about foam/ water sprinkler
system, foam/ water mist system or high expansion foam
systems.
6.1.2 Limitations
When the risk involved consists of flammable liquids, such
as alcohol, ketone, ether (polar solvents), which are
dissolvable in water, a specific foam shall be used for such
products as well as appropriate equipment.
6.1.3 Foam quality
6.1.3.1 The foam provided by mist systems shall rapidly
create a covering layer and spread around the obstacles.
Foam discharges from such systems shall have a coefficient
of expansion varying between four and eight figures of
‘‘25% of drainage time”, varying between 1/2 min and 1 min.
6.1.3.2 Foam provided by devices that produce low-speed
compact stream shall have characteristics within the limits
of Figure 3 (See 6 3)
 NBR 12615/1992 9

Upper acceptable limit

Time im Minutes
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Great foam

Lower acceptable limit

Foam Expansion

Foam expansion

Note For drainage of 25% in foam weight.

Figure 3 – Foam quality guide for storage tanks

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 10
6.1.4 System description
6.1.4.1 The systems addressed in this section consist of
detection devices, adequate water supply, foaming agent
supply, proportioner equipment, appropriate piping system,
foam generator and discharge devices designed to evenly
distribute the foam over the hazard.
6.1.4.2 These systems are of the ‘total flooding’ type with
open applicators; foam is discharged from all sprinklers at
the same time covering all the hazards.
6.1.4.3 Self-contained systems are those in which all
components and foaming agent, including water, are inside
the systems. Such systems usually have a water supply
tank that remains pressurized with compressed air or gas
and the release of this pressure is responsible for its
operation.
6.1.5 Operation
6.1.5.1 Automatic system shall have detecting and actuation
devices. These detecting devices trigger the system,
operating a water control valve or other actuation device.
The rest of the system, on the other hand, shall be
interconnected to operate the foam maker equipment that
when properly mixed shall be sent to foam generators and
applicators distributed in the hazard area.
6.1.5.2 Automatic detection equipment, whether pneumatic,
hydraulic or electric shall be inspected at frequent intervals
in order to ensure the operation of the entire system.
6.1.5.3 System operation shall allow manual drive in case of
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automatic detection system failure.
6.1.5.4 When the area and equipment are constantly
supervised, automatic detection and/or actuation are
dismissed.
6.1.6 System design
6.1.6.1 Systems shall be designed for automatic operation
supplemented by auxiliary manual actuations.
6.1.6.2 In systems designed for protection in rooms or
buildings where foam applicators are used in the form of
mist, the applicators shall be placed as high as possible in
the area, and spaced according to its discharge
characteristics (density, application, mist, maximum usage
height, launch speed, etc.), so that the system may cover all
the area to be protected.
6.1.6.2.1 When applicators on ground level are used, they
shall be placed and spaced so that the foam spreads as
rapidly as possible, in all area.
6.1.6.3 Open tanks with flammable liquids may be protected
by applicators installed on the tank shell, discharging foam
directly over the liquid surface.
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NBR 12615/1992
6.1.6.4 The protection of specific equipment may be
executed with the application of foam on top of the
equipment or by applicators directed to the equipment.
When the basic purpose of the system is fire extinguishing
on ground level, coverage of the specific equipment by the
foam has the advantage of creating an insulation effect
against heat exposure while the fire is being extinct.
6.1.6.5 When the foaming agent lines for mixture making
points of the system are designed with a distance larger
than 15 m, the foaming agent shall be maintained under
pressure in order to ensure immediate system operation.
Pressure may be maintained by an auxiliary pump.
6.1.6.6 Parts of the system, such as for example foaming
agent tanks, proportioners, pumps and control valves shall
be installed in accessible places to facilitate operation
during emergencies. Automatic control valves shall be as
close to hazards to protect as possible, so that only a short
segment of piping between the valve and discharge devices
is necessary.
6.1.6.7 Systems shall be designed to protect one or many
hazards or hazard groups, using the same supply of
foaming agent and water.
6.1.6.7.1 The size of a system shall be as small as possible;
however, in areas where two or more hazards may be
involved simultaneously due to a decreased spacing among
them, each hazard shall be protected with its own system or
the system shall be designed to protect all hazards
simultaneously.
6.1.7 Rate of Application for hydrocarbons and polar
solvents
The rates listed below are recommended; however, if the
user receives other rates from the foam equipment or
manufacturer, they shall be enforced.
6.1.7.1 The sum of the discharge of foam sprinklers or
applicators shall have minimum rate of solution of 6.5
L/min/m2 of the protected area, taking into consideration the
recommendations from the manufacturer of the foaming
agent to be used.
6.1.7.2 In case of change of foaming agent, the system
shall be revaluated and corrected, in order to adjust to the
characteristics of the new product used.
6.1.7.3 Unless the manufacturer states otherwise, foaming
agents from different sources or types shall not be mixed. In
hazards where there are intermediate horizontal surfaces
that may accumulate foam, they shall be taken into
consideration when calculating the discharge rate.
6.1.7.4 For tanks with no roof, with applicators placed at the
tank shells, the rate of application shall be of 6.5 L/min/m2
of the surface, taking into consideration the manufacturer
recommendations of the foaming agent used.
6.1.7.5 When small open tanks are protected by a foaming
mist system, special attention shall be given to the
discharge volume that really gets into the tank, as to ensure
that the rate of application is reached.
 NBR 12615/1992
6.1.7.6 Water soluble liquids and polar solvents, which
destroy common foam, require the use of alcohol type foam.
The systems designed for those foams require special
consideration and may require higher application rates.
6.1.8 Time of operation
6.1.8.1 For protection of plane areas, the duration of foam
discharge shall be at least of 10 min. When the system is
designed for an application rate higher than the specified in
item 6.1.7, a proportional reduction in the time of discharge
may be projected; however, the final time shall not be lower
than 7 min.
6.1.8.2 For tanks with less than 37m2 of surface:
a) for suspended water mist applicators, the duration
of the discharge shall be 5min for hydrocarbons,
b) for applicators mounted on tank shells, the duration
of the discharge shall be at least 3 min;
