Engineering Fire Suppression Agent Delivery to Augment PFAS-Free Foam (PFF) Performance: Compressed Air Foam (CAF) and Ultra-High Pressure (UHP) Methodologies
Abstract
This document provides guidance on two technologies to enhance the performance of PFAS-free foams (PFFs) against MIL-PRF24385F specification for Class B fire suppressants. These two technologies were compressed air foam (CAF) and ultra-high pressure (UHP) foam delivery. All PFFs failed fire extinguishment time specification, and a few failed the burnback time specifications, but CAF delivery significantly improved both for all PFFs. On average, the extinguishment time was reduced by about 40 , but still fell short of the specification. The CAF testing at medium-field (315-ft^2) scale showed that the extinguishment time was not significantly different than at Mil-Spec (28-ft^2) scale. The UHP technology also has shown considerable promise, but the demonstration of its true potential requires larger field-scale testing. Both CAF and UHP technologies help to significantly reduce the foam use, and thus the operating costs for extinguishing Type B fires. The engineering background, test-equipment description, and typical test methods for CAF and UHP are provided. As more data from currently planned testing with CAF and UHP are obtained, this guidance document is expected to be refined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 15, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1217165
Entities
People
- Bridgett Ashley
- Heather R. Luckarift
- Jeff Eichler
- Jeffery R. Owens
- Julie Bryant
- Malena Maraviglia
- Melissa Roshon
- Melody Graves
- Satya Chauhan
Organizations
- Air Force Civil Engineer Center
- Battelle Memorial Institute
- Naval Surface Warfare Center