ECOPOL 3N, the new ecofriendly foam

June 14, 2023

In the fire safety industry, the transition to FFF (Fluorine-Free Foam) is now on the way globally as reported by BIOEX.

Managing the transition

Industries and fire departments dealing hydrocarbon fire risks (tank farms, refineries, storage facilities, plastic industries…) who decided to replace AFFF foam by Fluorine-Free Foam are sometimes facing issue regarding foam viscosity compatibility with their current foam equipment.

Most of 3% AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) are liquid, and most of FFF (Fluorine-Free Foam) are viscous. It can result in foam proportioning and discharge device issues, leading ahead to wrong concentration problematic and inefficiency on fire.

Liquid Fluorine-free alternative to AFFF

Thanks to its long experience in efficient fluorine free foam development, BIOEX launch ECOPOL 3N: a new environmentally-firendly firefighting foam dedicated for class B hydrocarbon fires (crude oil, gasoline, kerosene…) with similar viscosity than AFFF foams.

ECOPOL 3N is an ecological solution to suppress quickly hydrocarbon fires (class B), as well as class A fires. When mixed with water and air, ECOPOL 3N foam concentrate creates a resistant foam blanket which insulates fuel from air supply and cools longlastly the fuel.

The foam blanket flows rapidly on the flammable liquid surface to seal the fire and provides quick fire extinguishment. The adhesive nature of the foam makes it possible to adhere to vertical surfaces for a long period.

Thanks to its stable foam blanket, ECOPOL 3N offers a very long drain time preventing from re-igniting. Its performances on hydrocarbon fires are certified under EN1568-3 standard v2018.

Use of ECOPOL 3N firefighting foam

ECOPOL 3N provides optimum effectiveness for hydrocarbon fire suppression with fresh water, brackish water, and also salt water, at all levels of hardness. The foam concentrate is usable at 3% at low and medium expansion. ECOPOL 3N can be used on gentle application, as well as on direct application on flammable liquid. This concentrate is also protected against frost.

Its liquid formulation makes it easy to use with most of foam equipment. It does not induce foam equipment modification when transitioning to FFF.

ECOPOL 3N is an ecological solution. It does not contain any fluorinated derivatives (PFAS chemicals including PFOS or PFOA) or PBTs (Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic substances) added intentionally. ECOPOL 3N is easily biodegradable, without impact on the environment.

Industrial companies and fire departments are confident using it on tank fire and structural fires.

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