FIREMIKS® IS A MECHANICAL FOAM-DOSING SYSTEM USED FOR FIRE-FIGHTING. THE CIRCULATION OF WATER SOLELY DRIVES THE MOTOR; NO OTHER ADDITIONAL ENERGY IS REQUIRED! EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF FIREMIKS
Here you find technical information about our FIREMIKS product line. Just click on the buttons below to find answers to frequently asked questions or click on the buttons to the right to download PDF documents.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
Eight frequently asked questions for use of FIREMIKS® in Fire Brigades.
Note! All answers are based on supposition that the stated min. and max. limits of flow and pressure are kept for the FIREMIKS-unit.
Q: Can we apply several different types of foam nozzles to a FIREMIKS?
A: Yes, you can use for ex. spray nozzles, Low- Medium- or High-EX devices, or any other type of nozzle, at the same time as long as they are designed for roughly the same nom. pressure.
Q: Can we use different and varied feed pressures to the FIREMIKS?
A: Yes, the admixture is practically independent of the inlet and back pressure in the system.
Q: Is it possible to feed the FIREMIKS with just an ordinary hydrant having a supply pressure of for example 4-5 bars?
A: Yes, in terms of achieving dosing it is possible as the FIREMIKS primarily is driven of the amount of water that flows through the unit and not the pressure. (As the pressure is needed to create the water flow this means in practice that you will need about 2-3 bars to maintain a steady water flow).
Q: Can we distribute good foam solution to a nozzle placed on a 40-meter high raised platform?
A: Yes, the FIREMIKS can cope with heights up to 50 meters if the inlet pressure to the FIREMIKS from the main pump is 12 bar. (Pressure drop over FIREMIKS 1-2 bar, 50 meters height 5 bar, leaving about 5 bar for hoses and nozzles.) Tests has been carried out at heights of 40 meters with excellent results.
Q: Can we use nozzles with variable flows?
A: Yes, since the dosing is practically independent of the water flow.
Q: What length of hoses can we use downstream the FIREMIKS?
A: You can use whatever length you want or need since the length doesn't affect the function of the FIREMIKS. (The crucial factor is having an adequate pressure of the water from the main water pump so the water/foam solution can be transported to the nozzle at the required flow and pressure).
Q: Can we divide the hoses and use several nozzles positioned in different lengths and heights from the FIREMIKS?
A: Yes, there are no problems with this; it creates practically no effect on the dosing rate. You may also close and open these nozzles independently of each other. (See also crucial factor in previous answer)
Q: Does the FIREMIKS function even with high-viscous AR foam liquid?
A: Yes, FIREMIKS works well with all common types of foam liquids, also with other fire fighting liquids such as wetting agents.
Eight frequently asked questions for use of FIREMIKS® in Fire-fighting installations.
Note! All answers is based on supposition that the stated min. and max. limits of flow and pressure is kept for the FIREMIKS-unit.
Q: Can we install a FIREMIKS in an existing water sprinkler system?
A: Yes, you only have to install the FIREMIKS somewhere suitably between main pump and sprinkler heads and connect to an atmospheric foam tank.
Q: Can we use FIREMIKS in a deluge system?
A: Yes, it works perfectly. Deluge systems is designed for a certain flow/pressure, with a FIREMIKS you have an increased safety margin if the system by any reason doesn´t keep this intended flow/pressure.
Q: Do we need a pressure tank for the foam supply?
A: No, just a normal atmospheric tank, you may well use the foam container from the foam supplier.
Q: What length of pipes can we use downstream the FIREMIKS?
A: You can use whatever length and diameter you want or need since this doesn't affect the function of the FIREMIKS. (The crucial factor is having an adequate pressure of the water from the main water pump so the water/foam solution can be transported to the nozzles/sprinkler heads at the required flow and pressure.)
Q: Can we divide the pipes and use several nozzles/sprinkler heads positioned in different lengths and heights from the FIREMIKS?
A: Yes, there are no problems with this; it creates practically no effect on the dosing rate. (See crucial factor in previous answer).
Q: Can we install two FIREMIKS in parallel?
A: Yes, there are no problems; you may even install 3-4 units in parallel as long as you create a harmonic flow in the pipes and you keep the required min. flow of each unit.
Q: Can the foam tank be placed under the inlet of the foam pump?
A: Yes, although it may be a more secure installation to have gravity feed of foam liquid, it is possible to have the foam tank below the foam inlet, on the -F and -D type of the FIREMIKS (They are equipped with an Automatic air relief valve to let out the air from the suction line at start.) Max suction height is 3 meter.
Q: Does FIREMIKS needs any maintenance?
A: Yes, but minimal. For systems where foam pump is not always filled with foam liquid, one needs to flush out the foam liquid after use or test. This is made automatically with the internal flushing system when closing foam inlet valve on the unit. Besides that it is advisable to make the water motor to rotate every quarter manually or by letting a small flow pass through the unit some 30 seconds.Specific advantages for use at fire-brigades
Lower pressure losses compared with inductor-system, gives longer throw length. Increased safety for the fireman!
Works with different types of nozzles, as for example spray nozzles, high-, medium- and low-expansions foam nozzles. Also used at the same time and at different heights. You may open and close them independently of each other.
Enable the operator to quickly change from an empty foam tank to another without stopping the flow of water.
Requires a minimum of training, very reliable in operation.
One FIREMIKS may replace several inductors!
With its very compact design FIREMIKS is easy to install/use in fire tenders, foam carts, roll-on/roll-off pods, aerial ladder platforms, etc. Choose the type that suites your purpose best; Mobile "M", Demountable "D" or Fixed "F" type.
Specific advantages for use in fire-fighting installations
Pressure tank is not needed for the FIREMIKS-system. You may well use the standard container from the foam supplier.
Two FIREMIKS-units may be installed in parallel to double the flow and to optimize the security.
FIREMIKS-system works perfectly with different types of sprinkler heads, deluge nozzles, high- medium- and low expansion foam nozzles.
Choose the type that suites your purpose best; Sprinkler "S", Fixed "F" or Demountable "D" type.
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS when USING FIREMIKS
There are several important environmental and safety benefits when using the FIREMIKS-system.
FIREMIKS is driven solely by water. No other additional energy is required. Compared with other foam mixing
systems on the market which needs additional energy, for example an electrically or diesel driven foam pump, this gives the benefit of minimized energy consumption which also helps reduce the CO2 emissions.
An electrically driven foam pump may in some cases be an increased risk in hazardous areas. Electricity may create sparks and cause explosions in areas where there are flammable gases. With FIREMIKS this risk can be eliminated if you specify an explosion-proof unit. Furthermore water in itself is environmentally friendly, nonflammable, inexpensive, clean and easily disposable.
Another important environmental aspect with a powerful and easy-to-use foam dosing system, such as FIREMIKS, is that it is extremely quick and effective in extinguishing a fire based on chemical flammable liquids or solids. These fires may otherwise create very severe environmental effects and in some cases endanger peoples lives. New studies points also out that forest fires is behind 19 % of the CO2 emission which increases the global warming. With effective fire fighting systems such as FIREMIKS we can help to decrease that effect.
