FULL-SCALE FIRE MODELING TEST STUDIES OF 'LIGHT WATER' AND PROTEIN TYPE FOAMS

Abstract : A comprehensive study was made of the fire-control and extinguishing effectiveness of 'Light Water' and protein type foams on full-scale fires of the type associated with aircraft accidents. An air aspirating nozzle and a specially designed nozzle using Refrigerant-12 as a blowing agent were interchanged and used to produce Light Water foams of different physical properties. Both the Light Water and protein foam liquid concentrates used were of the 6-percent type. The margin of superiority of Light Water over protein foam was found to be as high as 3 to 1 for control as determined by radiometer and visual measurements of avgas fires and as high as 1.5 to 1 for control of JP-5 fires. Complete fire extinguishment was achieved with application densities as low as 0.026 gal/sq ft of Light Water on JP-5 and 0.035 gal/sq ft on avgas, while protein required 0.043 gal/sq ft and 0.085 gal/sq ft respectively. The dual-agent fire-fighting concept, wherein equal quantities of Light Water and P-K-P dry chemical were discharged from a twin turret, showed no advantage over the use of Light Water foam alone in gaining control of the large-scale fires. The new 6-percent Light Water concentrate was effectively used in both the MB-5 vehicle foam-pump system and the air-aspirating type foam maker as well as with Refrigerant-12.