Fomtec ARC 3x3 S - Fire Safety Search

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S supplied by Dafo Fomtec

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is high efficiency multi purpose film forming foam (3×3) that is PFOS free. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S shall be used at 3% induction ratio on both hydrocarbon and polar solvents fires using fresh, brackish or seawater.

The film forming characteristics of Fomtec ARC 3×3 S means that it spreads rapidly across a fire. As a result, it is highly effective against hydrocarbon fires and with the addition of special polymers it is also highly effective against polar solvents.

The low surface tension of the water foam concentrate solution enables the aqueous film, although heavier than the burning liquid, to float on top of the hydrocarbon liquid surface. When applied on polar solvents a polymeric membrane makes it possible for the foam blanket to extinguish effectively.

This works on foam destroying liquids such as pure MTBE or Gasoline mixed with MTBE. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S should be used at 3% proportioned solution.

Application

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is intended for use on class B hydrocarbon fuel as well as on polar solvent i.e Isopropanol, Methanol etc and other foam destroy-ing product fires such as MTBE. It can be used with both aspirating and non-aspirating discharge devices. It is compatible with all dry chemical powders.

Sprinkler application

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S has been tested according to the Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL 162 using standard sprinkler heads K 80 and K115. Sprinkler applications are especially challenging for any foam due to the very low operating pressure and the very low expansion reached. Applying foam through a sprinkler head is a very forceful application method and requires foam that can handle direct application and partial submersion into the fuel without losing fire performance and burnback resistance.

Foams that shall be regarded as suitable for Sprinkler applications shall also be able to withstand limited time of water deluge directly onto the foam blanket without losing burnback properties. This test is performed on the foam during the Heptane test. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S has passed these tests showing very good extinguishing and burnback properties.

The fire performance of Fomtec ARC 3×3 S has been tested according to UL 162 7th edition using type II and type III discharge outlets. The Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is ideal for all High-risk applications where any type of discharge outlet may be in use such as:

Petrochemical and chemical plants
Offshore installations
Oil and Chemical tankers
Tank Farms
Warehouses

Fire Performance & Foaming

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S has been designed to give the best properties of:

Aqueous film forming foam
Alcohol resistant foam

The fire performance of this product has been measured and documented according to “International Approvals” stated in this document. The foaming properties are depending on equipment used and other variables such as water and ambient temperatures. Average expansion 7:1, average ¼ drainage time 08:30 minutes using UNI 86 test nozzle.

Proportioning

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S can easily be proportioned at the correct dilution using conventional equipment such as:

Inline inductors
Balanced pressure, variable flow proportioning systems
Bladder tanks
Around the pump proportioning systems
Water turbine driven foam proportioners
Self inducting branch pipes and nozzles

The equipment should be designed to the foam type.

Environmental impact

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is formulated using specially selected raw materials, selected for their fire performance and their environmental profile. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is biodegradable. The handling of spill of concentrate or foam solutions shall how ever be made according to local regulations. Normally sewage systems will have no problem with a 3% foam solution based on Fomtec ARC 3×3 S, but local sewage operators should be consulted in this respect. This product contains NO PFOS or PFOA.

Storage / Shelf life

Stored in original unbroken packaging the product will have a long shelf life. Shelf life in excess of 10 years will be found in temperate climates. As with all foams, shelf life will be dependent on storage temperatures and conditions. If the product is frozen during storage or transport, thawing will render the product completely usable.