Lifesafe announces partnership agreement with Lingjack for Southeast Asia expansion

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Partnership details

LifeSafe Holdings plc, a prominent fire safety technology business, has announced a distribution agreement with Lingjack Fire and Life Saving PTY, a leading Asian fire safety company based in Singapore.

This agreement marks LifeSafe’s entry into the Southeast Asian market, significantly expanding its global reach.

The partnership involves the distribution of LifeSafe’s Thermal Runaway Fluid, a product designed to tackle lithium battery fires.

This solution will be incorporated into Lingjack’s range of fire extinguishers and fixed suppression systems across multiple countries including Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

The Board of LifeSafe anticipates the possibility of further expanding this agreement to include additional products from their range.

Market opportunity and product innovation

The increasing prevalence of lithium battery usage across various industries has necessitated innovative solutions for fire safety.

LifeSafe’s Thermal Runaway Fluid addresses this need by offering a unique solution for extinguishing and preventing the re-ignition of lithium fires.

The Southeast Asian market presents a substantial opportunity for this product, given the growing reliance on lithium batteries in the region.

Dominic Berger, Chairman of LifeSafe, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are pleased to announce this new distribution partnership with such a prestigious and trusted fire safety business such as Lingjack.

“The signing of the partnership extends the Company’s reach into the markets of Singapore, China, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia and we look forward to working together for many years to come.”

Lingjack’s perspective and future prospects

Kenneth Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Lingjack Fire and Life Saving PTY, also commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to have signed this distribution agreement with LifeSafe.

“Obtaining access to the innovative and effective fluids and technical support from the LifeSafe team has provided us with the opportunity to launch into the new and growing lithium battery fire extinguisher market.

“Having placed our first purchase order for the Thermal Runway Fluid, we are excited to grow our volumes into the extinguisher and fixed suppression systems market in multiple regions across Southeast Asia.”

Global Safety Synchronisation with TLX Fire & Security

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Fostering innovation and convergence in global safety standards with TLX Fire & Security at Intersec 2024

The importance of technological advancement and global standardisation in fire safety and protection cannot be overstated.

In an increasingly connected world, there is a critical need to align fire and safety standards across borders.

Advancements in electronic and remote monitoring devices, along with supervision technologies, play a pivotal role in this endeavour.

These innovations not only enhance safety but also ensure a seamless integration of global safety practices.

The harmonisation of safety standards globally is a vital but complex mission.

It involves early development efforts aimed at addressing market concerns and safety needs.

A key challenge in this sector is bridging the gap between the varying priorities of different-sized customers and regulatory bodies.

Achieving consensus among stakeholders is essential for the effective deployment of life-saving technologies.

This balance is crucial in ensuring that safety solutions are efficient and universally applicable.

The future roadmap for fire safety and protection is marked by innovation with the development of technologies for data collection and connectivity revolutionising the field.

IFSJ sits down with TLX Fire & Security to provide a glimpse into what the company is set to bring to the table at Intersec 2024, highlighting their role as a key player in shaping the future of fire safety.

As global safety standards evolve, how is TLX addressing current and future challenges in fire safety and compliance?

TLX supports standards in many ways, but currently the most valuable is the supervision requirement.

The company’s engineers were working on a solution long before the supervision standards went into effect.

That allowed them to not only meet the requirements with something innovative, but they were also able to integrate the solution into the actuator and reduce the cost and complexity of the final product.

As global safety standards continue to evolve, TLX will focus on working with key standards bodies to understand what the needs in the industry are and how we can lend our expertise by not only utilising our current solutions but also developing new products and technologies to meet global safety standards in the future.

 Attending Intersec 2024 and other industry exhibitions give us opportunities to speak with attendees and industry leaders to gain insight into what their future needs might be.

How is TLX contributing to global safety standard harmonisation and addressing regional differences?

TLX participates in global standards meetings on regulatory change.

Hearing the earliest conversations about safety needs, the market’s concerns, and other information gives the company’s engineers a head start on development efforts.

TLX has ongoing research in everything from slow leak protection to monitoring and AI enablement.

This diversified effort will allow the company to support global and regional customers with the products and technologies needed before regulations go into effect.

While many of the safety features that we provide reach a broad spectrum of the unified standards, we do run into some restrictions based on mechanical functionalities.

Therefore, our approach is to provide our customers with the ability to make necessary customisations to our products to suit their system requirements for proper compliance.

What are TLX’s key strategic focuses as you prepare for Intersec 2024?

Currently, we see more countries and governing bodies around the world are focused on improving protections for people and infrastructure.

This is driving the globalisation of standards.

This ongoing shift offers opportunities for companies supporting these efforts.

OEMs and installation/maintenance companies can export their systems and/or expand their operational footprint to help more customers.

TLX provides solutions to help OEMs and other companies meet current regulatory requirements while also supporting them deploy the next generation of systems and services.

We are focused on providing solutions to meet the needs of a more globalised community through our supervision technologies as well as our electronic and remote monitoring devices, such as our weighing and level sensing technologies.

What can attendees expect to see from TLX this year?

For Intersec 2024, TLX will continue to exhibit our supervised actuation products, as the technologies offered in these products are part of a globalised standards approach to safety and security within the fire protection market.

Additionally, with digitalisation and remote monitoring becoming a much larger focus across the industry, TLX will be exhibiting our continuous weight monitoring systems for seamless fire suppression cylinders and our electronic liquid level sensor for welded fire suppression cylinders.

These technologies, along with our ATEX hazardous location actuator, will be the main point of focus at this year’s show in Dubai.

What impact and reception does TLX anticipate at Intersec 2024 with its presentations and showcases?

Each year, Intersec Dubai continues to be a very important event for TLX, as many of our customers attend and have stands themselves.

Being at the show provides us an opportunity to connect with current and future customers and have those important conversations about how TLX can more closely align with their upcoming goals and objectives.

Those conversations also allow the company’s experts to share insights concerning regulatory shifts, industry trends, new technologies, and ways of collaborating to increase a customer’s sales efforts.

Our technologies are well received by the industry, and that impact reaches beyond our customers because our technologies are reviewed by end users and other technical personnel within the industry.

This exposure provides further insight into our technologies for the broader market so that they are aware of the innovations that are available to meet the latest global standards.

What are some challenges TLX faces in developing new technologies for fire safety?

One of the biggest challenges we see in the industry is the disconnect between the priorities of larger end-customers and those of smaller end-customers, in conjunction with the planned regulations, available technologies, and timetables for OEMs to innovate.

Life-saving and cost-saving technologies have been available for years, but without consensus across all stakeholders, they cannot be deployed easily.

This is a time for regulatory bodies to lead, and we believe we will see that in the coming years.

TLX will be there with solutions to support the standards as they develop.

Looking beyond Intersec 2024, what is the future roadmap for TLX in terms of innovation and market leadership?

