Analysis of fire-fighting foam solutions

The foam concentrate quality is essential for effective fire-fighting operations. Under normal circumstances and satisfactory storage conditions, foam concentrates manufactured by reputable companies should retain their quality for years. However, whatever the quality of the foam concentrate, long-term storage under poor conditions can have an impact on foam quality and the ongoing performance of fire-fighting foams (dilution, contamination, system failure...). (dilution, contamination, system failure...). Other foam sample analysis and foam testing are periodically required. Most international standards recommend annual testing of fire-fighting foam concentrate.

SODIP SARL analyzes foam concentrate samples for physico-chemical properties according to standard protocols such as : NFPA 11 : Norme pour les mousses à faible, moyen et haut foisonnement, EN 13565-2, EN 1568, EN 1568, ISO 7206, OMI dans MISC 1/Circ 1312 (marine applications).

Analysis of foam samples in the SODIP SARL laboratory evaluates :
Physical properties: pH, refractive index, density and viscosity.
sedimentation
Foam expansion rate
Drainage times of 25% and 50%.
Surface tension
Spread coefficient
Freezing point

HOW DO YOU TAKE A FOAM SAMPLE?

Samples taken from the foam system must be representative of the foam concentrate stored.
Pour prélever un échantillon de mousse concentrée dans un bidon de 25 litres, un fût de 200 litres ou un conteneur de 1000 litres, utilisez une pompe manuelle. Prélevez le concentré à environ 20 cm sous le niveau supérieur et remplissez un récipient en plastique d’un litre.
Si le niveau du concentré de mousse est trop bas, prélevez un échantillon de mousse en ouvrant la vanne du conteneur. Avant l’échantillonnage, laissez s’écouler environ 0,5 litre de mousse concentrée afin d’éviter toute impureté au niveau de la valve.
To obtain a uniform, representative sample of concentrated foam stored in a tank :
Take a sample from the bottom of the tank, ensuring that no sediment or residue has run off beforehand.
Then continue to fill the foam sample with the sample from the top and middle of the tank.
Please take approximately 1 liter of foam concentrate sample in an unbreakable plastic bottle/jar to avoid damage during transport. This container must be clean and dry (free of any residue) and hermetically sealed.
The foam sample container should be marked or labeled with identifying information (company name, date of sample collection, type of foam concentrate, concentration, sample source). Make sure the bottle is clean and dry before writing on it.