Water Driven Propertioner

Foam extinguishing systems are special protection systems designed to limit fire damage in an ignitable liquid use occupancy, or as an alternate to providing an emergency drainage system.  A foam extinguishing system’s basic components consist of (1) foam concentrate (2) foam concentrate storage tank (3) proportioner and (4) discharge device(s) which are compatible with each other and identified as part of the manufacturers FM Approval listing.  The discharge device may be of either aspirating or non-aspirating type as identified in the listing.  Ensure the foam extinguishing system will perform as intended by:

• Consulting FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheets 4-3, 4-7 and 4-12, on foam extinguishing systems and the occupancy-specific property loss prevention data sheets listed in Appendix C.4 of FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet 4-0, Special Protection Systems, prior to design, installation and use of these systems.
• Insureds of FM Global contacting their local FM Global office to discuss proposed use and installation of foam extinguishing systems for protection of any enclosure or equipment.
• Verifying the required design criteria, as it may vary for each application type and depending upon maximum design parameters, may vary among foam extinguishing system manufacturers.
• Designing these special protection systems to provide protection for a specific duration within the limitations described in the manufacturer's design and installation manual identified in the Approval Guide listing.
• Consulting the FM Global occupancy-specific property loss prevention data sheet for discharge duration recommendations.
• Using compatible FM Approved controls and detection, as necessary. (See AUTOMATIC RELEASES FOR EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS AND OTHER FIRE PROTECTION EQUIPMENT under ELECTRICAL SIGNALING).
• Using automatic sprinkler protection in conjunction with the foam extinguishing system when recommended by the occupancy-specific FM Global Property Loss Prevention Data Sheet.
• Applying this equipment by FM Global insureds to the limitations specified above and FM Global's acceptance of plans prior to installation.

Proportioners listed within this category are for use with FM Approved foam concentrates and their associated discharge devices.  Use of these products with foam concentrates and discharge devices that are not FM Approved is not considered an FM Approved Foam Extinguishing System. 

These devices vary by size, configuration and flow-range.  They have been FM Approved to proportion any FM Approved concentrates having a viscosity within the range of the fluids with which the proportioner has been tested.