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AFFF System

What Is an AFFF System?

An aqueous film-forming foam or AFFF system is a fire protection solution specifically designed to combat fires involving flammable liquids. It combines the fire suppression capabilities of a traditional sprinkler system with the fire retardant properties of AFFF. An AFFF system works in the following way:

Traditional sprinkler system base – AFFF fire suppression systems are built on a traditional sprinkler system foundation, whether wet, dry, preaction, or deluge.

AFFF concentrate & storage – A crucial component is the AFFF concentrate, a special liquid stored in bladder tanks within the system.

Proportioner & control valves – The system also includes a proportioner, which mixes the AFFF concentrate with water at the correct ratio. Control valves isolate the sprinkler system from the concentrate until activation.

Fire detection & activation – When a fire is detected, the system activates the control valves, triggering a flow of the AFFF concentrate into the sprinkler piping system.

Water-foam discharge – The water-foam mixture is discharged from the sprinkler heads, quickly covering and extinguishing flammable liquid fires. The mixture suppresses fires through several mechanisms:

  • Smothering – The foam blanket cuts off the burning liquid's oxygen supply, smothering the flames.
  • Cooling – The water content in the foam solution cools the burning fuel and surrounding materials.
  • Sealing – The foam can seal leaks in flammable liquid containers, preventing further fuel spillage and fire spread.

AFFF System Applications

AFFF fire suppression systems are commonly used in high-risk environments where flammable liquids are present.

Spaces that can benefit from AFFF fire suppression systems include:

  • Military facilities
  • Aviation operations
  • Municipal services
  • Hazardous material storage locations
  • Fuel depots and refineries

Advantages of an AFFF System

Effective for Flammable Liquids

AFFF is highly effective in extinguishing and preventing the reignition of fires involving flammable liquids.

Rapid Fire Control

The ability to quickly create a fire-smothering foam blanket allows for faster fire suppression compared to water-only systems.

Cooling Effect

The foam solution cools the burning fuel and surrounding surfaces, preventing the spread of the fire.

Reduces Vapor Emissions

The foam blanket suppresses the release of flammable vapors, minimizing the risk of explosions and other hazardous reactions.

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Why Choose FireTech

FireTech has twenty years of experience in the fire protection industry and our team of experts know how to provide design, install and maintain customized and reliable fire prevention systems. We offer comprehensive services that include:

  • System Design & Install – Our team assesses your property’s needs and designs a customized system that meets all fire code requirements.
  • Regular Inspections and Maintenance – Our team files business inspection report history and performs quarterly, semi-annual, and annual inspections in accordance with NFPA 25 and your local jurisdiction. Additionally, our team provides 5 years internal assessment obstruction investigations.

    We service, test and repair all makes and models of fire protection systems, backflow preventers, foam, antifreeze, sprinkler heads as well as perform system flushing.
  • Emergency Repairs – In case of any issues with your system, our technicians are available 24/7 to provide emergency repair services.

Discover Our Comprehensive Fire Protection Systems & Solutions

Wet Pipe Sprinkler System

Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of fire suppression system. They consist of pipes filled with water, ready to discharge instantly when a sprinkler head is activated by heat, ensuring a rapid response to a fire event.

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Preaction Sprinkler System

Preaction systems are designed to prevent accidental discharge, making them suitable for sensitive environments such as data centers or museums. They require both a fire detection event and the activation of a sprinkler head before water is released, providing an extra layer of protection against water damage.

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Deluge Sprinkler System

Deluge systems are used in high-hazard areas, where rapid fire suppression is crucial. These systems have open sprinkler heads and are connected to a water supply through a valve that opens upon receiving a fire signal, quickly delivering large amounts of water to extinguish intense fires.

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Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

Dry pipe sprinkler systems are typically used in unheated or cold environments where the presence of water in the pipes could freeze and cause damage. These systems feature pressurized air or nitrogen, and release water only when a sprinkler head is triggered.

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Clean Agent System

Clean agent systems use non-water-based extinguishing agents to fight fires, making them ideal for environments where water damage is undesirable, such as server rooms or electrical panels. These systems release a gas that quickly suppresses fires without leaving any residue or requiring significant cleanup.

Learn more

Ready to proactively partner to protect your business and investments?

Collaborate with our 24/7 emergency services and implement innovative and reliable preventive solutions tailored to your business needs today.

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    St. Louis, MO 63132
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Helmkamp Construction

Gateway Regional Medical Center- North Wing Sprinkler Project

I would like to compliment FireTech with the recent completion of a new sprinkler system install to an existing bed tower of a Medical Facility. The project required the team work of all the parties involved due to the fact that the facility was in full operation and had a lot of difficult challenges throughout the project. Andy Fritz and the site Supervisor Jack Reiter for FireTech maintained the schedule through all the obstacles that involved 7 levels consisting of the following; Administration, Sleep Lab, Adolescent & Adult Behavioral Heath, Pharmacy, Same Day Surgery Recovery, Cardio Pulmonary Rehab, records storage, 5 cross over corridors from the main hospital, two elevators, two fire exit stairways and a large mechanical room. The departments mentioned above at the facility did not experience any lost time due to everyone keeping focused with the constant awareness and ability to perform adjustments and modifications while working around the facilities daily task. Andy Fritz maintained an excellent working relationship with presenting progress reports and maintaining control of the project. Dave Zeis, FireTech Designer was always on top of the needs and adjustments required to maintain the steady work flow throughout the project for the installers. The installers Jack Reiter and Galen Harandi represented the FireTech Company in a very professional manner. FireTech should be very proud of the excellent work habits of their employees and their positive attitude maintained with the safety towards patients, visitors, Infection Control Department, and the courtesy and respect towards the staff at the facility. FireTech stands out for the contractor of choice of suppression systems and I look forward to working with them in the future.

Thank you,
Greg Kohlberg
Site Project Superintendent; Helmkamp Construction

Lexicon Construction

Snap One Warehouse Buildout – Crosstown Logistics Center

I would like to commend FireTech LLC for the professional and timely manner exhibited on the Snap One warehouse buildout and demising wall installation. FireTech LLC insured that the work was done quickly and in accordance to the local and national codes on a project that was under aggressive time constraints. When trying to streamline a project for a client, MEP trades are tested and FireTech LLC answered on this project. I always have the utmost confidence when working with them and strive to have them handle my fire sprinkler work whenever possible. Their employees carry themselves in a professional manner with the awareness of safety for both them and the other trades on a project. I would recommend them for any contractor or project.

Sincerely,
Ken Schark
Sr. Project Manager
Lexicon Construction, Inc.