FOAM CHAMBER

MODEL - FCA & FCA-S

TECHNICAL DATA

MODELS FCA-65, FCA-80 & FCA-100

Carbon Steel Construction

FCA-S 65, FCA-S 80 &

FCA-S 100
Stainless Steel Construction
INLET SIZE 65, 80, 100 NB
WORKING Min 2.8 Kg/cm2 (40 PSI)
PRESSURE Max 7 Kg/cm2 (100 PSI)
FLANGE ANSI B16.5 Class 150#
CONNECTION LISTED
4UT3
WEIGHT 65 NB - 34.5 Kg
(Approx) 80 NB - 49.5 Kg
100 NB - 72.0 Kg FEATURES
VAPOUR SEAL 0.7 to 1.75 Kg/sq.cm. • UL Listed
RUPTURE (10 PSI to 25 PSI)
PRESSURE Running water/ water foam • Heavy duty welded construction with choice of
solution pressure at inlet of Carbon Steel or Stainless Steel material
Foam Chamber • Frangible Glass Vapour Seal
MAXIMUM 0.07 Kg/sq.cm. (1.0 PSI) • Controlled Air Flow proportional to liquid flow for
PERMISIBLE BACK optimum foam quality and rupture of vapour
PRESSURE ON seal in narrow pressure tolerances for
VAPOUR SEAL increased reliability
VAPOUR SEAL Glass • Field replaceable orifice plate fitted with Foam
Deflector Solid or Split Deflector Chamber

FINISH Red RAL 3000 • Interchangeable with HD Foam Chamber Model FC

APPROVAL UL Listed APPLICATION

ORDERING a) Model & Size Foam Chamber is used in one of the most common
INFORMATION application to protect vertical fixed roof (cone) liquid
b) Flow & Pressure at inlet
storage tanks, with or without internal floating roof
of each Foam Chamber
with the low expansion foam system. The application
c) Inlet, outlet flange of foam is on the basis that the risk comprises the
specification total surface area of the fuel. The foam system design
d) Type of Deflector guidelines generally used are in accordance with
NFPA-11, standard.
e) Foam concentrate used
Foam chambers are defined by NFPA-11 as Type
f) Tank number / Tag number II discharge outlets for delivering the foam to the
surface of a flammable liquid. The Foam Chambers
are widely used with the Inline Foam Inductor, Balance
Pressure Foam Proportioning system, Bladder Tank
Proportioner or Foam Tender.

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 1 OF 6 HD 254

SPECIFICATION (a) Number of Foam Chamber:
Foam Chamber is an air aspirating foam discharge The number of foam chambers required is
device, covering wide range of flow from 150 to 2400 determined by the tank diameter. Where two
litres per minute at 2.8 to 7 kg/sq.cm. inlet pressure. or more foam chambers are required, they shall
The Foam Chamber contains a vapour seal to prevent be spaced equally around the tank periphery and
the entry of vapour into the foam chamber and the each Foam Chamber shall be sized to deliver
foam solution pipe. Each foam chamber is supplied foam at an approximately same rate. Please
with an orifice plate, designed for the required flow refer graph to select the unit that will provide
and inlet pressure. The orifice is field replaceable in the required minimum foam solution application
the event of change in design parameters. rate at the available operating pressure of the
Foam Chamber.
The foam is produced by introducing air into the
foam solution stream. The inlet of foam chamber is For minimum number of Foam Chamber
designed to create venturi jet which draws air into requirement, kindly follow the recommendations
the foam solution stream. The air is drawn into the as per NFPA/OISD/TAC or as per the governmental
foam solution through the holes located on the foam codes or ordinances wherever applicable.
chamber covered with stainless steel screen to (b) Minimum Foam Solution Application Rate:
exclude nesting birds and insects. The aerated foam
is directed into the deflector for the gentle application The minimum foam solution application rate is
of the expanded foam. The deflectors are available in the rate at which the water and foam
different models. concentrate in correctly proportioned ratio
should be delivered to the surface of a storage
On removal of cover plate from the top of the chamber tank under protection to control and
allows the system to be tested and to draw a sample extinguish the fire.
of the expanded foam, without removing the vapour
seal or disconnecting the foam chamber from the For minimum application rate requirement,
tank. Frangible glass bursting disc (vapour seal) can follow the recommendations as per NFPA/OISD/
be replaced by easily. TAC or governmental codes or ordinances
wherever applicable.
The vapour seal is designed to rupture within 0.7
to 1.75 Kg/sq.cm. (10 to 25 PSI) pressure at inlet
flange of Foam Chamber, as required by NFPA, UL &
FM standard. The vapour seal will withstand maximum
back pressure of 0.07 Kg/sq.cm. Bar (1.0 PSI) or
equal to 686mm of water column as specified by API
for welded storage tank. If the requirement exceeds
0.07 Kg/sq.cm. Bar (1.0 PSI) as in case of nitrogen
blanketing system, then this equipment may not be
suitable.
The vapour seal is frangible glass. The vapour seal is
supplied with holder and for spares it can be with or
without holder. The ‘O’ ring used for seal are Nitride
rubber and optional Viton for polar solvent.

