Fire Fighting Foam Concentrate and Proportioning Testing

Fire fighting foam is used to protect against fuel fires found on large petrochemical and industrial plants. The need for foam systems is critical to protect against flammable oil and solvent fuel fires by covering the fuel surface and separating the vapours from the oxygen. Foam concentrates are mixed with water and air to generate the necessary foam discharge to apply to the fuels during a fire. Different foam concentrates are specifically formulated for use on different fuels with different performance criteria. Foam concentrates have a limited lifetime in which the properties of expansion and resistance to fuels and heat can meet the needs of fire protection. Over time, and in the presence of oxygen and contaminants, the foam will lose its properties until it is less useful, or requires more foam to suppress a fire. It is important that these foam concentrates are tested regularly to ensure the properties still meet the manufacturer’s specifications.