ANSUL IN-LINE BALANCED PRESSURE PROPORTIONER MANUAL

Transcription

1 ANSUL IN-LINE BALANCED PRESSURE PROPORTIONER MANUAL Part No

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3 INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS ANSUL IN-LINE BALANCED PRESSURE PROPORTIONERS MODELS IBP AND IBP-M TYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS, MARINETTE, WISCONSIN

4 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners This manual is intended as a guide for ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners. They will be used as a component in an In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioning system. The overall system typically consists of an atmospheric foam concentrate storage tank, pump and pump controls, piping, various valves, strainers and discharge devices. These systems must be designed by competent, experienced engineers to ensure equipment compatibility; proper functioning of the system; and compliance with NFPA codes, as well as local and end-user requirements. If there are any questions, or further information is required, contact Tyco Fire Protection Products, Technical Services, Marinette, WI Those who design, install, operate, refill, inspect, or maintain these systems should read this entire manual. NOTICE This equipment is designed for use on only Class A Fires and Class B Hydrocarbon Fires. Only ANSULITE Alcohol-Resistant Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AR-AFFF) Concentrates, at the percentage recommended for the product, can be used on Class B Hydrocarbon and Polar Solvent Fires. In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners are mechanical devices that need periodic care and inspections to provide reasonable assurance that they are operable. Inspection should take into consideration the environment, system use, and user inspection policy; but at a minimum should be conducted semi-annually. Maintenance, which provides maximum assurance that the ANSUL foam concentrate is effective and the proportioning device is operable, should be conducted at annual intervals or earlier when indicated by an inspection. NOTICE ANSUL Foam Concentrates must be stored within the temperature range listed on the container and/or technical data sheet. If the concentrates require storage outside of these temperature ranges, consult Tyco Fire Protection Products, Technical Services, Marinette, WI Also, particular attention should be given to the ANSUL Field Inspection Manual (Part No ) which deals with the testing procedures for ANSULITE AFFF Concentrates. The testing procedures for non-afff foams are covered in NFPA Standard 11, Chapter 6.! WARNING Do not use foam extinguishing agent on Class C (electrical) fires since foam is a conductor of electricity. ANSUL, ANSULITE, and the product names listed in this material are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.

5 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners TABLE OF CONTENTS 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 SECTION PAGE(S) Description 1 3 Installation 4 Operation 5 Manual Override 6 Flushing 7 Inspection 8 Maintenance 9 Troubleshooting 10 Service and Repair 11 AFFF Field Inspection Manual Part No

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7 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners DESCRIPTION 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 PAGE 1 DESCRIPTION The In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner functions by main - taining equal pressures in the foam concentrate and water inlets to the proportioner. This balancing ability allows the proportioner to be used over a wide range of flows and pressures. The proportioning device will also respond quickly to changes in the water inlet conditions. The system operates by passing the foam concentrate from a positive displacement pump through a pressure balancing (spool) valve. The spool valve senses the pressures in the foam concentrate and water lines and balances these pressures. (The pressures can also be balanced manually on IBP s equipped with optional foam balancing valves by manually regulating the flow of foam through the valve while watching the duplex gauge.) The foam concentrate then enters the proportioner. An orifice in the proportioner, sized for the foam concentrate type, regulates the flow of pressurized foam concentrate entering the water stream.

