Petrochemical preparedness: Perimeter Solutions on the fluorine free foam transition

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

James Perriss, Director of Product Management at Perimeter Solutions, evaluates fluorine free foam adoption for petrochemical teams

Petrochemical facilities operate under constant threat of fire.

Large volumes of highly flammable liquid fuels are stored in massive atmospheric tanks, exposed to extreme operating conditions such as high temperatures, heavy mechanical stress and ever-present ignition risks such as static discharge and lightning strikes.

In this environment, even a minor error or ignition source can escalate into a potentially catastrophic incident within minutes.

In fact, earlier this year, a major fire broke out at the Al Hamriyah fuel depot in Sharjah, UAE.

Thankfully, no lives were lost, but the event once again underscored the critical importance of preparedness and high-performance firefighting resources in the petrochemical sector.

Rapid containment was possible thanks to the expertise and readiness of the on-site emergency response team.

Incidents like these highlight the importance of using the right resources to quickly control and suppress liquid fuel fires in high-risk petrochemical environments.

As the oil and gas industry embraces more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices, the transition from fluorinated firefighting foams to fluorine-free formulations is accelerating.

While some firefighting veterans have expressed concerns about whether these foams are as effective as the fluorinated solutions they replace, firefighters are starting to gain firsthand experience on the continued high level of performance of leading fluorine-free foams.

This article examines the real-world adoption of fluorine-free foam in petrochemical fire protection, highlighting practical considerations for implementation, application rates, foam logistics, large-scale product testing and certifications and real-world examples of facilities successfully using these solutions.

Planning for petrochemical facility fires

The first step in preparing for a potential incident is determining the appropriate application rate based on hazard, fuel and requirements in conjunction with the available equipment and systems at a facility.

From there, facilities can determine the optimal foam formulation and design the logistics needed to ensure fast, effective deployment if a fuel spill or fire occurs.

Successfully containing and extinguishing fires at petrochemical facilities requires careful logistical planning and coordination, as well as premium products and well-trained fire emergency teams.

Engineered fixed systems are often the primary protection, integrated with emergency mobile, high-volume firefighting resources, including large flow monitor trailers, high-volume pumps and submersible pumps, tanker trucks, hose lines and foam proportioning equipment.

Access to vast amounts of water is equally important—especially for large-scale incidents involving storage tanks, fuel bunds, or process units.

That water is needed to mix with foam concentrate to apply as finished foam to control and suppress fuel spills, vapour control and extinguishment.

For example, in some scenarios, delivering more than 40,000 liters per minute (10000 GPM) of foam solution through a single high-flow mobile monitor may be necessary to cover the largest tank on site.

Modern fluorine-free foams like SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ AS-100 and SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 SP-100 operate at application rates of 3%, while SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1×3 AR-SFFF has proven through significant testing to work effectively as low as 1% foam to 99% water.

This means that sites must plan not only for foam performance, but also for storage, resupply and delivery of the foam concentrate and the logistics for staging these large flow mobile monitor systems.

In large incidents involving vapour suppression and fully involved tank fire, this has often required hundreds of intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) and high-capacity pumping systems to be deployed

As these large fires can quickly deplete foam stocks, it is also important to consider the application rates for tank fire protection with portable, mobile and semi-fixed monitor systems, as outlined by the National Fire Protection Association in NFPA 11, which further illustrates the scale of the resources involved.

The standard recommends a minimum of 6.5 lpm/m2 for fixed roof storge tanks containing hydrocarbons for a minimum discharge time of 50 to 65 minutes (depending on hydrocarbon fuel type).

In addition, NFPA 11 clarifies that flow calculations shall include consideration for potential foam solution losses due to wind and other ambient conditions, stating a factor of 1.5 additional foam application rate used to compensate for these factors, bringing the NFPA 11 minimum design application rate to ~9.8 lpm/m2 for monitor application on fixed roof storge tanks.

Most emergency response teams handling large tank fires prefer 1×3 foam concentrates due to their efficiency and lower concentrate demand.

In large-scale incidents around the world, this has led to sites needing to stage approximately 100 IBCs of 1×3 foam.

In contrast, if a 3% foam is required, that number could triple.

While many organisations are inclined to use 3×3 foams, it’s critical to fully understand the logistical implications, particularly around storage, delivery and resupply before making a final selection.

Perimeter Solutions offers both a one percent (SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3) and three percent solutions (SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 SP-100 and SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ AS-100) to support these incidents.