Like many others in the industry, TLX Fire & Security is pursuing solutions in lithium-ion battery fire protection and suppression.

There is a major focus in the industry on innovation to keep people and property safe from these very difficult-to-fight fire events.

Our intent is to align ourselves with our customers by developing solutions for lithium-ion battery fire suppression and thermal runaway sensing.

Additionally, TLX is developing additional technologies around leveraging data collection, sensing, and connectivity to give end-customers and installation/maintenance companies visibility into system availability, repairs, and regulatory compliance.

So much money and time are wasted with manual processes, which often include the challenges associated with human error.

In the future, systems will notify the right people about different issues, such as low agent level, an improperly installed actuator, physical shocks to the cylinders, required maintenance being completed, and more.

The people responsible for monitoring these systems will no longer have to hope that their system is available to protect people and infrastructure; they will know.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. TLX Fire & Security’s Stand Number is Stand 4.G10

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Sustainable suppression with Britannia Fire

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Exploring Britannia Fire’s innovative strategies in fire safety, from eco-friendly solutions to smart technology integration

Established in 1970, Britannia Fire has been in the midst the transformation in fire extinguisher technology.

Through its journey, the UK manufacturer has become synonymous with advancements in fire safety, integrating new materials and eco-friendly solutions, while embracing the latest in smart technologies.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey speaks to Andy Spence, Joint Managing Director at Britannia, to delve into the intricacies of its pioneering journey.

Spence, a key figure in the company since 2010, offers insights into Britannia’s evolution over its 52-year history.

From its beginnings on an industrial estate under the guidance of company co-founder Roger Carr, to the launch of the revolutionary P50 composite fire extinguisher, Britannia’s tale is one of growth, resilience, and forward-thinking.

BS 5306-8

When asked his views on the new voluntary code of practice for fire extinguishers, BS 5306-8, Spence’s response was forthright and reflective of a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics.

Spence believes that BS 5306-8, despite being a voluntary code of practice, tends to stifle innovation.

“It might be strong word, but the code doesn’t allow for innovation.

“Whenever you look at the fire alarm side of the fire industry, they’re always innovating, striving for the next product and the next innovation.

“In the fire extinguisher world there seems to be a reluctance to do that.”

This disparity, he suggests, may be rooted in the fire extinguisher sector’s reluctance to embrace change, possibly due to the generation of service income.

He further argues for the need for advancement in the fire extinguisher industry, especially in light of modern technologies and materials like composites, are effective and even superior to, traditional metal.

PFAS-free fire extinguishers

In the quest for environmental responsibility within the fire safety industry, Britannia Fire has taken a significant step with the introduction of its PFAS-free foam P-50 fire extinguisher.

This innovation underlines the critical importance of eliminating PFAS chemicals, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’.

“Forever chemicals are bad for the environment. Absolutely. They should be outlawed,” Spence asserts.

He proudly notes that Britannia has been an early adopter in finding alternatives to these harmful substances.

Its commitment to this cause culminated in the launch of the PFAS-free foam fire extinguisher this year, a solution that has quickly become its ‘hero product’.

Spence also discussed the introduction of a water-mist extinguisher alongside the foam variant, offering a broader range of fire-fighting capabilities.

While acknowledging the debate surrounding the use of foam extinguishers inside buildings due to potential damage, he offers a different perspective: “I want the best firefighting capability.

“I want to be able to put the fire out quickly and efficiently and safely. And the foam allows you to do have a better firefighting capability in my opinion.”

This innovation, however, isn’t just about the extinguishing agent.

The PFAS-free P-50 extinguisher, according to Spence, is also a win in terms of maintenance: it is a service-free products doesn’t require annual servicing, only a 10-year overhaul.

Any maintenance can be carried out in-house, facilitated by Britannia’s training portal, which includes an app and instructional videos.

Extinguisher scrappage scheme

In a bid to enhance environmental responsibility, Britannia Fire has initiated a pioneering scrappage scheme to phase out PFAS-containing units.

Spence notes that while official guidelines are anticipated by 2025, Britannia has chosen to proactively lead the change: “We’re saying to customers, ‘you’re going to have to swap these products out anyway, so to enable you to do that we’ve launched a scrappage scheme.”

This scheme offers those looking to replace their current extinguishers a trade in incentive with money off its environmentally friendly replacement model.

The scheme also ensures responsible disposal of the old units: “When we take these units away, we’re recycling what can be recycled and dispose of the chemicals as is legally required in a responsible way,” Spence tells.

New markets

Initially, Britannia Fire established its reputation in the oil and gas industry, a sector where it continues to have a substantial presence.

However, Spence recognises the need for change: “Oil is changing, we need to diversify our business as well.

“We need to move away from traditional methods and look at which target areas we can move into.”

This diversification strategy has already borne fruit in several key areas.

Universities have emerged as a major success story, with around 20 institutions switching to Britannia’s P50 fire extinguishers.

Furthermore, the NHS Trusts across the UK and major entities like Heathrow Airport have adopted the new principle and the P50s.

Spence confidently states, “We’re now offering our P50 to everybody. There’s nowhere it’s not suitable.”

Cutting carbon and costs

Fire extinguisher servicing is an annual event, primarily to check for corrosion, both external and internal.

Spence explains Britannia’s innovative approach in developing the P50: “When we developed the P50, we looked at the corrosion issues and we decided to manufacture using modern materials which won’t corrode in the same way as metal, which removes the necessity of checking the cylinder to make sure it’s integrity.”

This development was about both creating a corrosion-resistant product but also about adding value and functionality.

However, Spence acknowledges the initial resistance from the fire trade, which preferred the ongoing revenue from servicing traditional extinguishers: “It was a real hard slog to begin with because the fire trade don’t want to sell it – they want to continue servicing your extinguishers and maintaining them.”

Britannia’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond product design.

Spence highlights its focus on reducing the carbon footprint in manufacturing processes: “We’ve just invested over 150,000 pounds on solar panels for our production plants to ensure that this is generating less emissions as well.”

He laments the decrease in British manufacturing of fire safety products, emphasizing the environmental benefits of sourcing locally.

He also stresses the need for a more sustainable mindset within the industry: “We can’t keep throwing things away.

“We can’t keep manufacturing just for the sake of manufacturing. It’s got to be a sustainable approach that we all adopt.”

Intersec 2024

As Intersec approaches, Spence shares his excitement for the international show: “Intersec is always, always a great show for us as a business because it allows us to meet our partners. There seems to be a buzz around Dubai – it is the middle of the world.”

The key focus for Britannia this year at Intersec is diversification.

Spence emphasises the company’s aim to broaden its market reach beyond traditional sectors like oil, gas, or marine: “This year, we really want to diversify our partners and get their focus and attention on promoting our products for the whole market, not just oil or gas or marine.”

Its efforts have already seen success, particularly with its partner in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, a company called Concord, which has rolled out Britannia’s P50s across various sectors.