8 DESCRIPTION PAGE 2 REV OCT-2 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners DESCRIPTION (Continued) In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners (Models IBP-2 to IBP-8) Model IBP-2 Model IBP-2 1/2 Model IBP-3 Model IBP-4 Model IBP-6 Model IBP-8 in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) Dimension A 17 (43) 18 1/2 (47) 18 1/4 (46) 22 1/2 (57) Dimension B 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) Dimension C 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 20 (51) Dimension D 9 (23) 9 (23) 9 3/4 (25) 10 1/2 (27) 12 (31) 14 (36) Dimension E 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 2 3/16 (6) Dimension F 1 NPT 1 NPT 1 NPT 1 1/2 NPT 1 1/2 NPT 2 NPT Dimension G 2 NPT 2 1/2 NPT 3* 4* 6* 8* F E C D G G B A In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners With Manual Foam Balancing Valve (Models IBP-2M to IBP-8M) Model IBP-2M Model IBP-2 1/2M Model IBP-3M Model IBP-4M Model IBP-6M Model IBP-8M in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) in. (cm) Dimension A 25 1/2 (65) 28 1/2 (72) 28 (71) 32 3/8 (82) Dimension B 24 1/2 (62) 24 1/2 (62) Dimension C 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 16 3/4 (43) 20 (51) Dimension D 15 5/8 (40) 15 5/8 (40) 16 3/8 (42) 18 (46) 19 1/2 (50) 22 1/2 (57) Dimension E 9 (23) 9 (23) 9 3/4 (25) 10 1/2 (27) 12 (31) 14 (36) Dimension F 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 1 3/4 (4) 2 3/16 (6) Dimension G 1 NPT 1 NPT 1 NPT 1 1/2 NPT 1 1/2 NPT 2 NPT Dimension H 2 NPT 2 1/2 NPT 3* 4* 6* 8* MANUAL FOAM BALANCING VALVE G F C D E H H B A *Between flange proportioner is standard. Upon request, proportioners can also be supplied in flanged style. NOTE: ANSUL in-line balanced pressure proportioners require a minimum of 5 pipe diameters of straight, unobstructed water inlet supply pipe. NOTE: Refer to ANSUL Technical Data Sheets for dimensional details on Threaded Proportioners (F-85144), Between Flange Proportioners (F-8452), or Flanged Proportioners (F-85143).

9 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners DESCRIPTION 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 PAGE 3 DESCRIPTION (Continued) In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner SPOOL VALVE WATER SENSING LINE FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE PROPORTIONER NORMAL VALVE POSITION Valve Description Foam Concentrate Valve Drain Cock Valve Manual Foam Balancing Valve (If Equipped) Position OPEN CLOSED CLOSED DRAIN COCK VALVE FOAM SENSING LINE WATER INLET FOAM CONCENTRATE VALVE PRESSURE GAUGE DUPLEX GAUGE DRAIN COCK VALVE SPOOL VALVE LONGITUDINAL AXIS MUST BE IN HORIZONTAL POSITION CHECK VALVE FOAM CONCENTRATE INLET Typical In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioning System FOAM CONCENTRATE STORAGE TANK (ATMOSPHERIC TYPE) FOAM SOLUTION DISCHARGE SPOOL VALVE FOAM RETURN LINE PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE IN-LINE BALANCED PRESSURE PROPORTIONER WATER SUPPLY AUTOMATIC CONCENTRATE CONTROL VALVE FOAM SUCTION LINE COMPOUND PRESSURE GAUGE FOAM PUMP AND DRIVER ASSEMBLY FOAM CONCENTRATE SUPPLY NOTE: Flush connections are only required with protein based foam concentrates. LEGEND: SHUT-OFF VALVE PRESSURE GAUGE PROPORTIONER SPOOL VALVE CHECK VALVE DUPLEX PRESSURE GAUGE FLUSH CONNECTION DIRECTION OF FLOW PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE COMPOUND PRESSURE GAUGE STRAINER

