1. What is the shelf life of my foam concentrate?
Depending on what type of foam concentrate you have, the typical shelf life will vary. Protein type concentrates have a shelf life of about 7 to 10 years. The synthetic type concentrates, which are the AFFF, ARC type AFFF, Class “A” and High-Expansion concentrates, have a shelf lives of 20 to 25 years.
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3. But, it’s so thick; will I be able to proportion it?
The ARC concentrates have both psuedoplastic and thixotropis characteristics. This means that as the shear of the product increases (by pumping or suction), the viscosity decreases. Another example of a thixotropic product that you are familiar with is catsup. When the catsup bottle is first picked up, it is very difficult to pour, but once the shear of the product increases, you usually have more catsup than you wanted. When the bottle is set back on the table, the catsup thickens up again.
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4. How often do I have to test my foam concentrate and system?
The foam concentrate for foam premix should be tested once a year per NFPA. ANSUL will test both concentrate and premixes for a nominal charge (See Foam Analysis Request Form # F-88195-3). The system should be tested per the applicable NFPA standard or per NFPA 25 (Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems.)
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8. Where can I purchase a de-foaming agent?
De-foaming agent or anti-forming emulsion can be purchased through the Dow Corning Corporation of Midland, Michigan. Please contact the Dow Corning Process Aids and Additive Center at (800) 362-6373 for further information.
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