3 Benefits of adopting the NoFoam System for your ARFF vehicle foam testing
Background
In 2013, NoFoam Systems co-founder, Kaare Holm, authored “input-based testing” method of foam-free ARFF vehicle foam testing with the full support of NFPA 412 committee offering gave unanimous support to an ARFFtesting aircraft fire extinguishing performance. In January of 2019, The FAA approved foam-free [cert alert wording] making now a critical time to reassess your ARFF vehicle testing process.
For years the industry standard for testing aircraft fire extinguishing ARFF Vehicle equipment was utilizing “output-based” performance testing. Output-based testing means that airport firefighting teams emit hazardous foam, then collect and analyze the percentage mix. The analysis uses a variety of technologies for reading such as a refractometer or a conductivity meter. The output-based method creates problematic situations for airports.
Problems with Output-based Foam Testing
The disposed foam during testing is extremely dangerous for the environment and humans who are exposed to the foam. CNBC recently published a short documentary that explains the dangers associated with firefighting foam. Their research points out how explains how foam runoff virtually kills anything in its path. Also, AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) concentrate has an chemical properties that don’t break down or dissolve creating negative environmental consequences
Financially, foam testing comes with astronomical expenses. First off, the cost of AFFF foam concentrate is high and is only able to be used once. Furthermore, once a test is completed, firefighting teams must appropriately clean up the disposed foam. Depending on location, certain firefighting teams are required to collect and destroy all their dispersed foam, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Solution
Addressing the unnecessary exposure, high cost and environmental damage associated with output-based foam testing can be achieved by adopting the input-based foam testing method. NoFoam Systems co-founder, Kaare Holm, has been at the forefront of input-based testing development and explains how the method works.
“The new testing method (input-based testing) means the operator measures how much foam concentrate and tank water will be put into the proportioner. The assumption here is that what has been put in is what comes out, so if the flow rate of the foam concentrate is 3.2% of the total output (water flow plus concentrate flow), then the foam that comes out of the nozzle is going to be 3.2% – and now it is no longer necessary to collect and analyze a sample to find out what percentage this is.”
Because the NoFoam technology eliminates the need to analyze the foam concentrate, there is no requirement to use actual foam concentrate to perform the test. The input-based testing method measures gallons per minute. If the foam tank is closed off and instead plain water is run through the foam concentrate supply pipes, the operator can efficiently and accurately test the entire foam system without depositing a layer of foam on the ground. Furthermore, NoFoam System testing method comes with benefits:
1. Financial
The financial benefits of adopting the NoFoam System are seen as soon as you complete your first test. Payback for the entire system can be calculated based on AFFF concentrate savings and avoided costs associated with clean-up after a full fire suppression system test. In locations where you are required to collect and destroy foam wastewater, each vehicle test saves thousands of dollars. For example, the Australian government documented that they can save nearly $1 million per year in clean up costs by adopting the NoFoam System
2. Environmental
Over the past decade, airports have experienced external pressure to implement solutions to their negative environmental impact. Some airports are being told directly that they cannot use foam for testing, and others have been strongly encouraged to adopt a “greener” technology to perform testing. The NoFoam System’s environmental benefits are clear – you can omit foam concentrate from being disposed during your tests.
3. Safety
The safety benefits associated with NoFoam Systems testing are clear. The more you’re able to test, the less risk you have of the equipment malfunctioning during a critical moment. Fire chiefs agree that they would like to test more frequently, but they have to limit their tests due to environmental and financial concerns (discussed above).
Giving fire fighting teams the ability to test without environmental and financial concerns allows teams to ensure their equipment is in better shape. Also, junior team members would be able to operate the foam button without having to use a computer simulator.
How to learn more about NoFoam Systems
If you’re interested in learning more about the NoFoam System or interested in adopting the NoFoam System at your airport, click here to contact us directly.