10 INSTALLATION PAGE 4 REV OCT-2 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners INSTALLATION To prepare the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner for placement in service: 1. Remove all cord, wrapping, and banding ties. Examine entire assembly and component parts for concealed shipping damage. 2. Install atmospheric foam concentrate storage tank, foam concentrate pump, pump starter/controller and appropriate piping, valves, strainers, check valves, unions, etc., as determined by the system design engineer. 3. Install the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner(s) in the water supply line(s) running to the foam discharge device(s) as determined by the system design engineer. Proportioner may be installed in either the horizontal or vertical position but make certain the proportioner check valve is installed with upward flow or horizontal flow with top of check valve up (see example below). NOTICE The spool valve must be installed with the longitudinal axis in the horizontal (level) position (see examples below). NOTICE For system dimensions, refer to the In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner dimensional table on Page Install an automatic concentrate control valve (hydraulic or electric actuated type) at the inlet to each IBP proportioner. Spool Valve Position Examples (Side View) NOTICE On any automated fire protection system (deluge, pre-action, dry pipe, or wet pipe) an automatic concentrate control valve is required. On totally manual fire protection systems, the Concentrate Valve (see detail on Page 3) on the IBP proportioner would be normally closed and opened manually by the system operator. 5. Install piping from pressurized foam concentrate supply to foam concentrate inlet on proportioner assembly or automatic foam concentrate valve if required by the design. 6. Install pressure control valve in foam return line to foam concentrate storage tank. NOTICE For proper operation, the foam concentrate pressure must be adjusted by the pressure control valve to be greater at the foam concentrate inlet of the In-Line Balanced Pressure Pro - por tioner assembly than the highest available flowing water pressure at the proportioner inlet. Foam concentrate pressure should be 15 to 25 psi (103 to 172 kpa) more than highest flowing water pressure of the system. 7. Install any auxiliary equipment referring to manufacturer s instructions. 8. To give maximum assurance that the system will operate effectively and safely, the system must be tested in accordance with appropriate NFPA Standards and authorities having juris diction. 9. Place valve handles in NORMAL position. See Pages 2 and 3 for valve descriptions. Foam concentrate valve OPEN Drain cock valves CLOSED Manual foam balancing valve (if equipped) CLOSED 10. Record date of placement in service and instruct personnel in operation of the unit a a b CORRECT Spool Valve Longitudinal Axis in Horizontal Position CORRECT Spool Valve Axis in Horizontal Position NOT CORRECT Spool Valve Axis in Vertical Position

11 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners OPERATION 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 PAGE 5 OPERATION To operate the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner: NOTICE Valves must always be maintained in the NORMAL positions when the system is in a stand-by condition to assure proper system operation. Proper valve positioning MUST BE checked prior to proceeding with operating instructions. NORMAL VALVE POSITIONS Concentrate Valve OPEN Drain Cock Valves CLOSED Manual Foam Balancing Valve (if equipped) CLOSED The ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner is designed to function automatically when the valves are in the NORMAL position. 1. With the foam concentrate pump supplying pressurized foam concentrate to the in-line proportioner assembly, observe the pressure gauge to ensure the foam concentrate is a minimum of 15 psi (1.03 bar) higher than the flowing water pressure, as read on the red needle of the duplex pressure gauge. NOTICE If the concentrate pressure is lower, the pressure control valve should be adjusted to provide a higher pressure. 2. Observe the duplex gauge on the in-line proportioner assembly to assure the foam concentrate and water pressures are balancing (red needle is water pressure, black needle is foam concentrate pressure). The duplex gauge needles should read within ± 4 psi (0.28 bar) of each other. NOTICE If the pressures are not balancing and normal valve positions are verified during the acceptance testing, proceed to troubleshooting section of this manual or contact the system design engineer for technical assistance. In emergency situations, with ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pres sure Proportioners equipped with optional manual foam balancing valve, proceed to MANUAL OVERRIDE section.

12 MANUAL OVERRIDE PAGE 6 REV OCT-2 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners MANUAL OVERRIDE For manual regulation of the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner: 1. Close foam concentrate valve. 2. Open manual foam balancing valve slowly and adjust to balance the water and foam concentrate pressures on the duplex gauge. The foam concentrate pressure may be slightly higher than the water pressure, but must not be lower than the water pressure. NOTICE The duplex pressure gauge must be continually observed to assure that the foam concentrate and water pressures are balanced.

