FIXED OR SEMI-FIXED

FOAM FIRE PROTECTION

SYSTEMS FOR STORAGE
TANKS
In the early years of the oil industry, fire in a
storage tank was a common occurrence. Virtually
all products were stored in cone roof tanks built of
riveted steel plates and the roof was often
constructed with wood and tar coated paper.
Tank fires were common especially after a
lightning storm. This costly experience gradually
led to improvements in better codes and
guidelines for handling storage tank fires.
Floating roof tanks were adopted for low flash
point petroleum products and proved to be a most
reliable method of protection against losses due to
fires. The less volatile products with higher flash
points continue to be stored in welded steel cone
roof tanks.
As the frequency of fully involved storage tank
fires decreases to a more acceptable level, the
size of fire, when it happens, becomes larger due
to the increase in tank size and capacity. It is
quite common to see tanks with diameters in excess of 328 ft. (100 meters) capable of storing a
million barrels of product
One practical method to protect flammable liquid
storage tanks from fire is with a fixed or a semifixed foam fire protection system. When
engineered, installed and maintained correctly,
these systems will give many years of reliable
service. The foam system can be used for fire
prevention, control or direct extinguishment of any
flammable or combustible liquid fire within the
tank.
In order to select the correct foam system, it is
necessary to understand the following systems:
A Fixed System is a complete installation piped
from a central foam station, discharging through
fixed discharge devices on the hazard being protected. Foam proportioning components are permanently installed.
A Semi Fixed System is an installation where the
hazard is equipped with fixed discharge device(s)
which connect to piping that terminates a safe

distance from the hazard. (Normally outside the

dike wall.) Foam producing materials are transported to the scene after the fire starts and are
connected to the piping.
DEFINITIONS
There are three major types of tanks commonly
used for the storage of combustible or flammable
liquids.

Cone roof tank

Open top floating roof tank

Internal floating roof tank/Covered Floating

Roof

A Cone Roof Storage Tank has vertical sides

and is equipped with a fixed cone-shaped roof
that is welded to the sides of the tank. Tanks that
have been designed in accordance with API
standards have a weak seam at the joint where
the roof and sides meet. In the event of an
internal explosion, the roof separates and blows
off leaving the tank shell intact. This system
allows the tank to retain its contents and any
resulting fire will involve the full surface of the
exposed flammable liquid.
An Open Top Floating Roof Storage Tank is
similar to the cone roof tank in construction but
with the exception that it has no fixed roof. A
pontoon type roof floats directly on the flammable
liquid surface. This floating roof has a mechanical
shoe or tube seal attached to its full perimeter.
The rim seal covers the space between the
floating roof and the tank shell ( side wall ).
An Internal Floating Roof/Covered Floating
Roof Storage Tank is a combination of both the
cone roof and the open top floating roof tank.
The tank has a cone roof but with the addition of
an internal floating roof or pan that floats directly
on the fuel surface. This type of tank can be
identified by the open vents in the tank side walls
just beneath the roof joint. If the internal floating
roof is other than a steel double deck or pontoon

type, the fire protection system should be

designed for full surface fires ( similar to cone roof
tanks ). For the double deck or pontoon internal
roofs of steel construction, a design for seal area
protection shall be permitted (same as open
floating roof tanks).
Small quantities of flammable liquids are
sometimes stored in horizontal style tanks which
normally sit on saddles or in underground storage
facilities. This section applies only to the three
major types of tanks as listed above.
IDENTIFY THE FLAMMABLE LIQUID
There are two basic classifications of flammable
and combustible liquids:

Hydrocarbon ( non water miscible ) and

Polar Solvent ( water miscible )

The Hydrocarbon family typically consists of

standard petroleum products such as - Gasoline,
Kerosene, Diesel, Jet Fuel, Heptane, Crude Oil
etc. products that do not mix with water.
The Polar Solvent group typically consists of Ethanol, Methanol, Ketone, Acetone etc. or products that will mix readily with water.
All Chemguard U.L. Listed and Standard Grade
Foam Concentrates are suitable for use on
Hydrocarbon fuel fires or spills.
Only Chemguard U.L. Listed and Standard Grade
UltraGuard 3% and the 3%-6% ( at 6% proportioning rate ) Alcohol Resistant - Aqueous Film
Forming Foam ( AR-AFFF ) concentrates are
suitable for use on Polar Solvent Fuel fires or
spills.

Flammable Liquids are subdivided as follows:

Class I liquids include those having flash points
below 100oF ( 37.8oC ) and may be subdivided as
follows:
(a) Class IA liquids include those having flash
points below 73oF ( 22.8oC ) and having a
boiling point below 100oF ( 37.8oC ).
(b) Class IB liquids include those having flash
points below 73oF ( 22.8oC ) and having a
boiling point above 100oF ( 37.8oC ).
(c) Class IC liquids include those having flash
points at or above 73oF ( 22.8oC ) and below
100oF ( 37.8oC ).
Combustible Liquids mean any liquid having a
flash point at or above 100oF ( 37.8oC ). They
may be sub-divided as follows:
(a) Class II liquids include those having flash
points at or above 100oF ( 37.8oC ) and
below 140oF ( 60oC ).
(b) Class IIIA liquids include those having flash
points at or above 140oF ( 60oC ) and below
200oF ( 93.3oC ).
(c) Class IIIB liquids include those having flash
points at or above 200oF ( 93.3oC ).
FIRE PROTECTION OF STORAGE TANKS
U.L. has established two different types of foam
discharge outlets:
Type II Discharge Outlet - A fixed device that
delivers foam onto the burning liquid and partially
submerges the foam and produces restricted
agitation of the surface. Examples of this type of
device are Foam Chambers and Foam Makers.

NOTE: Pure MTBE is only slightly water miscible

( approx. 4% - 6% ).

Type III Discharge Outlet - A fixed or portable

device that delivers foam in a manner that causes
the foam to fall directly onto the surface of the
burning liquid in such a manner that causes
general agitation. Examples of this type of device
are Hose Stream Nozzles and Monitors.

FLAMMABLE AND COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

There are two basic methods of fire protection

systems for storage tanks:

PER NFPA 11

Sub-surface Base Injection

Over the Top - (Subdivided as follows)

Foam Chambers
Foam Makers
Portable Foam Monitor
Foam Tower

Flammable liquids mean any liquid having a flash

o
o
point below 100 F ( 37.8 C ) and having a vapor
pressure not exceeding 40 psi (276 kpa)(absolute)
(
37.8oC
).
at
100oF

SUB-SURFACE BASE INJECTION

The sub-surface method of fire protection
produces foam with a "High Back Pressure Foam
Maker" located outside the storage tank. This
system delivers the expanded foam mass through
piping into the base of the tank. The pipe may be
an existing product line or can be a dedicated fire
protection foam line. The expanded foam entering
the tank through a discharge outlet is injected into
the flammable liquid. The discharge outlet must
be a minimum of 1 ft. above any water that may
be present at the base of the tank. The foam will
be destroyed if injected into the water layer. When
injected into the fuel, the foam will rise through the
fuel and form a vapor tight foam blanket on the
fuel surface.

and 4 - 1. The device is capable of discharging

against considerable back pressure which can be
as high as 40% of the operating pressure. The
back pressure is an accumulation of the head
pressure of the fuel inside the storage tank and
any friction loss between the foam maker and the
tank. A minimum of 100 psi inlet pressure into the
HBPFM is normally required to ensure correct
operation. The foam velocity through the piping to
the tank from the HBPFM is very critical. With
flammable liquids, the foam velocity entering the
tank should NOT exceed 10 ft. per second and
with combustible liquids the foam velocity should
NOT exceed 20 ft. per second.
The following chart shows the minimum discharge
times and application rates for Sub-surface
application:

Advantages of Sub-surface

The rising foam can cause the fuel in the tank

to circulate which can assist in cooling the fuel
at the surface.
If there is an explosion and fire that could
damage the top of the tank, the sub-surface
injection system is not likely to suffer damage.
The discharging foam is more efficiently
directed to the fuel surface without any
interruption from the thermal updraft of the
fire.

