Before placing a foam line in service using inline proportioner, which element should be verified?

• A. Check the rated capacity of the pump and nozzle.
• B. Select the proper foam concentrate for the burning fuel involved
• C. Attach the eductor to a portable pump capable of efficiently flowing the rated capacity of the eductor and the nozzle.
• D. Check to see that the foam concentrate listed on the foam container matches the eductor percentage rating

Answer: (B)

Matching the foam concentrate to the burning fuel is what ensures the foam will perform as designed. Foam concentrates are formulated for specific fuel types, and using the right one is essential to form a stable foam blanket that cools and separates the fuel from the air. If the chosen concentrate isn’t appropriate for the fuel involved, the foam may break down, fail to blanket the fire, or provide poor suppression, no matter how perfect the pump or eductor setup.

Once you’re certain the concentrate is suitable for the fuel, you still complete the rest of the setup—confirm the pump and nozzle can deliver the required flow and that the eductor is capable of handling the system’s rated capacity. But the primary prerequisite is selecting the correct concentrate for the fuel involved.