13 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners FLUSHING 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 Page 7 FLUSHING To flush the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner of concentrate after use: NOTICE Water supply must remain on for flushing procedures. 1. Place valves in the following positions: Foam concentrate valve CLOSED Manual foam balancing valve (if equipped) CLOSED 2. Alternate opening and closing the water and foam sensing line drain cock valves until clear water flows. Close drain cock valves. 3. Shut off water supply if system design is deluge type. 4. Return all valves to the NORMAL position. See pages 2 and 3 for valve description. Foam concentrate valve OPEN Drain cock valves CLOSED Manual foam balancing valve (if equipped) CLOSED

14 INSPECTION PAGE 8 REV OCT-2 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners INSPECTION Inspection should take into consideration the environment, system use, and user inspection policy; but as a minimum should be conducted semi-annually. To provide reasonable assurance that the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner is operable: 1. Note general appearance of assembly and component parts, checking for mechanical damage or corrosion. 2. Inspect all auxiliary equipment in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. 3. Check all nameplates for readability. 4. Make certain all valve handles are in the NORMAL position. See Pages 1 through 3 for valve description. Foam concentrate valve OPEN Drain cock valves CLOSED Manual foam balancing valve (if equipped) CLOSED 5. Record date of inspection and any service performed. 6. Notify operating personnel that system is back in service.

15 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners MAINTENANCE 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 PAGE 9 MAINTENANCE To provide maximum assurance that the ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioner will operate effectively and safely, maintenance must be performed annually, or sooner when indicated by an inspection. 1. Note general appearance of assembly and component parts, checking for mechanical damage or corrosion. 2. Inspect all auxiliary equipment in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions. 3. Check all nameplates for readability. 4. Make certain all valve handles are in the NORMAL position. See Pages 1 through 3 for valve descriptions. Foam concentrate valve OPEN Drain cock valves CLOSED Manual foam balancing valve (if equipped) CLOSED 5. Collect a small sample of foam concentrate from the concentrate tank by completing the following steps: a. Open concentrate tank drain valve and collect a small quantity of concentrate, approximately 1 pint (0.5L), into a clean plastic container, then close. b. Check the AFFF concentrate by referring to the ANSUL Field Inspection Manual, Part No The system should be tested once a year for proper operation. Perform the steps in the operation section. Flush the proportioning device by completing the steps in the flushing section. Refer to other manufacturer s instructions for any auxiliary equipment. When operating the system, allow the system to discharge for one minute to stabilize and collect 1 quart (1L) of solution. Analyze the AFFF solution sample by referring to the ANSUL Field Inspection Manual, Part No The testing procedures for foam concentrates are covered in NFPA Standard Record date of annual maintenance examination and any service performed. 8. Notify operating personnel that system is back in service.

16 TROUBLESHOOTING PAGE 10 REV OCT-2 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners TROUBLESHOOTING Not proportioning: a. Check balance pointers on duplex gauge: RED water, BLACK foam concentrate. Pointers should be within ± 4 psi (1.03 bar) of each other. b. When testing unit, sufficient time not allowed for foam solution to reach foam making device. It takes a minimum of 15 seconds to achieve complete balancing. c. Pressure control valve on return line to foam concentrate tank not properly adjusted for pressure. d. Make certain all valve handles are in NORMAL operating position. e. Pump not running or incorrectly wired. NOTICE Only qualified personnel should perform service to electrical components. f. Pump rotating in wrong direction. (Reverse two power leads to motor to change rotation direction.) g. Foam tank suction valve is closed. Make certain strainers are not blocked. Check compound pressure gauge; if gauge indicates a vacuum reading, blockage exists between pump and foam concentrate tank. Low percentage of injection: a. Make certain duplex gauge pointers balance within ± 4 psi (28 kpa) of each other. b. Pressure control valve on return line to foam concentrate tank not properly adjusted for pressure. c. Partial blockage of strainers (if equipped). Check for a vacuum reading on compound pressure gauge at inlet to pump. d. Foam concentrate valve and automatic foam concentrate valve to other in-line balanced pressure proportioner on system open. When system has two or more proportioners, make certain valves to proportioners not being used are fully closed. e. Pump not operating at full capacity. Refer to manufacturer s instruction provided with foam concentrate pump. f. Proportioner orifice diameter incorrect. g. Foam concentrate not correct for system design. h. Check foam tank suction valve, concentrate valve and automated concentrate supply valves to spool valves; valves not in proper operating position. i. Disconnect sensing line and remove threaded end caps of spool valve. Remove spool piece with a wooden dowel or other object that will not result in damage. Examine o-rings on spool piece, surface of spool piece, and internal bore of spool valve for damage (scoring or gouges). Lightly coat o-rings with Dow Corning silicone (#4 or #111). Reinstall and examine spool piece for free movement (a slight drag will persist). Reinstall end caps and reconnect sensing line. High percentage of injection: a. Make certain duplex gauge pointers balance. b. Water supply flow is on low-end range of proportioner nominal flow range causing rich foam injection percentage. c. Proportioner orifice diameter incorrect. d. If equipped, make certain manual foam balancing valve is fully closed. e. Pressure control valve set too high: Set to approximately 15 psi (103 kpa) more than the highest flowing water pressure. f. Disconnect sensing line and remove threaded end caps of spool valve. Remove spool piece with a wooden dowel or other object that will not result in damage. Examine o-rings on spool piece, surface of spool piece, and internal bore of spool valve for damage (scoring or gouges). Lightly coat o-rings with Dow Corning silicone (#4 or #111). Reinstall and examine spool piece for free movement (a slight drag will persist). Reinstall end caps and reconnect sensing line. Should above steps not correct the problem, contact Tyco Fire Protection Products, Technical Services, Marinette, Wisconsin