Hydrocarbon
Type Fuel

Minimum
Discharge
Time

Minimum
Application
Rate

Flash point between 100oF and

140oF (37.8oC and 93.3oC)

30 min.

0.10 gpm / ft.

4.1 L/min./m

Flash point below 100oF

(37.8oC) liquids heated above
their flash points.

55 min.

0.10 gpm / ft.

4.1 L/min./m

Crude Petroleum

55 min.

0.10 gpm / ft.

4.1 L/min./m

NOTE: The maximum application rate shall be

0.20 gpm / ft. ( 8.1 L/min./m ).

Disadvantages of Sub-surface
CANNOT be used in storage tanks containing
polar solvent type fuels or products that
require the use of AR-AFFF type foam
concentrates.
Not Recommended for use in either Floating
Roof or Internal Floating Roof type tanks.
Caution must be used so that the maximum
foam inlet velocity is not exceeded; otherwise,
excessive fuel pickup by the foam as it enters
the tank will be experienced.
Not to be used for protection of Class 1A
hydrocarbon liquids.

HIGH BACK PRESSURE FOAM MAKER

The HBPFM device is mounted in the foam line
used to aspirate the foam solution before it is
discharged into the storage tank base. It will
typically give an expansion ratio of between 2 -1

FOAM CHAMBERS
TYPE II DISCHARGE DEVICE
The Foam Chamber is normally used on cone
roof storage tanks. The chamber is bolted or
welded on the outside of the tank shell near the
roof joint. A deflector is mounted on the inside of
the tank so that the discharging foam from the
foam chamber will be diverted back against the
inside of the tank wall.
The foam chamber is mounted on the cone roof
storage tank wall shell in a vertical position just
below the roof joint, or approximately 8" to 12"
down from the roof joint to the center point of the
foam chamber outlet.
In sequence Chemguard Models FC 2.2, 3, 4 and
6 foam chambers are to be mounted from approx.
8" to approx. 12" down from the roof joint.

When the foam chamber is mounted correctly, the

internal glass seal of the chamber will be just
slightly higher in elevation than the roof joint on
the storage tank.
Each foam chamber mounted on a cone roof
storage tank SHOULD have its own individually
valved riser supplying the foam solution from
outside the dike area. For correct operation, a
minimum of 40 psi is required at the inlet to the
foam chamber.

maximum length of 120". The discharge pipe in

both instances should be directed back against
the inside wall of the dike. This installation allows
a more gentle application to the flammable liquid
within the dike and lessen the submergence of the
foam.

Criteria for sizing a foam system for a cone roof

storage tank.
Identify the fuel inside the tank.

FOAM MAKERS
TYPE II DISCHARGE DEVICE
The foam maker is normally used to aspirate foam
solution before being discharged inside a dike
(bund) area or when used with external floating
roof tanks to supply foam to the rim seal area.
The discharge pipe down stream of the foam
maker is sized to slow the velocity of the
expanded foam and shaped to deflect the foam
back against the inside of the dike wall or onto a
splash board or the tank shell wall when used for
floating roof seal protection.
The splash board is to be mounted above the top
of the floating roof tank. The correct size
discharge pipe from the foam maker should be
installed per the information supplied in the dike
protection system design information.
When mounted on a storage tank or used in a
dike protection system, the foam maker can be
mounted in either a horizontal or vertical position
without any detrimental effect on foam
performance.
It is recommended that a minimum 12" length of
straight pipe be installed upstream from the foam
maker during the installation.
When using the Chemguard Model CGFM 1.5
Foam Maker for a dike fire protection system, a
3" diameter pipe with minimum length of 28" and a
maximum of 100" must be connected to the foam
maker outlet ( down stream side ). This length of
discharge pipe allows for the correct foam
expansion to take place and slows the discharge
velocity. The Model CGFM 2.5 Foam Maker
requires a length of 4" pipe to be connected to the
discharge side of the maker. This length of pipe
should also be a minimum of 28" but can have a

Type of foam concentrate to be used.

Calculate the fuel surface area (TTR2). *****
Application rate.
Type of discharge device required and quantity
(based on fuel flash point and tank diameter).
Calculate discharge duration.
Supplementary hose lines required and discharge duration.
Quantity of foam concentrate required.
Establish bill of materials.

NOTE:
To determine the quantity of foam concentrate in
a given quantity of foam solution, use the following formula:
Multiply the foam solution by
x .01 if using a 1% type of concentrate
x .03 if using a 3% type of concentrate
x .06 if using a 6% type of concentrate
EXAMPLE
Cone roof tank - 150 ft. diameter
Fuel - Gasoline
Foam Concentrate - 3% AFFF
Surface area - 75' x 75' x 3.1417 = 17,672 sq. ft.
App. Rate @ .10 gpm per sq. ft. ( Per NFPA 11)
.10 x 17,672 sq. ft. = 1,767.2 gpm of foam
solution required

Discharge device - Foam Chamber, Qty. 4

required
Discharge Duration - 55 min. 1,767.2 x 55 =
97,196 gallons of foam solution x .03 =
2,915.88 gallons of 3% AFFF concentrate
required.
Supplementary Hose Lines required ( Per NFPA
11) - Qty. 3 required ( each minimum 50 gpm ) (
Tank dia. over 120 ft. )
Hose Line discharge duration ( Per NFPA 11) 30 min. ( Tank dia. over 95 ft. ) 3 x 50 = 150 x
30 = 4,500 gallons of foam solution x .03 =
135 gallons of 3% AFFF. 3,051 (135 + 2,916)
gallons of foam concentrate required.
A suitable bill of materials of major components
for the above system using a bladder tank could
be.
1 x 3,200 Gallon horizontal style bladder tank.
1 x 6" Between flange style ratio controller.
4 x Model FC6 foam chambers each with a
flow rate of 395 to 1,050 gpm depending on
incoming pressure.
1 x 2 1/2" Threaded type ratio controller (For
supplementary system).
3 x 50 gpm handline nozzles.
foam concentrate.

