Fomtec recently launched a new-generation fluorine-free foam targeting the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) market. Developed as a result of the testing work carried out in the USA evaluating fluorine-free foams as an alternative to the existing Mil Spec AFFF, and requests from the EMEA and AP markets for an ICAO-approved SFFF product that can run effectively in existing apparatus. Following receipt of ICAO Level B fire performance through MPA Dresden, Fomtec proudly introduce Enviro AIR.
Enviro AIR is a low-viscosity and low-temperature novel fluorine-free firefighting foam totally free from fluorinated surfactants and polymers. Enviro AIR is specifically designed to be an effective fluorine-free alternative for ARFF missions against Class B fires in aviation kerosine jet fuel such as a Jet A-1. Enviro AIR should be used at 3% with freshwater for low-expansion equipment such as monitors and handlines.
Enviro AIR differs from Fomtec’s previous SFFF products with ICAO Level B, the Enviro ICAO and Enviro USP, in that Enviro AIR is formulated as a low-viscosity SFFF, so that it can be used with all existing pumping and proportioning equipment that was using fluorinated foams.
Enviro AIR is specifically designed for the ARFF mission and the rapid control and knock down required to enable the rescue phase of the ARFF mission to commence. With 90% control times of 50 seconds, 99% edge flickers <60 seconds and extinguishing in 75% in an ICAO Level B fire performance test, AIR extinguishes the Level B fire with 45 seconds of the 120 seconds of foam application to spare. In the evaluation tests for the DOD in the US Enviro AIR consistently beat the 30 seconds extinguishing time required on Jet A-1 in the 28ft2 pan.
Enviro AIR is suitable for mobile firefighting using aspirating discharge devices such as foam branch pipes and monitors where application rates and techniques can be adjusted to the specifics of each incident. It is compatible with all foam compatible dry chemicals and can be used in dry chemical / foam twin agent systems.
Fomtec continues to develop and bring to market high-performance fluorine-free products. In the Aviation market Enviro AIR complements the established Enviro USP. Enviro USP is a pseudoplastic (higher viscosity) SFFF which can be used in the ARFF mission with many of the current proportioning systems deployed in the ARFF apparatus. Enviro USP is also suitable for use in aircraft hangars and in fuel farms where the product is UL listed and FM approved for use with sprinklers, foam makers / pourers and monitors.
For more information, go to www.fomtec.com