c) there must be a free board no smaller than 15cm
between the surface of the liquid and the upper part
of the tank shell.
6.1.8.3 In case of tanks with 37m 2 or more of surface, apply
the rules of time of operation valid for open air tanks.
6.1.9 Foaming agent supply
6.1.9.1 The total supply of foaming agent must be the sum
of the quantities defined in 5.6.2, 6.1.7.6, 6.1.8.1 and
6.1.9.2.
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6.1.9.2 For a reserve supply, in addition to the initial lot
there must be an additional quantity of foaming agent,
enough to resupply the system according to 5.6.2.
6.1.10 System piping
6.1.10.1 System piping shall be calculated and sized for an
even distribution of foam, and to compensate for water
pressure loss. The adjustment to piping sizes, in order to
obtain an even discharge shall be based on the maximum
variation of 5% of the projected average discharge per
applicator, provided the system supplies the application rate
projected in the design.
6.1.10.1.1 The piping shall be supported in a safe and
protected manner. In closed environments, where there is
the risk of explosion, the piping must be fixed to supports
not attached to the roof.
6.1.10.1.2 The foam piping shall have drains and a 5mm tilt
for them per linear meter.
6.1.10.1.3 It shall not be allowed to drill or thread the
hangers in parts of the structure carrying the load. The
accessories can be mounted on the structures and supports
of the industrial equipment.
6.1.10.1.4 The installation patterns for foam piping must be
provided for in the standard for Automatic Sprinkler System
Installation (NFPA no. 13). Weld according to ANSI B 31.1
for pressure piping is allowable when it can be done without
creating any hazard. The supply piping of the applicators
that protect a certain area shall not pass over other hazard
from the same area.
6.1.11 Alarms
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
11
6.1.11.1 For each system, a local alarm must be installed,
with actuation independent from the water flow, to indicate
the operation of the detection equipment. An alarm center is
recommended; however, its installation does not annul the
local alarm requirement.
6.1.11.2 An alarm shall be projected to indicate any failure
in the automatic detection equipment responsible for a
constant and continued supervision of all parts of the
detection electrical circuits.
6.2 Water mist systems for flammable/combustible
liquids in open areas (External protection)
6.2.1 Field of application
6.2.1.1 This section refers to systems that discharge foam in
the form of water mist for firefighting in leakages under or
around structures, equipment, horizontal tanks and small
vertical tanks.
6.2.2 Application rate
6.2.2.1 The minimum rate of application of the foam solution
must be 6.5 L/min/m2.
6 2.2.2 Sections 6.1.7.1 to 6 1.7.3 must be applied.
6.2.2.3 It is of utmost importance to comply with the
recommendations from the manufacturers of the foaming
agent used.
6.2.3 Foaming agent supply
6.2.3.1 General
The inventories to be maintained must be the sum of the
quantities defined in 6.2.3.2 and 6 2.3.3.
6.2.3.2 Operational supply
There must be enough quantity of foaming agent to supply
the system at the design rate for a 10min period. If the
system discharges at a rate above the minimum specified in
item 5.2.1, the time of operation can be proportionally
reduced, but not below 7min.
6.2.3.3 Reserve supply
There must be an additional stock of foaming agent,
according to 5.6.2.
6.2.4 Discharge devices (number and location)
There must be at least one sprinkler for each 9m 2 of
protected area, unless the specification of the sprinklers
allows higher spacing. The sprinklers shall be positioned in
such a way as to provide good distribution of foam.
However, an additional advantage will be obtained by
placing the sprinklers so that the foam covers the
equipment inside the protected area.
 12
Therefore, sprinklers can be installed over the equipment or
closed tanks, as opposed to evenly distributed around the
area to be protected. Thus, sprinklers may be installed at
certain elevation and cover a specific area that provide a
more effective protection for the hazard.
6.2.5 Operation
6.2.5.1 Automatic operation
The foam systems addressed in item 6.2 may be automatic.
6.2.5.2 Manual operation
For all systems, the controls shall be situated in an
accessible place, sufficiently away from the hazard so that
they may be safely operated.
6.2.6 System piping
6.2.6.1 The solution piping shall be after the use or test.
6.2.6.2 Chapter 3 of NFPA 13 shall be referred to as to
requirements in connection with piping, valves, piping
accessories and hangers, including protection against
corrosion (galvanization or other means). In open air
sprinkler systems, galvanized tubes and accessories shall
be used. Corrosive atmospheres may require equipment
with more protection.
6.2.6.3 The foaming agent piping shall be made of black
carbon steel or fluid metal, this latter for underground piping
or, when exposed, it shall be properly protected against
impact and the action of fire.
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6.3 Fixed systems for storage tanks in open areas
6.3.1 Field of application
This section refers to foam systems for the protection of
open-air vertical storage tanks at atmospheric pressure,
containing flammable and/or combustible liquids, through
fixed foam chambers. The systems shall be based on the
higher flow of solution for protection of the largest tank of
the area, plus the required additional hoselines.
6.3.1.1 Tanks exclusively for class III liquids (flash point
above 60°C) do not require protection from fixed foam
systems, except when abnormal situations arise, such as
stocking of high value products or liquids heated above their
flash point.
6.3.1.2 Tanks exclusively for class III liquids (flash point
above 60°C) do not require protection from fixed foam
systems, except when abnormal situations arise, such as
stocking of high value products or liquids heated above their
flash point.
6.3.2 Application rates
6.3.2.1 The minimum rate of application of solution shall be
the following:
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
NBR 12615/1992
a) for tanks containing liquid hydrocarbons:
- the rate of application of foam solution shall be at
least 4.1 L/min/m2 of the liquid surface area of the
tank to be protected, in observance of the
recommendations from the manufacturer of the
foaming agent used;
- in case of change of the foaming agent used, the
system shall be revaluated and corrected for the
characteristics of the new foaming agent;
- except for express recommendation from the
manufacturers, foaming agents from different
manufacturers or types shall not be mixed;
Notes: a) Flammable liquids with boiling point below 37.8°C
may require higher application rates. Convenient
application rates shall be established through test.
b) For high viscosity liquids heated above 93.3°C,
lower initial rates of application may be
recommended, in order to minimize boiling over
and the resulting overflow of liquid. Special care
