The new SOLAS 2-2 (International Convention for the Safety of life at Sea) came into effect in 2002 requires installation of fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems and fixed deck foam systems using protein foam concentrate. Fixed deck foam systems, for example, should store thousands of liters of concentrate needed a generate foam for a maximum of 30 minutes on a tanker.
Specification
| Type of foam extinguishing agent | Application | Model | Specification | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Protein foam extinguishing agent “Airfoam” | Petroleum fire | SPTF | 3% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 200L Drum |
| 3% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 20L Polyethylene bottle | |||
| SPECO-23 | 2% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 200L Drum | ||
| 2% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 20L Polyethylene bottle | |||
| Fluorinated protein foam extinguishing concentrate “Mighty Foam” | Petroleum and water-soluble liquid fire (dual purposes) | SSNMF | 6% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 200L Drum |
| 6% | Cold resistance | -10℃～+30℃ | 20L Polyethylene bottle | |||
| Synthetic surfactant foam fire extinguishing concentrate | Petroleum and solid flammable fire For high expansion | SPPF-2 | 2% | -5℃～+30℃ | 200L Drum | |
| 2% | -5℃～+30℃ | 20L Polyethylene bottle | ||||
Kaiken No. 1-1, March 1, 1991
(Chief Ship Inspection Officer Maritime Technology Safety Bureau)
| Aging equipment | Validity limit |
|---|---|
| Foam concentrate for fixed foam fire extinguishing system | Within 4 years after manufacturing |
| Foam concentrate for fixed high-expansion foam fire extinguishing system | Within 4 years after manufacturing |
| Foam concentrate for fixed foam deck foam system | Within 4 years after manufacturing |
| Foam concentrate for portable foam applicator | Within 4 years after manufacturing |
(1)The validity period shall be indicated in an area on the surface of the equipment that is visible when filling with the charge.
(2)If any problem is found at ship inspection, aging equipment shall be replaced with effective equipment even if the equipment to be replaced is within the validity period.
(3)Fixed foam extinguishing systems, fixed high-expansion foam fire extinguishing systems, fixed deck foam system, and portable foam applicator may be used until the next inspection provided that they are confirmed to be effective even if the validity period indicated in accordance with the above item 1 has expired.
●Panama-registered ships
(1)The first periodic control check of fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems and foam concentrates stored on board shall be performed 3 years from the original installation date, and once a year after the first check. A record of the age of foam concentrates and of subsequent checks should be kept on board readily available for inspection.
(2)Periodic control checks or analysis mentioned in item 1 above shall be performed by an authorized independent organization or by the laboratory of the manufacturer. Such checks or foam analysis shall be performed in accordance with MSC/Circ.582, MSC/Circ.670 and MSC/Circ.798.
●Performance testing on foam fire extinguishing concentrates
Foam fire extinguishing concentrate should be maintained appropriately since its deterioration largely affects fire extinguishing performance. Concentrate should be examined in accordance with MSC/Circ.582, MSC/Circ.670, and MSC/Circ.798
Notes for keeping the service life (validity period) of foam concentrate:
●Store within the operating temperature range specified
●Keep away from direct sunlight
●Keep the concentrate remaining after use in a tightly closed container.
●Do not mix with other agents, water, or any other foreign substance.
●Minimize contact with air. (Minimize air space in the concentrate tank. Fill the tank with nitrogen if possible.)
●Do not generate foam.