NOTE:
This chart identifies the number of Foam Chambers required for the protection of a flammable
liquid contained in a vertical cone roof atmospheric storage tank where the discharge device is
attached to the tank. Where two or more outlets
are required, the outlets are to be equally spaced
around the tank periphery and each outlet is to be
sized to deliver foam at approximately the same
rate.
Tank Diameter
(or equivalent
area)

Meters

Up to 80 ft.
Over 80 to 120
Over 120 to 140
Over 140 to 160
Over 160 to 180
Over 180 to 200

24
24 to 36
36 to 42
42 to 48
48 to 54
54 to 60

Minimum Number
of discharge
outlets
1
2
3
4
5
6

It is suggested that for tanks above 200 ft. (60 m)

in diameter at least one additional discharge outlet
be added for each additional 5,000 sq. ft. ( 465
sq. m. ) of liquid surface or fractional part.
This chart indicates the number of SUPPLEMENTARY hose streams required for various size
tanks. Each hose stream must be capable of a
minimum flow rate of 50 gpm of foam solution.
Diameter of Largest
Tank

Minimum Number of
Hose Streams Required

Up to 65 ft. ( 19.5 m )
65 to 120 ft. ( 19.5 to 36 m )
Over 120 ft. ( 36 m )

1
2
3

This chart shows the Minimum discharge time and

application rate for Type II fixed foam discharge
devices on Cone Roof storage tanks.
Hydrocarbon
Type

Application
Rate

Flash point between

o
o
100 F and 140 F
o
o
(37.8 C and 93.3 C)

0.10 gpm/ft.
(4.1 L/min./m)

30 min.

Flash point below 100 F

o
(37.8 C) or liquids heated
above their flash points

0.10 gpm/ft.
(4.1 L/min./m)

55 min.

Crude Petroleum

0.10 gpm/ft.
(4.1 L/min./m)

Discharge
Time

55 min.

Flammable liquids having a boiling point of less

than 100oF might require higher rates of
application. These should be determined by
test.
For high-viscosity liquids heated above 200 F,
lower initial rates of application of foam may be
desirable to minimize frothing and the
subsequent expulsion of the stored liquid from
the storage tank. Good judgment should be
used in applying foams to tanks containing hot
oils, burning asphalts or burning liquids that
have boiling points above the boiling point of
water.
o

The above table includes Gasohols and

unleaded gasolines containing no more than
10% oxygenated additives by volume. Where
these additives exceed 10% by volume or
where the flammable liquid is a polar solvent or
water miscible product, fire protection is
normally supplied by the AR-AFFF type foam
concentrates. In those instances check with

Chemguard to establish recommended application rates. The minimum discharge duration

is 55 min.

Foam Dam installed on roof - Yes - 2 ft. from

tank wall and 2 ft. in height
Sq. ft. area of annular ring - 930 sq. ft.

The following chart indicates the minimum

operating time of the supplementary hose
stream(s) for various size tanks.
Diameter of Largest
Tank

Minimum Operating
Time

Up to 35 ft. ( 10.5 m )
35 to 95 ft. ( 10.5 to 28.5 m )
Over 95 ft. ( 28.5 m )

10 min.
20 min.
30 min.

Equipment List using a Foam Pump Skid Assy.

for a 150 ft. dia. tank containing gasoline.
1 x Atmospheric Foam Concentrate Storage
Tank 3,100 Gallons
1 x Electric powered Foam Pump Proportioning
skid with prepiped 6" ratio controller ( Foam
Chambers ) and prepiped 2 1/2" ratio
controller ( Supplementary Hose Lines )
4 x Model FC4 or FC6 Foam Chambers
3 x 50 gpm Hand Line nozzles
3,051 x Gallons 3% AFFF ( plus any additional
for testing of the system )
NOTE:
When protecting multiple storage tanks the foam
system is to be sized to protect the single largest
hazard.
Fig. 9 depicts a manual foam pump skid system
showing all necessary piping, valves, discharge
devices, ratio controller, foam pump and foam
storage tank for the above system.
Fig. 10 shows a Cone Roof Storage Tank with a
Semi-Fixed Foam System.
The following example shows the foam system
requirements for seal protection of a 150 ft.
diameter open top floating roof tank.
Type of Tank - Open Top Floating Roof Tank
Diameter of Tank - 150 ft.
Type of Fuel - Gasoline

Application Rate - .30 gpm per sq. ft.

NFPA 11).30 x 930 sq. ft. = 279
gpm of foam solution required.

( Per

Type of Discharge Device - Foam Makers

Discharge Duration - 20 min.
279 x 20 = 5,580 gallons of foam solution - x
.03 ( 3% AFFF ) = 167.4 gallons of foam
concentrated
Quantity of Foam Makers Required ( Per NFPA
11) 6 required.
Add supplementary hose lines per example for
Cone Roof Tank with Foam Chambers.

NOTE:
The number of fixed foam discharge points on an
open top floating roof tank is determined by the
circumference of the tank.
The maximum spacing between discharge points
is 40 ft. ( 12.2 m ) of tank circumference when
using a 12" ( 305 mm ) high foam dam and every
80 ft. ( 24.4 m ) of tank circumference when using
a 24" ( 610 mm ) high foam dam.
In accordance with NFPA 11
Foam Dam Design - The foam dam should be
circular and constructed of at least No. 10 US
Standard Gage Thickness ( .134 in./3.4 mm )
steel plate. The dam is to be welded or otherwise
securely fastened to the floating roof. The foam
dam is designed to retain foam at the seal area at
a sufficient depth to cover the seal area while
causing the foam to flow laterally to the point of
seal rupture.
Dam height is to be at least 12" ( 305 mm ) and
should extend at least 2" ( 51 mm ) above any
metal secondary seal or a combustible secondary
seal using a plastic foam log.
It is to be at least 2" ( 51 mm ) higher than any
burnout panels in metal secondary seals.

Foam dams are to be at least 1 ft. ( 0.3 m ) but

no more than 2 ft. ( 0.6 m ) from the edge of the
floating roof.
Foam solution & rain water is to be drained by,
slotting the bottom of the dam on the basis of 0.04
sq. in. of slot area per sq. ft. (278 mm sq./sq. m)
of diked area while restricting the slots to 3/8 in.
(9.5 mm) in height. Excessive dam openings for
drainage should be avoided to prevent loss of
foam through the drainage slots.
SUB-SURFACE SYSTEM
( Sub-surface injection of foam is generally not
recommended for fuels that have a viscosity
greater than 2,000 ssu ( 440 centistokes ) at their
minimum anticipated storage temperature ).
Example of a Sub-Surface Base Injection System
Cone Roof Tank - 80 ft. diameter
Fuel - Gasoline

Equipment list for the above example using a

bladder tank foam supplied foam system.
1 x 900 Gallon vertical style bladder tank.
1 x 4" Between flange style ratio controller.
1 x 2 1/2" Threaded type ratio controller ( for
supplementary hose lines ).
1 x Model CFM500 High Back Pressure Foam
Maker ( HBPFM ).
Supplementary hand line nozzles and foam
concentrate.

