Sectors / Applications

Jet A1 aviation fuel poses unique challenges for foam extinction due to its composition and additives, which cause persistent reignition and toxic vapors. ICAO regulations classify foam performance in levels A, B, and C, prioritizing rapid fire control to enable passenger rescue. The standard has evolved from requiring full extinction in 1 minute (for AFFF) to demanding 99% control in 1 minute and complete extinction in 2 minutes. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara K1, Silvara K3, Silvara K30, Silvara K6.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets strict requirements for fire extinguishment and reignition resistance when foam is generated with seawater. Low-expansion applications (deck spill fires) are governed by IMO Circular 1352, while high-expansion (engine room fires) follow Circular 790. Offshore platforms also require helipad protection, which must meet ICAO standards. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara APC+, BoldFoam M2

In Oil & Gas, petrochemical plants, and any industrial activity involving hydrocarbons and polar solvents, firefighting foams play a critical role in extinguishment and reignition resistance. Precise knowledge of each fuel’s behavior is essential, as the absence of fluorine causes foams to perform differently even on seemingly similar fuels. Newtonian low-viscosity foams often suffice for hydrocarbons, but pseudoplastic foams are essential for polar solvents. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara I, Silvara APC, Silvara AR.

For most incidents fire services encounter, a Newtonian Class A/B foam at high concentration (1%) is sufficient, though medium/high-expansion alcohol-resistant foams at 3% may be needed in some cases. Common proportioners (venturi or electronic) make it preferable to avoid unnecessary risks: low-viscosity, fully hydrated foams prevent blockages or under-dosing that could hinder extinguishment. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara I, BoldFoam A+, Silvara APC+ – incl. training with BoldFoam STP/STP+.

Coal or mineral extraction involves fire risks not only from the fuel itself but also from heavy machinery operating in the environment. Standards like AS 5062 govern automatic protection requirements for costly trucks, considering both diesel extinguishment and simultaneous spill control. Sophisticated CAFS systems demand foams capable of producing high-quality foam at very low concentration (0.3%) and low pressure for extinguishment and subsequent protection. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara CORE, Silvara ZFK, Silvara I, Silvara M, Silvara L50.

Extinguishers generally require a stable solution with high efficacy on both Class A (solids) and Class B (liquids) fires. A combination of Class B foam and suitable flame-retardant salts can effectively extinguish hydrocarbons and resist ember reignition in solids. Specific cases include Class F (cooking oils), D (metals), or C (electrical); water-based extinguishers are ineffective on gas fires. Recent “miracle” solutions for lithium fires based on encapsulation or coatings have questionable efficacy. For alcohols, pseudoplastic foams are required, with regular stability checks to prevent polymer precipitation. VS FOCUM recommendations: Silvara X, Silvara 4F, Silvara L50.

Short-term forest retardants, used between 0.1% and 1%, are the most effective tool for extinguishment by ground and aerial means (fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters). These foams are also employed in high-pressure portable systems due to their strong wood-wetting capacity. Long-term retardants are used to create firebreaks. Class A foams in CAFS systems generate everything from fluid foam that covers and wets to dry foam that adheres to vertical surfaces like tree trunks and canopies, remaining longer on them. VS FOCUM recommendations: WhitEx, B-Water.