Fluorine-free solutions for oil & gas

Perimeter Solutions is a leading developer of fluorine-free firefighting foam solutions specifically designed for petrochemical environments.

Perimeter’s SOLBERG VERSAGARD series of fluorine-free foams also offers highly effective performance for petrochemical firefighting.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 3×3 AR-SFFF (along with its counterpart SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 Freeze Protected) and SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 AR-SFFF Multipurpose Foam Concentrates are non-persistent, siloxane-free and contain no intentionally added PFAS.

Capable of suppressing Class B and deep-seated Class A fires, these biodegradable products have passed multiple large-scale fire testing programs and hold key certifications, including:

• LASTFIRE

• UL 162 Listed

• EN-1568:2018 – parts 1,2, 3 & 4
• International Maritime Organisation (IMO) MSC.1/Circ.132
• ICAO Level B
• GESIP

SOLBERG® RE-HEALING™ 3×3 Fluorine-Free SP-100 was 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.

Like the SOLBERG VERSAGARD line, it is a non-persistent, siloxane-free solution that contains no intentionally added per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Designed to extinguish and secure both Class B (hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A fires, it is UL-listed, FM 5130 Approved and certified to ICAO Level B.

They are also GreenScreen® Certified Silver, reflecting their strong environmental profiles.

The performance of the SOLBERG fluorine-free Foam concentrates has made them a trusted solution for fire management teams around the world, including those at major oil companies in the Gulf, Asia Pacific region, Australia, Africa, Europe and the U.S.

One example is the selection of SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 by a UK-based petrochemical facility seeking to move away from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).

A diversified energy company, it had long intended to transition to a fluorine-free foam.

However, despite the desire to make the switch, they had not yet found a fluorine-free option that matched the performance of their existing AFFF.

That changed with the introduction of SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3, which met their logistics and fuel needs with a high-performance tested alcohol-resistant synthetic fluorine-free foam (AR-SFFF).

Working with distributor Hawkes Fire and Perimeter, representatives from the energy company travelled to Perimeter’s testing facility in Spain to evaluate the performance of the alcohol-resistant concentrate.

Additional testing with LASTFIRE was also conducted at the customer’s site in the UK, to verity the performance in larger-scale tests.

Satisfied with the results, the company moved forward with the transition.

Looking ahead

Perimeter Solutions continues to develop new technology, expanding the capabilities of fluorine-free firefighting foam.

While not focused on the petrochemical space, Perimeter Solutions developed the world’s first Mil-Spec fluorine-free foam – SOLBERG® 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF,  and recently introduced SOLBERG® Evolution 3% SFFF, another ground-breaking Newtonian product used for aircraft rescue fire suppression through sprinkler applications.

It is the world’s first fluorine-free foam concentrate with Mil-Spec approval for hydrocarbon fuel fires using standard sprinkler heads.

UL-162 listed, BSS7432 and ICAO B certified with FM 5130 certification pending, it delivers fast knockdown and extinguishment of fuels, including gasoline, Jet A and Jet A-1.

Our solutions will continue to evolve along with fire safety needs for the petrochemical sector.

We remain committed to advancing the efficacy of fluorine-free foam technology and setting the benchmark for sustainable fire suppression.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Entering a new frontier: HT&K Anti-Fire takes aim at global fluorosurfactant shortages

by Breaking NewsFire Suppression

Dr. Thanos Karydas, Director of HT&K’s Anti-Fire Group deep dives into the fluorosurfactants industry and the importance of the search for pioneering fluorine-free formulations

Dr. Thanos Karydas, the Director of HT&K’s newly formed Anti-Fire Group, is a 40-year veteran of the fluorosurfactants business, starting with Ciba Geigy in 1983.

He is one of the three founders of Dynax in 1991 and invented more than 30 patents in the fluorocarbon field.

In this interview with International Fire and Safety Journal, Dr. Karydas shares the stories of HT&K’s origins and how they are a newcomer in supplying fluorinated surfactants to the firefighting industry.

After making a dynamic entrance, HT&K are rapidly gaining recognition and market share, now supplying to some of the largest companies in the AFFF business.

Dr. Karydas epitomises HT&K’s venture as being a “natural evolution”, one that has allowed the company to become anything but your typical fluorosurfactants producer.

Please tell us about HT&K and why they decided to enter the fluorosurfactants manufacturing business at a time when most major suppliers have exited it?

