When water pressure of 100 psi is used in conjunction with an inline proportioner for the production of the mechanical foam, how long will a 5-gallon can of liquid foam last?
• Foam solution proportioning – how much foam concentrate is mixed with water when using an inline proportioner • Discharge rate at 100 psi for a typical 1-1/2 inch hoseline with a foam nozzle/in-line eductor • Relationship: volume (gallons) ÷ flow rate (gpm) = operating time (minutes)
• First, recall or estimate the typical flow rate (in gallons per minute) of a standard firefighting hose line at 100 psi when used with an in-line foam proportioner. • Then, think about the usual percentage setting for mechanical foam (e.g., 3% or 6%) and how many gallons of concentrate are used per minute at that setting. • Use the time formula: if you know how many gallons of foam concentrate are used per minute, how long would it take to empty a 5-gallon can?
• Be sure you’re using the foam concentrate flow rate, not the total water/foam solution flow rate. • Confirm the proportion percentage that’s normally used in maritime/mechanical foam systems for this type of exam question. • Double-check your units so that gallons and gallons per minute (gpm) are consistent before calculating time.
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