FOAM TESTING SERVICE

l Global Presence
Angus Fire performs routine foam testing for organisations in over one hundred countries
spread over a broad range of sectors including major oil and petrochemical companies,
international airports, military bases, power stations, harbours and ports, and local
authority fire services.

l Latest Analytical Equipment

Operated from an international network of ISO 9001 registered laboratories in the UK,
France, USA, and Australia. Teams of highly qualified scientists and technicians in
modern, purpose-built laboratories analyse samples of all types of foam to the
highest standards.

l Experienced Staff
With knowledge and experience of evaluating foam samples gained over
many years, Angus Fire staff are uniquely placed to interpret the results
and provide reliable recommendations about the suitability of foam for
use in an emergency. Analytical chemistry laboratories that do not
specialise in foam testing are unable to offer such specialist expertise.
Furthermore, the Foam Testing Service is operated independently of
Angus Fire commercial divisions and so its recommendations are
wholly impartial.

l Comprehensive Results Service

Test results are reported quickly and efficiently by e-mail, fax or
post with a comprehensive test report. Test results are stored
on a database for future reference and regular reminders for
re-testing issued on request.
 WHY FOAM TESTING IS IMPORTANT
High quality foam concentrates have excellent storage characteristics and last for many years if stored
properly in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines. However, unusually harsh storage conditions or
accidental contamination or dilution may adversely affect performance.
To ensure satisfactory performance in an emergency, foam concentrate stocks should be tested at least
annually as recommended by internationally recognised standards: NFPA 11, 1998, Section 8-2, “At
least annually, an inspection shall be made of foam concentrates and their tanks or storage containers
for evidence of excessive sludging or deterioration. Samples of concentrates shall be sent to the
manufacturer or qualified laboratory for quality condition testing”; and BS 5306, Section 6.1:1988, Section
3, Clause 11(c), “Every twelve months. Test the foam concentrate or solution for changes in constitution
or characteristics and the formation of sediment or precipitate”.
Regular testing is particularly important in the case of stocks held for long periods of time and/or stocks
held in extreme climatic conditions.
Keeping an eye on quality

A full range of testing is provided, from preliminary Sediment

studies for identifying the category of a foam sample,
up to more complex fire tests for assessing its condition
and performance capabilities. Any category of foam
concentrate or premix solution from any manufacturer
may be tested including Syndet, Protein, FluoroProtein,
AFFF, AR-AFFF, FFFP, and AR-FFFP. All tests are
conducted according to international standards where
appropriate including NFPA, UL, CEN, BSI, and UK
Ministry of Defence Standards.
Visual Appearance
A visual inspection provides the first indication of whether a
foam is synthetic (clear amber liquid) or protein-based (dark
brown liquid).
Specific Gravity (SG)
The SG of a foam concentrate is
its density divided by the density
of water. It’s a useful test for
identifying the category of foam
and is measured using a
hydrometer or density bottle. The
result depends on the temperature
of the foam concentrate and so the
test is always carried out at 20oC.
SG does not have a unit. Typical
values for synthetic detergent-
based foams are 0.99 to 1.05 and
protein-based foams 1.08 to 1.18. Significant variation from
these values indicates that evaporation or accidental dilution
may have occurred.
pH
The pH is a measure of the acidity
or alkalinity of a foam concentrate
on a scale of 1 to 14. Neutral is 7.
Acidic is less than 7. Alkaline is
greater than 7. The pH of a foam
concentrate is measured at 20oC
with a pH meter. Foam
concentrates should be as neutral
as possible to prevent corrosion
of foam tanks, although only
extremes of pH are highlighted in
a foam test report.
Sediment (also called
sludge or undissolved
solids) comprises micro-
scopic particles of solid
material in a foam
concentrate. It is present in
all foams at low levels and
does not normally cause a
problem. However, high
levels may be reached if a
foam is contaminated or
subjected to extremes of temperature. Severe sediment may
affect the flow of the foam concentrate in a proportioning system
or reduce its fire fighting efficiency.
The foam sample is put into a graduated tube and separated
by centrifuge until any sediment is packed firmly into the bottom
of the tube. The volume of the sediment is measured as a
percentage of the foam concentrate in the tube. Sediment should
not exceed 1.0%. Excess sediment does not necessarily lead
to sample failure since in most cases it is due to poor sampling.
Surface Tension
Surface tension mea-
sured with a torsion
balance provides an
indication of foam
category. Typical values
for Protein are 40 to 45;
FluoroProtein 20 to 40;
FFFP and AFFF less than
20; Syndet 20 to 30. Units
are milli Newtons per metre (mNm-1) at a given temperature.
Refractive Index (Premix Solutions Only)
This test determines the
accuracy of a foam
system’s proportioning
equipment by measuring
the percentage con-
centration of a foam
concentrate in the foam
solution. The amount of
foam concentrate in the
solution is measured with
a refractometer. A base
calibration curve is first drawn using the samples of foam
concentrate and water taken from the foam system. Samples
of the actual foam solution produced by the system are then
tested and plotted on the graph. The results must fall within the
parameters set by NFPA.
Foam Properties INTERPRETING THE RESULTS
The properties of aerated
foam made from the foam
concentrate are tested
because it is aerated
foam that is applied to a
fire. Good expansion and
drainage rates are
essential for producing
an effective fire fighting
foam blanket. The
properties of any foam vary
depending on the foam
equipment used and the
operating conditions and
so Angus Fire tests low
expansion foams in accordance with the UK Ministry of Defence
Standard 42-40.
The test results are reported as found and an interpretation
Foam expansion refers to the increase in volume of a foam given as follows:
solution when it is aerated. The “expansion ratio” of a foam is
the ratio of aspirated foam volume to the original foam solution PASS: The sample has passed all the tests for the foam
volume. Say, for example, category.
the weight of an aspirated
foam sample in a full FAIL: One or more critical properties are not acceptable.
1600 ml drainage pan is Immediate replacement is recommended.
180 grams. Since 1 gram
of foam solution The Foam Concentrate Evaluation Report will specify the
occupies a volume of tolerance for each property. Should the sample fail to meet
essentially 1 ml, the total specification, a description or recommendation will be
volume of foam solution provided in the comments box.
contained in the given
sample is 180 ml. The
expansion ratio is
Petrol Tolerance Fire Test
therefore calculated as
This test differentiates
1600 divided by 180 to
between Protein and
give a result of 8.9. To pass a sample must exhibit a value
FluoroProtein foams. The
greater than 7.0.
foam solution is
The drainage rate test is performed on the same sample as mechanically mixed with
used to measure the expansion ratio. Dividing the weight of the unleaded petrol to
foam sample by 4 gives the 25% volume, in ml, of solution simulate forceful foam
contained in the foam. The time required in minutes for this application such as
volume of foam solution to drain from the aerated foam is called base injection. The
the “25% drainage time”. It provides an important indication of contaminated foam
the stability of the foam, and is also a reliable indicator of foam blanket is ignited and
category. FluoroProteins that achieve a Superior Pass must the time taken for
demonstrate extra long drainage rates. extinguishment is recorded. A Protein foam fails to extinguish
the fire. A FluoroProtein extinguishes the fire in less than 2
Syndet foams are tested at low, medium, and high expansion
minutes 40 seconds. FluoroProteins that achieve a Superior
with specialised equipment.
Pass must extinguish the fire in less than 2 minutes.
Alcohol Burnback Test
Spreading Coefficient
This test identifies Alcohol Resistant foams
If a foam is film-forming then its spreading coefficient measured
that are suitable for use on fires involving
against cyclohexane will be greater than zero. This value is
polar solvents as well as hydrocarbons. A
calculated from measurements of surface and interfacial
small sample of aerated foam is applied
tensions of the foam solution and a known reference of
to an isopropyl alcohol fire and
cyclohexane.
simultaneously subjected to a heat source.
If the time taken for the foam blanket to
collapse is greater than 45 seconds then
the foam is classified as Alcohol Resistant.
 HOW TO GET YOUR FOAM TESTED
Foam Concentrates
A one litre sample of foam concentrate in a clean polythene container is required. If new unused containers are unavailable,
ensure that the containers used are washed properly beforehand. Do not use containers which have previously contained
detergent or oil materials.

