Calculator Inputs
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Solution flow (L/min) | Foam % | Duration (min) | Concentrate rate (L/min) | Concentrate total (L) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small spill protection | 400 | 3% | 10 | 12.00 | 120.00 |
| Loading rack line | 1,000 | 3% | 20 | 30.00 | 600.00 |
| High-challenge fuel | 1,900 | 6% | 15 | 114.00 | 1,710.00 |
Formula Used
How to Use
- Choose whether your flow value is water-only or finished solution.
- Enter total flow, or use per-device flow with device count.
- Set the foam percentage and the discharge duration.
- Add an optional safety factor for reserve concentrate.
- Press Calculate to view rates, totals, and exports.
Professional Guidance
Selecting the correct foam percentage
Foam proportioning percentage is the concentrate fraction within the finished solution. Common settings include 0.1% for vapor suppression, 1% for general purpose foams, and 3% or 6% for higher challenge liquid fuels. When the percentage increases, the concentrate flow and storage requirement rise linearly, so confirm the hazard classification and product listing before finalizing the setting.
Understanding solution, water, and concentrate flows
Field documentation may quote either water flow or finished solution flow. If your design basis is water-only flow, the finished solution becomes higher because concentrate is added to the stream. This calculator converts water flow to solution flow using the relationship Qs = Qw/(1−P). That conversion matters when you size pumps, manifolds, and test meters, because the discharge device ultimately sees the finished solution rate.
Sizing concentrate demand for system duration
Rate alone is not enough for planning; total concentrate is what drives tank volume and resupply logistics. The calculator multiplies concentrate rate by discharge time to compute liters required, then applies an optional safety factor for reserve. Use the safety factor when your system has uncertain flow distribution, multiple operating modes, or performance margin requirements for commissioning and acceptance testing.
Using per-device mode for multi-nozzle layouts
Industrial layouts often include several monitors, sprinklers, or foam makers operating simultaneously. Per-device mode estimates total demand by multiplying the individual device flow by the active count. This approach supports quick “what-if” checks for partial operation, staged response, or zone-based activation. Always validate the final design against hydraulic calculations and the manufacturer’s allowable inlet pressure range.
Practical verification and documentation outputs
Proportioning accuracy depends on equipment condition and calibration. Verify the actual foam concentrate pickup rate during tests and compare it with the calculated target. Record units, percentage, duration, and safety margin in your commissioning package. The included CSV and PDF exports help produce calculations for design reviews, procurement, and site audits, reducing transcription errors.
FAQs
1) Should I enter water flow or finished solution flow?
Enter whichever value you have documented. If you only know water flow, choose the water option and the calculator converts to finished solution automatically before calculating concentrate demand.
2) Why does concentrate demand change when I switch the basis?
Because water-only flow excludes the added concentrate volume. Converting to finished solution slightly increases total flow, which increases concentrate rate at the same foam percentage.
3) What safety factor should I use?
Use 5–15% when flow distribution, hose stretches, or operating modes vary. Set it to 0% for controlled tests with stable flow measurement and verified proportioning performance.
4) Can I size a tank directly from the concentrate total?
Yes. Use the “with safety” concentrate total as the minimum working volume, then confirm usable volume after accounting for tank geometry, pickup height, and remaining unusable residue.
5) How do I handle multiple discharge devices?
Use per-device mode, enter the flow for one device, and set the count for devices operating simultaneously. This estimates combined demand without manually adding flows.
6) Do the exports change my results?
No. CSV and PDF exports use the same calculated values displayed on screen. They simply package the inputs and outputs for reporting, design review, and commissioning records.
Practical Checks
- Confirm proportioner type, calibration, and expected pressure conditions.
- Verify the foam concentrate listing supports your target percentage.
- Size concentrate storage using the “with safety” total.