shall be given during the application of foam in
tanks containing hot oils, firing asphalts or liquids
at a temperature above the water boiling point.
Even though the comparatively low content of
water in the foams may beneficially cool off such
liquids, it may also cause violent boiling over and
overflow of the contents of the tanks.
b) for tanks containing other flammable and
combustible liquids requiring special foams:
- water soluble liquids and certain polar liquids
destroy common foams, requiring the use of
alcohol type foam. The systems that use this type
of foam require special engineering design.
Conditions other than routine conditions may
demand the use of higher rates of application. In
all cases, the manufacturers of the foaming agent
and foam equipment must be consulted as to their
limitations and recommendations shall be
requested based on official approval or specific
fire tests;
c) Recommended minimum application rates with the
use of type II discharge devices:
Type of liquid Solution rate
(L/min/m2)
Methyl and ethyl alcohol ........................6.5
Acrylonitrile..............................................6.5
Ethyl-acetate ..........................................6.5
Methyl ethyl ketone ................................6.5
Ketone ....................................................9.8
Products with isopropyl alcohol, methyl isobutyl ketone,
methyl methacrylate monomer, butyl alcohol, isopropyl ether
and mixtures of polar solvents in general may require higher
rates of application. The protection of products like amines
and anhydrides - which are foam destroyers - demands
special consideration;
 NBR 12615/1992
d) apply the second and third sub items of 6.3.2.1. It is
of utmost importance to comply with the
recommendations from the manufacturers of the
foaming agent used.
Notes a) The resistance of alcohol type foam to solvents
and the fire may be adversely affected by factors
such as excessive time of transit of the solution,
use of foam generating devices not built
specifically or not properly tested for a certain
solution of alcohol foam, operation pressure,
dosage outside the recommended concentration
limits, method of application and characteristics of
the liquid to which the foam shall be applied.
b) The time of transit of the solution is the time that
elapses between the injection of the foaming
agent into the water and the air mixture; the time
of transit of the solution may be limited, depending
on the characteristics of the foaming agent, water
temperature and nature of the hazard to protect.
The maximum time of transit of the solution for
each specific facility shall be within the limits
established by the manufacturer of the foaming
agent, and usually shall not exceed 3 min.
c) For protection of highly toxic flammable or
combustible liquids, high rates of application may
be recommended to reduce the risk of pollution of
the area, providing quicker coverage for the liquid,
by increasing the rates of application used.
6.3.3 Supply of foaming agent
6.3.3.1 General
The supply to be maintained on stock shall be the sum of
the quantities defined in 6.3.4.1 to 6.3.4.4.
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6.3.3.2 Minimum time of discharge
The system shall be capable of operating at the supply rate
specified in item 6.3.2.1 for the largest tank to be protected
within the minimum periods of time indicated in Table 1. If
the foam application rate is higher than the specified in
6.3.2.1, a proportional reduction in time may be conducted,
provided it is not less than 70% of the minimum times
shown in Table 1.
Table 1 – Minimum times of operation of the
system
Types of foam
For tanks containing liquid application
hydrocarbons
Type I Type II
Lubricant oils, dry viscous waste
(more than 50s Saybolt-Furol, at
50°C, 1,068 x 104 m2/s, at 50°C), 15 25
heavy combustible oils, with flash
points above 93.3°C
Kerosene, light combustible oils, etc.
with flash points of 37.7°C to 93.3°C
20 30
Gasoline, naphtha, benzene,
automotive Diesel and similar liquids, 30 55
with flash points below 37.7°C
Crude oil 30 55
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
13
6.3.4 Water soluble polar flammable and combustible
substances
Alcohol foams require smooth application by type I
chambers, unless they are approved as appropriate for
application by type II chambers. The time of operation shall
be 30min at the specified rate of application, unless the
foaming agent manufacturer has established through a fire
test that less time is acceptable.
6.3.4.1 Quantity of foaming agent
The quantity of foaming agent to be stored shall be
determined by multiplying the total flow in liters per minute
of each tank by the time indicated in item 6.3.3.2. The
resulting highest value shall be added to the quantity
required for the hoses provided for in item 6.3.4.2 and to the
foaming agent necessary to fill the piping.
6.3.4.2 Hose for manual application of foam
Foam producing hoses and nozzles shall be provided in
addition to the foam installations of the tanks, as a
supplemental protection for cases of fire in leakages. The
number of hoses shall be according to the specified in Table
2. For the purposes of this requirement, each hose shall
have a solution flowrate of at least 400 L/min.
6.3.4.2.1 The quantities of foaming agent required to feed
the hoses shall be added to the quantities necessary for the
fixed system. Additional foaming agent shall be provided to
allow the operation of the hoses simultaneously with the
foam fixed installations for the period established in Table 2.
Table 2 – Number of hoses
Tank basins with Foam solution flowrate Time of use
diameters (m) (L7min) (min)
Below or equal to 10 400 10
From 10 to 20 400 20
From 20 to 30 800 20
From 30 to 40 800 30
Above 40 1200 30
Notes: a) For total area up to 400 m2 - a 200L/min line.
b) In case of alcohol foam solution, limitations on
time of transit may require the use of separate
water and foaming agent lines, and the need to
make the foaming agent mixture near the foam
nozzle and not in the central foam station.
6.3.4.3 Piping filling requirements
There shall be enough quantity of foaming agent to produce
foam solution to fill the piping installed between the fixed
emulsion station and the furthest tank. When water supply
continues after foaming agent exhaustion, with the
possibility of displacing the foam solution from the piping to
the tank, it is not necessary additional quantity of foaming
agent.
6.3.4.4 Reserve foaming agent supply
There shall be an additional stock of foaming agent, as
indicated in item 5.6.2.
 14
6.3.5 Foam chambers
6.3.5.1 For protection of tanks, foam chambers shall be
used. When two or more chambers are projected, they shall
be equally spaced around the tank, and each chamber shall
be sized to supply foam at the same flowrate. The foam
chambers shall be firmly mounted on top of the shell and
positioned in such a way as to eliminate the possibility of
flowing stored liquid to the foam piping, and the initial
explosion and resulting pulling-out of the tank roof do not