The overarching message Britannia intends to convey to its distributors and partners at Intersec is one of long-term collaboration and growth.

“That message to all our distributors and partners is that we want to work with you and help you grow your business for the next 20-30 years.”

He adds: “As we move beyond the oil and gas market, we need that diversification into other industries, such as hotels and shopping malls.”

Looking ahead

Spence highlights that developing new products is a cornerstone of Britannia’s strategy, crediting much of their innovative spirit to Roger Carr: “If we have a particular product or an idea, we give it to Roger, leave him alone, give him a few days and he puts out these fantastic ideas.”

This approach has led to a steady stream of innovative products tested and manufactured with the help of its in-house fire testing facility.

However, introducing new innovations to the market presents its own set of challenges.

Spence returns to the difficulty in navigating industry standards that, despite claims to the contrary, often stifle innovation: “New innovation gets stifled again – standards need to be open to innovation.

“And although they claim to be open to innovation, I’m yet to see it.”

Britannia’s vision is centred around empowering customers.

Spence envisions a future where customers have the skills, training, and products to take control of their fire safety needs.

He mentions the P50 as an example, offering security and autonomy to clients, especially in high-risk environments like secure units and prisons, where external maintenance is a security concern.

In sum, Britannia Fire is not just navigating the challenges of today’s fire safety landscape but actively shaping the future with innovative products, a focus on customer empowerment, and a keen eye on the evolving needs of a diverse range of environments.

This approach underscores Britannia’s commitment to being at the forefront of fire safety technology and solutions.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Britannia Fire’s Stand Number is Stand 4.E39

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Safety’s sustainable shift with FireDos

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Stuart Phythian, FireDos GmbH Regional Manager MENA, highlights FireDos’s pioneering efforts in adopting fluorine-free firefighting technologies

The shift from traditional foam firefighting methods to fluorine-free foam is a significant movement within the fire safety industry, driven by environmental concerns and regulatory changes.

As a leading manufacturer of firefighting equipment, FireDos is at the forefront of this transition, offering expertise in foam firefighting with a focus on Class B fires involving flammable liquids.

This article will explore the complexity of foam firefighting and the role of FireDos in assisting end-users and contractors in the transition to fluorine-free solutions.

With a history of innovation, such as their unique proportioning systems that negate the need for foam in testing, FireDos continues to evolve their product offerings to meet new challenges.

Stuart Phythian, FireDos GmbH Regional Manager MENA, SEA, AUS, discusses the technical considerations of changing over to fluorine-free agents, including equipment compatibility and performance criteria, and how FireDos is facilitating a smoother transition for their clients with their comprehensive guidelines and support services

Challenges

There are several challenges that we see.

For one, a lot of users are not even aware of the environmental problems fluorinated firefighting foams pose.

If they are aware, we see that in many instances, end users are not aware that a simple exchange of the foam is not sufficient.

A transition concept is required to ensure the proper operation of the extinguishing system with the new synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF).

It is necessary to review what portions of the extinguishing systems can be reused and which components are fluorine-contaminated and have to be cleaned to avoid future cross-contamination of the SFFF foam agent.

Application rates and extinguishment times

The FireDos GEN III equipment is specifically designed to handle highly viscous foam agents, such as SFFF.

Due to the design and the purpose-built components, an exact proportion over a wide flow range is guaranteed.

This advantage has been proven during the extensive FM certification process.

As confirmation,  we do a 100% quality check of all proportioners before delivery to the customer.

During dynamic testing, numerous measurement data are collected and compared with the information on the datasheet.

We measure the start-up flow rate, confirming the minimum value to achieve a steady proportioning rate in accordance with the datasheet specifications.

We also measure the proportioning rate at the medium and maximum water flow rate of every proportioner.

The proportioning rate test is followed by a static pressure test, where we check the proportioner for pressure integrity.

Quality matters; our test reports prove that our products keep the promises made on the data sheets.

A history of proportioning systems

The FireDos proportioning systems, developed over twenty years ago, offer several enduring benefits that are still relevant today.

One of their primary benefits is being Purely Mechanical and Highly Reliable.

These systems, comprising a water motor and piston pump, are known for their absolute functional safety.

Being mechanically driven solely by water flow, they negate the need for electricity or a backup power supply, enhancing their reliability in diverse scenarios.

Another significant advantage of these systems is the Unlimited Firefighting Time.

This is possible because the separate foam agent tank is unpressurised and can be refilled whenever necessary, allowing users to benefit from an uninterrupted firefighting capability.

The systems are also designed to be compatible For All Foam Agent Types, capable of handling all types of foam concentrates, including highly viscous, alcohol-resistant, and fluorine-free foam agents.

This versatility ensures they can be used in a wide range of firefighting scenarios.

Moreover, these proportioning systems are suitable For All Types of Fire Extinguishing Systems.

Thanks to their wide operating range, they are qualified for all fire extinguishing systems, including sprinkler, deluge, wet, and dry extinguishing systems.

A key feature of the FireDos systems is their Constant Proportioning Rate across a wide operating range.

This guarantees safe proportioning and efficient firefighting in every situation, ensuring that the correct amount of foam agent is always used.

Additionally, the systems offer a unique benefit of Testing the Proportioning Rate Without Firefighting Foam or Premix.

The purely mechanical system provides a cost-efficient and eco-friendly way to test the proportioning rate, completely without fire fighting foam.

Even when switching over to SFFF foam agents, these benefits keep their importance.

The ability to precisely proportion high-viscosity foam agents is even more important, as the SFFF tend to be more viscous.

In addition, the testing of the proportioning rate without producing foam or premix will have a more prominent position as the environmental aspects grow.

Environmental impacts

FireDos has seen its mission in designing and manufacturing more efficient extinguishing systems by innovation for decades.

This has always been a guiding principle in preventive and defensive fire protection.

Thanks to durable technologies and innovative developments, it protects lives and property and makes the planet safer in the long term.

During the development phase of its foam proportioners, one of the focal points of FireDos was the question of how the product could help reduce the environmental impact.

On one hand, this will be during the manufacturing process; on the other, it will be looking at the firefighting aspect itself.

The range of environmental protection measures for fire protection is quite diverse and includes several innovative approaches.

One such measure is the design of products that facilitate an easy switch to non-fluorinated foam agents, thereby reducing environmental impact.

The longevity of the product is another key aspect, ensuring extended use without frequent replacement.

FireDos has been ISO 14001 certified for over 20 years, demonstrating a consistent annual reduction in our carbon footprint.

Our products are purely mechanical, eliminating the need for external power sources, which further reduces our environmental impact.

Additionally, there’s an emphasis on the efficient use of resources, such as the return of foam concentrate when testing mixing rates, and the reduction of water supply by offering technology designed to produce wetting agents.

This not only conserves water but also leads to more efficient extinguishing, resulting in less collateral damage to the environment.

