(d) Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).
AFFFs are a combination of fluorochemical surfactants and synthetic foaming agents that create a unique characteristic – an aqueous film.
This film is a thin layer of foam solution with unique surface energy characteristics that spreads rapidly across the surface of a hydrocarbon fuel causing dramatic fire knockdown.
The aqueous film is produced by the action of the fluorochemical surfactant reducing the surface tension of the foam solution to a point where the solution can actually be supported on the surface of the hydrocarbon.
AFFFs are more effective on hydrocarbons (fuels) with higher surface tensions, such as kerosene, diesel oil and jet fuels, and less effective on fuels with lower surface tensions, such as hexane and high octane gasolines.
AFFF’s may drain foam solution (the water and foam concentrate mixture) rapidly from the foam bubble to produce optimum film formation for rapid fire extinguishment. To achieve these qualities, long term sealability and burnback resistance are sacrificed.
AFFFs are a combination of fluorochemical surfactants and synthetic foaming agents that create a unique characteristic – an aqueous film. This film is a thin layer of foam solution with unique surface energy characteristics that spreads rapidly across the surface of a hydrocarbon fuel causing dramatic fire knockdown.
The aqueous film is produced by the action of the fluorochemical surfactant reducing the surface tension of the foam solution to a point where the solution can actually be supported on the surface of the hydrocarbon.
AFFFs are more effective on hydrocarbons (fuels) with higher surface tensions, such as kerosene, diesel oil and jet fuels, and less effective on fuels with lower surface tensions, such as hexane and high octane gasolines.
AFFF’s may drain foam solution (the water and foam concentrate mixture) rapidly from the foam bubble to produce optimum film formation for rapid fire extinguishment. To achieve these qualities, long term sealability and burnback resistance are sacrificed.