Determining Number of Discharge Outlets for

Subsurface Base Injection.
The number of discharge outlets required is based on the tank diameter and the flash point of the
fuel as shown in the above chart.
FOAM MONITORS AND HANDLINES

Foam Concentrate - 3%-6% AR-AFFF

Discharge Duration - 55 min.

Monitors are not to be considered as the primary

means of protection for fixed roof tanks over 60 ft.
in diameter. Foam handlines are not to be
considered as the primary means of protection for
tanks over 30 ft. in diameter or those over 20 ft. in
height.

Quantity of Foam Concentrate required 503 (502.7 ) x 55 x .03 = 829.95 gallons

Application
Handlines

Discharge Device - Qty. 1 High Back Pressure

Foam Maker ( " Foam generator " )

The minimum foam solution application rate is

based on the assumption that all discharging foam
will reach the area being protected. In considering actual solution flow requirements, consideration should be given to potential foam losses from
climatic conditions and thermal updraft of the fire,
etc.

Surface Area - =
40' x 40' x 3.1417 = 5,026.7 sq. ft.
App. Rate - .10 gpm per sq. ft.
.10 x 5,027 sq. ft. = 502.7 gpm of foam solution

Number of Discharge outlets inside tank

Qty. 1 (Tank 80 ft. or less) (Per NFPA 11)
Supplementary hose lines per example for Cone
Roof Tank.
The following chart shows the number of discharge outlets required inside the tank.
Tank Diameter

Up to 80 ft. ( 24 m )
Over 80 to 120 ft. ( 24 - 36 m )
Over 120 to 140 ft. ( 36 - 42 m )
Over 140 to 160 ft. ( 42 - 48 m )
Over 160 to 180 ft. ( 48 - 54 m )
Over 180 to 200 ft. ( 54 - 60 m )
Over 200 ft.
( 60 m )

Rates

Monitors

or

The following chart shows application density and

duration for monitors and handlines on tanks
containing hydrocarbons.

Number of Discharge Outlets Required

o
Flash Point below
Flash Point 100 F
o
o
o
100 F (38 C)
(38 C) or Higher

Hydrocarbon Type

1
2
3
4
5
6
6
Plus 1 outlet for
each additional
5,000 sq. ft.
(465 sq. m)

Flash point between

100oF and 140oF
(37.8oC and 93.3oC)
Flash point below 100oF
(37.8oC) or liquids heated
above their flash points
Crude Petroleum

1
1
2
2
2
3
3
Plus 1 outlet for
each additional
7,500 sq. ft.
(697 sq. m)

Using

Minimum
Application Rate
gpm/ft2 (L/min.)/m2
(min.)

Minimum
Discharge
Time

0.16

6.5

50

0.16
0.16

6.5
6.5

65
65

Included in the above table are gasohols and

unleaded gasolines containing no more than 10
percent of an oxygenated additive by volume.
On tanks containing water miscible/polar solvent
flammable liquids the recommended foam application duration is 65 minutes.
Flammable liquids having a boiling point less than
100oF and products that have been burning for
some time can develop a heat layer which might
require foam solution application rates as high as
.2 or .25 gpm per sq. ft.
Where monitors or handlines are used to protect
storage tanks containing polar solvent or water
miscible liquids the discharge duration shall be a
minimum of 65 minutes at the recommended
application rate.

FSFPrv 995

STORAGE TANK
PROTECTION WITH HIGH
FLOW MONITORS

TECHNIQUE IN EXTINGUISHING LARGE

TANK FIRES
Large storage tank fires are very complex events
and
satisfactory
extinguishment
requires
methodical planning and the effective use of
resources. At this time, existing Codes and
Standards do not provide guidelines for using high
flow monitor foam applications for large tank fires.
The existing Codes and Standards do provide
good recommendations for fixed fire protection
systems.
Full surface fires involving large
diameter tanks have occurred around the world.
Extinguishment of such fires has not been totally
successful. With the introduction of large capacity
foam monitors, new varieties of foam
concentrates and improvements in application
techniques there has been some degree of
success in achieving extinguishment.
The largest fully involved tank fire that has been
successfully extinguished was 150 ft. (46 meter).
The extinguishment was carried out with a large
capacity monitor/cannon applying non-aspirated
foam "over-the-top" onto the burning surface. It is
believed that present fire fighting technology is
capable of extinguishing fully involved tank fires
up to 197 ft. (60 meters) in diameter. In theory it
may be technically feasible to extinguish tank fires
in excess of 200 ft. (61 meters) using the "overthe-top" method of employing very large capacity
mobile monitors with improved types of foam
concentrates. The logistics for mounting such
massive operations must be fully considered.

APPLICATION RATE
NFPA 11 application rate for mobile equipment is
often interpreted as 0.16 gpm/ft2. (6.5 L/min./m7).
The code also states that flammable liquids
having a boiling point of less than 100oF (37.8oC)
may require higher rates of application. In addition flammable liquids with a wide range of boiling

points such as Crude Oil may require application

rates of 0.2 gpm/ft2. (8.1 L/min./m2) or more. The
application rate stated in the code is based on the
assumption that all the foam solution reaches the
burning surface.

Note: The rates are intended for Liquid Hydrocarbon Fuels. Polar solvent liquids are destructive to regular foams and require the use of
alcohol resistance foams.
Chemguard, Inc.
should be consulted to determine the recommended application rate.
In view of the above, rates and practical
experience gained in incidents involving full
surface fires involving large storage tanks, it
would be more appropriate to consider 0.25
gpm/ft2. (10.4 L/min./m2) which is equal to a 60%
increase for mobile systems. For burning crude
oil tank a rate of 0.32 gpm/ft2. (12.9 L/min./m2)
may be more appropriate.
The elevated application rates provide a better
chance of ensuring foam reaching the burning
surface thus increasing the probability for extinguishment. Consideration for such high rates
take into account fall out from the delivery system,
losses due to strong thermal updraft, break down
of foam as it travels through the flames to reach
the burning fuel and destruction of the foam due
to the hot fuel and any hot metal surface.

WATER AND FOAM CONCENTRATE REQUIRED FOR FIGHTING LARGE TANK FIRES
Water supply both in terms of pressure, flow rate
and adequate amount of foam concentrate are
among the most important factors for launching a
successful extinguishing operation. Unless adequate and uninterrupted supply is guaranteed, an
attempt to extinguish a fully involved large tank
fire is doomed to failure at the very onset of the
operation.

The amount of water and the flow rate needed to

produce 3% foam solution to generate foam to
fight a large tank fire can be found in Table 1.

tank fire could be expected to fully involve a

neighboring identical tank in approximately 1.5
hours under the following conditions.

The quantity of 3% foam concentrate and the flow

rate needed to produce 3% foam solution to
generate foam to fight a large tank fire can be
found in Table 2.

COOLING INVOLVED TANK AND THE PROTECTION OF ADJACENT TANKS FROM RADIATED HEAT SOURCE

4 m/sec.(14 km/hr.) wind towards neighboring

tank
intertank separation of 0.5 diameter
(82 ft.) (25 m)
neighboring tank having pontoon roof and
inadequate water spray protection

Altering any of the above conditions can change

the time for ignition of the adjacent tank:

With reference to existing guidelines, the amount

of water needed to cool the involved tank shell is
estimated by tank size:

Base Case

100 ft. (30 meter) diameter 750 gpm (3m3/min.)