HT&K was founded in 2010 and has R&D and production facilities with 70 employees in Helon, Dongguan and Qingyuan, China.

We are one of the largest producers of fluorochemicals for textile applications.

In 2019 when the AFFF industry began experiencing fluorosurfactant supply problems, we were able to recognize this opportunity, making a venture and natural progression into fluorosurfactant production.

Can you give us an overview of the supply situation of AFFF components and why they are so important to the firefighting industry?

AFFFs are extremely effective in extinguishing all types of fuel fires and have for decades been the dominant formulations for military and industrial applications.

The key components that provide these properties to the AFFFs are fluorinated surfactants and polymers.

These were first developed by 3M in the late sixties and by 1983, when I joined Ciba Geigy’s fluorochemicals division as a young PhD, Ciba Geigy and DuPont deNemours had joined the firefighting frey, albeit with different fluorocarbon technology than 3M.

Ciba Geigy produced surfactants under the LODYNEÒ name and DuPont was participating with technology originally developed by the French company Ugine-Kuhlmann.

Up until 2000, the only significant suppliers were the above three chemical giants.

In 2001, 3M withdrew from the market because of toxicity concerns over their PFOA/PFOS-based technology and Ciba Geigy soon followed because of a change in their business direction.

In 2003, Chemguard, after purchasing the fluorosurfactant know-how from Ciba Geigy, started to produce and market the LODYNEÒ products.

At around the same time, Dynax started to produce the LODYNEÒ fluorosurfactants under the DX designation as the Ciba-Geigy patents had expired.

By 2010, we had a situation where the three major suppliers were Chemguard and Dynax with Ciba Geigy technology and Chemours with their own technology.

In round numbers, this was a $90MM/year business, with DuPont having about 45% and the other two roughly splitting the remainder.

DuPont later transferred the fluorocarbon technology to a spin-off named Chemours, which marketed the fluorosurfactants under the Capstone designation.

Between the three companies, the demand by AFFF manufacturers for fluorosurfactants was satisfied adequately and timely.

In 2017 the situation changed abruptly; the first wave of lawsuits was filed against fluorosurfactant and AFFF manufacturers and, by mid-2025, there were more than 11,000 lawsuits filed against over 25 separate companies including 3M, DuPont/Chemours, Tyco/Chemguard and Dynax.

These were based on claimed water contamination and health effects caused by PFAS, with PFOA and PFOS in center stage.

This created turmoil in the fluorosurfactant market.

Chemguard exited the business, Chemours was not taking new customers, and Dynax could not keep up with demand, as some toll manufacturers had stopped production due to litigation.

Dynax recently shifted manufacturing to a toll producer in Mexico.

Finally, in early 2025 Chemours exited the CapstoneÒ business.

Do you feel this is when HT&K recognized the opportunity?

Correct, this was a natural evolution for HT&K.

The LodyneÒ and CapstoneÒ products technology is more than 40 years old and patent-free.

HT&K has a strong and experienced R&D group with more than 100 years of combined fluorocarbon experience; integrating the fluorosurfactants available from Chemguard/Dynax and Chemours into the product line was not a daunting task.

The Anti-Fire division was formed and in 2023 sales of substitutes for the Dynax products commenced.

In 2025, as Chemours was exiting the fluorosurfactants business, HT&K Anti-Fire introduced substitutes for the two key CapstoneÒ products.

As the raw materials for fluorosurfactants production are made in Asia, HT&K has a major advantage in terms of delivery timing and cost, because they are not encumbered by tariffs and shipping duration and costs.

Why make chemically identical substitutes and not something new or proprietary?

It is important to realize that, once they develop and certify a formulation, AFFF manufacturers are essentially bound to using specific products.

Reformulation using different fluorosurfactants may be a long, expensive and often unsuccessful process.

Even if performance is acceptable, the new formulation will require recertification and as an indicator, UL certification can cost from $15,000 to more than $200,000 per product.

Multiply that by the number of products in the product line.

By offering fluorosurfactants chemically identical to those from Chemours and Dynax, HT&K Anti-Fire offers the formulators the opportunity to continue producing without the need for recertification.

There are a number of Chinese companies offering fluorosurfactants, what makes HT&K different?

HT&K is not your typical fluorosurfactants producer.

We are a company with an international and very experienced staff and access to international research institutions.

Our products are proven, direct substitutes for the Chemours and Dynax products.

Our production capacity is nearly 2,000 tons/year, enough to satisfy worldwide demand.

