Low expansion firefighting foam concentrates

In low expansion, the ratio of the volume of the finished foam to the volume of the premix solution used to produce it is less or equal to 20. The more air that is introduced, the higher expansion ratio you get. For example, 100 litres of water of premix solution (water + foam concentrate) which passes through foam making equipment produces approximately 900 litres of finished foam. The expansion ratio of foam is 900/100 = 9.

Bubbles in low expansion are very small, dense and heavy. Expansion closely depends on the type of foam concentrate and the nozzle and foam discharge device used. The strong foam density allows long projection distances and heights with the help of nozzles or monitors, in fixed/mobile foam discharge devices. Firefighters can work from a safe distance. Low expansion foam has a good spreadability above fuel surface, sealing vapours. Depending on the foam concentrate and foam system, low expansion foam is adheres well to vertical surfaces.

Low Expansion foam is not affected by atmospheric conditions such as wind or rain. The foam is stable and provides a strong cover. Its high-water ratio guarantees significant additional cooling.

Low expansion is commonly used on large class B hydrocarbon fires such as tank storage, refineries, airports, waste treatment plants, as well as with fire departments and on broad ships.

BIOEX low expansion foams are available in high quality synthetic fluorine-free foam (FFF) as well as the fluorinated range (AFFF and AR-AFFF). Foams can be used with fresh/sea water. Our low expansion foam concentrates are certified under international standards (EN1568, GESIP, LASTFIRE, UL, NFPA, IMO…).