120 ft. (36 meter) diameter 1000 gpm (4m3/min.)
160 ft. (48 meter) diameter 1250 gpm (5m3/min.)
220 ft. (67 meter) diameter 1500 gpm (6m3/min.)

Calm (no wind condition)

= 2.8 hrs.
Intertank separation increased to 1.0 D
(50 m)
= 3.0 hrs.
Intertank separation increased to 2.0 D
(100 m)
= 17.0 hrs.
Water protection on side facing exposure
= 2.8 hrs.
Double deck roof on exposed tank
= 1.5 hrs.
Water protection on side facing exposure +
double deck roof
= 24.0+hrs.
Tank diameters only 30 m but with 0.5 D
separation = 0.5 hrs
Neighboring tank contains kerosene, not naphtha
= 22.0 hrs.

Cooling water required to protect each adjacent

tank not shielded from the tank on fire is 500 gpm
(2 m3/min.).
In practice water applied to the shell of a large
tank on fire is ineffective in preventing it from
buckling and deforming. In the late stages of
extinguishment, cooling water applied on the area
above the liquid level would help the foam stay in
contact with the tank shell. The cooling streams
should be stopped when foam attack has started
to conserve water and to concentrate on extinguishment.
The need for protecting adjacent tanks can best
be illustrated with information and data published
in a recent study done on large tank fires.
Although not yet fully validated it nevertheless
provides valuable information for pre-fireplanning
purposes.
The time required to create an escalation condition in an adjacent tank depends upon a number
of factors including: tank size, separation, type,
initial boiling point of flammable liquid in the tanks,
water cooling, tank design, wind speed and
direction.
For example, a full surface fire involving a 164 ft.
(50m) diameter open top, floating roof naphtha

= 1.5 hrs.

Change of conditions:

Some conclusions drawn from the results are:

escalation is likely for unprotected tanks of

volatile material with normal separation unless
the original fire is extinguished quickly

calm conditions only delay the escalation

potential
increased separation alone only delays the
escalation potential

water spray protection or roof insulation alone

does prevent escalation

water spray and roof insulation together are

effective

smaller diameter tanks at normal separation

are at greater risk of escalation than larger
diameter tank

lower volatility fuels provide more response

time for fire fighter

Cooling of adjacent tanks is best achieved with

fixed systems that are designed to provide effective water film coverage of all exposed metal
surfaces. A cooling water rate of 0.05 gpm/
ft2.(2.0 L/min./m2) is sufficient to absorb 90% of
incoming radiant heat.
Any increase in the
cooling water rate does not increase the cooling
effect significantly. The figure of 10.2 L/min./m2
by NFPA 15 relates mainly to the protection of
pressurized vessels such as LPG tanks subject to
direct flame impingement.

OVER THE-TOP-APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

WITH LARGE CAPACITY FOAM MONITORS
A present concept in extinguishing large tank fires
is to employ Large Capacity Non-aspirated Foam
Monitors to apply foam "over-the-top" of the
involved tank onto the burning fuel surface.
Although they are normally known as nonaspirated monitors, these monitors are capable of
producing foam with an expansion ratio of about
3.1 to 4.5 when used with alcohol resistance type
foam concentrates.
Chemguard has large capacity foam monitors
currently available have capacities ranging from
2,000 to 4,000 gpm (7,570 L/min.). The equipment operates at inlet pressure between 100 to
130 psig (690 to 890 kPa) and have a range of
about 250 to 300 feet (61-99 meter).
AR-AFFF type foam concentrate is preferred and
it should be transported in bulk totes or trailers
having large capacities. The logistics for transporting foam in 5 gallon pails or 55 gallon drums
to the fire scene should not be considered, for
obvious reasons.
Large diameter hose should be used to supply the
flow required for large volume foam attack. The
use of 5" (125 mm) diameter hose is preferred
due to low frictional loss and is relatively easy to
use. It must be remembered that it is extremely
difficult to move the hose once it is charged with
water. For quick estimation, provide one 5" (125
mm.) hose line for every 1,000 gpm (3.8 m3/min.)
flow requirement. At this flow rate the friction loss
is 8.0 psig (55 kPa) for every 100 feet (30.5 m).
Table 3 provides information on friction loss of
some large diameter hoses.
The over-the-top foam technique attacks the
burning tank with either a very large capacity
monitor that meets the required application rate or

combines several monitors to form a Mass

Stream discharging with the wind to concentrate
on a selected landing zone within the tank.
This extremely high local application rate/density
promotes survivability of the foam journey through
the fire to establish a foothold on a relatively small
area of the burning surface. Once the foam
blanket at the landing zone is established it can
then be expanded by making adjustments to the
Mass Stream. The added advantage of large
volume application in a small area may help to
reduce local fuel temperature and the associated
actual vapor presssure which in turn can help in
lowering the fire severity. These factors require
consideration because as the fuel temperature
approaches the boiling point of water, it is difficult
for the foam to survive. As fuel temperature
increases the true vapor temperature will increase
to overcome the effectiveness of the foam
blanket.
Large volume foam attack should be launched as
quickly as possible; however, it must be stressed
that application must not be carried out until all
equipment and logistic support are in place. The
longer a tank is allowed to burn, the danger of
escalation becomes greater, the fuel temperature
increases making it more difficult to extinguish,
the exposed tank shell deforms (normally the
exposed steel curls inwards to create nooks and
crevices) making it difficult for foam to cover all
the burning surface. In the case of crude oil, the
possiblility of having a boilover increases with
time.
The ability to deal with large tank fires depends on
methodical pre-fire plan, regular training and
exervises. The most important factor, however,
rests on minimizing the risk of having a fully
involved large tank fire through good engineering
design, effective management and maintenance
programs.

STPrv995

OVER-THE-TOP FOAM APPLICATION TECHNIQUE

WITH LARGE CAPACITY FOAM MONITORS

Wind

Fuel

Foam

Monitor

D021rv895

TABLE 1
WATER FLOW RATE TO PRODUCE 3% FOAM SOLUTION
TO FIGHT FIRES IN TANKS
MINIMUM QUANTITIES
TANK DIAMETER

Feet

Meter

WATER FLOW RATE

Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2.