I understand the other Chinese manufacturers produce 30-100 tons/year.

We are unencumbered by lawsuits.

We produce in-house; we don’t use a toll manufacturer in a different country.

When the Anti-Fire division was first formed there was reluctance by AFFF manufacturers, even some based in China, to even test the products, as they had been burned before, almost literally, by testing fluorosurfactants from other Chinese manufacturers.

Two years later, we are the number one supplier in China and have made great inroads with the major companies in India and Russia, where we are rapidly gaining market share.

We are now making forays into Europe and North America.

I am convinced that within a few years we will be the leading fluorosurfactants supplier in the world.

We see that there is a large shift to fluorine-free foams in many countries –  what do you think is the medium- and long-term outlook for AFFFs?

There is no doubt that worldwide consumption of AFFFs is reduced compared to the previous decade, particularly in Europe and North America.

There has been great progress in fluorine-free foams by a number of companies, but the reality is that AFFFs offer far superior performance.

Unfortunately, there is no side-by-side comparison during catastrophic fires, so it is difficult to realize that many catastrophies could have been avoided if AFFFs had been used.

My belief is that AFFFs will be around for the foreseeable future, certainly a couple of decades; there is still unabated demand for them in Asia and significant demand in Europe and North America.

They just need to be used judiciously; the potential for environmental pollution must be weighed against the potential loss of life and property.

There are situations where rapid extinguishment is required, for example in aircraft carriers where munitions and fuel are stored.

Many governments have given ten-year exemptions when it comes to these applications so AFFFs can be used.

My analogy is that to medication- you don’t receive chemotherapy if you have a headache, but if you have cancer it is the drug of choice in spite of the side effects.

The same holds for some fires that can only be extinguished by AFFFs; the environmental damage is miniscule compare to the potential damage and pollution caused by the fire.

What do you see as the future endeavors of HT&K Anti-Fire?

There is no doubt that the fluorine-free foams are the new frontier.

The limitation currently imposed on formulators is that they have to work with commodity surfactants, typically used as shampoos and degreasers.

It is important to realize that it took years of R&D to purpose-develop the fluorosurfactants used in AFFFs and that a similar strategy must be implemented to develop the next generation of fluorine-free foams.

This is the approach we are taking at HT&K Anti-Fire, as part of our search for pioneering fluorine-free formulations.

We have already introduced performance-leading fluorine-free concentrates for lithium-ion battery fires and for gasoline and jet A fuel fires.

This was originally published in the January 2026 Edition of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE copy, click here.

Veolia introduces PFAS treatment solution in UK

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionHealth and SafetySafetySustainability

UK ban prompts new AFFF treatment rollout

Veolia has launched a high-temperature PFAS treatment service to manage Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) fire suppressants before their use is banned in the UK in July 2025.

According to Veolia, the company expects up to 10,000 tonnes of stored PFAS-containing AFFF to require safe disposal. The treatment will be carried out at its Ellesmere Port High Temperature Incinerator (HTI), approved by the Environment Agency.

The new service forms part of Veolia’s global BeyondPFAS programme and aims to support producers and users in safely disposing of AFFF stocks held across sectors including petrochemical, aviation and emergency services.

High temperature incineration process approved by regulator

The HTI process will destroy PFAS materials using thermal treatment at 1100 degrees Celsius.

Veolia stated that the facility has been validated by the Environment Agency, which has also approved the associated monitoring and emissions testing procedures.

The company projects a treatment efficiency of 99.999% for AFFF and other PFAS-containing wastes. The site is equipped to manage items such as fire extinguishers, suppressants and a wide range of industrial materials.

Broader PFAS disposal capacity beyond fire safety

Beyond firefighting applications, Veolia confirmed the HTI facility can also accept PFAS materials from sectors including chemical manufacturing, building and construction, metal finishing, semiconductors, textiles and paper products.

The company noted that the treatment infrastructure is part of a wider hazardous waste service that includes collection, incineration, recycling and reuse.

According to Veolia, this network currently treats around 8 million tonnes of hazardous waste annually across over 300 sites globally.

Veolia’s UK service aligns with global PFAS strategy

Nicola Henshaw, Managing Director Hazardous at Veolia UK, said the rollout supports wider regulatory developments:

“The regulatory landscape surrounding PFAS is rapidly evolving, with increasing scrutiny and stricter controls being implemented globally.

“Veolia is committed to staying at the forefront of these developments and providing our clients with effective, safe and compliant solutions for managing PFAS contamination.

