At EMACO Global, we are dedicated to providing world-class fire protection equipment designed to secure life, assets, and infrastructure. Among our specialized products, the Rim Seal Foam Pourer stands out as a critical fire suppression solution specifically engineered for the protection of floating roof storage tanks. With a design that ensures effective delivery of foam to the rim seal area, this device is indispensable in the petroleum, chemical, and petrochemical industries.

What is a Rim Seal Foam Pourer?

A rim seal foam pourer is a specially designed foam discharge device that directs fully aspirated foam into the annular rim seal area of open-top floating roof tanks. These tanks, commonly used for storing crude oil and flammable liquids, are prone to fire hazards in the rim seal area due to vapors escaping from the stored product.

The foam pourer consists of three main components:

• A foam maker for generating expanded foam,
• A windshield to protect the foam discharge from wind disturbances, and
• An integral deflector that guides the foam smoothly to the target area.

By delivering foam gently yet effectively, the rim seal foam pourer ensures uniform coverage, forming a stable foam blanket that suppresses vapors and prevents ignition.

Importance of Rim Seal Protection

The rim seal area of a floating roof tank is considered the most vulnerable zone for fire hazards. Any leakage of hydrocarbon vapors at this junction can quickly lead to ignition, resulting in catastrophic fires.

The rim seal foam pourer offers:

• Rapid fire suppression by blanketing the rim area with foam.
• Vapor suppression reduces the chances of re-ignition.
• Cooling effect from the foam solution, lowering fire intensity.
• Compliance with global fire protection standards (UL and FM approvals).

This makes it an essential component in fire protection systems for oil storage facilities worldwide.

Technical Specifications of Rim Seal Foam Pourer

At EMACO Global, we design our foam pourers with precision engineering and premium materials, ensuring reliability in critical fire scenarios.

Options and Models:

• Model E0303-P65 – Carbon Steel, UL/FM approved
• Model E0303-PS65 – Stainless Steel, UL/FM approved

Size:

• 2.5” (65 mm)

Working Pressure:

• AFFF 3% [UL Listed] – 2.74 to 2.64 bar
• AFFF 3% [FM Approved] – 4.8 to 6.86 bar

Flow Range:

• 50 to 550 lpm

Finishing:

• Epoxy painted for corrosion resistance

These specifications make the rim seal foam pourer suitable for a wide range of industrial fire suppression systems, ensuring both durability and high efficiency.

How Does the Rim Seal Foam Pourer Work?

The foam pourer is designed to operate as part of a fixed foam fire protection system for floating roof tanks.

Working Principle:

1. Foam concentrate and water are proportioned in a foam-making device.
2. The solution enters the foam pourer, where air is aspirated, generating expanded foam.
3. The windshield ensures foam discharge is unaffected by wind.
4. The deflector gently spreads foam over the tank shell, directing it into the rim seal area.
5. The foam expands further and flows downward, creating a continuous and stable foam blanket.

This design ensures the foam covers the entire rim seal zone, suppressing vapors and extinguishing fire efficiently.

Applications of Rim Seal Foam Pourer

The rim seal foam pourer is designed specifically for open-top floating roof tanks used in critical industries.

Primary Applications:

• Petroleum Refineries – Protection of crude oil and refined fuel tanks.
• Chemical Plants – Safeguarding chemical storage tanks prone to volatile vapor emissions.
• Petrochemical Facilities – Preventing ignition in storage of hydrocarbons and solvents.
• Tank Farms & Depots—Large storage facilities where rim seal fires are a major risk.
• Marine Terminals – Protection for ship-loading/unloading storage tanks.

By integrating the foam pourer into a fire suppression system, industries can drastically reduce the risks of catastrophic tank fires.

Advantages of EMACO Rim Seal Foam Pourer

Our rim seal foam pourer delivers unmatched efficiency and reliability.

Key Advantages:

1. Effective Foam Distribution – Directs aspirated foam gently over the rim seal zone.
2. Windshield Protection—Ensures foam performance even in outdoor windy conditions.
3. Material Options – Available in carbon steel and stainless steel for different environments.
4. Wide Flow Range—Handles foam discharge from 50 lpm to 550 lpm.
5. Compliance Assured – UL Listed and FM Approved for global standards.
6. Corrosion Resistant Finish – Epoxy coating for long service life.
7. Simple Integration—Easy installation with fixed foam fire protection systems.
8. Low Maintenance – Minimal moving parts, ensuring long-term reliability.

These features make the foam pourer a dependable solution for long-term fire protection strategies.

Design and Construction

The rim seal foam pourer is carefully designed with safety and durability in mind.

• Body Construction: Available in carbon steel for general use or stainless steel for highly corrosive environments.
• Windshield Design: Protects the foam discharge from external disturbances like wind.
• Integral Deflector: Ensures even distribution of foam over the tank shell.
• UL/FM Certified Components: Guaranteeing tested performance and safety compliance.
• Protective Finish: Epoxy coating provides resistance to weather and corrosion.

Every component of the foam pourer is engineered to perform under demanding conditions, ensuring safety in critical moments.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Guidelines:

• It should be installed at the periphery of the floating roof tank.
• Connected to the fixed foam system with proper piping.
• Positioned to ensure foam flows smoothly into the rim seal area.
• Multiple pourers may be installed depending on the tank’s circumference.

Maintenance Recommendations:

• Quarterly Inspections: Check for corrosion, blockages, or damage.
• Foam Flow Testing: Ensure proper foam expansion and distribution.
• Cleaning: Remove debris, dirt, or scale deposits.
• Annual Servicing: Professional checks to maintain UL/FM compliance.

Proper care guarantees that the rim seal foam pourer will perform effectively when required.

Why Choose EMACO Rim Seal Foam Pourer?

At EMACO Global, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative fire protection solutions that meet the highest international safety standards.

By choosing our rim seal foam pourer, you benefit from:

• Decades of expertise in fire suppression systems.
• UL and FM certified equipment.
• Durable designs built for real-world industrial conditions.
• Technical support and customization options.
• Proven performance in critical installations worldwide.

When it comes to protecting high-value storage tanks, EMACO ensures safety without compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the function of a rim seal foam pourer?
   It delivers fully aspirated foam directly into the rim seal area of floating roof tanks, suppressing vapors and extinguishing fires.
2. Can EMACO foam pourers be customized?
   Yes. We provide options in carbon steel or stainless steel, with different flow ranges to suit specific tank requirements.
3. How many foam pourers are needed for one tank?
   The number depends on the tank circumference and fire protection design standards. Typically, multiple pourers are installed to ensure full coverage.
4. What maintenance is required?
   Regular inspection, cleaning, and annual testing are recommended to maintain optimal performance.
5. Are EMACO rim seal foam pourers certified?
   Yes. All our models are UL Listed and FM Approved, ensuring compliance with global fire safety regulations.

The rim seal foam pourer is a critical component in the fire protection system of open-top floating roof tanks. By ensuring gentle, effective delivery of aspirated foam directly to the rim seal area, it minimizes the risk of fire escalation and provides unmatched protection against hydrocarbon vapor ignition.

At EMACO Global, we offer UL/FM-approved foam pourers built with robust materials, precision engineering, and corrosion-resistant finishes, guaranteeing long-term reliability in the most demanding environments.

For industries handling flammable liquids, investing in an EMACO rim seal foam pourer is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding assets, people, and operations with proven fire protection technology.