Perimeter Solutions secures FM approval for fluorine-free sprinkler foam

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Perimeter Solutions foam approved for fixed systems

Perimeter Solutions has secured FM 5130 approval for SOLBERG EVOLUTION 3% Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF), a Newtonian formulation for aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) and sprinkler applications.

The company said the approval makes SOLBERG EVOLUTION 3% SFFF the first fluorine-free foam on the US Department of Defense’s Qualified Products List (QPL) to also hold FM approval for fixed sprinkler systems.

The approval applies to aircraft hangars, fuel storage facilities and other fixed fire protection systems.

The foam has water-like viscosity and is compatible with standard sprinkler hardware.

It is designed for hydrocarbon fuels including gasoline and kerosene-based fuels such as Jet A and Jet A-1.

The product has demonstrated performance through aspirated and non-aspirated standard sprinkler heads to extinguish and secure Class B hydrocarbon fuel fires.

Zachary Brackin, Manager – Business Development and Southern Region Sales Manager at Perimeter Solutions, said: “Aviation fire protection is evolving, and so is the chemistry behind it.

“This advanced formulation delivers effective fire suppression that meets the strict performance and compliance standards set by FM, UL, ICAO, FAA and the US Department of Defense, helping customers transition to fluorine-free foam that is compatible with their existing fire protection infrastructure.”

Technical approvals and product details

SOLBERG EVOLUTION 3% SFFF has UL 162 and FM 5130 fixed-system approvals with SOLBERG bladder tanks, foam chambers and associated system hardware, including non-aspirated sprinkler heads.

It is designed to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements for hydrocarbon fuel and critical asset protection, including aircraft hangars, JUHI facilities and fuel storage operations.

The product is MIL-SPEC-approved and holds International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Level B certification for ARFF performance, meeting Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and ICAO requirements.

It has been tested in accordance with Boeing Specification Support Standard (BSS 7432) for evaluation of airplane maintenance materials.

The formulation contains no intentionally added per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

It was developed without silicone or siloxane chemistries, biopolymers or thickening agents and is designed to be biodegradable with no persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) profile.

James Perriss, Director of Product Management – Global Suppressants at Perimeter Solutions, said: “SOLBERG Evolution builds on the success of SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF, the first fluorine-free concentrate to be included on the Department of Defense’s Qualified Products List (QPL).

“This formulation expands the range of approved applications, including use with standard sprinkler systems, providing another example of how SOLBERG is advancing fire suppression technology while supporting customers with environmentally responsible, high-performance solutions.”

The company said the Solberg team will be at the National Fire Sprinkler Association North American Fire Sprinkler Expo from April 29 to May 1, 2026.

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.

From theory to tactics: Inside the new Foam School from Perimeter Solutions

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionTraining

Mark Siem, Business Development Manager at Perimeter Solutions, shares why affordability, mobility and realism were key to designing a new model for foam education

Can you give us an overview of the Perimeter Solutions Industrial Foam School and what prompted its creation?

The idea for the Industrial Foam School started with internal conversations about the need for hands-on training with fluorine-free firefighting foam, but we needed to develop the resources and bring in the personnel to make it happen.

As we continued those discussions and spoke with people across the industry, we heard consistent feedback: most foam training programs felt more like sales pitches than educational experiences.

We also learned that travel was a barrier for many.

Not everyone can afford to fly to Texas or other centralized locations for a week of training.

So, we introduced a new model, deciding to bring the school to our customers.

By traveling to different locations, we are making high-quality, practical foam training more accessible to people who need it.

Affordability was also important to us.

We intentionally priced the program to fit within the budgets of departments and facilities that might otherwise not have the opportunity.

The first session recently took place at the Delaware State Fire Academy – how did it go, and what kind of feedback did you receive from attendees?

The first session went as well as we could have hoped, and the feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive.

We asked participants to complete a post-course survey, and on a 10-point scale, every aspect of the training received ratings of 9 or higher.

Attendees appreciated the quality of the content, the amount of hands-on nozzle time they received, the affordable price point, and even the meals we provided.

One of the things they valued most was the smaller class size, which allowed for more one-on-one time with instructors and a better opportunity to ask questions, something that’s often missing in larger, more traditional foam schools.