subject them to damage. The number of foam chambers
must be in accordance with Table 3.
Table 3 – Number of discharge chambers
Tank diameter (m) Minimum number of
chambers
Up to 24.5, including 1 fixed installation.
From 24.5 to 36.5 2
From 36.5 to 42.5 3
From 42.5 to 48.5 4 proceed as indicated below:
From 48.5 to 55 5
From 55 to 61 6 a) mount on the floating roof, 300mm from its edge, a
Notes: a) For tanks with diameter above 61m, at least one
additional chamber shall be added for every
additional 465m2 of liquid surface. Due to the lack
of experience with the application of foam to fires
in oil tanks with diameter above 42.5m, the
requirements for protection of tanks above the
aforementioned measurement are based on
successful extrapolation of extinction data in
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smaller tanks.
b) Practical tests have shown that the foam can be
effectively displaced through 30m of the surface of
the liquid on fire. In large tanks, the subsurface
injection can be used to reduce the foam
displacement distances.
6.3.5.1.1 The discharge chambers shall be fitted with a seal
- breakable under low pressure - to prevent vapors from
entering the discharge chambers and piping. The discharge
chambers shall be provided with proper inspection devices,
for adequate maintenance, inspection, tests and
replacement of seals.
6.3.6 Open-top floating roof tanks
6.3.6.1 Open-top floating roof tanks are defined as vertical
cylindrical tanks without fixed roofs that have double-deck
or pontoon-type floating roofs and are constructed
according to NBR 7821. The floating roof is fitted with
pantograph-type seal or tube seal with metal weather shield
or other seal. Plastic blankets, floating diaphragms or other
floating material that can easily submerge are not included
in this definition.
6.3.6.2 Foam systems may not be required in open-top
floating roof tanks. Those tanks have an excellent
performance with regard to fires. Its design complies both
with fire prevention and product preservation reasons.
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
NBR 12615/1992
Usually it is possible to use trained personnel for firefighting
in the annular ring, with the use of portable equipment.
However, there are places where fixed protection may be
recommended due to the heat of stored products, distance
of the installation or shortage of personnel for fire
suppression.
6.3.6.3 Two techniques are known for application of foam by
a fixed/semi-fixed system. The first method provides for
discharge of foam above the pantograph-type seal or metal
weather shield. The second method provides for discharge
of foam below the pantograph-type seal, directly onto the
surface of the liquid or behind the metal weather shield,
directly onto the tube seal envelope and on the surface of
the stored liquid, depending on seal damages. Fixed foam
systems may be operated manually or automatically. When
automatically operated, they are capable of functioning in
one of two ways. The design can provide for a fixed or semi-
6.3.6.3.1 When fixed discharge outlets are installed above
the pantograph-type seal or the metal weather shield,
circular foam dam constructed of at least No. 10
U.S. standard gauge thickness [(3.4 mm (0.134 in.)]
steel plate. The foam dam is shall be designed to
retain foam at the seal area, at a depth to cover the
seal area while causing the foam to flow laterally to
the point of seal rupture. The foam dam shall have
grooves on the lower part to allow drainage of
rainwater. The total grooved areas shall be
280mm2/m2 of the annular ring area between tank
shell and foam dam;
b) The design of the foam system shall provide for
non-interference of its devices, including piping, with
the floating floor or metal weather shield, and with
the mobile ladder of the floating roof;
c) the number of points of foam application shall be
determined by the circumference of the tank. The
maximum spacing between applicators shall be up
to 24m when the tank is fitted with a foam dike
600mm high. The foam shall be of the low-
expansion type, with high fluidity, usually with
drainage times near the “acceptable lower limit”
(see Figure 3);
d) the rate of application and foaming agent supply
shall be calculated taking into account the annular
ring area between the foam dam and the tank shell.
The minimum rate of the solution shall be 6.5
L/min/m2. The foaming agent supply shall be
adequate to operate the system for 20 min.
6.3.6.3.2 When fixed foam outlets are installed below the
seal or metal weather shield, the following indications shall
be observed:
a) for tube seals, circular foam dam is required only
when the top of the seal is less than 160mm below
the upper edge of the floating roof. The maximum
spacing between applicators should be no greater
than 18m, measured around the circumference of
the tank;
 NBR 12615/1992
b) for pantograph-type seals, circular foam dams are
not required. Maximum spacing between
applicators shall be no greater than 40 m,
measured around the circumference;
c) the foam shall be of the low expansion type with a
lot of fluidity, usually associated with drainage times
close to the lower acceptable limit (see Table 1);
d) the design of the foam system shall anticipate the
non-interference of its devices, including piping with
floating roof, seal hinges or mobile ladder of the
floating roof;
e) the rate of application and foaming agent supply
shall be calculated considering the used annular
ring area between the tank shell and floating roof
edge. Minimum rate shall be of de 20 L/min/m2 of
the area. The supply shall be appropriate to operate
the system during 10 min.
6.3.6.3.3 Separate valves are not required for each device
of foam charge for the open top floating roof tank systems.
6.3.7 Covered floating roof tanks
Within the scope of this standard, covered (internal) floating
roof tanks are defined as vertical cylindrical tanks with a
fixed metal roof (cone or geodesic dome) equipped with
ventilation at the top, The ventilation is constructed in
accordance with the provisions set forth in API 650 -
Appendix H Bulletin (See Note). The ventilation system shall
be enough to keep the steams below the lower limit of
flammability, except during the initial charging and for a brief
period after this operation, depending on the product
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volatility. In case a covered floating roof tank is not built
according to the recommendations, it shall be considered a
fixed roof tank.
Notes: a) For ventilation of floating roof tanks, convenient
vents shall be installed to prevent excessive effort
of the roof edge or seal membrane These vents
shall be appropriate for air and gas outlet from the
space under the fixed roof, during the filling
operations The vents shall also be appropriate to
relieve any vacuum generated under the fixed roof
during the discharge operations. The buyer shall
specify the rates of filling, so that the tank
manufacturer may correctly size the ventilation.
b) The vents or ventilation opening shall be placed
on the tank shell, above the floating roof seal