“Aligned with our GreenUp strategy which positions Veolia as a leader in decontamination, we are utilising our expertise and comprehensive range of technologies to enable us to address the complex challenges posed by PFAS and contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment.”

The company’s BeyondPFAS service offers detection, testing and disposal based on local laws and technical requirements.

Veolia stated this global service draws on more than 100 years of experience in hazardous waste and decontamination.

Veolia introduces PFAS treatment solution in UK: Summary

Veolia has launched a new PFAS treatment process at its Ellesmere Port facility.

The process is designed to treat AFFF fire suppressants before a UK ban takes effect in July 2025.

The Environment Agency has approved the high-temperature incineration method used.

Veolia estimates 10,000 tonnes of PFAS materials are stored at user and producer sites.

The system operates at 1100 degrees Celsius with 99.999% treatment efficiency.

The treatment is part of Veolia’s global BeyondPFAS programme.

The site also accepts PFAS waste from construction, chemicals, textiles and electronics.

Nicola Henshaw of Veolia UK said the service supports evolving global regulations.

The company currently handles 8 million tonnes of hazardous waste per year.

It operates more than 300 treatment facilities across five continents.

From Auxquimia to Perimeter Solutions: Fifty years of safety success

by Featured NewsFire SuppressionWildland Fire

Javier Castro, VP and General Manager of Fire Safety EMEA at Perimeter Solutions, reflects on Auxquimia’s 50-year journey from family business to global firefighting solution leader

Staying in business long-term is no small feat. In fact, data show that roughly 20% of new businesses in Spain fail within their first year.

This makes the success of Auxquimia, based in Mieres, Asturias, Spain, all the more impressive.

Founded as a family business by the Acuña family in 1974, Auxquimia celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, reflecting on its remarkable evolution into one of the global leaders in firefighting foam concentrates.

When the company first opened its doors, it started as an engineering firm and provided consulting services for its customers.

Later, it became one of the first companies in Spain to manufacture industrial consumer products primarily for the safety sector.

These early products brought Auxquimia into the fire safety industry.

Based on resin foams, these solutions were designed to prevent and combat fires in the mining industry, particularly in coal mines.

Expanding safety solutions for a changing industry

Building on its firefighting foam capabilities, Auxquimia expanded its fire safety portfolio by developing fire extinguisher additives, high-expansion foam concentrates, aqueous film-forming foams (like AUXQUIMIA® AQUAFILM™) and alcohol resistant-AFFF solutions, (such as AUXQUIMIA® Polyfoam.

As the company continued to grow, their portfolio of firefighting foam concentrate solutions advanced.

Responding to industry concerns surrounding polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the company began developing fluorine-free solutions that were used to battle fires involving flammable liquids, such as petroleum and kerosene.

The industry responded positively to Auxquimia’s advanced technology and the company began a concentrated effort to expand its business to international markets.

They started exporting from Spain to other European countries, including France, Finland, Italy and the United Kingdom, as well as countries in South America and Asia.

With a strong commitment to innovation and an experienced research and development team, Auxquimia was seen as a leader in the international fire safety industry.

The proven effectiveness of its products and its large production capacity led it to becoming the sole supplier of firefighting foam concentrates to major global companies in multiple industries including the petrochemical, chemical, naval, aerospace, energy, mining and automotive segments.

A new era: Strategic acquisitions and global expansion

Around this time, the fire safety division of Israel Chemicals Limited (now Perimeter Solutions, as of 2018) sought to expand its wildfire business into other segments of the fire safety industry, including industrial fire safety.

ICL owned the PHOS-CHEK® brand of fire retardant and firefighting foams and maintained production facilities in the United States, Canada and France.

On May 2, 2014, they completed the acquisition of Auxquimia, expanding its portfolio of Class B firefighting foams.

In a statement released at the time, ICL said the purchase completed the organisation’s goal to become the main supplier for firefighters around the world.

Following the acquisition, Auxquimia continued to work to reduce the environmental impact of its products and they made a commitment to further develop firefighting foam concentrates that were free of fluorine.

In 2015, Auxquimia was exporting nearly three-quarters of its manufactured products to locations throughout Europe, Asia and America, while securing partnerships with major customers.

In 2018, SK Capital acquired ICL’s oil additives and firefighting business units, which included Auxquimia and formed Perimeter Solutions.

The newly formed independent company now specialised in fire management chemicals, oil and lubricant additives and chemicals for pesticide and mining applications.