The only complaint was really about the rain, which we didn’t enjoy either, but aside from that, it was a strong start and a great foundation to build on as we take the program to new locations.

What are the key skills or knowledge areas that participants walk away with after completing the program?

Over the course of the two-day session, participants receive in-depth training on four key areas: fluorine-free foam fundamentals, foam hardware, application tactics and techniques, and incident preplanning with F3.

Another advantage of our program is the hands-on experience with actual fluorine-free foam.

For a long time, traditional foam schools used training foam during their sessions.

We use SOLBERG® fluorine-free foam, and the facilities we teach at allow for their use, giving attendees the opportunity to work directly with foam used in real-world large-scale fire suppression.

How do you see this training initiative supporting broader industry efforts around the transition to fluorine-free foam solutions?

This training plays a critical role in helping the industry make a successful transition to fluorine-free foam.

By giving end users the knowledge and hands-on experience they need, we are helping them become more confident and capable with F3.

Training is essential and using F3 effectively requires a strong understanding of its properties and application tactics.

Without that, even the best product will not perform as intended in a real-world fire.

We can’t continue to fight the fires as we’ve done in the past, we need to be more mindful of how the foam is applied.

With more dates and locations on the 2025 schedule, what are your goals for the program moving forward?

Our goal is to continue growing the program and expanding its reach.

The next two sessions are set for October 9–10 at Lambton College in Sarnia, Ontario, and October 28–29 at the Fire Academy of the South in Jacksonville, Florida.

We are sticking with our model of small class sizes, hosting 30 or fewer attendees, to ensure quality instruction and personalized engagement.

Looking ahead to 2026, we plan to increase the number of sessions and bring the program to more regions around the world.

Organizations that burn liquid fuel and are interested in scheduling a session are encouraged to contact us.

SOLBERG SPARTAN fluorine-free foam launched by Perimeter Solutions at FDIC 2025

by ActiveBreaking NewsFire SuppressionProducts

New foam concentrate supports faster suppression and reduced water use

Perimeter Solutions has announced the release of its new SOLBERG SPARTAN 1% Fluorine-Free Class A/B Foam Concentrate at FDIC 2025 in the United States.

The company reported that the foam is designed to give firefighters more control in various fire scenarios, including structure, wildland, vehicle, gasoline, and dumpster fires.

Craig McDonnell, Vice President, Americas Fire Suppression at Perimeter Solutions, said: “SOLBERG SPARTAN is a game-changing product for firefighters.

“One foam for 99% of fires, it is our most effective fluorine-free Class A/B foam, delivering fast knockdowns, reducing flashover risk, and providing superior heat protection.”

According to Perimeter Solutions, the foam enables faster cooling times and requires less water during fire suppression activities.

Firefighters can cut cooling time and water usage

Perimeter Solutions cited data showing that cooling a fire from 1,000°F to 212°F with water alone can take nearly four minutes.

When used with water, the SOLBERG SPARTAN foam can reportedly reduce this time by more than half.

The company stated that the foam reduces water demand by 40%, helping responders to conserve resources while maintaining suppression effectiveness.

Kurt Becker, Controller, Americas Fire Suppression at Perimeter Solutions, said: “We are proud to introduce this battle-ready foam technology, providing firefighters with a solution that maximizes efficiency, conserves water, and minimizes property damage.”

Foam compatible with standard firefighting equipment

Perimeter Solutions said the product is compatible with standard firefighting systems, including inline eductors, self-inducting nozzles, monitors, medium-expansion foam devices, and compressed air foam systems.

The foam also has similar viscosity to Class A foam, making it suitable for onboard proportioning systems.

The company said this compatibility allows for easier integration into current fire service operations without requiring major changes in equipment.

Certification and environmental claims detailed

Perimeter Solutions stated that the foam carries several certifications including:

  • UL 162/ULC S654 Listed for use at 1% on Class B hydrocarbon non-water miscible fuel fires
  • UL/ULC Classified for 0.1% use on Class A fires and 0.25% on Class B non-water miscible fires
  • Classified as a Class A Wetting Agent in line with ANSI/NFPA 18

According to the company, the product contains no intentionally added PFAS.

Becker added: “As a former firefighter, I know firsthand what’s needed in the field, and today’s firefighters will be impressed by how SOLBERG SPARTAN delivers excellent performance while supporting firefighter safety.”