Maximum spacing between the vents shall be of
10 m, and in no way there shall be less than four
equidistant vents The total open area of these
vents shall be equal to or greater than 0.06 m2
per meter of tank diameter. A vent shall be
installed at the center of or at the highest elevation
of the fixed roof and shall be equipped with
weather shield having a minimum open area of
0.033 m2.
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
15
6.3.7.1 Fixed systems are not required in covered floating
roof tanks. The possibility of a fire is greatly reduced in
comparison with other types of tanks, thanks to the type of
“Faraday cage” construction of this class of tanks. In case of
fire, it is hard to extinguish the fire in these tanks with the
use of portable equipment. Fixed protection shall be
recommendable in specific locations due to the value of the
stored products, distance of the facilities or lack of
firefighting personnel.
6.3.7.2 For foam protection for these tanks, consider the
following procedure:
a) if the tank is built according to the
recommendations, apply the foam system for
floating roof tanks (see 6.3.6);
b) if the tank is not within the recommendation, apply
the foam system as for the fixed roof tanks (see
6.3.2.1-a)).
6.3.8 Supplemental devices
At least one turret or portable monitor gun is recommended
as supplemental protection in case a chamber is damaged
by a tank explosion (see 6.4 and 6.5).
6.3.9 Foam application by sub-surface system in fixed
roof tanks filled with liquid hydrocarbons
6.3.9.1 General
Sub-surface application systems are not recommended for
protection of products, such as alcohol, ethers, ketones,
aldehyde, anhydride, and others. Liquid hydrocarbons that
have such products blended may require higher application
rates. The foaming agent manufacturer shall be consulted
and recommendation shall be requested from him/her.
These systems shall also be applied to floating roof tanks
6.3.9.2 Foam generator products and equipment
Foam generator products and equipment for sub-surface
application shall be approved to this end. Fluoroprotein
foaming agents and the foaming agents provide satisfactory
performance in this application process.
6.3.9.3 Rates
Minimum rate shall be according to provisions in 6.3.2.1-a).
6.3.9.3.1 Supply of Foaming Agent
Minimum supply of foaming agent to be maintained shall be
the sum of quantities established for type II discharge
chambers, according to 6.3.3.2, 6.3.4 2 and 6 3.4.4
6.3.9.4 Supplementary demands of hoselines and foam
hydrants
Minimum demands regarding the hoselines and foam
hydrants are specified in 6.3.11.1 and 6.4.4
 16
6.3.9.5 Foam outlets
Foam outlets for tanks may be the open end of the foam
supply piping or the stored product itself. The outlets shall
be sized so that the limits of foam generator discharge
pressure and foam speed are not exceeded. Foam speed at
the tank discharge outlet shall not exceed 3 m/s for IB class
liquids and shall not exceed 6 m/s for other types of liquids,
unless effective tests prove that higher speeds are
satisfactory.
6.3.9.5.1 When two or more outlets are needed, they shall
be equidistant around the tank, so that the foam travel on
the surface cannot exceed 30 m, and each outlet shall be
sized to discharge foam at the same flowrate. For equal
distribution of the foam, the outlets may have connections at
the tank shell or the foam may be fed through multiple
injection pipes inside the tank, starting from a single
connection with the tank shell. The tank shell connections
shall be made at manhole covers, instead of installing
additional outlets in the tank.
6.3.9.5.2 Tanks shall have foam outlets according to Table 4
Table 4 – Foam outlets
Minimum outlet numbers
Tank Diameter (m) IC, II and III
IB Class Liquids
Class Liquids
Up to 24.5 1 1
From 24.5 to 36.5 2 1
From 36.5 to 42.5 3 2
From 42.5 to 48.5 4 2
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From 48.5 to 55 5 2
From 55 to 61 6 3
Above 61. Add an outlet
465 m2 700 m2
per tank
Notes a) Class IA liquids required special consideration
b) This table is based on extrapolation of fire test
data in tanks with diameters of .5 m, 28 m and 35
m, filled with gasoline, crude oil and hexane oil,
respectively
c) Fires in heavier fuel oils that were extinguished
through the sub-surface application correspond in
viscosity to fuel oils that in room temperature
(15.5°C) have viscosity of 25 S.S.U. at 50°C and
pour point of -9.4°C. In addition to the control
provided by the damping effect of the foam and
cooling effect of the water that reaches the
surface, fire control and extinction may also be
favored by cold product movement to the surface
6.3.9.5.3 Regarding the height of foam outlets, they shall be
placed above water level. If there is water at the bottom of
the tank, above the foam outlets, it shall be drained up to
the application point level before placing the foam system in
operation. In case this is not done, foam efficiency shall be
reduced due to its dilution, thus delaying or hindering fire
extinction.
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
NBR 12615/1992
6.3.10 Foam system piping
6.3.10.1 Pipes for foam
Sizing of outlet pipes or lines used in addition to the foam
generator shall be such that the counter pressure is within
the pressure range for which the system was designed.
6.3.10.2 System valves
In addition to the requirements specified in 6.1.9.2, each
foam supply line shall be equipped with a discharge valve
and a shutoff valve, unless the latter is an integral part of
the high counter-pressure foam generator to be switched on
at the time of use. When product lines are used for foam,
their valves shall be arranged so that the foam only enters
the tank to be protected
6.3.10.3 Horizontal tanks and pressurized tanks
Fixed or semi-fixed foam systems are not applicable to
horizontal and pressurized tanks.
6.3.11 Piping
6.3.11.1 All piping inside of dikes or within 15 m (50 ft) from
tanks not diked shall be buried under at least 0.3 m (1 ft) of
earth or, if above ground, shall be supported and protected
against mechanical injury.
6.3.11.2 The piping of the discharge chambers within the
dike or within 15 m (50 ft.) from tanks not diked shall be
designed to absorb upward force and shock caused by a
tank roof rupture. Preferably, welded carbon-steel pipes
should be used. One of the following designs shall be used:
a) Where piping is buried, a swing joint or other means
shall be installed at the base of each tank riser, in
order to allow chamber elevation and riser flexion;
b) Where piping is supported aboveground, it shall not
be secured for a distance of 15 m (50 ft) from the
tank shell to provide flexibility in an upward direction
so that a swing joint is not needed. If there are
threaded connections within this distance, they shall
be back welded for strength;
c) vertical piping of 100 mm (4 in.) in diameter and
greater on the protected tank shall be provided with
one brace at each shell course. This design shall be
permitted to be used in lieu of swing joints or other
approved aboveground flexibility.
 NBR 12615/1992 17