17 ANSUL In-Line Balanced Pressure Proportioners SERVICE AND REPAIR 2012-OCT-2 REV. 02 PAGE 11 The best assurance against system malfunction is proper operation, recharge, inspection, and maintenance. To remedy, as quickly as possible, any disorder that may occur, the following table lists some of the irregularities that may develop and gives suggestions for corrective action. To remedy any disorder detected through periodic inspection and maintenance examinations: Component Disorder Corrective Action Foam Tank Dents* or Abrasions Refinish (clean damaged area and repaint, using a (Steel) compatible primer and finish coat), or replace tank. Paint Peeling Remove loose paint with a wire brush and repaint using a compatible primer and finish coat. Seam Welds Evidencing Replace tank or consult Tyco Fire Protection Products, Discoloration or Pin Holes Technical Services, Marinette, Wisconsin Rust Spots, Pits, or Corrosion Deposits Clean corroded areas with a wire brush, replacing tank if there is any corrosion penetration, or repaint, using a primer and finish coat. Nameplate Unreadable Wording Use a mild abrasive (scouring powder) to clean plate. If readability cannot be improved, replace nameplate. Loose Missing Remove nameplate and inspect area under plate. If corroded, see section of Foam Tank Rust Spots, Pits, or Corrosion Deposits and take corrective action as surface condition would indicate, or clean area (repaint, using a primer and finish coat if necessary) and reaffix plate, using a good grade of heatless adhesive. Replace with correct nameplate. (See applicable parts list.) Valves Bent, Broken, or Missing Remove, repair, and reassemble; or replace. Valve Handle Valve Immovable, Stiff Inoperable, or Leaking Disconnect, disassemble and clean. Replace parts as required. Auxiliary Equipment Refer to manufacturer s instructions. * Record dents for references in future servicing, replacing tank if dents are deep.

18 TYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS ONE STANTON STREET MARINETTE, WI Part No Copyright 2012 Tyco Fire Products LP. All rights reserved.

