What FireFaom C.T.S Does

FireFoam C.T.S provides independent specialist testing of firefighting foam concentrates,proportioning systems, and PFAS contamination levels. Our services ensure that emergency response systems remain compliant, reliable, and ready to perform when needed.

We operate three core service streams:

  • Foam Concentrate Testing
  • Foam Proportion Testing
  • PFAS Analysis (Full Suite 30 analytes)

Each service is designed to verify performance, detect degradation, and support regulatory and insurance compliance.

Foam Concentrate Testing

  • PH
  • Specific Gravity
  • Refractive index
  • Viscosity test
  • Surface tension test
  • Expansion test
  • 25% drain test
  • In house alcohol resistance test
  • Provide Service Test Report
  • Compliance Test Sticker for Tank
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Foam Proportioning Testing

  • Refractive Index Method

PFAS Analysis

  • Full Suite 30 analytes

Foam Concentrate Testing

Firefighting foam degrades over time. Annual testing confirms whether the concentrate still meets manufacturer specifications and will perform effectively in an emergency.

Below is a breakdown of each test and why it matters.

1. pH Test

What it measures: Acidity or alkalinity of the foam.
Why it matters:

  • Outofrange pH indicates chemical breakdown.
  • Helps identify corrosion risk to tanks, pumps, and pipework.

2. Specific Gravity

What it measures: Density of the foam compared to water.
Why it matters:

  • Confirms the concentrate has not been diluted or contaminated.
  • Ensures correct proportioning during system operation.

3. Refractive Index

What it measures: Lightbending properties of the foam.
Why it matters:

  • Highly sensitive indicator of concentration accuracy.
  • Used as a baseline for proportioning tests.

4. Viscosity Test

What it measures: Flow characteristics of the foam.
Why it matters:

  • Thickened or thinned foam affects pumpability and induction rates.
  • Identifies ageing, polymer breakdown, or contamination.

5. Surface Tension Test

What it measures: The foam’s ability to spread across a fuel surface.
Why it matters:

  • Low surface tension is essential for rapid fire knockdown.
  • Detects degradation in surfactant performance.

6. Expansion Test

What it measures: The ratio of expanded foam to liquid concentrate.
Why it matters:

  • Confirms the foam will generate the correct blanket thickness.
  • Poor expansion indicates contamination or mechanical issues.

7. 25% Drain Time Test

What it measures: How long it takes for 25% of the foam solution to drain from the foamblanket.
Why it matters:

  • Indicates foam stability and burnback resistance.
  • Short drain times suggest degraded or expired foam.

8. InHouse Alcohol Resistance Test

What it measures: Foam performance on polar solvents (e.g., ethanol).
Why it matters:

  • Essential for ARAFFF and fluorinefree foams used in fuel terminals and chemical facilities.
  • Confirms the polymer membrane forms correctly.

9. Service Test Report

What it provides:

  • Full results for all physical and performance tests
  • Pass/fail status against manufacturer specifications
  • Recommendations for corrective action

10. Compliance Test Sticker for Tank

Purpose:

  • Applied to the foam tank after testing
  • Shows test date, batch ID, and next due date
  • Supports insurance and regulatory audits

Foam Concentrate Testing

Proportioning systems must deliver the exact foam percentage required by the design (e.g.,1%, 3%, 6%). Incorrect proportioning leads to system failure during a fire.

Refractive Index Comparison Method
How it works:

We create three reference samples:

  • One slightly below the required percentage
  • One the same as the required percentage
  • One slightly above
Why it matters:
  • Confirms the system is delivering the correct foam mix
  • Detects blocked pickup tubes, faulty pumps, or induction issues
  • Required by insurers and AS1851 service regimes

We offer onsite proportioning testing so adjustments can be made immediately.

PFAS Analysis Testing

PFAS contamination is now a major regulatory and environmental concern. FireFoam C.T.S provides fullsuite PFAS analysis (30 analytes) to support transition planning and compliance.

PFAS – Full Suite (30 Analytes)

What it measures:
  • Concentrations of legacy PFAS compounds (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, etc.)
  • Emerging PFAS species found in older AFFF formulations
Why it matters:
  • Required for disposal, transition, and environmental reporting
  • Identifies legacy contamination in tanks, lines, and stored foam
  • Supports compliance with state and national PFAS phaseout regulations
Report Following Testing

Includes:

  • Concentration levels for all analytes
  • Comparison against regulatory thresholds
  • Recommendations for disposal, replacement, or decontamination