6.3.11.3 The must be a device to allow hydrostatic test of

the system until the chamber.
6.3.11.4 In semi-fixed systems, the solution or foam tubes
shall end up in connections that stay at a safe distance from
the tanks, outside the dikes and at a distance of at least
15m from the tanks with diameter up to 15m and at a
distance of one tank diameter for larger tanks.
6.3.12 System valves
All valves, except for hydrant valves shall be of the type that
allows visual check of the “open” and “closed” positions. In
fixed installations, the piping feeding each foam chamber
shall be fitted with individual valves outside the dike in fixed
installations. Control valves directing the foam or solution to
the appropriate tank shall be located either in the central
foam station or at points where the laterals branch from the
common supply line.
6.3.12.1 Control valves shall be located outsides dikes and
the following distances from the tank shell that they protect:
a) 15 m for tanks with diameter below 15 m;
b) one diameter for tanks with diameter of 15m or
above.
6.3.12.2 Shutoff valves shall be permitted to be located at
shorter distances where remotely operated, as defined in
6.3.12.1-a) and b), when properly protected. Where two or
more foam proportioners are installed in parallel and
discharge into the same outlet header, valves shall be
provided between the outlet of each device and the header.
The water line to each proportioner inlet shall be separately
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The applicability of a portable turret system is
based on the number and availability of personnel
and equipment to extinguish the fire. In tanks
more than 60 m wide, the use of portable turrets is
not feasible due to the number of man and
equipment.
b) Tanks containing combustible liquids (flash point
of 60°C or above) do not require foam protection.
Foam protection for combustible liquids is
recommended in abnormal situations, such as
stocking of high value products or liquids heated
above their flash point.
6.4.2 Application
6.4.2.1 Rates
The minimum rate of supply for portable foam turrets shall
be at least 4.1 L/min/m2 of the liquid surface area of the
tank to be protected.
6.4.3 Foaming agent supply
6.4.3.1 General
The supply to be maintained shall be the sum of the
quantities defined in 6.4.3.3 to 6.4.3.6.
6.4.3.2 Minimum time of discharge
The system shall operate with the rate indicated in 6.4.2.1
for the minimum periods of time mentioned in Table 5.
Should the available turret have a supply rate above the
specified in item 6.4 2.1, a proportional reduction in time