SYSTEM DESIGN REQUIREMENT

The NFPA-11, a standard for low expansion foam,
provides the essential requirement of an appropriate
designed foam pouring system, which are identified
and outlined as below:
The Foam Deflector is used with the Foam Chamber.
The aerated foam from the Foam Chamber is directed
in to the deflector for the gentle application of the
expanded foam. The deflector reduces the expanded
foam velocity and allows the foam to slide down the
tank wall.

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 2 OF 6 HD 254

TESTING & MAINTENANCE NOTE:

Qualified and trained person must commission 1. A PROVISION IS TO BE MADE FOR

the system. After few initial successful tests, PRESSURE GAUGE MOUNTING AT INLET OF
an authorized person must be trained to perform FOAM CHAMBER, WHICH MAY BE PLUGGED
inspection and testing of the system. It is AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMMISSIONING OF
recommended to carry out physical inspection of the THE SYSTEM. THIS WILL HELP TO ANALYSE
system regularly. The system must be fully tested at THE SYSTEM WHILE COMMISSIONING.
least once in a year or in accordance with applicable 2. REFER TO THE INDIVIDUAL FOAM LISTING
NFPA/OISD/TAC standards or in accordance with FOR OPERATING LIMITATION WITH EACH
standards of the organization having local jurisdiction. FOAM CONCENTRATE AND FOAM
Do not turn off the system or any valve to make CHAMBER.
repair or test the system, without placing a roving
Fire Patrol in the area covered by the system. The
Patrol should continue until the system is put back Selection of HD Foam Chamber:
in service. Also inform the local security guard and
control alarm station, so as to avoid false alarm.
Each system is to be flushed properly. The vapour seal FOAM CHAMBER K - FACTOR
must be replaced if the system has been operated. SIZE
Normal testing of the chamber can be carried out by 65 NB 89.6 TO 207.8
removing the cover plate from the top of the chamber.
This allows the system to draw a sample of the 80 NB 179.2 TO 385.9
expanded foam without removing the vapour seal or 100 NB 358.5 TO 907.2
disconnecting the Foam Chamber from the tank.
The air screen is to be inspected periodically for the To select the size of the Foam Chamber use the
obstruction of air inlet holes. If any obstruction is following formula:
noticed, remove the same and flush if necessary.
Q=K√P
It is recommended to have regular maintenance
Q = Total solution flow in litres per minute.
programme to inspect the Vapour Seal Chamber
discharge area and deflector for possible deposit or K = Constant for Foam Chamber
obstruction.
P = Inlet pressure in kg/sq.cm.
CAUTION
Do not install Foam chambers on pressured storage
tanks (Inert gas blanketed tanks) and storage tanks
containing product which attack the foam chamber
standard construction material.
Maximum permissible back pressure on vapour seal
is 0.07 Kg/sq.cm.2 (1.0 PSI)

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 3 OF 6 HD 254

 FOAM CHAMBER

C
6

F2
5 9

A
4
B

2
1 F1

DIMENSIONS OF FOAM CHAMBER PART LIST

in millimeter (Approximate)

INLET OUTLET ITEM MATERIAL SPECIFICATON

A B C DESCRIPTION
SIZE SIZE NO. FCA FCA-S
F1 F2
1 ORIFICE ASSEMBLY STAINLESS STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
65NB 100NB 756 600 175
80NB 150NB 1093 908 225 2 INLET FLANGE STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
100NB 200NB 1221 996 275 3 STRAINER ASSEMBLY STAINLESS STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
4 FOAM MAKING CHAMBER STEEL PIPE SS PIPE
5 FOAM CHAMBER STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
6 INSPECTION COVER STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
7 DISCHARGE PIPE STEEL PIPE SS PIPE
8 OUTLET FLANGE STEEL STAINLESS STEEL
9 VAPOUR SEAL ASSEMBLY GLASS GLASS

NOTE:
1. Pipes used are ERW (Seamless Pipe are optional)
2. Foam chambers are open to atmosphere & do not have internal shutoff device,hence no hydrotest is
offered during inspection.

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 4 OF 6 HD 254

 TYPICAL FOAM CHAMBER INSTALLATION WITH DEFLECTOR

TYPICAL INSTALLATION OF FOAM CHAMBER WITH STUD FLANGED SPLIT DEFLECTOR

FOAM CHAMBER

OUTLET FLANGE

GASKETS FOAM CHAMBER

MODEL FCA

TANK SHELL SPLIT DEFLECTOR

MODEL SD

MOUNTING PAD SPLIT DEFLECTOR

ASSEMBLY

INLET FLANGE STUD MOUNTING PAD

STORAGE TANK

NOTE:
Stud Mounting Pad with gasket & split deflector
are optional items. To be ordered separately.