Bolstering global production

Later that year, Perimeter Solutions made a key acquisition to expand its firefighting foam business when it bought The Solberg Company, the firefighting foam products division of Amerex Corporation.

At the time of the acquisition, Solberg maintained production facilities in the United States, Australia and Norway and Perimeter Solutions made the decision to transfer Norway’s production to Asturias, Spain, to merge that location’s firefighting foam operations with Auxquimia into a single unit.

In 2021, Auxquimia’s focus on developing more environmentally responsible solutions led to the introduction of SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ AS-100 Multi-Purpose 3×3 Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate, an alcohol-resistant, state-of-the-art pseudoplastic foam technology that contains no intentionally added PFAS chemicals that can be used to secure Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel) fires and deep-seated Class A fires.

This biodegradable and non-persistent fluorine-free foam concentrate became an instantly viable alternative to traditional fluorinated AR-AFFF 3×3 products that were on the market.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD AS-100 delivers excellent firefighting performance, but one of its key advantages when compared to other fluorine-free solutions on the market, is the consistent viscosity it maintains when in contact with water, dramatically improving handling and use rates in firefighting operations.

Auxquimia expanded the SOLBERG VERSAGARD line a year later with SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1×3.

Ideal for industrial emergency response, its low viscosity has made it the firefighting foam of choice for organisations in the petrochemical space.

Haitham Khouri, CEO of Perimeter Solutions, joined the Auxquimia team on September 16, 2024, to celebrate the company’s 50th Anniversary.

One of the original founders of Auxquimia was in attendance and was honored with a plaque for his part in building the organisation.

Representatives from local and regional authorities, valued collaborators, employees and friends also joined to mark the milestone.

A legacy of leadership

Looking back over its 50 years of innovation, Auxquimia has developed a stellar line of proprietary firefighting solutions in addition to its SOLBERG VERSAGARD products, including:

  • AUXQUIMIA® AQUAFILM™: Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) for fighting hydrocarbon fires.
  • AUXQUIMIA® AUXIFOAM: Synthetic resin for fire extinguishing.
  • AUXQUIMIA® FLUOPOL™: Synthetic fluorine-free foams, free of fluorosurfactants, containing polysaccharides that give the foam a pseudoplastic behavior, providing slow drainage and fluoropolymers for good oleophobicity.
  • AUXQUIMIA® POLYFOAM 3/3: Versatile synthetic AFFF for fighting hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires (alcohols, ketones, ethers, esters, amines, etc.).
  • AUXQUIMIA® UNIPOL-FF™: Synthetic foam based on hydrocarbon surfactants. It does not contain fluorinated surfactants or polymers. It can be used in the extinguishing of both Class B (liquids) and Class A (solids) fires.

As Auxquimia celebrates its 50th anniversary, it stands at the forefront of innovation in firefighting technology.

The company’s commitment to developing high-performance, more environmentally responsible solutions has solidified its role as a global leader in fire safety.

Looking ahead, Auxquimia is poised to continue shaping the future of the industry by pushing the boundaries of foam concentrate technology, ensuring that its products not only meet the rigorous demands of modern firefighting but continue to be one of the leaders in innovation.

With its experienced team, cutting-edge research and continued investment in sustainability, Auxquimia is well-positioned to lead the charge in the next generation of firefighting solutions—ensuring that it remains a trusted partner in saving lives and protecting property for many decades to come.

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

Aqueous Film Forming Foam – The Complete Facts

by Fire SuppressionFire SuppressionFirefighting EquipmentFirefighting Equipment

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) stands as a frontline defence against flammable liquid fires, renowned for its rapid extinguishing capabilities. 

In this article, we explore the complete facts surrounding AFFF, shedding light on its composition, applications, benefits, and drawbacks. 

Understanding the nuances of AFFF is essential for firefighters, industrial facilities, and anyone concerned with fire safety. 

Join us as we delve into the world of Aqueous Film Forming Foam to uncover its role in modern fire suppression and the alternatives available in the firefighting arsenal.

What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam?

what is aqueous film forming foam

Aqueous Film Forming Foam is a firefighting agent utilised to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. 

It comprises a mixture of water, fluorosurfactants, and hydrocarbon surfactants. 

The key component of AFFF is its ability to form a thin, heat-resistant film on the surface of flammable liquids, effectively smothering the fire and preventing re-ignition. 

This foam blanket cools the fire, suppressing vapour release and preventing oxygen from reaching the fuel source. 