valved. can be made, but no less than 70% of the minimum times of
discharge mentioned in Table 5.
6.3.13 Foam hydrants
Table 5 – Time of discharge
Fixed systems with central station shall have hydrants for
foam hoselines for supplemental use in leakage fires, Types of foam
supply of portable turrets, etc. Foam solution hydrants, For tanks containing liquid application
water hydrants with portable generators or other approved hydrocarbons
Type I Type II
devices are required. The hydrants (observe minimum
number), each one with at least two discharge outlets, shall Lubricant oils, dry viscous waste
(more than 50s Saybolt-Furol, at
be positioned at a distance of 15 m to 75 m from the tank 50°C, 1,068 x 104 m2/s, at 50°C), 25 35
shells as set forth in 6.3.4.2. heavy combustible oils, with flash
points above 93.3°C
6.4 Portable turret systems for open area storage Kerosene, light combustible oils,
tanks diesel, etc. with flash points of 37.7°C 30 50
to 93.3°C
6.4.1 Field of application Gasoline, naphtha, benzene,
automotive Diesel and similar liquids, 55 65
This section refers to systems in which the foam is applied with flash points below 37.7°C
through portable turrets. Crude oil 55 65

Notes: a) Portable turrets shall be considered an equipment

of limited use. The portable turret systems
Note :
required accessibility to the tank area and an
adequate number of personnel to put and
maintain the equipment in operation and, on
occasion, special trucks for quick transportation of
the equipment to the fire site
For tanks containing other combustible/ flammable
liquids requiring special foams, the cool type
foaming agent requires smooth application with
turrets equipped with type I discharge outlets,
unless approved as convenient for application
through type II devices. The time of operation shall
be 55 min at the rate of 6.2 L/min/m2 to 8
L/min/m2, unless the foaming agent manufacturer
has defined otherwise.

Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)

 18 NBR 12615/1992

6.4.3.3 Requirements for tanks

Notes a) Fires in tanks up to 40m wide are extinguished by
The quantity of foaming agent shall be determined by monitors of large foam flowrate, when the entire
multiplying total flowrate in L/min for each tank by the time surface of the liquid was involved (sic). Depending
indicated in item 6.4.3.2. The highest value shall determine on wind, the actual tank and fire intensity the
flame suppression effect may prevent the foam
the adequate quantity.
from reaching the surface of the liquid on fire in
enough quantity to form and efficient layer. The
6.4.3.4 Supplemental protection with hydrants and foam foam shall be applied in a continuous and even
hoselines manner. Preferably, the discharge shall be
directed to the tank shell inner face, so as to
The minimum requirements for hoselines and hydrants shall gently fall on the surface of the liquid on fire
without submerging. This might be difficult to
be according to 6.3.4.2 e 6.3 13
achieve, because adverse winds, depending on
speed and direction, reduce the foam stream
6.4.3.5 Requirements related to line filling efficacy. Due to their restrictions, it’s not advisable
to depend on monitors as the main resource of
As specified in item 6.3.4.3. extinction for fixed roof tanks more than 18 m
wide. Usually, monitors at ground level are not
recommended for fire extinction on floating roofs
6.4.3.6 Reserve foaming agent supply edges, as it is difficult to direct foam to the annular
ring. Fixed monitors can be installed for protection
As specified in item 6.3.4.4. for drum stocking areas and dike limited areas.

6.4.4 Portable turrets b) Hoselines are indicated as initial resource of

extinction in tanks with diameter no greater than 9
m and height no greater than 6 m. Such
The turrets shall exist in suitable quantities and sizes to equipment may also be used for fire extinction on
supply foam at a rate according to item 6.4.2.1 and as the edges of floating roof tanks
defined in Table 6
c) Major fires in leakages have been extinguished
Table 6 – Number of foam turrets with monitors or hoselines. In order to obtain
maximum flexibility, due to site conditions and the
occurrence of possible leakage in large tank
Tank diameter (m) Minimum number of
farms, portable monitors or mounted on vehicles
chambers
are preferable as compared to fixed ones. The
Up to 24.5 including 1 firefighting procedure in diked areas, extinguish or
limit an area safely and proceed to extinguish the
From 24.5 to 36.5 2 next section inside the dike. This technique shall
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From 36.5 to 42.5 3 continue until full fire suppression

