Foam active protection systems

Emulsion Adhesives. The most widely used emulsion-based adhesive is that based upon poly(vinyl acetate)—poly(vinyl alcohol) copolymers formed by free-radical polymerization in an emulsion system. Poly(vinyl alcohol) is typically formed by hydrolysis of the poly(vinyl acetate). The properties of the emulsion are derived from the polymer employed in the polymerization as weU as from the system used to emulsify the polymer in water. The emulsion is stabilized by a combination of a surfactant plus a coUoid protection system. The protective coUoids are similar to those used paint (qv) to stabilize latex. For poly(vinyl acetate), the protective coUoids are isolated from natural gums and ceUulosic resins (carboxymethylceUulose or hydroxyethjdceUulose). The hydroHzed polymer may also be used. The physical properties of the poly(vinyl acetate) polymer can be modified by changing the co-monomer used in the polymerization. Any material which is free-radically active and participates in an emulsion polymerization can be employed. Plasticizers (qv), tackifiers, viscosity modifiers, solvents (added to coalesce the emulsion particles), fillers, humectants, and other materials are often added to the adhesive to meet specifications for the intended appHcation. Because the presence of foam in the bond line could decrease performance of the adhesion joint, agents that control the amount of air entrapped in an adhesive bond must be added. Biocides are also necessary many of the materials that are used to stabilize poly(vinyl acetate) emulsions are natural products. Poly(vinyl acetate) adhesives known as "white glue" or "carpenter s glue" are available under a number of different trade names. AppHcations are found mosdy in the area of adhesion to paper and wood (see Vinyl polymers). 

An active fire protection system requires some action to occur before it functions per its design intent. This action may be taken by either a person or control system. Examples of active fire protection systems are monitors, water spray systems, foam systems, emergency isolation valves, and ESD systems. 

Measures to reduce the impact of fire include active and passive systems. Active systems include automatic sprinkler, water deluge, water mist, gaseous agent, dry chemical, foam, and standpipe handle systems. Passive protection is provided by fire resistive construction, including spray-applied or cementitious fireproofing of steel, concrete/masonry construction, and water-filled steel columns. Chapter 7 provides details on the design of fire protection systems. 

Fixed active fire protection systems incorporating both water spray and foam application... 

Active fire protection systems (e.g. smoke or heat detectors, deluge sprinkler systems or foam systems). 

The following appendices provide generic information on the periodic operational testing parameters used in the process industries for active fire protection systems (i.e., pumps, deluge systems, monitors, hose reels, foam systems, etc.). Further information can be found in the publication, NFPA 25 Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. 

Active fire protection Active fire-protection system Periodic inspection of valves and fire-fighting equipment Periodic testing of fire pumps, sprinkler systems and foam skids... 

Provide safe separation distances Install fixed fire protection and alarms, water sprays (deluge), and/or foam systems activated by flammable gas, flame, and/or smoke detection devices... 

Where water supplies are inadequate for conventional firefighting and foam making, automatically activated fixed clean agent or CO2 systems may be considered for seal fire protection. The agent should be discharged into the seal area below the secondary seal. Fire detection options for these automatic systems include reusable thermal wires and pneumatic tube devices. Thermal wire is typically the more economical choice. 

The first two components are the active surfactants, whereas the other components are added for a variety of reasons. The polyphosphate chelate Ca ions which are present (with Mg ions also) in so-called hard waters and prevents them from coagulating the anionic surfactants. Zeolite powders are often used to replace phosphate because of their nutrient properties in river systems. Sodium silicate is added as a corrosion inhibitor for washing machines and also increases the pH. The pH is maintained at about 10 by the sodium carbonate. At lower pH values the acid form of the surfactants are produced and in most cases these are either insoluble or much less soluble than the sodium salt. Sodium sulphate is added to prevent caking and ensures free-flowing powder. The cellulose acts as a protective hydrophilic sheath around dispersed dirt particles and prevents re-deposition on the fabric. Foam stabilizers (non-ionic surfactants) are sometimes added to give a... 

When considering the application of foam to hazardous material spills, key requirements include an adequate water supply, the foam concentrate, appropriate proportioning equipment, piping, foam makers, and discharge devices and protective equipment for the personnel involved. Activation may be automatic, but in most cases it is manual. There are four types of application systems. They include fixed, semifixed, mobile, and portable (NFPA 11, 1988). 

A sprinkler system could have helped put out the fire at the initial stages, or at least cool down the warehouse stmctures. A heat- or smoke-activated chemical foam and fire alarm system could also have been installed in storage places. Materials for cleanup, self-contained breathing apparatus, protective clothing, and portable fire extinguishers should be available on-site. 

The principal focus of this book is the mitigation of accidental releases of toxic or flammable materials throu release countermeasures, in particular, postrelease systems. Postrelease systems are designed for control of a hazardous material once it has been released into the environment. Control measures can include passive systems, such as dikes or berms around storage tanks, as well as active methods, such as water-spray or deluge systems installation around a process unit, or q>plication of foam on a chemical spill. However, fire fighting, blast protection and environmental control of response methodolo es are not covered in this guideline. 

---