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A-Foam Basic Facts

Two very important basic physical properties of FOAM are % Solution and Expansion. Each of these will be discussed on separate pages.

But 1st, let us discuss Foam Effectiveness.

What does FOAM do for Firefighters?

2-8 Times more effective at reducing the heat of a fire {link to test results}

Holds water in retention (Bubbles) until it is needed

Easily can see where it was applied

Reduces the total amount of water needed

Sticks to the fuels to aid in wetting and cooling the fuel

Soaks into the fuels to increase fuel moisture to prevent further combustion

Reduces mop up time

Reduces carbon emmisions by attaching the carbon to the foam

Reduces water damage

Increases Customer Satisfaction

% Solution

% Solution is simply the mix of Water and Concentrate (W + Conc). A .3% (3/10ths of 1 %) solution is 1/3 gallon of concentrate mixed with 100 gallons of water. A .5% (5/10ths of 1%) Solution is 1/2 gallon of concentrate mixed with 100 gallons of water. Class A Foam is always used between …

Expansion

Expansion is basically how many bubbles by volume do I get from 1 volume of Solution (W + C). If I start with 1 gallon of Solution (W + Conc) and add air and agitation and get 40 gallons of bubbles, the expansion is 40:1. 40 Gallons of Bubbles from 1 gallon of Solution. If, …

NAF vs CAF

What is the difference? Both use the same formula – W + Conc + A + A = Foam (Bubbles) The difference is in the air make up. NAF uses low energy air at atmospheric pressure that is mixed in with the solution (W + Conc) at the nozzle and is also agitated at the …

Concentrates

W + Conc + A + A = F (Bubbles) There are many Foam Concentrates on the market. There are also products available that are marketed as good foam products that are not actually foam concentrates at all. To make Foam, at a minimum, the Concentrate must 1) mix with Water, 2) Produce a variety …