Transition to fluorine-free foam agents

The retrofitting of existing fire extinguishing systems for use with fluorine-free foam agents is a key topic for installers, operators and fire departments.

Therefore, FireDos has put together an individual consulting package, enabling customers to select the right proportioner for this purpose.

It also tells you whether an existing FireDos proportioner can be cleaned or needs replacing.

FireDos will check: if the existing proportioner is suitable for the new SFFF foam agent; if the existing suction line is suitable for the new SFFF foam agent; which further action must be taken regarding the proportioner; and whether and how an existing proportioner can be retrofitted to handle the new SFFF foam agent.

Converting a proportioner for SFFF

FireDos recommends a comprehensive set of steps to assist in converting a proportioner for use with SFFF agents, ensuring suitability and effectiveness for specific fire risks.

Initially, it’s crucial to select an SFFF that is appropriate for the fire risk at hand, which may involve conducting specific fire tests.

The next step is to validate the application rates and determine the new minimum and maximum design water flows.

This involves a thorough validation of the hydraulic design, including reviewing the water tank capacity or water supply, fire pump flow and head, piping diameters, and valve sizes.

Additionally, it’s important to assess whether the foam outlet devices, such as sprinklers, foam pourers, monitors, etc., are compatible with the new SFFF, particularly in terms of expansion ratio.

Another vital step is checking the foam agent quantity and tank capacity based on the new application and proportioning rate.

This includes a review of the existing proportioning system to determine if the new and old proportioning rates are identical, the allowable operating range of the proportioner with SFFF, and the proportioner’s capability to admix SFFF with high viscosity, as many existing systems may not be adequate for this task.

Lastly, it’s essential to ensure that the design of the foam agent suction line and foam agent tank outlet are suitable for the SFFF.

These steps are critical for a successful transition to using fluorine-free foam agents in fire protection systems.

The future of FireDos

FireDos has a history of enhancing its proportioning technology.

Since 1994, when FireDos introduced its first water-motor driven foam proportioner to the firefighting industry, over 15.000 systems have been installed worldwide.

FireDos is presently selling its third generation of proportioning systems, which encompass several patent-pending technologies.

We continue to enhance the product to keep ahead of the changing demands in firefighting and foam agent properties.

Earlier this year, we introduced our Smart proportioners for remote testing and monitoring.

This way, we can guarantee the faultless operation of a fire extinguishing system.

As regular maintenance to the proportioners is a must, ‘Smart Proportioners’ optimise the maintenance processes and allow remote troubleshooting, which ultimately enhances reliability and reduces costs.

Stay tuned to our website and subscribe our newsletter to be among the first to hear anything new.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. FireDos’s Stand Number is Stand 3.A30

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Supporting a safe transition to fluorine free firefighting foam

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

John Ottesen, Founder and CEO of Fomtec, discusses Fomtec’s continuing supply of C6 foams in during the transition to fluorine free firefighting foam

The fire safety industry is currently facing a critical juncture with the widespread scrutiny and reconsideration of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.

These substances, known for their effectiveness in extinguishing difficult fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids, are now under the spotlight for their environmental and health implications.

PFASs due to their highly stable chemical structure, do not break down in the environment, leading to long-term persistence and potential accumulation in the ecosystem and human body.

This durability, once deemed a benefit for fire suppression, has raised significant environmental concerns.

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health issues, and their presence in soil and water systems has become a growing public health concern.

Consequently, there has been a global push towards developing and adopting synthetic fluorine-free foams (SFFFs) that offer effective fire suppression capabilities without the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.

Despite the clear environmental imperative, the transition to SFFFs is not straightforward.

It involves challenges related to performance standards, compatibility with existing fire suppression systems, and regulatory compliance.

The fire safety industry is thus at a crossroads, balancing the need for effective fire suppression with the urgent requirement to mitigate environmental and health impacts.

IFSJ Editor Iain Hoey caught up with John Ottesen, Founder and CEO of Fomtec to discuss this transition.

Ottesen, a key figure in the industry, shares his insights and perspectives on this transition.

His views shed light on the complexities of moving away from PFAS-based foams, the current state of SFFF technology, and the strategic approaches necessary for a safer and environmentally responsible future in fire safety.

You recently announced a commitment to continue to supply PFAS-based foams – isn’t this in contradiction to your Enviro Programme ?

To date we’ve conducted 2,500 fire tests in our Enviro Programme, affirming our commitment to transitioning away from PFAS foams.

There’s no question in my mind that the future is fluorine-free but the industry has talked about making this transition to SFFF in a safe way and Fomtec believe that continuing to support those end users with C6 foam as they make this transition is not a contradiction at all.

There’s no question about that.

So, no, it’s not a contradiction at all.

In fact, we are responding to the industry’s longstanding call for support in making a safe transition.

To be able to make the safe transition, we have called for derogations from ECHA in their proposals to the European Union for legislation which should become law in the EU next year.

They are going to come up with timelines for various different industries, giving derogation time for those industries to be able to make a safe transition.

We recognise the derogations within the ECHA proposals and we are going to be able to continue to supply customers who can’t make the transition immediately.

We’re going to carry on selling our C6-pure products to them for as long as they’re needed.

Does your comment include only existing EU PFOA laws, or does it cover the proposed PFAS foam legislation?

Concerning PFOA, Fomtec’s range of fluorinated products is in full compliance with the existing EU legislation on PFOA, as well as PFOS and PFHxS.

What I’m talking about here is going forwards with the new legislation proposal, which is on the table now, where a timeline is going to be put in place for the total phase out of PFAS foam altogether.

That’s where derogations will be given by ECHA and the European Union, allowing industry to make a planned and safe transition over a period of up to 10 years.

I have to underline what I mean by safe transition: this transition is not about dropping in a new foam concentrate, it’s a holistic change that needs to take place in order to make sure that the systems are up to scratch, enabling safe fire protection.

Forcing a swift transition may overlook necessary holistic changes, compromising safety.

It’s really important that we avoid transition that is not holistic in its approach.

Should customers be stockpiling their C6 PFAS foam now?

I don’t see any need to do that as we at Fomtec are committing to continue to produce and offer our C6 products, which are high-performance and fully approved.

Obviously, there’s a lot of details behind the fixed systems, but I don’t see any reason to stockpile product because they would want fresh product.

We have made this statement for that very purpose: to reassure people that we will be there for them and support them in your transition, supplying the C6 product they need whilst they plan how to effectively make your transition

What would Fomtec recommend for client looking to put in a new system today?

I think that anybody who contacts Fomtec these days regardless if there need is for an existing or a new system, we will certainly recommend the use of the fluorine-free foam backed by all the associated testing and approvals we have obtained four our SFFF.

All our data allows us to be able to advise on effective transition and deployment of the new SFFF’s.

That’s our default position.

When the customer is unable to do that, then we are ready to supply C6 foam.

Our product is amongst the purest products there ever was for C6, but we will absolutely recommend the use of fluorine-free foam as a default position.