6.5 L/min./m2

TOTAL WATER REQUIRED TO SUSTAIN

65 MINUTES OF OPERATION

Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2

Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2

Gallon

100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300

30.5
33.5
36.6
39.6
42.7
45.7
48.8
51.8
54.9
57.9
61.0
64.0
67.1
70.1
73.2
76.2
79.2
82.3
85.3
88.4
91.4

1218
1474
1754
2058
2387
2741
3118
3520
3946
4397
4872
5371
5895
6443
7016
7613
8234
8879
9549
10243
10962

4598
5563
6621
7770
9012
10345
11770
13288
14897
16598
18391
20276
22253
24322
26483
28736
31081
33518
36047
38667
41380

1904
2304
2742
3218
3732
4284
4874
5503
6169
6873
7616
8397
9216
10072
10967
11900
12871
13880
14927
16013
17136

7357
8902
10594
12433
14420
16553
18834
21262
23837
26558
29425
32444
35606
38916
42376
45981
49733
53632
57679
61872
66213

79170
95796
114005
133797
155173
176133
202675
226801
256511
285804
316680
349140
383183
418809
456019
494813
535189
577149
620693
665820
712530

Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2

Meter3

Gallon

299
362
430
505
586
672
765
864
968
1079
1195
1318
1446
1581
1721
1868
2020
2179
2343
2513
2690

123760
149750
178214
209154
242570
278460
316826
357666
400982
446774
495040
545782
598998
654690
712858
773500
836618
902210
970278
1040822
1113840

Meter3

478
579
689
808
937
1076
1224
1382
1549
1726
1913
2109
2315
2530
2754
2989
3233
3486
3749
4022
4304

CHARrv895

TABLE 2
FOAM CONCENTRATE (3%) TO PRODUCE 3% FOAM SOLUTION
TO FIGHT FIRES IN TANKS
MINIMUM QUANTITIES
TANK DIAMETER

Feet

Meter

3% FOAM CONCENTRATE FLOW RATE

Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2.

100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
220
230
240
250
260
270
280
290
300

30.5
33.5
36.6
39.6
42.7
45.7
48.8
51.8
54.9
57.9
61.0
64.0
67.1
70.1
73.2
76.2
79.2
82.3
85.3
88.4
91.4

38
46
55
64
74
86
97
110
123
137
152
168
184
201
219
238
257
277
298
320
342

6.5 L/min./m2

142
172
205
240
279
320
364
411
461
513
569
627
688
752
819
889
962
1037
1115
1196
1280

Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2

59
71
85
100
116
133
151
171
191
213
236
260
286
312
340
369
399
430
463
496
531

228
275
328
385
446
512
582
658
737
821
910
1003
1101
1204
1311
1422
1538
1659
1784
1913
2048

TOTAL 3% FOAM CONCENTRATE REQUIRED

TO SUSTAIN 65 MINUTES OF OPERATION
Application Rate
0.16 gpm./ft2. 6.5 L/min./m2

Application Rate
0.25 gpm./ft2. 10.4 L/min./m2

Gallon

Meter3

Gallon

2470
2989
3557
4174
4841
5558
6323
7138
8003
8917
9880
10893
11955
13066
14227
15438
15697
18006
19365
20773
22230

9.25
11.19
13.31
15.62
18.12
20.80
23.67
26.72
29.95
33.38
36.98
40.77
44.75
48.91
53.25
57.78
62.50
67.40
72.48
77.75
83.21

3835
4640
5522
6481
7617
8629
9818
11063
12425
13844
15340
16912
18561
20287
22090
23969
25925
27957
30068
32252
34515

Meter3

14.79
17.89
21.30
24.99
28.99
33.27
37.86
42.74
47.92
53.39
59.16
65.22
71.58
78.23
85.18
92.43
99.97
107.81
115.94
124.37
133.10

CHARrv895

TABLE 3

FRICTION LOSS PER 100 FEET / 30.5 METERS

FRICTION LOSS IN WATER SUPPLY LINE EXPRESSED AS PSIG & kPa LOSS PER 100 FEET / 30.5 METERS OF HOSE
FLOW
USGPM LITER/MIN.
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1300
1400
1500
1600
1700
1800
1900
2000
2100
2200
2300
2400
2500

369
737
1106
1474
1843
2211
2580
2948
3317
3685
4054
4422
4791
5160
5628
5897
6265
6634
7002
7371
7739
8106
8476
8845
9214

4 INCH SUPPLY LINE

PSIG
kPa
0.20
0.80
1.80
3.20
5.00
7.20
9.80
12.80
16.20
20.00
24.20
28.80
33.80
39.20
45.00
51.20
57.80
64.80
72.20
80.00
88.20
96.80
105.80
115.20
125.00

1
6
12
22
34
50
68
88
112
138
167
199
233
270
310
353
399
447
496
552
608
667
729
794
862

4-1/2 INCH SUPPLY LINE

PSIG
kPa
0.10
0.40
0.90
1.00
2.50
3.60
4.90
6.40
8.10
10.00
12.10
14.40
16.90
19.60
22.50
25.60
28.90
32.40
36.10
40.00
44.10
48.40
52.90
57.60
62.50

1
3
6
10
17
25
34
44
56
69
83
99
117
135
155
177
199
223
249
276
304
334
366
397
431

5 INCH SUPPLY LINE

PSIG
kPa
0.06
0.32
0.72
1.28
2.00
2.88
3.92
5.12
6.48
8.00
9.68
11.52
13.52
15.68
18.00
20.48
23.12
25.92
28.88
32.00
35.28
38.72
42.32
46.08
50.00

1
2
3
9
14
20
27
35
45
55
67
79
90
108
124
141
156
179
199
221
243
267
292
308
345

6 INCH SUPPLY LINE

PSIG
kPa
0.05
0.20
0.45
0.80
1.25
1.80
2.45
3.20
4.05
5.00
6.05
7.20
8.45
9.80
11.25
12.80
14.45
16.20
18.05
20.00
22.05
24.20
26.45
28.80
31.25

0.3
1
3
6
9
12
17
22
28
34
42
50
58
68
78
88
100
112
124
138
152
167
182
199
215

CHARrv195

FIG. 9

EXAMPLE OF BALANCE PRESSURE PUMP

SKID WITH TWO PROPORTIONERS

Pressure Vacuum Vent

Atmospheric Tank

Pressure Relief
Valve

Flush Inlet
Connection

Flush Outlet
Connection

Strainer

Balancing
Valve

Foam
Concentrate
Pump

System 1: Foam solution

to manifold supplying 4 foam
chambers on cone roof tank.

Water
Inlet
System 2: Foam solution to
separate storage tank system
or hose reels, if required.

Ratio
Controller

D004rv895

FIG. 10

SEMI-FIXED FOAM SYSTEM WITH MOBILE

APPARATUS SUPPLYING THE FOAM SOLUTION

Foam
Chamber

Aerated
Foam

Foam Chamber
Topside Application
on Cone Roof Tank

OS & Y Valve

FUEL
Foam Solution
from Mobile
Apparatus
Dike Wall

D085rv995

SUB-SURFACE INJECTION APPLICATION

ON CONE ROOF TANK

Foam
Blanket

Rupture
Disc
(optional)

Aerated
Foam

Check
Valve

Foam
Solution

FUEL

Water Level

Gate Valve

Test Point

Dike Wall

High Back Pressure

Foam Maker

D003rv995

TYPICAL OUTLETS FOR SUB-SURFACE INJECTION

INSIDE CONE ROOF STORAGE TANKS

Connections for Sub-surface Foam Makers

Gate Valve
Check Valve

2 Outlets

Rupture Disc
(optional)

Valved
Test Connection
Dike Wall

3 Outlets

4 Outlets

D023rv195

TYPICAL SUB-SURFACE TANK PROTECTION INLET DESIGN

A.