19 Page FOAM CONCENTRATES AND FOAM PRE-MIX SOLUTIONS Field Inspection Manual

20 INTRODUCTION Page 1 INTRODUCTION This manual is designed to serve as a guide to inspection procedures for ANSUL Foam Concentrates and Pre-mix Solutions. As Tyco Fire Protection Products manufactures many types of foam concentrates, locate the product data sheet for the specific concentrate to be tested. Product Data Sheets can be accessed at The designated inspector should be a responsible, experienced person with sound, basic knowledge of fire equipment hardware and extinguishing agents. A thorough briefing on the procedures to be followed should include the need for precise execution of each analysis step. See Field Inspection Record at the end of this manual to record proportioning results. Form Part No , Foam Analysis Request, is for use in recording the information required when sending in samples to the Tyco Fire Protection Products Agents Laboratory. This form also outlines the correct procedure for submitting samples. Review and complete the form as thoroughly as possible. This form is included in the Foam Agent Test Kit, Part No It is also available on under Foam Products. (Note: There is a charge for this testing service.) FReqUeNCy and accuracy OF TesTs Tyco Fire Protection Products recommends that proportioning tests be done at system commissioning and every three (3) years minimum thereafter. exception: Pre-primed foam-water sprinkler systems should be flushed, drained and pre-primed with fresh solution annually. During this process correct proportioning should be verified. Tyco Fire Protection Products recommends that Standard Quality Analysis Testing be done annually by the Tyco Fire Protection Products Agents Laboratory which not only tests the chemical properties of the sample, but also does lab scale fire testing to assure the product s performance. Packages of two (2) sample containers with labels can be purchased under Part No Storage of concentrates below the minimum temperature listed on the product data sheets could result in freezing. If the agent freezes, it should be thawed at or near room temperature and agitated or stirred to ensure a homogenous mixture. If previous freezing is suspect, agitation will again ensure a homogenous mixture. To maximize life of concentrates stored in atmospheric storage tanks, ANSUL recommends that a 1/4 in. (6 mm) layer of mineral oil be added to the air-exposed surface of the concentrate. This is critical for Alcohol Resistant Concentrates. RelaTeD INFORmaTION The following is a list of Technical Bulletins that can be found at the ANSUL internet home page Technical Bulletin Number 52 (Environmental Impact of ANSULITE AFFF Products) Technical Bulletin Number 54 (Shelf Life of ANSULITE AFFF Concentrates and Their Pre-mixed Solutions) Technical Bulletin Number 55 (Aspirated Versus Nonaspirated AFFF) Technical Bulletin Number 59 (Acceptable Materials of Construction For Use With ANSUL Foam Concentrates) Technical Bulletin Number 60 (Foam and The Environment) Technical Bulletin Number 64 (Compatibility of AFFF/Alcohol-Resistant AFFF Concentrates) ReFRaCTIve INDex vs. CONDUCTIvITy Tyco Fire Protection Products recommends refractive index testing instead of conductivity testing in the field because there is less chance of results being skewed by water quality or temperature. Also, continuous stirring is required during conductivity testing to obtain stable results. storage CONDITIONs Tyco Fire Protection Products recommends that its concentrates be stored at the temperatures indicated on the specific product data sheet. Accelerated aging studies have been conducted with the concentrate and pre-mix solutions stored at 150 F (65.5 C) with no adverse effect. However, Underwriters Laboratory Standard No. 162 requires that the maximum storage temperature be listed at 120 F (48.9 C).

