Storage Tank Foam Delivery System
Rapid Fire Response
The Mesa Foam Delivery System (FDS) is an efficient method to extinguish rim fires on floating roof storage tanks located in refineries, pipelines and marketing tank terminals. Mesa’s FDS is designed to provide fast delivery of fire extinguishing foam through pipelines in the center of the tank and directly out to the tank rim areas.
- Ensures rapid response
- Directly delivers foam to rim area
- EFR and IFR compatible
- Operates with minimal maintenance
- Reduces risk of serious property damage or injury
- Engineered to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) guidelines
- Integrates with tank design
System Design
From the proportioning and pumping equipment positioned outside the dike wall, a high back pressure foam generator is used to direct fire extinguishing foam through rigid pipe to the base of the tank shell. The pipe passes through the tank shell and extends to a point near the center of the tank.
A Mesa Resist-All-CladTM smooth bore flexible foam line is attached to the rigid pipe within the tank and is connected to a double flanged spool piece mounted to the roof.
On top of the roof, a multiple port foam distribution manifold is mounted to the spool piece. This manifold is sized according to NFPA guidelines, which determine the required G.P.M. and number of discharge outlets for the tank’s diameter and seal rim space area.
From the distribution manifold outlets, flex-connectors and radial piping are used to transport the foam across the floating roof directly to the rim seal area regardless of the position of the roof.
Roof Seal Area
The primary and secondary roof seal area is a critical point in the system design. Above seal applications require a foam dam and normally a longer discharge time. If the tank is equipped with a secondary seal made from a non-combustible material, the foam can be discharged below the secondary seal and will not require a foam dam. This enables the system to discharge 100% of the foam over the rim seal area in the shortest time.