Email Topic - AFFF-AR or AR_FFFP Pros & Cons

Initial Email Enquiry –

I would be grateful if you could pass this on to the membership for shared opinions.

RasLaffan Industrial City's port expansion plans incorporate the provision of ship loading berths that can simultaneously load two vessels up to VLCC size. These vessels will be loaded with a variety of liquid products ranging from condensates, LPG's, Diesel, Lubricating oils and Polar solvents such as Methanol.

The fixed system as designed has approximately 300 metres of pipework to distribute the foam concentrate from the tank to the various proportioners and monitors.

Because of the Polar solvent risks the fixed foam system will be provided with AR foam. However, a debate is ongoing whether to use AFFF-ARor AR-FFFP.

I would be grateful if the membership could share their knowledge and experiences of the two types of foams and whether they have experiences regarding blockages to systems due to polymer drop out or foam degradation etc. The climate here is very hot and humid with minimum temperatures approx 7-10 centigrade in winter and maximum shade temperatures around 50 degrees centigrade in the summer.

1^st Response –

I would expect (based on my knowledge of the 3M FC-600) that AFFF/AR would have the least drop out. Depends on the quality of the product. The FFFP/AR may have some interaction with the protein and the polymer as it ages. Warmer climates would have an effect.

If you haven't heard, our new RF-ATC (3x6) has passed EN-1568 with level I passes in both parts 3 (hydrocarbon) and 4 (acetone) for both fresh and sea water! Direct competition for the above two mentioned technologies.

End of email correspondence on Topic to date.

Author’s identities are concealed for privacy and security reasons. Further information on the information contained in this topic can be directed to the JOIFF secretariaty.