Fomtec LS EXP

Fomtec LS EXP supplied by Dafo Fomtec

Fomtec LS EXP is an effective high expansion foam concentrate for use in any High expansion system. Fomtec LS EXP mixed with water and converted into finished foam via low, medium or high expansion foam making equipment combats fires by engulfing the area, restricting the supply of oxygen, cooling of the liquid surface, and the suppression of flammable gases evaporating from the hot liquid surface. Used as high expansion in complete filling of enclosed rooms the foam creates an inert atmosphere.

Fomtec LS EXP should be used between 2% and 3% concentration in fresh or sea water if medium or high expansion foams are required depending on equipment used.

Application

Fomtec LS EXP is a multi-purpose foam which can be used at low, medium and high expansions for the extinguishment of class B hydrocarbon fires such as small fuel spills (low and medium expansion), bench protection (medium expansion), and it can also be used for the control and extinction of cryogenic flammable liquid fires or vapor release from toxic spillage. Fomtec LS EXP has been tested with use of inside smoke filled air during fire and has shown very high efficiency under such conditions, being able to extinguish both large class A and class B fire. Tests with inside air also showed very good extinguishing capabilities of E85 fuel that consist of 85% Ethanol who is a polar solvent.

At medium and high expansion, Fomtec LS EXP can be used for total flooding of fires involving class A and class B materials. Medium expansion type is particularly suitable for small areas such as cellars and basements of buildings and high expansion type for large areas such as ship cargo or engine rooms. It is especially suitable for dealing with fires in inaccessible locations and where damage must be kept to a minimum. LS EXP has also been tested on LNG fires with satisfactory result as gas suppressant, creating a foam lid on the LNG surface.

Proportioning

Fomtec LS EXP 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
High expansion foam generator

The equipment should be designed to the foam type.

Fire Performance & Foaming

The expansion will vary depending on the characteristics of the equipment used, low expansion (1 to 20:1), medium expansion (20:1 to 200:1; typical value 110:1 at 3%) and high expansion (200:1 to 1000:1; typical value 500:1 at 3%). Test with fan driven high expansion foam generators has shown expansion of more than 1000:1.

Environmental impact

Fomtec LS EXP is formulated using raw materials specially selected for their fire performance and their environmental profile. Fomtec LS EXP is biodegradable. The handling of spills of concentrate or foam solutions should however be undertaken according to local regulations. Normally sewage systems can dispose foam solution based on this type of foam concentrate, but local sewage operators should be consulted in this respect.

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.
Synthetic foam concentrates should only be stored in stainless steel or plastic containers. Since electrochemical corrosion can occur at joints between different metals when they are in contact with foam concentrate, only one type of metal should be used for pipelines, fittings, pumps, and tanks employed in the storage of foam concentrates. We recommend following our guidelines for storage and handling ensuring favourable storage conditions.