SOLBERG SPARTAN fluorine-free foam launched by Perimeter Solutions at FDIC 2025: Summary

Perimeter Solutions has launched its SOLBERG SPARTAN 1% Fluorine-Free Class A/B Foam Concentrate at FDIC 2025.

The foam is designed to handle structure, wildland, vehicle, gasoline, and dumpster fires.

It reduces cooling time by more than half and lowers water use by 40%.

The foam is compatible with conventional firefighting equipment.

It has similar viscosity to Class A foam and is usable in onboard proportioning systems.

Certifications include UL 162/ULC S654 for Class B fires, UL/ULC for Class A and Class B, and ANSI/NFPA 18 as a Class A Wetting Agent.

The foam contains no intentionally added PFAS.

FDIC 2025 is being held in the United States from 9 to 12 April.

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.

Perimeter Solutions unveils automated fire testing system for enhanced safety

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Perimeter introduces the new fire testing system

Perimeter Solutions, in collaboration with AUXQUIMIA, S.A.U., is at the forefront of digital transformation in fire safety, developing an automated fire test system.

This system is designed to capture data during fire extinguishing tests involving firefighting foams on flammable liquids.

The initiative aims to expedite research and development processes while elevating quality control standards.

The automation project focuses on the fire-fighting foam testing activities at the manufacturing plant in Mieres, Asturias.

Project funding and support

The automation project has received significant backing, co-financed by the Government of the Principality of Asturias through IDEPA, and the European Union via the ERDF.

IFSJ Comment

The collaboration between Perimeter Solutions, AUXQUIMIA, S.A.U., the Government of the Principality of Asturias, and the European Union through the ERDF represents a significant step forward in fire safety technology.

By introducing automation into fire-fighting foam testing, this initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of fire safety research and development.

Such advancements are crucial for developing more effective firefighting solutions, ultimately contributing to safer environments.

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.

Firefighting foam: Local blending, global impact

by Breaking NewsFire SuppressionIFSJ Exclusives

Fredric Pettersson, Sales Director, Fire Safety Group, Perimeter Solutions looks at the new firefighting foam blending facility in Saudi Arabia

A secure supply chain has always been an important facet of international business, but the pandemic of 2020-2022 taught us all that the unexpected can happen and underscored the importance of close availability of mission critical materials.

Firefighting foam is said to be one of the most mission critical materials we have.

This is particularly true for the petroleum industry whose existence is based on storing and transporting highly flammable raw materials and end products.

As a fire safety company with more than 60 years of experience supplying our products in a timely manner to some of the most remote locations all over the world, Perimeter Solutions has developed a range of delivery and deployment capabilities.

For more than 15 years, as part of our continuing efforts to service our customers, Perimeter Solutions has served different local blending plants with super concentrates to manufacture local firefighting foam concentrates.

There are a number of benefits to local blending, but also concerns with maintaining consistency and quality far away from the quality control programs and procedures employed at a centralised manufacturing facility.

Perimeter Solutions collaborated with fire protection equipment supplier Saudi Sicli to open a new firefighting foam blending plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support the Kingdom’s fire safety industry.

Nearly a year after its startup, this project has proven to be highly effective, and the experience can be instructive on how local blending programs can be implemented around the world.

Why local manufacturing of foam concentrates?

A secure supply of mission critical materials is one of the major reasons for local blending of firefighting foam concentrates.

All things being equal, companies around the world prefer to source locally if possible.

Local manufacturing has other benefits.

It builds infrastructure and supports local economic development.

It also has the potential to reduce total costs of goods delivered through enhanced production efficiencies, reduced transportation costs and the possibility of lower import costs.

Sourcing commodities and raw materials locally, while blending key materials at their point of use, is the perfect combination to assure availability of large quantities of product that are delivered to end users more quickly.

A leader in the Saudi Arabian fire safety industry

Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Sicli provides mechanical, electrical, and plumbing products and services to various government agencies and companies in the private sector, including railways, airports, seaports, water/electricity, defense, and industrial sectors.

The company specialises in the design, installation, operations and maintenance of firefighting, fire extinguishing and fire detection systems and equipment.

