Switching from AFFF to Fluorine Free Foam

What should be considered when switching from AFFF to Fluorine Free Foam?

There are several major factors that must be analyzed before you make the switch.

What are the current fire codes/standards that have been adopted at the local and state level?
What are the current PFAS codes/standards that have been adopted at the local, state and national level?
How will the current AFFF concentrate, foam storage vessel, piping discharge and other equipment that may have AFFF concentrate, or solution stored within it or had it passed though be disposed and/or cleaned?
If cleaning of the storage vessel, piping and other equipment is planned, how clean is clean?
Is there an acceptable level of PFAS that can remain and still not cause an environmental issue later?
What are my fire hazard and risk associated with the current operation, are there other fire protection solutions that are acceptable and comply with current fire code and insurance requirements?
What equipment can I reuse if any ?
Has the new synthetic fluorine free foam has been tested for the fire hazards that is present at my site. This would include design density, storage arrangement, ceiling heights, storage container size to name a few.

However, there are many more specifics, so in order to learn more, please contact us about your application, here.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam

AFFF, also known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam, is a type of fire suppressant used in a variety of settings, including aviation, marine, and industrial environments. It is effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and oils.

AFFF is a foam that is made up of a blend of water, surfactants, and other chemicals. When applied to a fire, the foam forms a thin, stable aqueous film on the surface of the fuel, which helps to suppress and extinguish the fire by depriving it of oxygen.

One of the key benefits of AFFF is its ability to quickly cool and suppress fires, allowing firefighters to quickly bring the situation under control.

In addition to its use in firefighting, AFFF is also commonly used in fire suppression systems in buildings, vehicles, and other structures. These systems are designed to automatically dispense AFFF in the event of a fire, providing an extra layer of protection for occupants and property.

AFFF is a highly effective and versatile fire suppressant that is widely used in a variety of settings. Its ability to quickly and effectively extinguish fires involving flammable liquids makes it an important tool in the fight against fire.

What are the Alternatives to AFFF?

There are several alternatives to AFFF that can be used for fire suppression in various settings. Some of the most common alternatives include:

Water: Water is the most used fire suppressant and is effective in extinguishing fires involving solids such as wood and paper. However, it is not effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids.
CO2: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a clean and environmentally friendly fire suppressant that is effective in extinguishing fires involving electrical equipment and flammable liquids. However, it is not suitable for use in confined spaces as it can displace oxygen and pose a risk to occupants.
Dry chemical: Dry chemical fire suppressants are powders that are effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment. They work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire, which helps to suppress and extinguish it.
Clean Agents: are synthetic fire suppressants that are effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment. Clean Agents are a highly effective suppressant
Wet chemical: Wet chemical fire suppressants are solutions that are effective in extinguishing fires involving cooking oils and fats. They work by creating a barrier between the fuel and the oxygen, which helps to suppress and extinguish the fire.

What are AFFF Regulations?

The use of AFFF is regulated by various national and international laws and standards. Some of the legal concerns surrounding the use of AFFF include:

Environmental impact: AFFF contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, particularly when it is released into bodies of water. As such, its use is strictly regulated to prevent contamination of water sources.
Occupational health and safety: AFFF can be harmful to human health if it is inhaled or ingested. Therefore, its use is regulated to protect the health and safety of workers and others who may come into contact with it.
Firefighting standards: The use of AFFF in firefighting is governed by national and international standards that outline the appropriate use, storage, and disposal of the foam. These standards are designed to ensure that AFFF is used safely and effectively in firefighting operations.

The use of AFFF is subject to a number of legal concerns, and it is important that users are aware of and comply with the relevant laws and regulations.

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/NFPA-Journal/2022/Fall-2022/Features/Foam

AFFF is used in a variety of industries, including aviation, marine, and industrial environments. Some of the specific industries that use AFFF include:

Aviation: AFFF is commonly used in the aviation industry to extinguish fires involving jet fuel and other flammable liquids. It is also used in fire suppression systems in aircraft to protect passengers and cargo in the event of a fire.
Marine: AFFF is used in the marine industry to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and diesel fuel. It is also used in fire suppression systems on ships to protect passengers and crew.
Industrial: AFFF is used in a range of industrial settings, including factories, warehouses, and oil and gas facilities, to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. It is also used in fire suppression systems in these environments to protect workers and equipment.
Firefighting: AFFF is a key tool used by firefighters to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. It is widely used by fire departments around the world for this purpose.

AFFF is an important tool for fire suppression in a variety of industries, and its use is essential for protecting people and property from the dangers of fire.

What is the difference between AFFF and Fluorine Free Foam?

The main difference between AFFF and Synthetic Fluorine Free Foam (SFFF) is the type of surfactants used in their formulation. AFFF contains fluorinated surfactants, which are chemicals that are effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids.

SFFF, on the other hand, does not contain fluorinated surfactants and instead uses surfactants that are derived from natural sources, such as plant extracts. While SFFF is still effective in extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, it may not be as effective as AFFF in certain situations.

Another key difference between AFFF and SFFF is their environmental impact. AFFF contains chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, particularly when released into bodies of water. SFFF, on the other hand, is considered to be more environmentally friendly as it does not contain fluorinated surfactants.

Overall, AFFF and SFFF are both effective fire suppressants, but they differ in their formulation and environmental impact. The choice between the two will depend on the specific application and the user’s priorities.

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