PCL Vertical Low-Expansion Foam Generator (Foam Chamber)
The CA-Fire PCL Series Vertical Low-Expansion Foam Generator is a fixed fire suppression device designed to protect flammable liquid storage tanks—including fixed-roof cone tanks and internal floating roof tanks. Permanently mounted on the upper tank wall, it receives pre-mixed foam solution from the fire system, aspirates ambient air through its screen, and discharges fully expanded low-expansion foam gently onto the fuel surface to achieve rapid fire control and extinguishment.
Description
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Products Description
PCL Vertical Low-Expansion Foam Generator
A PCL foam generator - also called a foam chamber, foam pourer, or low-expansion foam discharge device - is a Type II foam discharge device as defined by NFPA 11 (Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam). It is the primary discharge component of a fixed low-expansion foam fire suppression system on flammable liquid storage tanks.
The designation PCL reflects the Chinese product classification: P (泡沫, foam), C (产生器, generator), L (立式, vertical). The vertical configuration distinguishes it from PCH (horizontal) models; the PCL is mounted upright on the tank shell wall with the foam outlet directed inward and downward into the tank.
PCL foam generators are specified for:
Fixed-roof (cone roof) storage tanks - crude oil, refined petroleum products, solvents, alcohols, ethers
Internal floating roof tanks - where the foam chamber penetrates the fixed outer roof and discharges onto the annular seal area or full liquid surface depending on configuration
Fuel loading terminals, refineries, petrochemical plants, tank farms, and aviation fuel facilities
Technical Specifications
| Model | Flow Rate | Inlet Pressure | Foam Solution Flow | Expansion Ratio | Inlet Size | Body Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCL-4 | 4 L/s | 0.35–0.50 MPa | 240 L/min | ≥ 6 | DN65 | Carbon Steel |
| PCL-8 | 8 L/s | 0.35–0.50 MPa | 480 L/min | ≥ 6 | DN80 | Carbon Steel |
| PCL-16 | 16 L/s | 0.35–0.50 MPa | 960 L/min | ≥ 6 | DN100 | Carbon Steel |
| PCL-24 | 24 L/s | 0.35–0.50 MPa | 1440 L/min | ≥ 6 | DN125 | Carbon Steel |
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Working Pressure | 0.30–0.60 MPa |
| Design Pressure | 1.6 MPa |
| Foam Expansion Ratio | ≥ 6:1 (Low Expansion) |
| 25% Drainage Time | ≥ 4 minutes |
| Body Material | Carbon Steel (Q235 / A36) |
| Air Inlet Screen | 304 Stainless Steel Mesh |
| Vapor Seal (Cover Plate) | Galvanized Steel or Aluminum Foil |
| Surface Treatment | Epoxy coating (internal) / red enamel (external) |
| Flange Standard | ANSI 150 / DIN PN16 / BS / JIS (as requested) |
| Deflector Plate | Optional (standard fit or field-installed) |
| Compatible Foam Types | AFFF, AR-AFFF, FFFP, Protein, Fluoroprotein |
| Applicable Standards | GB 15308, GB 50151, NFPA 11 |
| Installation Position | Vertical, on tank shell upper wall |
With Deflector Plate vs Without Deflector Plate - What Is the Difference?
| Feature | Without Deflector | With Deflector |
|---|---|---|
| Foam discharge direction | Direct onto fuel surface | Along tank wall → slides to surface |
| Fuel surface agitation | Higher | Minimal |
| Foam submergence risk | Higher | Low |
| Blanket formation speed | Moderate | Fast & uniform |
| NFPA 11 Type II compliance | Conditional | ✅ Yes |
| Best for volatile fuels | ⚠️ Not recommended | ✅ Recommended |
| Best for large tanks (>10m dia.) | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Yes |
| Cost | Lower | Slightly higher |
CA-FIRE recommendation: For all new installations on fixed-roof tanks storing petroleum products, specify the PCL with deflector plate. This ensures NFPA 11 Type II compliance, reduces fuel pick-up, and maximises the effectiveness of your foam concentrate.
Installation Notes
Install on the upper section of the tank shell, below the roof-to-shell joint. The foam outlet must be above the maximum operating liquid level.
The generator body is mounted horizontally through the tank wall; the air inlet screen faces outward; the foam outlet and deflector face inward.
Ensure a minimum clearance of 150mm between the foam outlet and the maximum liquid level.
On external floating roof tanks, install the PCL on the foam dam/shroud at the top of the tank annular seal area, not on the main tank shell.
Install a check valve on the foam supply line upstream of each generator to prevent tank vapor backflow into the pipeline.
Install an isolation gate valve on the supply line to allow individual generator isolation for maintenance.
After installation, replace the vapor seal before system commissioning. Inspect vapor seal integrity annually.
The air inlet screen must be inspected periodically for blockage by debris, paint, insects, or corrosion.
Applications
| Industry | Typical Hazard | Recommended Model |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Refinery | Crude oil, gasoline, diesel storage tanks | PCL-16 / PCL-24 with deflector |
| Petrochemical Plant | Solvent, naphtha, benzene tanks | PCL-8 / PCL-16 with deflector |
| Aviation Fuel Depot | Jet-A, Avgas storage | PCL-8 / PCL-16 with deflector |
| Tank Farm / Oil Terminal | Multi-product storage | PCL-4 to PCL-24 per tank area |
| Chemical Plant | Polar solvent tanks (with AR-AFFF) | PCL-8 / PCL-16 with deflector |
| Power Plant | Transformer oil, fuel oil day tanks | PCL-4 / PCL-8 |
Our address
NO.8, YUANFENG ROAD, MEIYUAN VILLAGE, KANGMEI TOWN, NANAN CITY, QUANZHOU CITY, FUJIAN CHINA
+86 18160950625
miki@ca-fire.com
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