fluorine free foam agents
In recent years fluorine, one of the cornerstone ingredients to all foams, has become an environmental issue, due to persistence in groundwater. The industry has been presented with a major challenge to eliminate the ‘fluoro’ element of all the different foam concentrate types. We have witnessed an era of manufacturers’ claims and counter claims regarding the efficacy of a whole range of newly formulated fluorine-free foam. The term ‘SFFF’ (synthetic fluorine free foam) or ‘F3’ is used to define these foams, which have become the new normal and first choice for operators changing existing stock or reviewing new projects. As a foam proportioner manufacturer we must examine the physical properties of foam carefully (especially viscosity) as they influence decisions on the overall proportioning solution. More of this later.
Multi-purpose foams such as the F3 alcohol-resistant types are increasingly important in the fuel-storage arena. The introduction of E10 petroleum, with its 10% ethanol-based biofuel content, means that the alcohol-resistant quality of SFFF/F3 is necessary to combat the small degree of water miscibility of the fuel.
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comparison of foam agents: EN 1568 and UL162
All foam concentrate manufacturers will naturally promote their product as being highly effective. The best way of comparing their claims is to familiarise yourself with the empirically based standard EN 1568 or UL162. The tests cover extinction time, foam stability (via drainage time tests) and post-fire security (burn-back test). Hydrocarbons and the more demanding polar solvents are both included in the test protocols. This also covers fresh and seawater as well as gentle and forceful application of the foam. Each foam is given a rating with IA being the best, IIID the worst. This means that you can challenge foam suppliers in order to make an informed decision on the best foam for your needs.
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Whilst EN 1568 is an excellent benchmark standard, awareness of the effects on foam performance from factors outside the standard tests should be noted. For example, particularly aggressive solvents can challenge the firefighting effectiveness of certain foams. This can be exacerbated by different ambient air temperatures, the application method, fuel depth etc. Our advice would be to understand the details of the tests and try to match them to the foam’s appropriateness for your individual hazards. We would always recommend consulting individual foam manufacturers as they can often provide specific in-house fire-performance data against some of the more unusual fuels.
However, despite the foam manufacturers’ sometimes conflicting claims on performance, the earlier fundamentals of how foam is proportioned still remain: 1% & 3% concentrates are the norm for producing a finished foam.
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Category: WHICH