C.

Straight-In

Recommended

E.

Horizontal ELL

Recommended

Tank Shell

Horizontal Tee

Recommended

Tee

Valve
Plan
Water
Bottom

90o ELL

Plan

Elev.

Elev.

B.

D.

Vertical ELL

180o ELL

Not Recommended

Not Recommended

180o ELL

A. Best for Cone Roof Tanks

B. Possible to Block with Sediment

90o ELL

C. Good for Floating Roof Tanks (FRT)

D. Not Good for FRT, Gives Stream Backlash
E. Best for Floating Roof Tank

D019rv195

EXPANDED FOAM VELOCITY vs PIPE SIZE

2 1/2", 3", 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", 14"
Standard Schedule 40 Pipe

All dimensions in inches (millimeters)

unless otherwise noted

M/SEC

FT/SEC

EXPANDED FOAM RATE

9.1

30

FOAM VELOCITY vs PIPE SIZE - 16", 18"

Standard Schedule 40 Pipe
18"
0)
(46

FOAM VELOCITY

16"
0)
(40

6.1

20

10

All dimensions in inches (millimeters)

unless otherwise noted.
0
GPM
LPM

2000
7570

4000
15139

6000
22710

8000
30278

10000
37848

EXPANDED FOAM RATE

12000
45420

14000
52990

16000
60560
D038rv195

FRICTION LOSS OF EXPANDED FOAM

THROUGH VARIOUS SIZE PIPES
These subsurface graphs depict the friction loss characteristics of foam with an expansion of 4 to 1 and inlet
velocities for various pipe sizes. The 4 to 1 ratio is the value to be used for friction loss and inlet velocity
calculations.

60

50
2 1/2" PIPE DIAMETER
40
3" PIPE DIAMETER
30

20
FOR SI UNITS
1 gpm = 3.785 l / min.
1 psi = 6.895 kPa
1 ft. = 0.305 m

10

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

FOAM FLOW - gpm

50

40
4" PIPE DIAMETER
30

20

FOR SI UNITS
1 gpm = 3.785 / min.
1 psi = 6.895 kPa
1 ft. = 0.305 m

10

400

800

1200

1600

2000

2400

FOAM FLOW - gpm

2800

3200
D075rv195

FOR SI UNITS
1 gpm = 3.785 l / min.
1 psi = 6.895 kPa
1 ft. = 0.305 m

50

40
6" PIPE DIAMETER
30

20
8" PIPE DIAMETER
10

10" PIPE DIAMETER

0
1600

2400

3200

4000

4800

5600

6400

7200

8000

8800

FOAM FLOW - gpm

FOR SI UNITS
1 gpm = 3.785 l / min.
1 psi = 6.895 kPa
1 ft. = 0.305 m

25

20

15

10
14" PIPE DIAMETER
5

4000

8000

12000

16000

20000

24000

28000

32000

FOAM FLOW - gpm

D076rv195

FOAM CHAMBER INSTALLATION

FIXED SYSTEM USING A BLADDER TANK

Foam
Chamber

Ball Valve
Normally Closed
Ball Valve
Normally Open
Swing Check
Hydraulic Actuated
Ball Valve

Bladder Tank

Solution Flow
Water
Supply
Proportioner

D010rv1296

FOAM CHAMBER TOPSIDE APPLICATION

ON INTERNAL FLOATING ROOF TANK

Vent

Foam
Chamber

Aerated
Foam

Internal
Floating
Roof

FUEL

Foam Solution

Dike Wall

D003rv195

INSTALLATION OF FOAM MAKER & SPLASH BOARD

ON FLOATING ROOF TANKS
Sheet steel splash board can be rectangular or cut as shown
mounted on top of shell reinforced with suitable supports.
Minimum dimensions will depend on minimum clearance needed
between foam discharge outlet and top position of roof.

"A" Dimension is the height of the foam maker outlet

above the top edge of the tank shell. The minimum
height must clear the top position of the floating roof.

"L" Shield Length

3/8 of "L"

Splash Board
12"
Deflector

Foam Maker
Foam Dam
"A"

2' 0"

1/2 of "A"
12"

Roof
Wind Girder

Urethane Seal
Foam solution piping to other foam makers may
be located above or below wind girder or
at grade level.

Swing Joint

Foam Solution
Supply Piping

Tank Shell

D040rv195

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL TOP AND BELOW SEAL

APPLICATIONS FOR FLOATING ROOF TANKS

Foam
Maker

Aerated Foam

Weather Shield
Foam Dam
Foam Maker
Brace

Foam Solution

Aspirated
Foam

Seal

Foam
Solution

Pontoon
Roof

Typical Top of Seal Application

Typical Below Seal Application

D005rv195

SEAL AREA PROTECTION USING A FOAM MAKER

OR HANDLINE NOZZLE FROM LADDER AREA

Quick Opening Valve

Foam Maker
Siamese
for
Siamese Foam
Foam Outlet
Hydran
Handline Connection
Back Board Mounted
Higher than Uppermost
Position of Roof

Stairway
Platform

Stairway

Ladder
Foam Dam

Wind Girder
Brace

Foam Solution Piping

Floating Roof

Tank Shell
Product

D022rv195

TANK AND DIKE PROTECTION WITH FOAM MONITOR SYSTEM

Dike
Tank

Tank

OS & Y
Valve

Monitor
(Typical)

Tank

Foam
Concentrate

OS & Y Valve
Monitor

Water
Supply

Ratio
Controller

D033rv195

STORAGE TANK PROTECTION

Topside Applications
Foam Maker

Existing or New
Foam Chamber

Foam Delivery Pipe

Foam Solution
Delivery Piping

Forcing Foam Maker

Dike

Dike

SolutionFoam Solution
Delivery
Piping
Delivery
Piping

Foam Maker

Fixed Foam Chamber

Portable Foam
Tube or Tower

A - B Foam Chamber

Mechanical Foam
Generator Conversion
Foam Solution
Delivery Hoses

Foam Solution
Delivery Piping

Dike

A - B Powder Conversion

Dike

Portable Foam Tower

D016rv195

TYPICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR SUB-SURFACE SYSTEMS

INTO A CONE ROOF STORAGE TANK

Tank Shell

Rupture Disc
(optional)

Swing
Check
Valve

GateValve

From High Back

Pressure Foam Maker

At Least 1 ft.
(0.3m)
Water Bottom
Foam
Flow
Valved Test Connection

D012rv195

STORAGE TANK PROTECTION

Sub-surface Applications
(Hydrocarbon Fuels Only)

Foam
Delivery
Piping

High Back Pressure

Foam Maker
Product
Line

Normal
Water
Bottom

Dike

Dike
Solution
Piping

Solution
Delivery
Piping

Dedicated Foam Solution

Line Application

Production Line Application

High Back Pressure

Foam Maker

Although dedicated lines may be used to apply foam using the subsurface method,
additional economies may be realized by using existing product lines for foam
injection.
In some installations a total tank farm may be covered by using a single subsurface
injection station at the product line manifold.
The piping pressure losses and the inlet injection velocity must be verified by calculation.
This is to be done with each product line which is a candidate for subsurface injection.
D017rv195

STORAGE TANK PROTECTION SUMMARY

Fixed-Roof (Cone) Tanks

Pontoon or Double-Deck Floating Roof Tanks

Number
Required

Not applicable.

