Fluorine-Free Foam (FFF) technology is not new to BIOEX. For more than 20 years, BIOEX has been committed to offering a safe alternative to PFAS-containing foams for firefighters. In 2002, BIOEX launched ECOPOL: the first Class A/B efficient fluorine-free foam (FFF) in the market.
The company offers a wide range of firefighting foams for class A and class B fires; focused on environmentally friendly solutions that comply with international certifications. Part of the LEADER Group, BIOEX is recognized as a leading authority in fluorine-free foam.
Moving away from PFAS
A global concern about the health effects from the exposure to PFAS is rising. Worldwide, regulations are becoming increasingly restrictive regarding the use of PFAS-containing foams (such as AFFF and AR-AFFF).
The fire industry must be prepared to move away from PFAS and turn to more environmentally friendly technologies, such as fluorine-free foam.
BIOEX fluorine-free foam solutions
For over 20 years, BIOEX has built strong expertise and has extensive experience in fluorine-free foam research and production.
BIOEX environmentally friendly solutions are biodegradable. They do not contain PFAS or any hazardous substances. Additionally, they have no impact on the environment and human health. Some of our products have also obtained GreenScreen certification; the first independent ecolabel for PFAS-free firefighting foams.
BIOEX offers a wide range of fluorine-free foams efficient against class A and class B fires, including hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires. These foams can be applied in the same way as traditional foams and are mostly compatible with foam mixing and discharge equipment. FFF forms a thick and stable foam blanket, which spreads rapidly above the fuel surface. This foam blanket suppresses oxygen supply, resulting in quick fire suppression and has a cooling effect. The drainage time is long and provides good resistance to reignition.
BIOEX fluorine-free foams offer equivalent or better performances than traditional foams, as well as on large-scale fires. They are certified under international standards (such as EN1568, NFPA, IMO, ICAO, LASTFIRE, UL, USDA Forest Service…).
Transition to fluorine-free foam
Several questions emerge when discussing the subject of moving away from AFFF to FFF: What are the steps in the process? How to proceed? Will the new foam be compatible with current foam equipment? How to dispose of old foam?
BIOEX helps our customers to answer those questions and support them through their transition to FFF.
Some phases in the process are key. Fire services must check fluorine-free foam properties and ensure that they meet the latest standard requirements and performances expected. Then, it is necessary to check its compatibility with their foam equipment, especially with proportioning and discharge devices. BIOEX also recommends cleaning the tank before refilling with FFF. The old foam and any rinsing water must also be disposed of properly. Afterward, firefighters can test the whole installation to check that it is working properly, and train with the new foam.
BIOEX adapts its transition protocols to each customer case, installation and local regulation. For more than 20 years, BIOEX has supported successful transitions to FFF for numerous fire brigades, airports, refineries, chemical plants throughout the world.
Turned to the future
In a fire industry that has been increasingly turning to fluorine-free foams, BIOEX remains committed to providing green solutions. The company maintains its own laboratory, composed of PhD trained and chemical scientists. BIOEX continues to bring new efficient fluorine-free foam formulations to the fire-industry market. The performance of every foam BIOEX offers are always verified at small-scale and large-scale burning test facilities, including all the testing that is performed for certifications.
BIOEX recently stretched its know-how by launching fluorine-free concentrate for portable foam fire extinguishers.
In the beginning of 2020, BIOEX relocated into brand-new facilities with extended capacities (production, laboratory, storage and logistics). The expansion was essential to meet the increasing customer demand around the world. The company opted for the construction of two separate production lines for fluorinated and non-fluorinated foam concentrates to avoid any contamination of the line with fluorine compounds.
That is the BIOEX commitment: to offer high performance foams and environmentally friendly solutions.
Find BIOEX’s team and range of products in Hall 13 – Stand E09 during Interschutz 2022.
For more information, go to www.bio-ex.com
