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Laboratory

Are you looking for a partner that can ensure the effective operation of your extinguishing foam system by testing the quality of the foam concentrate? We are happy to help you analyse your foam concentrate!

What you can expect?

The quality of foam concentrates in permanently installed fire extinguishing systems has to be tested once a year. In our laboratory, our technicians evaluate the quality of every brand and type of foam concentrate according to applicable standards such as EN1568, IMO1312, NFPA11, MSC/Circ.670.

We archive all of the analyses, compiling a file for each of our customers. This allows us to check whether the foam quality has remained consistent. As a result, we are able to identify any deviations at an early stage and advise you on the next steps that need to be taken. In addition to the standard foam sample analyses, the following analyses also rank among our range of options:

  • Foam proportioning test at the lab level
  • Small scale / large scale fire tests
  • PFAS/PFOA analyses

The lead time is usually a maximum of 1 working week, but an urgent analysis within 1 working day is also possible.

MORE THAN FOAM

Laboratory

Are you looking for a partner that can ensure the effective operation of your extinguishing foam system by testing the quality of the foam concentrate? We are happy to help you analyse your foam concentrate!

What you can expect?

The quality of foam concentrates in permanently installed fire extinguishing systems has to be tested once a year. In our laboratory, our technicians evaluate the quality of every brand and type of foam concentrate according to applicable standards such as EN1568, IMO1312, NFPA11, MSC/Circ.670.

We archive all of the analyses, compiling a file for each of our customers. This allows us to check whether the foam quality has remained consistent. As a result, we are able to identify any deviations at an early stage and advise you on the next steps that need to be taken. In addition to the standard foam sample analyses, the following analyses also rank among our range of options:

  • Foam proportioning test at the lab level
  • Small scale / large scale fire tests
  • PFAS/PFOA analyses

The lead time is usually a maximum of 1 working week, but an urgent analysis within 1 working day is also possible.

MORE THAN FOAM

Our services

Through the use of calibrated equipment, the following physical properties are analysed:

Some properties of foam concentrates can be observed with the naked eye. These properties give a good first indication of quality. Sediment, colour change or turbidity can indicate a loss of quality.

In this test, we look for the presence of sediment in the foam concentrate. Sediment formation can be a sign of a change in quality of the foam concentrate or of storage tank deterioration.

The density of the foam concentrate indicates the mass of a given volume of foam concentrate. Reduced density may be caused by dilution with, for example, water or another liquid.

The pH-value indicates the acidity of aqueous solutions. A deviating value can affect some components found in a foam installation. Foam concentrates are predominantly pH neutral (pH7), but this can change due to the storage conditions (influence of air) or the material used in the storage tank.

The viscosity of the foam concentrate indicates its resistance to deformation. Decreased viscosity can be caused by the addition of water, for example. Increased viscosity can result in a foam concentrate that is less able to mix with water. Many alcohol-resistant foam concentrates are non-Newtonian liquids, which means that the viscosity changes as soon as it is set in motion.

The attraction between molecules causes an elastic layer to form on a liquid surface. If the surface tension is increased, there is a risk that a foam layer will not be able to form over the substance to be extinguished.

An alcohol-resistant foam concentrate should be used to protect polar liquids. When using these concentrates, a layer is created over the polar liquid that prevents the foam formed from dissolving so it is able to cover the fuel.

The foaming rate represents the number of times that the mixture of water and foam concentrate increases in volume once air is introduced. An incorrect expansion rate is extremely problematic, as it can have a major impact on effective fire extinguishing. The foam may not have sufficient capacity to cover the flammable liquid.

The time it takes for the foam to drain is important, because foam needs to hold up in a fire for a sufficient length of time. If the foam drains too quickly, the vapour suppression is too short and the liquid can ignite again.

Supply of foam samples

Our service engineers can take a foam sample while performing maintenance on your extinguishing foam system, but it is also possible for you to send us your foam concentrate yourself. In order to perform a high quality analysis, the following is needed for each analysis:

If you are supplying the sample yourself, please use a clean, hermetically sealed bottle and include the company name and location as well as the type of foam.

Analyse Required
Foam quality analysis 1 litre of foam concentrate
Proportioning test 0.5 litre water/foam mixture (pre-mixed)
1 litre of the water used to make the mixture
1 litre of foam concentrate
Small scale firetest 2 litres of foam concentrate
Large scale firetest 20 litres of foam concentrate
PFAS / PFOA analysis 1 litre of foam concentrate

Not sure which solution is right for your company?

You are always welcome at our office. Together, we can help you find a suitable solution for your fire extinguishing needs. Would you like to find out more about our solutions? Please download the brochure.

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Dennis Liefhebber
Commercial Director

+31 6 1192 1912