Author Topic: AFFF or FP  (Read 5130 times)

Bob

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AFFF or FP
« on: March 19, 2005, 02:02:51 PM »
For industrial sites which are the best foam extinguishers, AFFF or FP. And what reasons make one better then the other?

Offline AnthonyB

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AFFF or FP
« Reply #1 on: March 19, 2005, 11:40:00 PM »
FP foam extinguishers haven't been made for years.

Off the shelf you will get non aspirated spray extinguishers using 1% or 6% AFFF  concentrate.

Designed as a "multi-purpose" extinguisher these are intended for dual Class A or B use with good general cover in most applications.

However depending on the type of industrial area they are covering they can fall down due to the fact that they are applied in a non-aspirated manner with only a thin film on the liquid, which although resealing has limited burnback and contamination resistance for high risks, especially contained fires. Also standard extinguishers are generally not suitable against polar solvents such as alcohols.

For specific industrial risks the traditional foam branchpipe extinguisher may be prefered, especially for contained fires or polar solvents. These normally come not with AFFF as previously, but with FFFP, and in some cases FFFP-AR.  Mainly for specific class B hazards (the A ratings are less than with non aspirated spray) the use of FFFP combines all the good points of the AFFF & FP foams & although expensive performs well with good security.

Very few manufacturers produce aspirating foam extinguishers now, very few companies distribute them, I can advise if you need help sourcing.
Anthony Buck
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