TANK CUTOUT FOR MOUNTING OF SPLIT DEFLECTOR

FLANGE OUTLINE
FOAM CHAMBER SIZE CUTOUT SIZE
PCD
RØ INLET OUTLET
HOLE NO OF
TYPE FLANGE FLANGE RØ PCD
Ø’d’ HOLES
*
SIZE SIZE
FCA 65 65 100 114 191 19 4
FCA 80 80 150 168 241 22 4
Ø'd' FCA 100 100 200 219 298 22 8
* BY INSTALLER

TYPICAL INSTALLATION OF FOAM CHAMBER WITH STUD FLANGED TANK NOZZLE AND SOLID DEFLECTOR

FOAM CHAMBER TANK NOZZLE

(BY OTHERS)
200

MODEL FCA
SOLID DEFLECTOR
MODEL FD
*

*
*

150 150

STORAGE TANK

*
GLASS VAPOUR SEAL
WITH HOLDER (STANDARD SUPPLY) BY INSTALLER
*
NOTE:
1. Above dimensions are general guidelines only. The system designer can adopt the dimensions as per
NFPA/TAC/OISD or as per the governing rules & ordinance having local jurdiction.
2. Tank Nozzle nutbolts & gasket are optional to be ordered separately.
3. Split deflector Model SD and solid deflector Model FD is standard supply in carbon steel material and
optional in stainless steel.

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 5 OF 6 HD 254

 PRESSURE VS FLOW PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC

600

1000
500

FOAM SOLUTION FLOW

FOAM SOLUTION FLOW

800

FLOW IN LPM
FLOW IN LPM

400

600
300

400
200

100 200
2 3 4 5 6 7 2 3 4 5 6 7
INLET PRESSURE (KG/SQ.CM)
INLET PRESSURE (KG/SQ.CM)
FCA & FCA-S 65 NB
FCA & FCA-S 80 NB

2600

2400

2200

2000

1800
FOAM SOLUTION FLOW

1600
FLOW IN LPM

1400

1200

1000

800

600

2 3 4 5 6 7
INLET PRESSURE (KG/SQ.CM)
FCA & FCA-S 100 NB

LIMITED WARRANTY
HD FIRE PROTECT PVT. LTD. hereby referred to as HD FIRE warrants to the original purchaser of the fire protection products manufactured by HD FIRE and to any other person
to whom such equipment is transferred, that such products will be free from defect in material and workmanship under normal use and care, for two (2) years from the date of
shipment by HD FIRE. Products or Components supplied or used by HD FIRE, but manufactured by others, are warranted only to the extent of the manufacturer’s warranty.
No warranty is given for product or components which have been subject to misuse, improper installation, corrosion, unauthorized repair, alteration or un-maintained.
HD FIRE shall not be responsible for system design errors or improper installation or inaccurate or incomplete information supplied by buyer or buyer’s representatives.
HD FIRE will repair or replace defective material free of charge, which is returned to our factory, transportation charge prepaid, provided after our inspection the material is
found to have been defective at the time of initial shipment from our works. HD FIRE shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential loss, damage or expense arising directly
or indirectly from the use of the product including damages for injury to person, damages to property and penalties resulting from any products and components manufactured
by HD FIRE. HD FIRE shall not be liable for any damages or labour charges or expense in making repair or adjustment to the product. HD FIRE shall not be liable for any
damages or charges sustained in the adaptation or use of its engineering data & services. In no event shall HD Fire’s product liability exceed an amount equal to the sale price.
The foregoing warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties and representation whether expressed, implied, oral or written, including but not limited
to, any implied warranties or merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. All such other warranties and representations are hereby cancelled.

NOTICE :
The equipment presented in this bulletin is to be installed in accordance with the latest publication standards of NFPA or other similar organisations and also with
the provision of government codes or ordinances wherever applicable.
The information provided by us are to the best of our knowledge and belief, and are general guidelines only. Site handling and installation control is beyond our reach.
Hence we give no guarantee for result and take no liability for damages, loss or penalties whatsoever, resulting from our suggestion, information, recommendation or
damages due to our product.
Product development is a continuous programme of HD FIRE PROTECT PVT. LTD. and hence the right to modify any specification without prior notice is reserved with
the company.

C-3/6, THE NANDANVAN IND. ESTATE, L.B.S. MARG, THANE 400 604., INDIA.
HD FIRE PROTECT PVT. LTD. • PHONES : + (91) 22 2583 5434 • 2582 6958 • 2582 6793
Protecting What Matters Most to You • FAX : +(91) 22 2581 2524 • 6796 9049
• EMAIL : info@hdfire.com WEBSITE : www.hdfire.com

JUNE, 2014 PAGE 6 OF 6 HD 254