multipurpose aqueous film forming foam liquid concentrate for extinguishing hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires

IS 4989 Part 4: Scope - Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications

Scope Summary: This part covers specifications and test methods for alcohol-resistant foam concentrates used in fire fighting, including preparation, testing, and performance criteria.

Key Specifications & Tables

1. Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mixing Ratio:
  • 94 L potable or sea water
  • 6 L foam concentrate
• Mixing: Thoroughly outside the test cylinder
• Transit Time: Max 15 minutes before fire test

2. Fire Tray Dimensions (Mild Steel)

3. Temperature & Wind Conditions (Table H-1.1)

• Temperature: 27 ± 1°C
• Wind: ≤ 5 kmph

Performance Test Criteria (Table 2)

Foam Generation Setup (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3)

• Pressure Vessel: 100 L, stainless steel, withstand 25 kgf/cm²
• Nozzle: Foam making nozzle capacity 7.0 L/min
• Accessories: Pressure gauge, high-pressure rubber tubes, adjustable stand, air compressor

pH Measurement (Table 1, SI No. i)

• Take 100 ml foam sample at 27 ± 1°C
• Measure pH with glass electrode (IS 4309)
• Record to nearest 0.1

flow

IS 4989 Part 4: Key References, Formulas & Tables

1. Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 L water (potable or sea water) + 6 L foam concentrate
• Mix thoroughly; use within 15 minutes

2. Fire Tray Dimensions (Clause H-3)

3. Performance Requirements (Table 2, Clause 4.3)

4. Foam Generating Equipment (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3)

• 100 L stainless steel pressure vessel (tested to 25 kgf/cm²)
• Foam making nozzle: 7 L/min capacity
• Air compressor and adjustable stand included

5. Foam Expansion Test (Table 2, SI No. i)

• Requires weighing scale (1 g sensitivity)
• Foam collector board (Fig. 4 reference)

Summary Diagram of Foam Preparation & Testing Setup

flowchart LR
    A[Mix 94 L Water + 6 L Foam Concentrate] --> B[Foam Solution Ready]
    B --> C[Pour into Fire Test Cylinder]
    C --> D[Fire Test: Measure Expansion, Drainage, Fire Control]
    D --> E[Compare with Table 2 Performance Criteria]
    subgraph Foam Generation Equipment
        F[100 L Pressure Vessel]
        G[7 L/min Foam Nozzle]
        H[Air Compressor]
        I[Adjust

IS 4989 Part 4: Definitions - Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications

1. Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 L of potable or sea water with 6 L of foam concentrate.
• Mix thoroughly outside the fire test cylinder.
• Use within 15 minutes after mixing.
• Foam solution temperature: 27 ± 1ºC.
• Wind speed: ≤ 5 kmph (Clause 1.1, Table H-1.1).

2. Fire Tray Dimensions (Clause H-3)

3. Foam Expansion and Drainage (Table 2, Clause 4.2)

4. Spreading Coefficient (Clause 5.1.1)

[ S = \sigma_{c} - \sigma_{p} - Y ]

• ( S ) = spreading coefficient
• ( \sigma_c ) = surface tension of cyclohexane (standard)
• ( \sigma_p ) = surface tension of premixed AFFF solution
• ( Y ) = interfacial tension between premixed AFFF and cyclohexane

5. Foam Generating Equipment (Clause 7.0, Fig. 3)

• 100 L pressure vessel (stainless steel, withstands 25 kgf/cm²)
• Foam making nozzle capacity: 7 L/min

IS 4989 Part 4: Performance Requirements for Multipurpose Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)

Key Performance Parameters (Table 2, Clause 4.3)

Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 L water (potable or sea water) + 6 L foam concentrate.
• Use within 15 minutes of mixing.
• Temperature: 27 ± 1°C.
• Wind: ≤ 5 kmph during fire test.

Foam Tray Dimensions (Clause H-3)

• Diameter: 1480 ± 5 mm
• Depth: 150 ± 10 mm
• Thickness: 2.5 mm

Fire Extinguishing Principle

• Forms a stable foam blanket excluding air.
• For polar solvents, a polymeric membrane forms on fuel surface supporting foam.

