foam ratio controller
foam ratio controller
1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The ratio controller accurately proportions foam concentrate into a water stream
over a wide range of water flow rates. Ratio controllers are an integral part of an
approved foam system. In addition to the ratio controller, the main components of
the approved foam system are specific foam concentrates, a foam storage tank,
a concentrate control valve and foam discharge devices.
The system must be designed so that the ratio controller can accurately proportion
foam over the range of flow rates expected during the system operation.
Intended for use in Wet, Dry, Deluge, Preaction and Refrigerated Area applications.
Please refer to specific system manual(s) for further information. This technical
data is intended for trained experts. For further information, please contact the
appropriate sales office in Section 5 or refer to the technical documentation.
The contents of this publication are subject to modifications without notice.
3. TECHNICAL DATA
3.1 Construction Features
• Available Grooved with 2” (DN50), 2.5” (DN65), 3” (DN80), 4”
(DN100), 6” (DN150), 8” (DN200) connections and Flanged with 3”
(DN80), 4” (DN100), 6” (DN150), 8” (DN200) connections Images are for illustration purposes only. Refer
• Brass construction (Grooved only) or Nickel Aluminium Bronze to drawings for actual design details.
construction for superior corrosion protection
• Horizontal or Vertical Installation
• Direction of flow indicator on body
• For use with Fresh or Salt Water
• Identification tag plate
Form No. F_102421 Rev 02 April 2023 | TD1.3.2.1S/12082022/en Replaces Form No. F_102421 Rev 01
Page 2 of 14
2" 1.5” Viking ARK, 3% VRC060JP F20282P 0.227 5.77 93 352 300 1136 -- -- -- --
(51mm) (48,3mm) Viking USP, 3% VRCS060JAL F25332L 0.127 3.22 49 185 104 394 -- -- -- --
Viking ARK, 3% VRCS060JP F25332P 0.127 3.22 40 151 101 382 -- -- -- --
2.5” 1.5” Viking USP, 3% VRC076JAL -- 0.276 7.01 155 587 502 1900 -- -- -- --
(76,0mm) (48,3mm) Viking ARK, 3% VRC076JP -- 0.278 7.06 165 625 475 1798 -- -- -- --
2.5” 1.5” Viking USP, 3% VRC073JAL F20162L 0.276 7.01 155 587 502 1900 -- -- -- --
(73,0mm) (48,3mm) Viking ARK, 3% VRC073JP F20162P 0.278 7.06 165 625 475 1798 -- -- -- --
Viking XMAX VRC089JAN F20152N 0.362 9.19 -- -- -- -- 50 189 740 2801
3” 1.5”
Viking USP, 3% VRC089JAL F20152L 0.392 9.96 360 1363 775 2934 -- -- -- --
(88,9mm) (48,3mm)
Viking ARK, 3% VRC089JP F20152P 0.394 10.01 285 1079 770 2915 -- -- -- --
Viking XMAX VRC114JAN F20217N 0.485 12.32 -- -- -- -- 46 174 1600 6057
NOTES:
1 Please refer to graphs in section 7.2 for specific flow rate parameters.
2 Nickel Aluminium Bronze (NAB) - Standard Offering in Viking EMEA & APAC Territories. Brass available on request with longer delivery.
3 Brass - Standard Offering in Viking Americas Territories. Nickel Aluminium Bronze available on request with longer delivery.
4 NAB 73mm and NAB 219mm with 73mm foam inlet are non standard and could be subject to additional lead time and price.
5 All foam types comply with the requirements of the EPA 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program.
4. SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Ensure that all components are complete and in good condition. The ratio controller is supplied boxed, with data plate and an
integral sized orifice disc specific to its approved/listed concentrate. Grooved couplings are not included.
5. AVAILABILITY
The product is available directly from Viking and official distributors only.