How does Fomtec approach fluorinated foam requests outside the EU?

We’ll emphasize the performance of our new products, advocating for their deployment.

However if the customer insists then we will supply our C6 product as long as we are allowed to do so.

The European legislation doesn’t only regulate what we can supply within in the European Union, but the proposed legislation also places a timeline on what we are allowed supply outside of the European Union.

When that derogation in Europe is finished, we as a European company cannot carry on manufacturing anymore, and that that will affect our export as well.

Is continuing PFAS foam supply environmentally sustainable?

For years, the industry has communicated to legislators the necessity of derogations.

The reason is that this transition for many customers is going to take time, and transition needs to be done in a safe way.

It is a holistic system change, not a change of few litres of foam.

That is why we recognise and still believe that a lot of customers will not be able to make an immediate or swift transition.

We believe that if a customer is not able to top up or refill their existing foam system that this could leave them exposed to fire without the protection they need.

We don’t want to leave our customers to have to make choices about their level of fire protection.

We should not underestimate the environmental impact of an incident that is allowed to develop because of inadequate or no fire protection.

Ensuring that our customers maintain a functional C6 system response as they plan for transition is, in my opinion, an environmentally responsible approach.

We are going to encourage all our clients to engage in a transition programme as soon as they possibly can, but I thought that industry was serious in asking for derogations and I still believe that many customers will need the time to plan and execute the transition.

I think we should also not underestimate how seriously foam users take their commitment to the environment and the vast majority are acutely aware of their requirement to contain PFAS run off and make sure it does not enter the environment.

Do you think that the derogations proposed by ECHA meet industry requirements?

Fomtec agrees with the proposed derogations from ECHA as these were based on extensive investigations, debates and hearings and we feel it is correct to accept that ECHA as the regulator is making a safe and considered ruling on these derogations.

Any final comments?

Developing Enviro SFFF’s that allow safe transitions with minimal impact on the system or deployment of foam remains our number one focus at Fomtec.

We talk with our clients daily about making the transition to SFFF’s with the recommendation to proceed as quickly as possible.

At the same time we want to assure our existing clients and industry in general that whilst they prepare for this transition we will continue to support them with C6 foams if they require them.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Fomtec’s Stand Number is Stand 2.G30

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Marine3 Fire: Mosmart UK’s innovative wetting agent

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Mosmart UK Introduces Groundbreaking Firefighting Solution

Mosmart UK, a prominent fire safety solutions company, is transforming Class A firefighting with its latest innovation, Marine3 Fire.

This mineral-based wetting agent, which is both cost-effective and user-friendly, is made from a saline solution devoid of harmful chemicals.

A unique blend of biodegradable surfactants in Marine3 Fire reduces water’s surface tension, allowing for better penetration and saturation of combustible materials.

Consequently, it extinguishes fires up to 80% faster than water alone, while also diminishing smoke and toxic emissions, and aiding in preventing reignition​​.

Marine3 Fire: Tested, Endorsed, and Environmentally Friendly

Independently tested and CE marked for use on all Class A fires, Marine3 Fire has gained the endorsement of industry professionals, including Sir Ken Knight, the former Chief Fire & Rescue Adviser for England.

At the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Fire Summit in Cyprus, Sir Ken lauded the product for its efficacy in extinguishing fires swiftly and using less water, highlighting its reduced smoke emissions as a significant advantage.

He emphasised the need for innovations like Marine3 Fire in the fire industry, especially considering the trend towards smaller firefighting vehicles in the UK with limited water capacity.

Products that are highly effective and economise water usage are crucial for efficient firefighting operations to ensure rapid and safe fire suppression​​.

Sir Ken said: “It is essential that the fire industry continues to innovate to improve effectiveness and efficiency, and to reduce its environmental impact.

“I was involved with the initial testing of Marine3 Fire at the Fire Services College where it clearly outperformed conventional firefighting methods on time taken to extinguish fires across a range of applications, whilst using less water.  In many instances, it also demonstrated a significant reduction in smoke emissions.

“In recent years, smaller firefighting vehicles have become more prevalent in the UK, with fewer crew members and less water capacity for immediate response. 

“As a result, particularly efficient firefighting operations are now required to ensure fires are suppressed quickly and safely. 

“A product like Marine3 Fire, which is highly effective and uses significantly less water, is incredibly important for the future and the safety of the public and firefighters.”

Marine3 Fire’s Potential in Wildfire and Waste Fire Control

Fraser Donaldson, Mosmart UK Director, pointed out the industry’s keen interest in Marine3 Fire’s potential in controlling wildfires and waste fires.

With the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires globally, the enhanced water penetration and quick suppression capabilities of Marine3 Fire are vital in containing such fires and preventing reignition.

Its effectiveness in deeply saturating combustible materials also makes it suitable for use in waste and recycling centre fires.

Further investigations are underway to assess its applicability in high-rise fire suppression and sprinkler systems​​​​.

Donaldson said: “In the UK and across the world, wildfires are increasing in number and ferocity, and are often difficult to control since they can spread rapidly. 

“The deeper water penetration and faster suppression offered by Marine3 Fire helps to contain wildfires quickly and prevent reignition.  It can also be used preventatively to create protective barriers, firebreaks and escape routes.

“Similarly, Marine3 Fire is particularly effective for fighting and preventing fires at waste and recycling centres, as it can be used to deeply saturate high volumes of combustible materials. 

“We are currently investigating its suitability for use in high-rise fire suppression and sprinkler systems too.”

Compatibility and Ease of Use

Marine3 Fire’s user-friendliness is another significant feature.

It can be added directly to the main fire engine water tank or portable pump systems and administered through hoses as regular water.

Importantly, it is compatible with existing Fire & Rescue Services equipment, including in-line inductors, round-the-pump proportioners, and pick-up tubes, eliminating the need for additional equipment​​.

IFSJ Comment

Marine3 Fire represents a significant step forward in firefighting technology, offering a solution that is not only more effective in fire suppression but also environmentally friendly.

Its innovative approach in reducing water usage aligns with global efforts to conserve resources while enhancing fire safety measures.

This development is particularly relevant in the context of increasing instances of wildfires and urban fires, where rapid response and effective suppression are crucial.

Marine3 Fire’s adaptability to different firefighting scenarios and compatibility with existing equipment also underscores its potential as a standard tool in fire brigades worldwide.

Its introduction could mark a new era in firefighting, where efficiency, safety, and environmental considerations are harmoniously balanced.

About Mosmart UK

Mosmart UK is a leading fire safety solutions company, known for its innovative approach to firefighting technologies.

With a focus on developing products that are both effective and environmentally conscious, Mosmart UK has established itself as a key player in the fire safety industry.

Its latest product, Marine3 Fire, is a testament to the company’s commitment to advancing firefighting methods while considering the environmental impact and resource efficiency.