Foam Expansion Formula (Conceptual)

[ \text{Expansion Ratio} = \frac{\text{Volume of Foam}}{\text{Volume of Foam Solution}} ]

Minimum expansion ratio required: 6 times at 27°C.

flowchart LR
    A[Foam Concentrate + Water] --> B[Mixing at 27 ± 1°C]
    B --> C[Foam Solution (6% Concentrate)]
    C --> D[Mechanical Aeration]
    D --> E[Foam Blanket Formation]
    E --> F[Excludes Air, Extinguishes Fire]

For detailed test methods, refer to Annexes F, G, H, J, and K of IS 498

IS 4989 Part 4: Marking and Packaging Key Points

Clause 8.1: Marking Requirements on Containers

Each container must be legibly and indelibly marked with:

• Manufacturer's name or trade-mark
• The phrase: "multipurpose foam for fire fighting"
• Quantity in litres
• Month and year of manufacture and batch number
• Net and gross weight (kg)
• The caution: "contents should not be stored under direct sun light"

Clause 8.2: BIS Certification Marking

• Containers may bear the Standard Mark as per BIS Act, 1986.
• Licensing details for Standard Mark use are available from BIS.

Related Test Methods (From Table 1)

Packaging Notes

• Use circular mild steel fire tray for testing foam with:
  • Diameter: 1480 ± 5 mm
  • Depth: 150 ± 10 mm
  • Thickness: 2.5 mm

Summary Diagram: Marking on Container

graph TD
A[Container] --> B[Manufacturer's Name/Trade-mark]
A --> C["Multipurpose foam for fire fighting"]
A --> D[Quantity (litres)]
A --> E[Manufacture Date & Batch No.]
A --> F[Net & Gross Weight (kg)]
A --> G["Do not store under direct sunlight"]
A --> H[Optional: BIS Standard Mark]

This ensures traceability, safety, and compliance with BIS standards for fire fighting foam packaging.

IS 4989 Part 4: Storage and Shelf Life of Multipurpose Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) Concentrate

Key Specifications for Storage (Clause 7.1)

• Storage environment: Dry, well-ventilated place.
• Protection: Containers must not be exposed directly to sunlight.
• Temperature: Maintain foam concentrate at 27 ± 1ºC (per Clause 1.1).
• Wind conditions: Not more than 5 kmph during handling.

Shelf Life

• Typical shelf life: Minimum 5 years under proper tropical storage conditions.

Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 liters of potable or sea water with 6 liters of foam concentrate.
• Mix thoroughly outside the fire test cylinder.
• Use within 15 minutes of mixing.

Performance Requirements (Table 2, Clause 4.3)

Important Notes

• Use potable or sea water as per requirement.
• For polar solvents (alcohols, ketones), foam forms a polymeric membrane supporting the foam blanket to extinguish fire.
• Maintain storage conditions to preserve foam quality and ensure performance.

flowchart LR
    A[Storage Conditions] --> B[Dry & Well Ventilated]
    A --> C[No Direct Sunlight]
    A --> D[Temperature 27 ± 1ºC]
    E[Foam Solution Preparation] --> F[94 L Water + 6 L Concentrate]
    F --> G[Mix Thoroughly]
    G --> H[Use within 15 min]
    I[Performance Tests] --> J[Expansion ≥ 6 at 27°C]
    I --> K[Drainage Time ≥ 5 min]
    I --> L[Fire Control ≤ 5 min]
    I --> M[Fire

IS 4989 Part 4: Key Test Methods Summary

1. Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 L water (potable/sea) + 6 L foam concentrate.
• Mix thoroughly outside fire test cylinder.
• Use within 15 minutes after mixing.
• Foam solution temp: 27 ± 1ºC.
• Wind speed max: 5 kmph.

2. Fire Tray Dimensions (Clause H-3)

3. Foam Expansion & Drainage (Table 2)

4. Foam Generating Equipment (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3)

• 100 L pressure vessel, withstand 25 kgf/cm².
• Foam making nozzle capacity: 7.0 L/min.
• Air compressor, adjustable stand, pressure gauge included.

