Foam Suppression

Highly specialized suppression for flammable liquid hazards where water alone is insufficient or counter-productive.

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Outdoor foam fire suppression skid with a red bladder tank and piping

What is foam suppression?

Foam suppression systems utilize a foam concentrate proportioned into water to form a robust blanket that smothers flammable-liquid fires and effectively blocks the release of hazardous vapors. By separating the oxygen from the fuel source and providing a cooling effect, foam systems prevent re-ignition in high-risk environments.

At Lacuna, we design systems that handle the unique physics of liquid fuel hazards, ensuring that the suppression agent is delivered at the exact expansion ratio and density required for the specific hazard type and containment area.

System types & delivery

Expansion Ratios

Low-expansion for rapid spread, Medium-expansion for deep coverage, and High-expansion for total flooding of large volumes like hangars.

Fluorine-Free (F3) Foam

Next-generation, environmentally responsible concentrates that eliminate PFAS/PFOA while maintaining superior fire knockdown performance.

Foam-Water Sprinkler & Deluge

Hybrid systems designed to discharge foam solution through standard or open sprinkler heads for uniform floor coverage.

Monitors & Subsurface Injection

High-capacity foam cannons for outdoor racks or direct injection into storage tanks to suppress fires from the base up.

Why it matters

Selecting the right foam system requires a deep understanding of the fuel's chemical properties and the environmental context. Our design considerations include:

  • Flammable vs. combustible liquid hazard classification.
  • Fuel type and miscibility (e.g., polar solvents vs. hydrocarbons).
  • Containment, spill area geometry, and drainage capabilities.
  • Proportioning ratio accuracy (1%, 3%, or 6% concentrations).
  • Environmental compliance (PFAS-free transition and foam collection).

How Lacuna approaches it

01

Review

Detailed review of architectural plans and specific flammable hazard inventory.

02

Analysis

Comprehensive code and fuel analysis to match concentrate to the hazard.

03

Design

Hydraulic calculation and system proportioning design for reliable delivery.

04

Coordinate

AHJ coordination and complex submittal packages for hazardous occupancies.

05

Support

Field engineering support during installation and commissioning of foam systems.

Applicable codes & standards

NFPA 11 Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam.
NFPA 16 Standard for the Installation of Foam-Water Sprinkler and Foam-Water Spray Systems.
NFPA 30 Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code.
NFPA 409 Standard on Aircraft Hangars.
IBC / IFC International Building Code and International Fire Code requirements.
FM Global Data SheetsProperty-insurer criteria for flammable/combustible-liquid and foam protection, where FM Global–insured.

Consultancy provided for F3 transition and PFAS remediation planning.

Where it's used

Fuel Storage Aircraft Hangars Chemical/Petrochemical Loading Racks Warehouses

Send us your plans, get a scoped quote.

Our specialized hazards team will review your fuel types and containment requirements within 48 hours.

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