For further information, and to view official test videos from the Fire Services College, visit: https://mosmart.uk/fire/ or find Mosmart UK on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mosmart-uk

Leading the change with Perimeter Solutions

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Fredric Pettersson, Sales Director, Fire Safety Group, explains why Perimeter Solutions is ready to lead the shift to fluorine-free firefighting foam

Intersec has returned to Dubai. As the world’s leading event focused on emergency services, security and safety, this is an ideal time to discuss the state of the Middle East’s transition from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to synthetic fluorine-free firefighting (SFFF) foam.

In a region where regulatory frameworks have yet to comprehensively address the use of fluorinated foams, the impetus to switch to fluorine-free technology will be propelled by organizational leaders who prioritize environmental consciousness and are eager to embrace more sustainable firefighting solutions.

Perimeter Solutions, the industry’s innovation leader in SFFF technology, has developed SFFF foam concentrates since the early 2000s and is primed to support Middle East businesses ready to make the switch from fluorinated foam concentrates.

Firefighting Foam Regulation

The global fire safety industry’s transition to fluorine-free actually started a quarter century ago.

In the 1990s, scientists started raising concerns about whether the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foam and other products had an impact on humans.

A few years later, 3M, the world’s largest producer of fluorinated foams and the fluorochemicals used to produce them, decided to exit the business.

It was at this time that the conversation about the use of PFAS started grabbing more attention – from the fire safety industry and regulators.

In 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency launched a new voluntary stewardship program with the eight largest manufacturers of fluorochemicals.

It was called the 2010/2015 PFOA Stewardship Program, and the participants established a goal to reduce the amount of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, a synthetic PFAS chemical) by 95 percent by the year 2010, and by 99.5 percent by 2015.

In 2009, international restrictions were introduced when PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid, another synthetic PFAS chemical) and related compounds were included under Annex B of the Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), restricting their use and production in the more than 100 ratifying countries.1

Inclusion in Annex B only required countries to reduce the risk, but not eliminate the use of PFOS and related compounds, and many countries did take steps to reduce risks associated with PFAS.2  In 2019, PFOA and PFOA-related compounds were added to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention list, which calls for the elimination of their use.3 The following year, the European Commission published the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which included the phase out of PFAS in the EU, unless their use is essential.4

Fluorine-Free Innovation

Before the US and EU started introducing regulations to address the use of fluorinated foams in firefighting foam, Perimeter Solutions had already taken the initiative to develop SFFF technology that would help the industry to reduce its reliance on AFFF.

The company started research and development on SFFF in 2000, and within the next ten years it had built a broad portfolio of fluorine-free alternatives.

While developing this technology, the focus was to create fluorine-free foam that had comparable efficacy to the AFFF solutions that had served firefighters so well for the past 40 years.

Perimeter Solutions began collaborating closely with clients who took a proactive approach to making the switch to SFFF alternatives, including international airports, end users in the oil and gas industry and fire departments.

Perimeter tailored fire safety system transitions that suited each project’s unique requirements.

The complexity of these projects is influenced by various factors, such as application type, individual needs, and the current design of the system being replaced.

Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam was eager to make the transition to synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF) and was concerned about maintaining their level of firefighting performance.

Active fires are not a frequent occurrence at the airport, but the airport’s fire brigade wanted to upgrade their trucks to provide sustainable firefighting performance with their trucks.

“They also needed to achieve the same performance they had with their existing foam, and that is why it was so important to select the right SFFF  for the transition.

There are huge stakes at the airport if one of our trucks doesn’t perform well.

For the fire brigade of Schiphol, it’s literally a matter of life and death,” said Hans Harding, manager of the department Risk Management and Operations.

After conducting research on the SFFF market, Schiphol selected SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ Fluorine-Free Firefighting Foam (RF3x6), a sustainable, fluorosurfactants and fluoropolymer-free foam concentrate that is used to extinguish Class B fuels, developed specifically to replace traditional AFFF and alcohol-resistant AFFF concentrates, like those previously used at Schiphol Airport.

We also partnered with the Pennsylvania, US-based Lehigh Valley Airport Authority on a project to modernize their fluorinated foam system within one of their expansive 40,000 square foot hangars.

This is considered one of the largest hangar sizes and is a National Fire Protection Association 409 Group 1 hangar.

That means that it requires an aircraft access door height of more than 28’, it can house an aircraft with a tail height over 28’, and that it needs to have a single fire area in excess of 40,000 square feet.

We converted their deluge fire sprinkler system, initially designed for 0.16 gallons per minute per square foot and retrofitted the existing system to employ SOLBERG RE-HEALING RF3 3% Class B Foam Concentrate, a fluorine-free alternative with the same design application rate as their previous AFFF foam.

This strategic choice eliminated the need for extensive changes to discharge devices and piping infrastructure, significantly reducing the overall investment.

The upgrade simply involved introducing new foam storage, adjusting the proportioner, and adopting the new foam formulation.

SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF ADDED TO US DoD QPL

More recently, Perimeter’s suppressant team has been highly active in the US, helping airports make the transition to SOLBERG® 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF, the company’s newest fluorine-free solution.

SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF was the first SFFF foam concentrate to be added to the United States Department of Defense Qualified Products List (QPL) and remains the only one on the list as of this writing.

With a fluorine-free solution added to the QPL, US federal regulations give airports and other government agencies required to use MIL-SPEC-qualified products the ability to transition from AFFF to an SFFF solution.

SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF is specifically designed for fast knockdown and extinguishment of gasoline and Jet A fuel spills as identified in MIL-PRF-32725 (I1), a specification for land-based, freshwater applications introduced in January 2023.

The new foam easily exceeds the MIL-SPEC’s expansion ratio, burn back, and 25% drain time requirements, and also meets its saltwater requirements, based on internal testing.

Airports around the country started reaching out to Perimeter Solutions before its SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC product was even added to the QPL, so that they could be early adopters of the new technology.

Mark Siem, Business Development-Industrial, Chemist at Perimeter solutions, is proud of the leading role the company is taking in this area.

“While some foam manufacturers have decided not to participate in the new MIL-SPEC qualification program, Perimeter Solutions remains committed to serving the MIL-SPEC market with high quality fluorine-free foam solutions,” said Siem.

Perimeter Supports Middle East Transition to Fluorine-Free Tech

Compared to the US and Europe, the Middle East has not been as active making the transition to fluorine-free technology, but that is starting to change.

With its experience helping fire management teams make the transition to fluorine-free foam in markets around the world, Middle East organizations have reached out to Perimeter Solutions to leverage its two decades of expertise as they take proactive steps toward adopting eco-friendly firefighting solutions.

One multinational organization based in Middle East signed on with Perimeter to switch to SOLBERG RF3x3 SP-100, which is the industry’s first UL-listed fluorine-free 3×3 foam concentrate with the full complement of hardware and sprinkler listings, including non-aspirated, standard sprinkler heads.

Biodegradable and non-persistent, SOLBERG RF3x3 SP-100 secures both Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel).