21 FOam solution CONCeNTRaTION DeTeRmINaTION Page 2 FOam solution CONCeNTRaTION DeTeRmINaTION ReFRaCTIve INDex OR CONDUCTIvITy This test is used to determine the percent concentrate of a foam concentrate in the water being used to generate foam. It is typically used as a means to determine the accuracy of the system s proportioning equipment. This method is based upon comparing foam solution test sample to pre-measured solutions (Calibration Standard) that are plotted on a baseline graph of percent concentration versus instrument reading. A hand-held refractometer is used to measure the refractive index of the foam solution sample. Scales on refractometers vary, but what is actually being used to determine concentration is a change in reading from one premeasured solution to another (Calibration Standards Curve vs. Discharge Samples Reading ). The philosophy applies when using a conductivity meter which is measuring the changes in the solution s conductivity. (Refer to Proportioning Test Instruments Data Sheet, F , for more detailed information about the specific meters.) A base curve is prepared by using the following apparatus: 1. Four 100 ml or larger plastic bottles with leak-resistant screw caps 2. One 10 ml (10 cc) measuring syringe 3. One 100 ml graduated cylinder 4. Four or more eye droppers 5. One Test Meter Model PA 202, 10419, Graph paper 7. Ruler or straight edge Using water and foam concentrate from the system to be tested, make up three 100 ml calibration standard solutions. For a 6% concentrate, typically a 4%, 6% and 8% samples; for a 3% concentrate, typically a 2%, 3% and 4% samples; and for a 1% concentrate, typically a 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% samples are made. Label bottles with percent sample calibration solution that will be utilized, i.e. 2%, 3% and 4% for a 3% concentrate. As an example, for the 2% calibration solution sample, measure 98 ml of system water in the graduate cylinder, then pour into the bottle labeled 2%. Then with the measuring syringe, transfer 2 ml (2 cc) of the concentrate into the labeled bottle. Secure the cap on the bottle and shake to thoroughly mix the solution. Repeat for the 3% calibration sample (97 ml water and 3 ml concentrate) and for the 4% calibration sample (96 ml water and 4 ml concentrate). Increasing sample sizes will increase accuracy relative to the measurement instrument. After thoroughly mixing the foam sample, a meter reading is taken of each percentage foam solution sample. It is important that temperatures between discharge samples and calibration standards have normalized with temperatures above 50 F (10 C) working best. Each instrument has specific instructions for its correct operation. Using the graph paper, plot the meter reading on the X axis and the percent concentrate reading on the Y axis. This plotted curve will serve as the known baseline for the proportioning test. Meters may have different scales and the plotted resolution should be as large as possible with the complete range of the calibration solutions known. The scale you set must be linear. Collect foam solution sample(s) from the proportioning system, using care to ensure that each sample is taken at an adequate distance downstream from the proportioner being tested. (Usually any place downstream of the first change in direction is adequate if samples are taken in the riser room.) Stabilize a water flow through your discharge device within the known acceptable range for the proportioner and open the concentrate control valve. Take the sample about 30 to 60 seconds after foam appears from the test connection. Take meter readings of the sample(s) and compare readings to the plotted curve to determine the percentage for each sample. Per NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High- Expansion Foam, acceptable ranges of proportioning systems are not less than the rated concentration and not more than 30% above the rated concentration or one percentage point above the rated concentration, whichever is less. For example, the acceptable range for a 3% concentrate is from 3 to 3.9%. Note: There is some variability dependent on the accuracy of the meter, the accuracy to which the calibration samples were made, and if temperatures between calibration standards and discharge samples have not normalized. Conductivity is especially susceptible to reading fluctuation, thus the sample should be continuously stirred until a stabilized reading can be estimated. Care should be taken to not bump the sides or bottom of the sample container or contaminate the sample with salts or solids, i.e. dirty fingers while stirring. The conductivity of water stored in or for systems can vary throughout a discharge which may affect results. Conductivity should not be used for sea, salt, or brackish water supplies. Although conductivity can be the most accurate means of measuring foam solution in clean water supplies under ideal conditions, the refractive index method is best for most real world testing. If discharge samples are sent to the Tyco Fire Protection Products Test Lab for analysis, they should be packaged per the instructions with the Test Kit and sent in for immediate processing. Largely dependent on water quality and the type of concentrate used, foam solutions may start to biodegrade in a short period of time which can affect results (possibly as little as three to five days with nutrient-rich water and detergent-based foam concentrates). The following graphs are examples of typical refractive index values for various concentrate pre-mixes. Results may vary depending on the concentrate pre-mix type, site water supply, and actual concentrate lot number. Therefore, it is important that a new calibration curve be developed on each date a proportioning test is required.

22 TypICal CalIbRaTION CURve ResUlTs WheN UsINg part NO handheld ReFRaCTOmeTeR Page

23 NOTes Page 4 NOTes:

24 FIelD INspeCTION ReCORD Page 5 CUSTOMER/LOCATION: FILE NO.: DATE: TESTED BY: FOAM CONCENTRATE TYPE / LOT NO.: METER TYPE: CONDUCTIVITY: REFRACTOMETER MODEL: CALIBRATION STANDARDS METER READING FOAM CONCENTRATE WATER PRE-MIX #1 PRE-MIX #2 PRE-MIX #3 CalIbRaTION CURve PERCENT FOAM SOLUTION METER READING SYSTEM DISCHARGE SAMPLE METER READING PERCENT FOAM SOLUTION

25 TYCO FIRE PROTECTION PRODUCTS ONE STANTON STREET MARINETTE, WI Part No Copyright 2011 Tyco Fire Protection0 Products All rights reserved.