Hydrocarbon fire protection evolves with FM Approved synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF)

Synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF) fire protection systems mitigate fires by combining rapid surface coverage, cooling, and vapor suppression. When discharged, SFFF forms a stable blanket of bubbles that can spread across the surface of flammable liquids or fuels, isolating the fuel from oxygen and cooling it below the ignition temperature. At the same time, the water content in the foam absorbs heat and seals flammable vapors – reducing the chance of reignition.

Expanding the availability of FM Approved products that mitigate the risks caused by ignitable liquids, the Solberg Company’s EVOLUTION 3% SFFF low expansion firefighting foam concentrate is now certified to the requirements of FM Approvals Examination Standard 5130 for Foam Extinguishing Systems. Given it is a Newtonian fluid – EVOLUTION 3% SFFF can simplifying the system design and equipment needed for implementation, for replacement of AFFF low expansion foam systems.

Currently targeted at the protection of hydrocarbon ignitable liquid fuel hazards, EVOLUTION 3% SFFF system is FM Approved for use on heptane and includes various size ratio controller/bladder tank proportioning combinations. Applicable discharge devices include foam chambers and K5.6, K8.0, and K11.2 pendent and upright foam-water sprinklers. One notable advantage of SFFF foam concentrates is that they do not include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

This Approval helps simplify the transition to fluorine-free technology for fixed fire protection systems, including those commonly found in aircraft hangars and fuel storage facilities. According to Mark Siem, Solberg’s Director of Research, Development, and New Technology, “the [FM Approval] will be a game changer for engineered systems. With its Newtonian viscosity, SOLBERG EVOLUTION 3% SFFF is as close to a direct replacement as the industry has seen in terms of hydraulic calculations. Although hardware that has come into contact with AFFF concentrate or solution will still need to be replaced, the calculations will be straightforward and pipe sizing won’t need to change because of its viscosity and flowability.”

The combination of this FM Approved SFFF solution and other FM Approved low and high-expansion foam systems, as well as compressed air systems, make up a diverse range of fire protection systems that have successfully met the requirements of FM 5130 for Foam Extinguishing Systems. The presence of these certified products is consistent with FM Approvals’ mission to aggressively support the availability of reliable loss prevention solutions around the world through our globally recognized certification programs.

With 130,000+ FM Approved products listed in the Approval Guide, our globally recognized certification process is backed by technical integrity and confirms product performance under real-life conditions. If you manufacture loss prevention products or are in search of a solution to protect your facility from evolving risks, please reach out to us at [email protected].