Meanwhile, an international airport based in the Middle East just recently partnered with Perimeter Solutions to transition to SOLBERG® AVIGARD™ Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate.

Our SOLBERG AVIGARD line is designed to meet or exceed ICAO regulations and provides fast knockdown and extinguishment on Jet A/Jet A1 fuel with high fluidity, slow drainage and delivers Newtonian flow characteristics.

SOLBERG AVIGARD is compatible with existing aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) equipment, and like Perimeter’s other fluorine-free products it presents no concerns for persistence, bioaccumulation or toxic breakdown.

Another solution gaining interest in the Middle East is SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3.

Developed specifically for the petroleum industry, SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 is a non-persistent, siloxane-free foam that contains no intentionally added PFAS and can extinguish and secure both Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A Fires.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 have passed several international test standards, showing excellent extinguishment and burn-back properties.

As more Middle East organizations decide on transitioning to fluorine-free solutions, there are considerations to keep in mind.

Perimeter Solutions works with end users to confirm compatibility between the next generation foam and existing hardware in the foam system, and to determine how they will maintain business continuity and minimize the capital investment required to make the transition.

The final solution is almost always influenced by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) approving the foam system – i.e., Fire Marshall, Municipal Fire Department, or Insurance company.

Organizations also must factor in third party approvals from Underwriter Laboratories (UL), Factory Mutual, EN 1568 standard and or other vertical market foam standards, including U.S. MIL-SPEC, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Maritime Organization, LASTFIRE, or the U.S. Coast Guard.

As the Middle East continues its fluorine-free journey, Perimeter Solutions is ready to help provide support.

For more information on our fluorine-free solutions, visit www.perimeter-solutions.com or contact salesfoamemea@perimeter-solutions.com.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai.

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Fireaway introduces its smallest electrical generator

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionProducts

Fireaway Inc. is has announced the release of its new 15-gram electrical fire suppression generator.

The fire suppression generator is part of Fireaway’s electrically operated product line, and it also has a service life of 15 years.

This new addition is expected to both meet the demands of current customers and opens new sales opportunities in various commercial and industrial applications for Fireaway’s global distributor partners.

A representative from Fireaway Inc. said: “Our distributors and customers have requested a smaller unit for tight electrical cabinet applications particularly with the development of the EV charging station infrastructure, telecommunication cabinets, and smaller electrical cabinets.

“The decision to develop a rectangular shape for the new unit adds versatility to our product line, complementing the existing cylinder-shaped generators.

“This demonstrates innovation and adaptability to meet evolving industry requirements. However, the concept and functionality of the generator remains consistent with our existing line.

“This new size strengthens our competitive advantage as many commercial and industrial applications require smaller fire suppression solutions.”

Read the IFSJ exclusive with Jim Dickinson, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, who talks about Fireaway Inc.’s journey to redefining fire safety standards with Stat-X.

Advancements in aerosol fire suppression

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Jim Dickinson, Executive Vice President of Global Sales, talks about Fireaway Inc.’s journey to redefining fire safety standards with Stat-X

Stat-X® has emerged as a prominent player in the fire suppression industry, offering advanced aerosol technology for protecting enclosed special hazards.

In 2023, Stat-X has continued to innovate and expand its reach across various industries, providing environmentally sustainable and effective solutions for fire suppression.

IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White sat down with Jim Dickinson, Executive Vice President – Global Sales at Fireaway Inc. to delve into the latest developments and focuses of Stat-X, highlighting their commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.

Can you introduce yourself and your role?

Fireaway Inc. was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, MN, USA, and we manufacture a range of environmentally friendly aerosol fire suppression solutions.

Fireaway is more widely known by the brand name Stat-X. We are a privately owned company headed by Lance D. Harry, P.E., CEO and President, who joined in 2018.

During the last five years the company has grown rapidly as has the adoption of aerosol technology.

The board has continually invested in the company the most recent highlight is our newly streamlined and more efficient production operation.

I joined Fireaway at the beginning of October 2023 as the Executive Vice President of Global Sales.

I have been transitioning into this position over the recent months which has allowed me to get a better understanding of our solutions as well as getting to meet our current distributor partners and the headquarters team in Minnetonka.

How has Stat-X’s approach to fire suppression evolved over the years?

The market has changed over the years, the phase down of Halon in the late 1980’s because of environmental issues and the signing of the Montreal protocol brought forward a range of new fire suppression solutions, inert gases and chemical clean agents.

The addition of aerosols to the EPA SNAP listing a few years later meant that companies started to look more seriously at aerosol fire suppression as a viable environmentally friendly alternative.

Listing and approvals all followed, as well as a global set of standards such as UL 2775, Fireaway has always been at the forefront of gaining a range of global listing and approvals for all the various vertical sectors we work in.

A good example of that is our addition of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) certificate of approval (COA) for our pre-engineered marine fire suppression solutions.

As we move forward some further important milestones took place, the signing of the Gigli Act in 2016, the AIM Act signed in the USA in 2020 restricting the use of HFC’s and then more recently the announcement surrounding the concerns of PFAS in these chemical agents which resulted in 3M exiting the suppression market.

All of these issues have created a gap in the market for a cost effective, environmentally friendly fire suppression solution and the wider adoption of aerosols technology has meant an increase in market share.

What recent innovations has Fireaway introduced?

Twenty twenty-three has been an incredibly busy year for Fireaway, prior to my joining in October, the sales team was expanded with additional fire suppression professionals in Europe and Asia Pacific and our engineering team has grown by three new members to support our ever-increasing global distribution partners and OEM’s.

We announced the introduction of the UL and ULC approval for our new Stat-X 1000T unit which is our largest thermal or manual offering, as previously mentioned we added the U.S.

Coast Guard approval being the first aerosol manufacturer to achieve this listing.

We also held our global distributor summit after the NFPA conference in June, with partners flying in from around the world to hear about our new developments and solutions.

What sets the aerosol fire suppression technology apart from traditional fire protection methods?

Less maintenance, 15 year service life, less economic impact, less footprint, environmentally friendly with zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), zero Global Warming Potential (GWP), and zero Atmospheric Lifetime (ALT).

Are all the attributes for a Stat-X fire suppression that set it apart from other suppression solutions.

What are the current focus areas for Fireaway in terms of product development and market expansion?

We work across several different verticals, however the ESS and BESS market, and renewable energy market including wind turbine protection accounts for a large segment of our business.

We have seen huge growth in other applications such as marine, CNC machine protection, transportation, and electrical cabinet and room protection.

Could you provide insights into the diverse industries and applications where Stat-X systems are currently used?

I think it would be easier to list where we don’t operate, a full list of our industries and applications can be found at www.statx.com.

How is Stat-X addressing fire safety challenges in emerging sectors, such as electric vehicles and renewable energy?

We are already operating in those sectors.