5. Expansion Test Apparatus (Table 2, SI No. (i))

• Weighing scale (1 g sensitivity).
• Foam collector board (Fig. 4).

6. Surface Tension Test (Table 1)

• Use Du Nouy tensiometer + platinum ring (4 or 6 cm circumference).
• Prepare solution: 10 ml foam + 90 ml distilled water.
• Measure surface tension in dynes/cm.

7. Pour Point Test (Clause C-2.1 & Fig. 1)

• Fill test jar with foam sample (50-56 mm height).
• Cool between 0 to -5ºC.
• Tilt

IS 4989 Part 4: Foam Generation Equipment - Key Specifications & Formulas

1. Equipment Specifications (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3)

• Pressure Reservoir:

  • Capacity: 100 litres
  • Material: Stainless steel sheet
  • Pressure rating: withstand 25 kgf/cm² internal pressure
  • Filling orifice diameter: ≥ 150 mm with airtight cap

• Foam Making Nozzle:

  • Discharge capacity: 7.5 L/min at 7 kgf/cm² pressure (Clause 7.5)
  • Air inlet: 4 holes (see Fig. 2)

• Other Equipment:

  • Adjustable stand
  • Air compressor
  • Pressure gauge at nozzle inlet (calibrated every 6 months, Clause 3.1)
  • High-pressure rubber tubes and mild steel pipes for connections

2. Operating Conditions (Clause 2.2)

• Generate foam at:
  • Pressure: 7 kgf/cm²
  • Water temperature: 27 ± 1°C
• Foam jet directed onto foam collector board (Fig. 4) for expansion measurement

3. Foam Expansion Measurement (Table 2, SI No. (i))

• Apparatus required:
  • Weighing scales (sensitivity ≤ 1 g)
  • Foam collector board

4. Calibration & Maintenance (Clause 3.1)

• Calibrate pressure gauges and nozzles before first use and every 6 months thereafter

5. Important Formula for Foam Expansion (from IS 4989 Part 4 context)

[ \text{Expansion Ratio} = \frac{\text{Volume of Foam Collected}}{\text{Volume of Foam Solution Used}} ]

6. Summary Diagram of Foam Generation Setup (Fig.3)

flowchart LR
    A[Pressure Reservoir (100 L, 25 kgf/cm²)] -->|High Pressure Rubber Tube| B[Foam Making Nozzle (7.5 L/min at 7 kgf/cm²)]
    B -->|Foam Jet| C[Foam Collector Board]
    A --> D[Air Compressor]
    B --> E[Pressure Gauge]
    F[Adjustable Stand

IS 4989 Part 4: Fire Test Procedures for Multipurpose AFFF Foam

Key Specifications:

• Foam solution: Mix 94 L water (potable or sea) + 6 L foam concentrate; use within 15 min.
• Foam solution temperature: 27 ± 1ºC.
• Wind: Max 5 kmph.
• Fuel: 125 ± 5 L iso propyl alcohol or agreed solvent.
• Fire tray: Mild steel, diameter 1480 ± 5 mm, depth 150 ± 10 mm, thickness 2.5 mm.
• Foam application: 7.5 L/min discharge to achieve ~4.1 L/min/m² application rate.

Fire Test Procedure (Clause H-8)

1. Place fire tray on level ground.
2. Set foam nozzle horizontally, 0.5 ± 1 m above fuel center.
3. Add 125 ± 5 L fuel and ignite within 5 min.
4. Burn for 60 s.
5. Apply foam for 300 s.
6. Record:
   • Fire control time: Time to achieve 90% fire suppression.
   • Fire extinction time: Time for complete fire extinguishment.

Performance Requirements (Table 2)

Summary Diagram of Fire Test Setup

flowchart LR
    A[Fire Tray on Level Ground] --> B[Add Fuel 125 ± 5 L]
    B --> C[Ignite Fuel]
    C --> D[Burn for 60 s]
    D --> E[Apply Foam for 300 s]
    E --> F[Measure Fire Control Time (90%

IS 4989 Part 4: Burn Back Resistance Test Summary

Test Setup & Conditions

• Fuel: Iso Propyl Alcohol (IPA) or petrol over water.
• Fuel Volume:
  • IPA: 100 L (for ignition)
  • Petrol: 3 L over 8 L water in tray.
• Test Environment: Still air, enclosed room, foam solution at 27 ± 1ºC, wind ≤ 5 kmph.
• Foam Solution: 6% concentrate mixed with potable or sea water.
• Pressure: Foam applied at 7 kg/cm².
• Fire Tray Dimensions:
  • Diameter: 1480 ± 5 mm
  • Depth: 150 ± 10 mm
  • Thickness: 2.5 mm

Procedure Highlights

1. Ignite fuel; burn freely for 30-60 s.
2. Apply foam gently for 10 s (petrol test) or 300 s (IPA test).
3. After foam application, ignite gas bubbling through foam (petrol test).
4. Record:
   • Control Time: Time to 90% fire extinguishment.
   • Extinction Time: Time for complete fire extinguishment.
   • Burn Back Time: Time until foam blanket is re-ignited or fire spreads over entire tray.

Key Timings (Table Extract)

Equipment (Annex K)

• Test nozzle (Annex E)
• Tray sparge with gas connection (Fig. 6)

Important Notes

• Foam application rate: ~4.1 lpm/m² (7.5 lpm discharge).
• Foam solution max transit time before test: 15 min.
• Burn back test involves igniting gas bubbling through foam after initial foam application.

flowchart TD
    A[Prepare Fuel Tray] --> B[Ignite Fuel]
    B --> C[Burn for 30-60

Key Specifications & Formulas for Sea Water Compatibility (IS 4989 Part 4)

1. Foam Solution Preparation

• Mix 94 L potable or sea water + 6 L foam concentrate
• Use sea water composition as per IS 4989 (Part 1)
• Max transit time before test: 15 minutes

2. Fire Tray Dimensions (Mild Steel)

3. Foam Collection Pan

• Diameter: 19.0 cm
• Depth: 5 cm
• Capacity: 1400 ml
• Equipped with rubber tube and pinch cock for drainage measurement

4. Foam Expansion & Drainage Calculation

• Expansion measured per Annex F
• Volume of 25% liquid drainage:

[ \text{Volume of 25% liquid} = 4 \times \text{Expansion} ]

• Drainage time for this volume is recorded (average of 3 tests)

5. Performance Criteria (Table 2 Summary)

6. Additional Notes

• Manufacturer must declare sea water compatibility.
• Fire performance in potable and sea water must not differ significantly.
• Use 125 L of 98% iso propyl alcohol, acetone, or methyl ethyl ketone as agreed for tests.

IS 4989 Part 4: Calibration and Maintenance of Equipment

Key Specifications & Procedures:

• Calibration Frequency (Clause E-3.1):

  • Calibrate pressure gauges and foam nozzles before first use and every 6 months thereafter.

• Calibration Conditions (Clause 1.1 & Amendments):

  • Foam solution temperature: 27 ± 5ºC (amended from ±1ºC)
  • Wind speed: ≤ 5 kmph
  • Cooling bath temperature: Maintain at about 0ºC (Clause C-2.1(d))

• Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2):

  • Mix 94 L water + 6 L foam concentrate
  • Use potable or sea water (Clause H-3)
  • Max transit time: 15 minutes

• Equipment Details (Clause E-2 & Fig.3):

  • Pressure reservoir: 100 L stainless steel, withstand 25 kgf/cm²
  • Foam making nozzle capacity: 7.0 L/min
  • Use pressure gauge at nozzle inlet, high-pressure rubber tubes, mild steel pipes, adjustable stand, and air compressor.

• Expansion Measurement (Table 2):

  • Use weighing scales (1 g sensitivity) and foam collector board.