Samples of foam concentrate should be representative of the parent stock. A foam drum should be rolled or agitated to produce
a homogeneous mix before drawing a sample from the top. For bulk foam storage tanks circulate the contents to produce a
homogeneous mix before taking a sample. Alternatively draw samples from the top, middle, and base. Use a hollow tube to take
a sample from the middle. For the base sample use a side-exiting outlet pipe or alternatively run-off about 25 litres of foam first
to remove any accumulated sediment. This run-off may be returned to the top of the tank. Several samples may be mixed equally
to produce a single composite sample.

Samples should be clearly labelled with origin, foam type, and recommended induction rate. All samples should be packed
securely with a completed Foam Testing Service Application Form and sent to your local Angus Fire representative.

Foam Premix Solutions

Activate the fixed foam system and allow sufficient time for it to achieve equilibrium. For overhead devices the sample collector
should be placed in the discharge area where it is anticipated a representative foam pattern will occur. For foam chambers,
where access can be gained to a flowing foam stream, the container can be inserted into the edge of the stream to split off a
portion for the sample. The other alternative is to scoop foam from a blanket already on the surface. Here an attempt should be
made to obtain a full cross-section of foam from the entire depth. Sufficient aerated foam should be collected to provide a 100 ml
sample of foam solution after draining. Clearly labelled one litre samples of the foam concentrate and water used in the foam
system must also be submitted.

All samples should be packed securely with a completed Foam Testing Service Application Form and sent to your local Angus
Fire representative.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Specialist Foam Testing
Specialist physical
characteristic tests
may be carried out
on request including
viscosity, cloud point,
pour point, freezing
point, refractive Index,
flash point and
critical shear stress.
Specialist fire per-
formance tests may also be carried out on request such as
those specified by UL, ICAO, and the UK Ministry of Defence.
Field Foam Testing
Angus Fire offers foam
testing on-site to
ensure that foam-
making equipment is
functioning correctly.
For example, foam
vehicle testing at
airports will involve
checking the foaming
characteristics of the
aerated foam
produced by roof monitors and handlines, determining the
induction accuracy of the proportioning system, measuring the
monitor throw, and removing foam concentrate samples for
laboratory evaluation. Other typical applications include foam
monitor testing at oil refineries, petrochemical plants, and
offshore platforms.
Test Site Services
Angus Fire offers a wide range of
standard or custom-designed
facilities for live fire testing. Located
in a pleasant rural setting at
Bentham in Yorkshire, our well-
equipped test site boasts fire
pumps that are among the largest
in the UK, a wide range of fire test
trays, a 40m 2 bunded region for
large-scale fires, and a 100 m 3
containment area for high
expansion foam. Ideal for testing
or demonstrating portable or
mobile extinguishers, sprinklers,
and foam/water monitors and
cannons. Available for rental on a daily basis with
knowledgeable and experienced operators as an optional extra.

© Angus Fire 02/10 Printed in UK DATASHEET: 5221/4

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Tel: +44 (0) 1844 265000 Fax: +44 (0) 1844 265156
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www.angusfire.co.uk