Aerosols are widely adopted and seen as first choice of protection by many original equipment manufacturers (OEMS) and end clients.

The fact that we offer a sustainable long-term solution is an attractive offering.

Can you discuss Stat-X’s global presence and any recent collaborations or partnerships?

We recently opened the UAE office as the next step of increasing our global presence.

We already have sales presence in Asia Pacific, Europe, and now the Middle East.

Recently, we signed a private label agreement to work with Sea-Fire Marine to promote the aerosol into the marine leisure craft market.

What should attendees from Intersec look out for from Fireaway?

We are launching a new product at Intersec, it is unique in that it will be our smallest offering that can be used within a battery casing, or electrical cabinets.

You will also be able to meet our industry experts who will be on hand to talk about all our solutions and current industry trends.

Looking towards the future, what are Fireaway’s goals for innovation and market expansion in the fire and safety industry?

In a widely changing market and with the adoption of aerosol technology globally, Fireaway Inc. is seen as the global leader for innovation, so we intend to continue that path of growing our product range of sustainable fire suppression solutions with the introduction of new solutions that meet specific industry requirements.

Intersec Dubai will take place between the 16th and 18th of January at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai. Stat-X’s Stand Number is Stand 2.D11

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Proportioning precision

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Per Aredal, International Sales Director at FIREMIKS AB, discusses the advantages of water driven variable viscosity proportioners

The current shift in the market from AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) to SFFF (Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam) concentrates poses challenges for both existing and new foam systems.

One critical aspect is the proportioning in a firefighting solution, where understanding the viscosity of the new SFFF concentrates is key in selecting the appropriate proportioner.

The FIREMIKS concept is a water-driven volumetric pump proportioner designed for fixed installations, connected to an atmospheric concentrate tank with gravity feed to the dosing pump.

The system requires solely the extinguishing water to power a volumetric water motor, which, in turn, operates a positive displacement pump.

This pump accurately doses the required concentrate into the extinguishing water across a broad flow and pressure range.

Notably, no additional energy source is necessary for its operation.

Regulatory bodies are driving the shift from PFAS-containing concentrates to SFFF concentrates, prompting a reassessment of many proportioning systems for compatibility.

Various manufacturers offer SFFF foams with a wide range of viscosities, including very high-viscosity concentrates.

To select an appropriate proportioner, understanding the concentrate’s properties—whether it falls within a viscosity range of 1cP to around 5-6000 cP (measured using a Brookfield Viscometer Spindle #4 at 30 rpm)—or if it’s classified as very high viscosity is crucial.

FIREMIKS stands out by offering two types of dosing pumps—Piston and Gear pumps—alongside a robust multi-vane motor based on over 30 years of market experience.

When working with clients, apart from considering flows and pressures, we prioritize understanding the concentrate type and viscosity, a quite complicated subject, before recommending the suitable pump type.

Piston Pump Proportioners

Our models equipped with Piston pumps are classified as “Variable viscosity proportioners” in FM approval terminology.

They maintain precise dosing rates within approved tolerances across a broad viscosity spectrum—from low viscosity to around 5-6000 cP (dependent on variables like temperature, concentrate type and brand).

Important to know is that all Piston pumps systems on the market have a limit upwards on handling viscosity concentrates, due to the Piston pump reciprocating principle; for each revolution, the plunger sucks concentrate and then presses it out and the concentrate goes from zero to full speed twice per revolution.

If the static viscosity is too high with non-Newtonian concentrates, the concentrate might not flow smoothly and therefore the correct dosing rate may not be achieved.

Typically, our Piston pump models excel in systems with low start-up flows relative to the maximum flow rate, ideal for applications like sprinkler systems, providing versatility across a wide flow range.

Water motor-driven pump proportioners equipped with Gear pumps are well-suited for handling high and very-high viscosity concentrates.

We have successfully tested Gear pump models using Fluorine-free foams with a viscosity of up to 8,040 cP (Brookfield Viscometer Spindle #4 at 30 rpm).

Gear pumps excel with high-viscosity fluids due to their counter-rotating gears that create a consistent, non-agitating flow, ensuring effective sealing with such fluids.

Our Gear pump models are particularly efficient in applications operating at the higher end of the maximum flow rate, such as deluge and large fire monitor systems.

For all systems dealing with higher viscosity concentrates, ensuring adequate foam supply pipe diameter, good gravity feed, and minimizing concentrate line lengths are crucial.

Our datasheets specify recommendations, and we’re available for more tailored guidance for your project.

Catering to any flow size

FIREMIKS offers a diverse range of models catering to various flow sizes and proportioning requirements.

Our smallest model has a max flow of 180 lpm and the largest single model a capacity of 10000 lpm flow.

To achieve larger flows, up to 20000 lpm, we offer parallel installed FIREMIKS, on a base skid or mounted as” double-deckers”.

Our three standard models are: 12000 lpm (2 x 6000 lpm), 16000 lpm (2 x 8000 lpm) and 20000 lpm (2 x 10000 lpm).

For fixed proportioning we offer 1% and 3% as standard.

We may also supply units with special dosing rates, for example 0,1%, 0,3% 0,5%, 2%, 2,75% and 6%, on customer’s request.

Models with selectable proportioning are available with 0,3-0,6-1% and 1-2-3% (For selected flow sizes 0,5-1-3%).

Economical and environmentally beneficial testing with FIREMIKS is easy with optional Dosing/Return valve (DRV) and two separate flow meters.

If requested we may offer a complete dosing rate testing system that follows the guidance of EN 13565-1, NFPA11 and FM 5130.

Advantages of FIREMIKS Variable viscosity proportioners over Bladder tank systems

FIREMIKS ensures an uninterrupted foam supply as long as water and concentrate are available.

Adding more concentrate is as simple as connecting another container/drum.

In contrast, Bladder tank systems experience downtime when the bladder needs refilling.

As a Variable viscosity proportioner FIREMIKS Piston pump models handles concentrates from 1 cP (like wetting agents) up to around 5-6000 cP without the need of calibration.

A Bladder tank system is often designed for one specific concentrate viscosity and needs to be recalibrated and balanced to fit a new concentrate with another viscosity, adding crucial down-time for this replacement or recalibration.

To change foam type or brand concentrate, including to another viscosity is also a simple task with FIREMIKS if an IBC-container is used as foam concentrate supply, just exchange the IBC-container to another with the new/other concentrate within the approved range.

In comparison, to exchange foam concentrate in a rubber bladder may be a challenging task, including cleaning or replacement of the bladder.

In summary the FIREMIKS-system is a straight-forward system, easy to understand and to install, handle, maintain and test.

About the author

Per Aredal is International Sales Director at Firemiks AB, with + 30 years of experience of producing and delivering water driven volumetric pump proportioners worldwide.

For more information contact Per at per.aredal@firemiks.com, on mobile: +46-76-139 70 34.

For more information, go to www.firemiks.com.

This article was originally published in the January 2024 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.