Important Formula (Clause D-5.1.1 amendment):

[ Sa/b = Y_a - Y_0 - Y ]

Where:

• ( Sa/b ) = Some specified parameter (refer to full clause for definition)
• ( Y_a, Y_0, Y ) = Measured values related to foam or equipment calibration

Summary Diagram of Foam Generating Equipment (Fig. 3):

flowchart LR
    A[Pressure Reservoir (100 L, 25 kgf/cm²)] --> B[High Pressure Rubber Tube]
    B --> C[Mild Steel Pipe]
    C --> D[7.0 L/min Foam Making Nozzle]
    D --> E[Foam Output]
    A --> F[Air Compressor]
    D --> G[Pressure Gauge at Nozzle Inlet]
    A --> H[Adjustable Stand]

Maintain calibration logs and perform preventive maintenance to ensure accuracy and reliability of foam generation equipment per IS 4989 Part

IS 4989 Part 4: Safety and Handling Key Points

Foam Solution Preparation (Clause H-2)

• Mix 94 L potable or sea water + 6 L foam concentrate.
• Mix thoroughly outside fire test cylinder.
• Max transit time to fire test: 15 minutes.
• Foam solution temperature: 27 ± 1ºC.
• Wind speed: ≤ 5 kmph.

Fire Test Tray Dimensions (Clause H-3)

Fire Test Performance (Table 2)

pH Measurement (Table 1, SI No. i)

• Use 100 ml foam sample at 27 ± 1ºC.
• Measure with standard pH electrometer (IS 4309).
• Record to nearest 0.1 pH.

Foam Generating Equipment (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3)

• 100 L pressure vessel, withstands 25 kgf/cm².
• Foam making nozzle capacity: 7 L/min.
• Use air compressor, pressure gauge, mild steel pipe, and rubber tubes.

flowchart LR
    A[Mix Foam Solution] --> B[Check Temp: 27 ± 1ºC]
    B --> C[Pour into Fire Test Cylinder]
    C --> D[Conduct Fire Test within 15 min]
    D --> E[Measure Fire Control & Extinction Time]

This summary ensures safe handling and consistent fire test results per IS 4989 Part 4.

IS 4989 (Part 4): Annex - Test Apparatus and Procedures

Key Specifications and Apparatus

• Foam Solution Preparation (H-2):

  • Mix 94 L water (potable or sea water) + 6 L foam concentrate.
  • Use within 15 minutes of mixing.
  • Temperature: 27 ± 1ºC; Wind ≤ 5 kmph (Table H-1.1).

• Fire Tray Dimensions (H-3):

  Parameter	Dimension
  Diameter at rim	1480 ± 5 mm
  Depth	150 ± 10 mm
  Thickness	2.5 mm

• Foam Generating Equipment (Clause 7.0 & Fig. 3):

  • 100 L stainless steel pressure vessel, withstands 25 kgf/cm².
  • Filling orifice ≥ 150 mm diameter with airtight cap.
  • Foam making nozzle capacity: 7.0 L/min.
  • Includes pressure gauge, high-pressure rubber tubes, mild steel pipes, adjustable stand, and air compressor.

Test Methods (Table 2, SI No. i)

Summary Diagram of Foam Generation Setup

graph LR
A[Pressure Vessel 100L] --> B[High Pressure Rubber Tube]
B --> C[7.0 L/min Foam Making Nozzle]
C --> D[Fire Test Cylinder]
A -->

IS 4989 Part 4: Committee Composition Summary

The Fire Fighting Sectional Committee (CED 22) for IS 4989 Part 4 comprises representatives from various key organizations:

Key Points:

• The committee includes government bodies, fire services, research institutes, and industry representatives.
• Chairmanship is held by Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Alternates are designated for most members ensuring continuity.
• The committee guides standardization and fire safety protocols.

This composition ensures multi-disciplinary expertise for robust fire fighting standards.

graph LR
A[Ministry of Home Affairs] -->|Chairman| CED22[Fire Fighting Committee]
B[Airport Authority of India] --> CED22
C[Andhra Pradesh Fire Services] --> CED22
D[Bhabha Atomic Research Centre] --> CED22
E[Bombay Fire Brigade] --> CED22
F[Central Building Research Institute] --> CED22
G[Central Industrial Security Force] --> CED22
H[Central Public Works Department] --> CED22
I[Centre for Environment and Explosive Safety] --> CED22
J[Concord Arai Pvt Ltd] --> CED22

For detailed member names and alternates, refer to Annex L of IS 4989 Part