Aqueous Film Forming Foam is typically stored as a concentrate and mixed with water before use, either through a fixed foam system or portable fire fighting equipment such as fire hoses or foam sprayers.

What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam Used for?

aqueous film forming foam used for

Aqueous Film Forming Foam finds extensive use in fire suppression scenarios involving flammable liquid fires. 

Its effectiveness lies in its ability to rapidly extinguish fires fueled by substances such as oil, gasoline, diesel, and solvents. 

AFFF is commonly deployed in various industries, including petrochemical plants, refineries, chemical manufacturing facilities, airports, military installations, and firefighting operations.

Industrial Use

In industrial settings, such as warehouses, Aqueous Film Forming Foam is often integrated into fixed foam systems, providing continuous fire protection for high-risk areas such as storage tanks, loading racks, and process areas. 

These systems can automatically release AFFF when a fire is detected, quickly smothering the flames and preventing escalation.

Aviation Use

In aviation, Aqueous Film Forming Foam is utilised as a firefighting agent for extinguishing fuel fires that may occur during aircraft accidents or emergencies. 

Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicles are equipped with AFFF-based foam systems capable of delivering large volumes of foam to suppress fires on runways and aircraft surfaces.

Military Use

Similarly, Aqueous Film Forming Foam plays a crucial role in military firefighting operations, where it is used to combat fires on military vehicles, aircraft, and naval vessels. 

Military-grade AFFF formulations are designed to meet stringent performance standards and withstand harsh operational environments.

Emergency Responder Use

In addition to industrial and military applications, AFFF is also employed by municipal fire departments and emergency responders as a portable fire fighting agent. 

Firefighters use AFFF-based foam solutions to extinguish flammable liquid fires, supplementing water-based firefighting efforts with foam blankets that provide enhanced fire suppression and post-fire security.

What Types of Aqueous Film Forming Foam are There?

aqueous film forming foam types

There are several types of Aqueous Film Forming Foam in use, with the most common two being synthetic-based and protein-based.

Synthetic-based Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Synthetic-based AFFF is the most commonly used type of AFFF and is formulated using synthetic fluorosurfactants and hydrocarbon surfactants. 

This type of AFFF offers excellent fire suppression performance and is compatible with a wide range of flammable liquids.

Protein-based Aqueous Film Forming Foam

Protein-based AFFF is less commonly used than synthetic-based AFFF and is formulated using natural protein-based surfactants derived from animal by-products. 

This type of AFFF has good burn-back resistance and is effective against certain types of flammable liquid fires. 

However, it may be less stable and more prone to degradation over time compared to synthetic-based AFFF.

Which to Choose?

Both types of AFFF are available in various concentrations, typically ranging from 1% to 6%, with higher concentrations providing increased firefighting effectiveness. 

The choice between synthetic-based and protein-based AFFF depends on factors such as firefighting requirements, environmental considerations, and regulatory compliance. 

While synthetic-based AFFF is more commonly used due to its superior performance and stability, protein-based AFFF may be preferred in certain applications or environments where synthetic-based AFFF is not suitable.

What are the Benefits of Aqueous Film Forming Foam?

aqueous film forming foam benefits

Aqueous Film Forming Foam has a wide range of benefits. 

Some of the main ones are:

Rapid Fire Suppression

Aqueous Film Forming Foam offers rapid fire suppression capabilities, quickly smothering flames and preventing the spread of fire. 

The foam blanket formed by AFFF effectively seals off the fuel source, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the fire.

Burn-back Resistance

AFFF provides excellent burn-back resistance, meaning that once the fire is extinguished, the foam blanket remains in place to prevent re-ignition. 

This helps to ensure that the fire does not reignite after suppression efforts have ceased, providing enhanced post-fire security.

Versatility

Aqueous Film Forming Foam is versatile and adaptable, capable of extinguishing fires involving a wide range of flammable liquids, including oil, gasoline, diesel, and solvents. 

Its effectiveness across different types of fuel fires makes it a valuable tool in various industries and firefighting scenarios.

Stability

AFFF foam blankets are stable and long-lasting, maintaining their integrity even under adverse conditions such as high temperatures or turbulent environments. 

This stability ensures consistent firefighting performance and minimises the risk of foam degradation during storage or deployment.

Environmental Compatibility

Some formulations of Aqueous Film Forming Foam are designed to be environmentally friendly, with reduced toxicity and minimal impact on the environment. 