From 42.5 to 48.5 4
From 48.5 to 55 5
From 55 to 61 6 The minimum rate of application based on the premise that
Notes: a) When two or more turrets are required, they shall
be sized to supply foam approximately at the
same rate
b) Due to the lack of experience with the application
of foam in oil tanks with diameter above 42m, the
requirements for protection of tanks above the
aforementioned measurement are based on
successful extrapolation of extinction data in
smaller tanks
6.5 Monitor guns and hoses for protection in open
areas
6.5.1 Generalities
This equipment consists of systems in which foam is
applied though fixed or portable monitors or hoses. They
are usually recommended as auxiliary protection jointly with
fixed systems or portable turrets, as specified in items 6.3
and 6.4. They are indicated when used exclusively for
spillage fire suppression, fires in dike delimited areas and
fires in fixed roof tanks Lines and hoses are also used for
fire extinction in the seal rings of floating roof tanks
6.5.2 Rates of application
all the foam should reach the area to protect is the
following: when establishing total solution flowrate
requirements, potential foam losses due to wind and other
factors as indicated in 6.5.1, Note a) shall be considered.
6.5.2.1 For liquid hydrocarbons:
a) for tank protection, the rate of application of solution
shall be at least 6.5 L/min/m2 on the surface of the
liquid to be protected;
b) apply recommendations of second and third
paragraphs of 6.3.2.1. It is of utmost importance to
comply with the recommendations from the
manufacturers of the foaming agent used
Notes a) Flammable liquids with boiling point below 37.8°C
may require higher rates of application.
Convenient rates of application should be
determined by a test. Flammable liquid mixtures
with a wide range of boiling points may develop a
heat wave after extended burn, requiring rates of
application of 8 L/min/m2 or higher.

Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)

 NBR 12615/1992
b) Care should be taken when applying foam
streams on high viscosity products heated above
93°C Also, care shall be taken when applying
foams in tanks containing hot oils, asphalts or
liquids heated above the water boiling point. Even
though the low content of water in the foam may
cool off such fuels, it may also cause a violent
boiling over and product overflow
6.5.2.2 Other flammable and combustible liquids that
require special foaming agents, water soluble liquids and
certain flammable and combustible liquids and polar
solvents, which destroy common foams require the use of
alcohol foams. Usually, alcohol type foams can be
effectively applied through monitors or hoses in leakages
when depth is no greater than 25 mm. Otherwise, the
streams shall be limited for use with special alcohol type
foaming agents approved for type II discharge. The systems
using those foams require special engineering designs. In
any case, the manufacturers of the foaming agents and
foam generating equipment shall be consulted as to
limitations and recommendations based on tests.
6.5.2.3 The minimum recommended rates only for foaming
agents approved for type II discharge are shown in Table 7.
6.5.2.4 For foaming agents approved only for type I
discharge, the manufacturer shall be consulted.
6.5.2.5 Apply the recommendations of second and third
sub-items of 6.3 2.1. It is of utmost importance to comply
with the recommendations from the manufacturers of the
foaming agent.
Table 7 – Minimum recommended rates
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Liquid type Rate of application
(L/min/m²)
Methyl and ethyl alcohol 6.5
Acrylonitrile 6.5
Ethyl-acetate 6.5
Methyl ethyl ketone 6.5
Ketone 8.0
6.5.2.6 Products with isopropyl alcohol, methyl isobutyl
ketone, methyl methacrylate monomer and mixtures of polar
solvents in general may require higher rates of application.
The protection of products like amines and anhydrides -
which are foam destroyers – require foaming agents tested
specifically for each product.
Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)
19
Notes: a) The resistance of alcohol type foam to solvents
and the fire may be adversely affected by factors
such as excessive time of transit of the solution,
use of foam generating devices not designed
specifically for the application, operation
pressures, and failure in water-foaming agent
mixture within recommended concentration limits,
method of application and characteristics of the
product. The time of transit of the solution is the
time that elapses between the injection of the
foaming agent into the water and the air mixture;
the time of transit of the solution may be limited,
depending on the characteristics of the foaming
agent, water temperature and nature of the hazard
to protect. The maximum time of transit of the
solution for each specific facility shall be within the
limits established by the manufacturer of the
foaming agent.
b) For protection of highly toxic flammable or
combustible liquids, higher rates of application
may be required to reduce risk to personnel,
providing quicker coverage
6.5.3 Foaming agent supply
6.5.3.1 General
The supplies to be maintained shall be the sum of the
quantities defined in items 6.5.3.3 to 6.5.3.6.
6.5.3.2 Minimum times of discharge
The equipment shall be capable of operating with the rates
of discharge set forth in item 6.5.2, for the following
minimum periods of time:
a) for tanks containing liquid hydrocarbons:
- Lubricant oils, dry viscous waste (more than 50s
Saybolt-Furol, at 50°C, 1,068 x 104 m2/s, at
50°C), heavy combustible oils, with flash points
above 93.3°C 35 min;
- Kerosene, light combustible oils, etc. with flash
points of 37.7°C to 93.3°C 50 min;
- Gasoline, naphtha, benzene, automotive Diesel
and similar liquids, with flash points below
37.8°C 65 min;
- Crude oil 65 min;
b) for tanks containing other flammable and
combustible liquids requiring special foams, alcohol
type foams require special procedures of application
as indicated in 6.5.2.2. The time of operation shall
be 65min at the specified rate of application, unless
the manufacturer of the foaming agent has specified
other value.
 20 NBR 12615/1992

6.5.3.3 Requirements for tanks 6.5.3.5 Requirements related to piping filling

The quantity of foaming agent shall be determined by As specified in item 6.3.4.3.

multiplying total flowrate in L/min for each tank by the time
indicated in item 6.5.3.2. The highest value shall determine 6.5.3.6 Reserve foaming agent supply
the adequate quantity.
As specified in item 6.3.4.4.
6.5.3.4 Requirements related to supplemental hoses
and hydrants .

Additional foam jets shall be provided as additional

protection for fires on the ground, at least as set forth in
items 6.3 4.2 and 6.3.13.
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Impresso por: Thiago Turcovic (ADM)

_____________________