Saudi Sicli was the first company to supply certified premium firefighting foam in Saudi Arabia and has been helping to protect lives and property in the region for over four decades.

Challenges and solutions

Previously, Perimeter Solutions had been supplying Saudi Sicli with firefighting foam and equipment for nearly 15 years from facilities in Norway, the United States and northern Spain.

The overall goal of the new project was to supply a foam super concentrate blended into a standard foam concentrate using water and locally sourced chemicals.

This type of operation requires equipment systems, local expertise and the ability to tightly control finished product while continually monitoring quality.

The blending plant follows a process in which third-party bodies certify and authorise their manufacturing practices.

In 2021, Perimeter introduced a Mobile Blending Plant to accomplish these goals.

The mobile plant consists of two 40’ maritime containers that contain the means to blend, control quality and pack the foam concentrate.

The plant includes a quality control lab to assure the quality of local batches.

It is also fully automatised and can be controlled from Perimeter’s site in Spain.

The automatised system for blending and packing is managed by software that can: issue a work order specifying quantity and product type; add raw materials in the correct sequence and quantity; control the stirring speed and time; support the packaging by controlling recipient filling; and connect with Perimeter Solutions in Spain

All the data generated during the manufacturing process (sensors, video cameras, QC results, etc.) are transferred to Perimeter Solutions in real time.

The control room and quality control lab allow the manufacturing process to carry out quality control analysis.

Equipment includes: pH-meter, refractometer, densimeter, precision scales, surface tension meter, viscosimeter, digital thermometer, crystat, and other standard lab equipment.

At installation, Saudi Sicli personnel were trained by a Perimeter Solutions team in the operation of the facility.

During operation, every facet of the blending process is monitored and information is provided in real-time to Perimeter Solutions in Spain.

The facility allows Perimeter Solutions personnel to troubleshoot should it be necessary, and it can even be run remotely if required.

Once the equipment for the Mobile Blending Plant was delivered to the Saudi Sicli site, it was operational within a few months.

A ceremony to inaugurate the new blending plant was attended by leaders from Saudi Sicli and Perimeter Solutions as well as the Saudi Arabian ambassador of Spain, management from Saudi Aramco, representatives from the Saudi Arabia industry and infrastructure leaders from Modon, GACA, SEC, KAUST, and SAR.

Since operations first started, the plant has produced more than 800,000 liters of Perimeter Solutions firefighting foam products.

Fluorine-free technology leadership

Perimeter Solutions is today’s innovation and market leader in the development and implementation of effective, new fluorine-free firefighting foam technology, serving well-recognised end-users worldwide.

With R&D teams in North America and Europe, Perimeter Solutions is developing the next generation of high-performing fluorine-free Class B firefighting foams with new products introduced on a regular basis.

The Perimeter Solutions fluorine-free line contains foam concentrates suitable for use on most types of applications for both hydrocarbon and polar solvent fuel fires, training foam, specialty foams, and a complete line of Class A foam concentrates.

It includes products with certifications and approvals for commonly used systems and discharge devices.

Fluorine-free foam concentrate for the petroleum industry

In 2022, Perimeter Solutions introduced an alcohol-resistant firefighting foam concentrate developed specifically for the petroleum industry called SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ 1×3 Multipurpose Fluorine-Free Foam Concentrate.

It is non-persistent, siloxane-free, and contains no intentionally added per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The foam concentrate is designed for extinguishing and securing both Class B (hydrocarbon fuel and polar solvent fuel) and deep-seated Class A Fires.

It is ideal for industrial emergency response and is used at multiple facilities that store crude oil on site.

Product testing has shown that SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 foam concentrate performs similarly to AR-FFF products that are currently on the market, and several major multinational oil companies have already signed on to use SOLBERG VERSAGARD 1×3 in their transition programs to fluorine-free foam concentrates.

For a project of this magnitude to run smoothly, it takes a significant amount of technical expertise.

Colleagues from R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, engineering, and business have to be perfectly synchronised and work together to execute the project successfully.

This is what Perimeter Solutions brings to the market in addition to flexibility and high-quality products.

Deploying new technology

The Perimeter Solutions Mobile Blending Plant currently in use by Saudi Sicli is an example of how the best technology can be delivered globally at the best cost with security of supply.

It is expected that this approach will be used in other countries in the Middle East and around the world.