These eco-friendly AFFF formulations meet stringent environmental regulations and are suitable for use in environmentally sensitive areas.

Cost-effectiveness

AFFF is cost-effective compared to other firefighting agents, offering efficient fire suppression capabilities at a relatively low cost. 

Its affordability makes it accessible to a wide range of industries and organisations, from large-scale industrial facilities to small businesses and municipal fire departments.

What are the Downsides of Aqueous Film Forming Foam?

aqueous film forming foam downsides

White Aqueous Film Forming Foam has numerous advantages to its use, it does come with various negatives that must be addressed. 

Some of the most common downsides are:

Environmental Impact

One of the main downsides of Aqueous Film Forming Foam is its environmental impact. AFFF contains fluorosurfactants, which can persist in the environment and pose potential risks to ecosystems and human health. 

These fluorosurfactants can bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms and have been linked to adverse effects on wildlife and aquatic habitats.

Health Concerns

In addition to environmental concerns, AFFF may also pose health risks to firefighters and other individuals exposed to the foam. 

Some formulations of AFFF contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been associated with various health issues, including cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system disorders. 

Prolonged or repeated exposure to AFFF foam may increase the risk of adverse health effects.

Cleanup and Disposal Challenges

Aqueous Film Forming Foam can be challenging to clean up and dispose of properly after firefighting operations. 

The foam can accumulate in waterways, soil, and groundwater, leading to contamination and environmental damage. 

Proper cleanup and disposal procedures are necessary to minimise the environmental impact of AFFF and prevent long-term contamination of soil and water resources.

Regulatory Restrictions

Due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of AFFF, regulatory agencies have implemented restrictions on its use and disposal. 

Some jurisdictions have banned or restricted the use of AFFF containing certain fluorosurfactants or PFAS compounds. 

These regulations may limit the availability and use of AFFF in certain regions or industries, requiring alternative firefighting agents to be used instead.

What are the Alternatives of Aqueous Film Forming Foam?

aqueous film forming foam alternatives

Due to some of the disadvantages of using Aqueous Film Forming Foam, alternatives can be used:

Dry Chemical Agents

Dry chemical agents, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and sodium bicarbonate, are commonly used alternatives to Aqueous Film Forming Foam for extinguishing flammable liquid fires. 

These agents work by interrupting the chemical reaction of the fire and are particularly effective against Class B fires involving flammable liquids and gases. 

Dry chemical agents are available in portable extinguishers and fixed fire suppression systems, offering rapid and efficient fire suppression capabilities.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is another alternative firefighting agent used for extinguishing flammable liquid fires. 

CO2 works by displacing oxygen from the fire area, effectively smothering the flames and preventing combustion. 

CO2 is non-conductive and leaves no residue, making it suitable for use in electrical and sensitive equipment environments. 

However, CO2 can be dangerous in confined spaces due to the risk of oxygen depletion, and proper ventilation is necessary when using CO2 for fire suppression.

Environmentally Friendly Foam Formulations

In response to environmental concerns associated with traditional AFFF formulations, manufacturers have developed foam concentrates with environmentally friendly formulations. 

These foam concentrates are free from fluorosurfactants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), reducing their environmental impact and potential health risks. 

While these environmentally friendly foam concentrates may have slightly different firefighting properties compared to traditional AFFF, they offer effective fire suppression capabilities while minimising environmental harm.

Water-Based Firefighting Systems

Water-based firefighting systems, such as sprinkler systems and water mist systems, provide an alternative approach to fire suppression without the use of foam agents. 

These systems use water as the primary extinguishing agent, either through sprinkler heads or high-pressure water mist nozzles. 

Water-based firefighting systems are effective at suppressing fires involving flammable liquids and are often used in industrial and commercial settings for fire protection. 

Additionally, water-based systems are environmentally friendly and pose minimal health risks compared to foam agents.

Conclusion

Aqueous Film Forming Foam stands as a powerful tool in firefighting, offering rapid fire suppression capabilities for flammable liquid fires. 

While AFFF provides numerous benefits, including quick extinguishment and excellent burn-back resistance, it also presents downsides such as environmental impact and health concerns. 

Exploring alternatives like dry chemical agents, carbon dioxide, environmentally friendly foam concentrates, and water-based firefighting systems can mitigate these drawbacks. 

As the firefighting industry evolves, balancing the effectiveness of AFFF with environmental and health considerations remains crucial in ensuring comprehensive fire protection strategies for both present and future needs.