Mechanical Shoe Seal.

1 - For each 130 ft. (39.6 m) of tank circumference
(no foam dam required)
Tube Seal - Over 6 in. (15.2 cm) from top of seal to top of
pontoon with foam outlets under metal weather shield or
secondary seal.
1 - For each 60 ft. (18.3 m) of tank circumference
(no foam dam required)
Tube Seal - Less than 6 in. (15.2 cm) from top of seal to
top of pontoon with foam outlets under metal weather
shield or secondary seal.
1 - For each 60 ft. (18.3 m) of tank circumference
[foam dam at least 12 in. (30.5 cm) high required].

Hydrocarbon
Application
Rates

Not Applicable.

0.30 gpm. (1.14 L/min.) per sq. ft. (sq. m) of annular ring
area with foam dam or with foam application under metal
weather seal or secondary seal. 0.50 gpm (1.9 L/min.) per
sq. ft.. (sq. m for all other applications).

Discharge
Times

Not Applicable.

20 min. - with foam dam or under metal weather shield or

secondary seal.

Polar
Solvents

Not Applicable.

Not covered by NFPA 11.

Size of
Tank

Monitors for tanks up to 60 ft. (18.3 m) in

diameter.
Hand hoselines for tanks less than 30 ft.
(9.2 m) in diameter and less than 20 ft.
(6.1 m) high.

Monitors not recommended.

Hydrocarbon
Application
Rates

0.16 gpm/ft.
2
[(6.5 L/min.)/(m )]

Discharge
Times

Flash point below 100 F (37.8 C)

o
o
Flash point 100 F - 140 F
Crude Oil

Number
Required

Same as table for foam chambers.

Hydrocarbon
Application
Rates

Minimum 0.1 gpm/ft. [(4.1 L/min.)/m. ] of

liquid surface.
2
2
Maximum 0.2 gpm/ft. [(8.2 L/min.)/m. ]
Foam velocity from outlet shall not exceed
10 ft. per sec. (3.05 m per sec.) for Class 1B
liquids or 20 ft. per sec. (6.1 m per sec.) for
all other liquids.

Discharge
Times

Flash point 100 F (37.8 C)

o
o
to 140 F (194.4 C)
o
o
Flash point below 100 F (37.8 C)
Crude Petroleum

Polar
Solvents

Handlines are suitable for extinguishment of rim fires

in open-top floating roof tanks.

0.16 gpm/ft.
2
(6.5 L/min./m )
For rim fires in open-top floating roof tanks.
o

Not Recommended.

65 min.
50 min.
65min.

Not Recommended.

Use same times as for open-top floating roof tank rim

fires.

30 min.

Not Recommended.

Not Recommended.

55 min.
55 min.
Not Recommended.

For S1 units: 1 gpm/ft.2 = 40.746 (L/min.)/m2; 1 ft. = 0.305 m; 1 ft.2 = 0.0929 m2 ; 1 in. = 0.0245 m; C = F - 32/1.8.
D056rv0200

STORAGE TANK PROTECTION SUMMARY

Pontoon or Double-Deck Floating
Roof Tanks, (Open-Top or
Covered) Annular Seal Area

Fixed-Roof (Cone) Tanks and

Pan-Type Floating Roof Tanks
Number
of Foam
Outlets
Required

Up to 80 ft. (2.44 m) dia.

81 to 120 ft. (24.7 - 36.6 m) dia.
121 to 140 ft. (36.9 - 42.7 m) dia.
141 to 160 ft. (43 - 48.8 m) dia.
161 to 180 ft. (49 - 54.9 m) dia.
181 to 200 ft. (55.2 - 61 m) dia.
Over 210 ft. (61.2 m)

Hydrocarbon
Application
Rates

0.10 gpm (0.38 L/min.) per sq. ft. (sq. m) of liquid surface.

0.30 gpm (1.14 L/min.) per sq. ft. (sq. m)

of annular ring area between tank wall
and foam dam.

See Manufacturer's Approval Report.

Not covered by NFPA 11.

Polar
Solvent
Rates

Hydrocarbon
Discharge
Times

Polar
Solvents

1 Foam Chamber
2 Foam Chambers
3 Foam Chambers
4 Foam Chambers
5 Foam Chambers
6 Foam Chambers
1 additional for each
5,000 sq. ft.

Type I
o

Flash Pt. 100 F - 140 F (37.8 C - 194.4 C)

o
o
Flash Pt. below 100 F (37.8 C)
Crude Petroleum

Type I
Type II

1 for each 80 ft. (24.4 m) of circumference

with a 24-inch (61 cm) high foam dam.

Type II

20 min. 30 min.
30 min. 55 min.
30 min. 55 min.

30 min.
55 min.

1 for each 40 ft. (12.2 m) of circumference

with a 12-inch (30.5 cm) high foam dam.

20 min.

Not covered by NFPA 11.

D057rv195

SURFACE APPLICATION
Determining Discharge Time and Application Rate (Cone Roof Tanks)
Discharge time and application rates are determined according to the type of fuel contained in the storage
tank being protected. The following are minimum discharge rates recommended by Chemguard.

Fuel Protected

Foam
Concentrate

Foam Chambers
Monitors/Hand Hose Lines
As Primary Protection
As Primary Protection
-ORApplication Rate
Discharge
Application Rate
Discharge
gpm/ft2 (Lpm/m2) Time
gpm/ft2 Lpm/m2)
Time

Hydrocarbon
Flash point
AR-AFFF
between
Fluoroprotein
100F and
AFFF
200oF (38oC and 93oC)

.10
.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)
(4.1)

30 min.
30 min.
30 min.

.16
.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)
(6.5)

50 Min.
50 min.
50 min.

Hydrocarbon
Flash point
AR-AFFF
Fluoroprotein
below 100oF
AFFF
(38oC) or
liquid heated above flash point

.10
.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.
65 min.

AR-AFFF
Fluoroprotein
AFFF

.10
.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.15
.15

(6.1)
(5.7)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.15
.15

(6.1)
(6.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.24
.24

(9.8)
(9.8)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.17
.17

(6.5)
(6.5)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.10
.10

(4.1)
(4.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.16
.16

(6.5)
(6.5)

65 min.
65 min.

U.G.
3/6

.15
.15

(6.1)
(6.1)

55 min.
55 min.

.24
.24

(9.8)
(9.8)

65 min.
65 min.

Crude Petroleum

Alcohols
Methanol

Ethanol

Isopropanol

Ketones
Methyl Ethyl Ketone

Acetone

Aldehydes

Esters

Ethers

U.G. Ultraguard 3% AR-AFFF

3/6 3% - 6% AR-AFFF @ 6% Proportioning
SArv0200