Experimental Study on the Extinguishing Efficiency of Compressed Air Foam Sprinkler System on Oil Pool Fire

Abstract In order to evaluate the impact of foam qualities and foam application rates on the extinguishing efficiency of compressed air foam sprinkler system on oil pool fire, a series of large-scale gasoline fire extinguishment experiments have been conducted under different expansion ratios and foam application rates. The consumed foam solution dosages to control and extinguish the pool fire have been calculated out respectively. The result showed that foam qualities significantly affect the extinguishing efficiency and burn back resistance performance of compressed air foam sprinkler system. The optimal expansion ratios of compressed air foam was about 10:1 comprehensive considering the extinguishing performance, re-ignition resistance, burn back protection and economical efficiency. It was found that as the foam application rate increases, the fire extinguishing and burn back protection performances of compressed air foam can be evidently improved. The most economical and efficient foam application rate on gasoline pool fire was 3.48 L/ (min· m 2 ), and the minimum foam solution dosage to 90% control and entirely extinguish the fire were 0.99 L/ m 2 and 2.38 L/ m 2 respectively. The research results are vital to the engineering application of compressed air foam sprinkler system.