§ 3.2.23. Foam System

As a minimum, foam systems shall be conceptually identified along with the design basis at the time of Building Permit Review. Foam systems will be reviewed in their entirety prior to system installation. When foam sprinklers are to be installed, documentation that the submittal includes all of the required information must be included using the applicable AFD completeness checklists available online at http://www.austintexas.gov/department/afd-plans-review. For a review to take place, the following information shall be submitted to the City of Austin Fire Department:

A.

Description of the type of system and its intended operation.

B.

Description of the hazard to be protected.

C.

Two (2) complete sets of contractor's prints/plans showing the following information:

1.

Name of the owner and/or occupant.

2.

Type and percentage of foam concentrate to be used.

3.

Required solution application rates.

4.

Water demand requirements for the foam system.

5.

Calculations detailing the amount of foam concentrate required.

6.

Hydraulic calculations for all pipe and hose systems.

7.

Type, location, arrangement and function detection devices, operating devices, generators, pumps, discharge outlets, auxiliary equipment and electrical circuitry.

8.

Detailed description of any special features.

9.

Detailed data describing pumps, drives, controllers, power supply, fittings, suction and discharge connections and suction conditions.

10.

Foam expansion ratios.

11.

Type, size and location of all hose streams and monitors. Indicate the type of thread utilized for hose connections.

12.

Type, size and location of all foam generators, applicators, forced foam makers and foam chambers.

13.

Type, size and location of all foam metering, check and control valves.

14.

Type, size and location of concentrate container(s) including dip tubes and educators.

15.

Type, size, schedule, location, arrangement, support, equivalent lengths and pressure ratings of all pipe and fittings.

16.

Architectural details of equipment or space being protected.

17.

City of Austin building permit related tracking number. This can be the plan review tracking number (PR number) or the building permit number (BP number).

D.

Water Supply Information. Available water supply data including a graph which compares the system demand to the available supply. Information shall be included on the size of the city or district water main(s) and whether the main(s) is/are a dead-end or circulating type. If the main(s) is/are a dead-end type, provide the distance to the nearest circulating main and the size of that circulating main. Also describe in detail any other source of water supply. All water flow test data shall be shown on the plans and shall include the following information:

1.

Location and elevation of static and residual test gauge with relation to the project reference point.

2.

Flow location.

3.

Static pressure, (pounds per square inch).

4.

Residual pressure, (pounds per square inch).

5.

Pitot pressure, (pounds per square inch).

6.

Flow, (gallons per minute).

7.

Date.

8.

Time.

9.

Test conducted by.

10.

List of equipment utilized in test.

E.

Calculations. Complete set of calculations shall be submitted for review and approval. Calculations shall include volumetric considerations, quantity of agent required, pressure losses due to friction, etc.

F.

Foam systems shall be designed in accordance with the latest locally adopted edition NFPA 11, NFPA 11A, International Fire Code, International Building Code, and any applicable locally adopted amendments and rules.