Americas:
The Viking Corporation
5150 Beltway SE
Caledonia, MI 49316
Tel.: (800) 968–9501
Fax: 269–818–1680
Technical Services: 1–877–384–5464
[email protected]
6. PRODUCT VARIANTS
6.1 Options
• Suitable for Viking Foam Concentrates: 3% XMAX, 3% ARK, AND 3% USP
• Nickel Aluminum Bronze UNS C95800 or Brass UNS C84400 (see table 3.4.1)
• Pre-Assembled with Bladder Tank and water/foam pipe work
* Expressed in equivalent length of schedule 40 pipe based on Hazen & Williams C=120
7. PERFORMANCE DATA
7.1 Friction Loss vs Foam Solution Flow
Flow LPM
13249
17034
1041
1136
1230
1325
1420
1514
1609
1703
1798
1893
2082
2271
2403
2650
2839
3028
3407
3785
4164
4542
4732
5678
6435
6700
6814
7571
9464
9975
151
303
379
454
568
606
643
681
757
833
871
946
38.0 2.62
36.0 2.48
2"
34.0 2.34
32.0 2.21
30.0 2.07
2 1/2"
28.0 1.93
26.0 1.79
24.0 1.65
20.0 1.38
18.0 1.24
3"
16.0 1.10
4" 6" 8"
14.0 0.97
12.0 0.83
10.0 0.69
8.0 0.55
6.0 0.41
4.0 0.26
2.0 0.14
0.0 0.0
100
120
150
160
170
180
200
220
230
250
275
300
325
350
375
400
425
450
475
500
550
600
635
700
750
800
900
1000
1100
1200
1250
1500
1700
1770
1800
2000
2500
2635
3500
4500
40
80
Graph 7.1.1
Friction Loss vs Foam Solution Flow (Model VRC, all sizes)
Graph 7.1.2
Friction Loss vs Foam Solution Flow (2” Model VRCS)
123
Graph 7.2.1
106
Graph 7.2.2
129
Graph 7.2.3
93
Graph 7.2.4
75
Graph 7.2.5
65
70
Graph 7.2.6
65
Graph 7.2.7
8. INSTALLATION
Refer to appropriate Installation Standards (i.e. NFPA, VdS, LPCB, etc.) and / or applicable FM Global Property Loss Prevention
Data Sheets such as 4-12, Foam-Water Sprinkler Systems. In addition, the “Authority Having Jurisdiction” (AHJ) may have addi-
tional installation requirements that must be followed.
Do not alter the piping without consulting a system design representative.
Before installing a ratio controller, check the system design drawing to ensure the controller location does not create excessive
head pressure or frictional losses.
a) The ratio controller must be installed with the arrow pointing in the direction of the water flow.
b) The ratio controller can be installed in the vertical or horizontal position.
c) Straight piping equal to a minimum of five (5) pipe diameters should be installed before and after the ratio controller to help
ensure proportioning accuracy. This includes the proportioning test connection which is best installed further downstream after
changes in pipe direction which helps to ensure a better mixing of foam solution.
d) In Dry, Deluge and Preaction systems a removable section of pipe should be installed between the Concentrate Control Valve
and Ratio Controller foam inlet to allow the flushing of foam concentrate after system activation.
e) The ideal location for the controller is level or below the top discharge and within 3 feet (1m) of the tank.
f) The pressure drop within the piping to the bladder tank water or foam concentrate piping can be minimized by:
1) Limiting the number of tees and elbows used
2) Using full port valves
3) Increasing the pipe diameter
g) The combined total equivalent length (pipe length plus equivalent lengths for fittings and valves) of the water supply inlet piping
and the foam concentrate discharge piping should not exceed 65 equivalent feet (19,8m).
h) The foam concentrate line should run as directly as possible from the bladder tank outlet to the ratio controller and avoid ex-
cessive changes in elevation.
i) The diameter of this piping must be the same size or larger than the foam concentrate inlet into the ratio controller.
j) Installation of a concentrate control valve (CCV) is highly recommended to prevent unintentional migration of foam from the
bladder tank.
k) Install a suitable check valve between the bladder tank and ratio controller to prevent system water flowing back to the bladder
tank. This should be installed close to the ratio controller foam inlet connection.
l) Care should be taken to ensure that the bladder tank and foam concentrate line are vented of trapped air to assist proportioning
performance.
9. OPERATION
The ratio controller is a modified Venturi device. As water flows through the calibrated water nozzle, it creates an area of lower
pressure, referred to as the metering pressure drop. As the water flow increases through the Venturi, the metering pressure drop
increases, allowing more foam concentrate to enter through the sized foam orifice. A decrease in the water flow reduces the me-
tering pressure drop, thereby reducing the foam concentrate flow.
Because the foam concentrate flow changes in direct proportion to the water flow, the ratio controller can accurately proportion
foam concentrate over a wide range of water flow rates.
The flow rate at which the metering pressure drop is just high enough to overcome the pressure losses through the bladder tank
and its piping, is called the low flow rating. The water flow rate through the ratio controller must be at or above its low flow rating
in order to properly proportion foam concentrate.
10. GUARANTEE
For details of warranty, refer to Viking’s current list price schedule or contact Viking directly.
WARNING
Any system maintenance or testing that involves placing a control valve or detection system out of service may
eliminate the fire protection capabilities of that system. Prior to proceeding, notify all Authorities Having Jurisdiction.
Consideration should be given to employment of a fire patrol in the affected area.
12. DISPOSAL
At end of use the product described here should be disposed of via the national recycling system.
Form No. F_102421 Rev 02 April 2023 | TD1.3.2.1S/12082022/en Replaces Form No. F_102421 Rev 22.1