This exclusive article was originally published in the September 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

PHOS-CHEK marks 60 years of saving lives and protecting property

by Featured NewsFire Suppression

Global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives, Perimeter Solutions, has announced that PHOS-CHEK® long-term fire retardant is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The brand manufactured by Perimeter Solutions was first approved for use in aerial wildfire attack by the United States Forest Service in 1963, and it became the go-to fire retardant for wildland firefighters around the world.

When it was introduced, PHOS-CHEK improved wildland firefighting. It was the first commercialized gum-thickened fire retardant that came with a range of viscosities. Before that, the only options available to fire managers were retardants with no-viscosity (un-thickened) or high-viscosity retardants.

The innovation allowed federal agencies to optimize retardant characteristics based on delivery system, topographical situation, fuel type, and specific fire characteristics.

Since 1963, the PHOS-CHEK brand has expanded beyond fire retardant to include industry-standard firefighting foams and foam dispensing systems, equipment to deploy PHOS-CHEK chemistry in remote wooded locations, as well as ground-based fire retardants that provide extended periods of protection from wildfire in at-risk areas and around people’s homes.

PHOS-CHEK technology is backed by a global team of people who support firefighting operations with bases, logistics, consulting, applications and technology development and more.

PHOS-CHEK is now synonymous with the development of the modern firefighting industry and has continued to evolve alongside wildland firefighting to help firefighters meet the challenges of longer, more intense wildfire seasons.

To celebrate this important milestone, Perimeter Solutions is launching the PHOS-CHEK 60th Anniversary Virtual Museum. An interactive gallery, visitors to the Museum can: Read about industry pioneers, like Larry Vandersall, who are responsible for the development and evolution of PHOS-CHEK technology; Learn about famous wildfires that changed fire safety and the lives of those who were affected by them; and see the impact wildfires have on human health and the world around us.

New features will be added to the PHOS-CHEK 60th Anniversary Museum every month to provide fresh content for visitors throughout all of 2023.

Edward Goldberg, CEO of Perimeter Solutions commented: “The story of PHOS-CHEK is more than a story about products and a company. It’s a story about vision, innovation, about courage, and commitment. It’s a story about the history of firefighting successes in the USA and beyond. We hope people will share this Museum with family, friends and business associates to let them know how committed we all are to providing solutions that save lives. We are thrilled to introduce the PHOS-CHEK 60th Anniversary Museum.”

To tour the PHOS-CHEK 60th Anniversary Virtual Museum, visit https://www.perimeter-solutions.com/en/phos-chek-60-years.

Perimeter Solutions appoints President of Global Fire Safety

by Featured NewsPeople

Global manufacturer of high-quality firefighting products and lubricant additives, Perimeter Solutions, has announced Jeff Emery as its President of Global Fire Safety. This newly created role will see Emery responsible for the Fire Suppressant and Wildfire businesses at Perimeter Solutions.

Emery joins Perimeter Solutions after serving as the Vice President and General Manager of Industrial Automation for the Americas at Norgren. Prior to that, he spent 10 years with Scott Safety, leader in high performance safety equipment for firefighters, military personnel and industrial workers.

Following 3M’s acquisition of Scott Safety, Emery led the global business unit within 3M through a period of significant growth and business integration.

In addition to his professional roles in fire safety, Emery has also served on the advisory board of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), as well as the Board of Directors for Nevada Nano and Fire 20/20, a non-profit organization promoting diversity in fire services.

Commenting on his new role, Emery said: “Fire safety has been an important part of my professional and personal life for years, and I am very happy to be working for an organization where I can support Perimeter’s mission of saving lives and protecting communities. Perimeter Solutions is highly respected throughout the industry as a trusted and innovative company. Their experience in fire safety is unmatched, and I am anxious to start contributing to the company’s future growth.”

Edward Goldberg, CEO of Perimeter Solutions, added: “As we face an increasingly challenging fire landscape, it is critically important that we continue to provide the exceptional, reliable products and services our customers count on from Perimeter Solutions.

“We must also continue to innovate to deliver new solutions that help save lives and protect property. Jeff brings years of experience and industry knowledge along with a passion for serving the firefighting community. He’ll be a great addition for Perimeter as we move forward, and I am excited to welcome him to our Management Team.”