Characterization of the Dynamic Surface Tension of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam

Abstract

We have characterized the dynamic surface tension of several commercial varieties of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) using a maximum bubble pressure tensiometer. Dynamic surface tension governs the behavior of surfactant-containing solutions on short time scales before thermo-dynamic equilibrium can be achieved; this typically includes many aspects of AFFF use including foam formation. The approach to equilibrium surface tension is compared for the different products. Additionally, the effects of varying the dilution of the AFFF concentrate by water, variation of the salinity of the water and variations in ambient temperature on the dynamic surface tension are investigated. Noteworthy in the findings is that a sufficient lowering of surface tension of AFFF to form an aqueous film on typical hydrocarbon fuels does not occur for several seconds.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 09, 2004
Accession Number
ADA420320

Entities

People

  • Bradley A. Williams
  • Emily K. Hyland

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aqueous Solutions
  • Chemistry
  • Ethers
  • Films
  • Fire Suppression
  • Fresh Water
  • Hydrocarbons
  • Materials
  • Measurement
  • Military Research
  • Physical Properties
  • Salinity
  • Sea Water
  • Surface Active Substances
  • Surface Tension
  • Tensiometers
  • Water

Readers

  • Fire Suppression Systems Design.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers