Firefighting foam - use and properties

RISE has worked in the field of firefighting foam since the middle of the 70's, something that has allowed us to gain a vast experience and knowledge. Firefighting tactics and use of firefighting foam, testing of foam concentrates, evaluation of foam properties, modelling of foam spread are some of the areas where RISE can offer a certain expertise.

Our gained knowledge of firefighting foam allow us to be an active speaking partner when it comes to firefighting foam properties. Parameters of interest can for example be: application rate, expansion ratio, drainage rate and mixing ratio. In the development of PFOS and PFAS free firefighting foams, RISE can be a partner when comes to test and evaluation of the concentrates.

RISE offers different standardised tests as services e.g. EN 1568, ISO 7203, IMO 1312, ICAO and SP method 2580 (including Small scale fire test), but also other standardised or custom made tests can be performed.

RISE has been active in standardisation activities and e.g. RISE has acted as convener of ISO TC191/SC6/WG4 and is represented as member of CEN TC 191/WG3. During the standardisation work, RISE has conducted a lot of fire tests for reference purpose and has therefore both the necessary equipment and experience. The fire test hall provides indoor testing which enables us to conduct tests under similar and ideal conditions all year round. The testing activities are accredited according to SS‑EN ISO/IEC 17025.

RISE has also an extensive experience from research on fire fighting foams. Supported by the EC Environment and Climate programme, a project, FOAMSPEX, was completed in 2001. The project focuses on foam spread and extinguishment of large fire.