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Most fire extinguishers fail on alcohol fires. But AR-AFFF foam doesn’t. It’s built for tougher, more dangerous flames. This article explores what AR-AFFF is made from—and why it’s replacing older foams. In this post, you’ll learn how its ingredients work, where it’s used, and why it matters for safety.
What Are Foam Fire Extinguishers, and How Do They Work?
Types of Foam Fire Extinguishers
The Origins of AR-AFFF Foam: Why It Was Created
What Is AR-AFFF Foam Made From?
Polymer Thickeners: The Alcohol Shield
Short-Chain Fluorosurfactants: Cleaner and Safer
Stabilizers and Fire Suppression Additives
Mixing Ratios: 1%, 3%, and 6%
AR-AFFF vs AFFF: Ingredient Comparison Table
FAQs: AR-AFFF Foam Explained
Conclusion: Why AR-AFFF Is the Smarter, Safer Choice
Before we dive into the composition of AR-AFFF, it's important to understand its role and classification. AR-AFFF is a type of foam fire extinguisher, they are far more than just tools for putting out fires—they are essential lifesaving devices, specifically designed to tackle Class B fires. These are fires that involve flammable liquids such as fuel, oil, or alcohol, which can be particularly dangerous and challenging to extinguish. Unlike water, which can often make such fires worse, foam fire extinguishers are formulated to effectively combat these specific types of fires.
The key to foam extinguishers lies in their ability to cover the burning liquid with a thick, stable blanket. This blanket performs three crucial functions:
Covers the Surface: The foam creates a barrier that blocks oxygen from reaching the fire. Oxygen is essential for combustion, so by cutting it off, the fire is deprived of one of its key components.
Cools the Fuel: The blanket of foam also helps to cool the fuel to below its ignition point. By lowering the temperature, the fire loses its ability to sustain itself.
Suppresses Flammable Vapor: One of the most critical functions of foam is its ability to suppress flammable vapors. These vapors are invisible but highly dangerous, as they are what keep the fire burning. By trapping these vapors, foam prevents them from feeding the flames and spreading the fire further.
While we often don't see these vapors, they play a significant role in the continuation of a fire. Foam effectively keeps them in check, making it a highly effective fire suppressant.
Our next step is to examine the role AR-AFFF plays in the family of foam fire extinguishers. Foam fire extinguishers are essential tools in firefighting, but not all foams are created equal. They come in different types, each designed to tackle specific types of fires. Some are optimized for gasoline, while others are specifically formulated to handle alcohol-based fires. Understanding the differences between these types is crucial for selecting the right extinguisher for the job.
AFFF, or Aqueous Film Forming Foam, is the classic type you’ll often see at airports or fuel stations. It is specifically designed to handle Class B fires caused by non-polar fuels such as gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. AFFF works by creating a fast-spreading film that seals the fuel, preventing flammable vapors from escaping. This makes it highly effective in environments where hydrocarbon fuels are prevalent. However, AFFF has a significant limitation: it does not work on alcohol or solvent fires. These substances can destroy the foam layer, rendering it ineffective. As a result, AFFF is commonly used in military and industrial firefighting settings where non-polar fuels are the primary concern.
AR-AFFF, or Alcohol-Resistant AFFF, is a specialized variant that addresses a major limitation of standard AFFF. It is designed to handle both polar and non-polar liquids, making it a versatile solution for a wide range of fire scenarios. AR-AFFF is particularly effective against polar solvent fires involving ethanol, methanol, and acetone, while still performing well on traditional non-polar fuels like gasoline, oil, and diesel. The key to its effectiveness lies in its formulation, which includes a polymer that forms a protective gel layer over alcohol. This prevents the foam from breaking down, ensuring that it remains effective even in the presence of alcohol-based fuels. AR-AFFF is commonly used in chemical plants, airports, and refineries, where both types of fuels may be present.
Protein-based foams and fluoroprotein foams represent older generations of firefighting foam technology. These foams are derived from natural proteins, typically sourced from animal by-products. Protein foam spreads slowly and forms thick bubbles, providing a heavy, stable blanket over the burning liquid. Fluoroprotein foam enhances this stability by adding fluorinated agents, resulting in better flow characteristics and improved performance. However, both types have largely been replaced by synthetic alternatives like AFFF and AR-AFFF due to their slower spread rate and limited effectiveness on polar fuels like alcohol. They are now mostly found in legacy systems and industrial settings where non-polar fuels are the primary concern.
High-expansion foam is a unique type of foam that doesn’t focus on stopping burning oil directly. Instead, it excels at filling enclosed spaces quickly. This foam can expand up to 200 times its liquid volume, making it highly effective in environments such as tunnels, aircraft hangars, and basements. By rapidly filling the space, high-expansion foam starves the fire of oxygen, effectively suffocating it. While it is not ideal for outdoor use or open-air fuel fires, its ability to quickly fill enclosed areas makes it a valuable tool in specific scenarios.
| Foam Type | Works On | Alcohol-Resistant | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFFF | Gasoline, diesel | ❌ No | Fuel stations, highways |
| AR-AFFF | Alcohol, gasoline | ✅ Yes | Airports, chemical storage |
| Protein Foam | Non-polar fuels | ❌ No | Legacy systems |
| Fluoroprotein | Non-polar fuels | ❌ No | Industrial tanks |
| High-Expansion | All types (in enclosed areas) | ⚠️ Limited | Tunnels, engine rooms, basements |
Foam fire extinguishers are essential tools in the fight against liquid fires, each with its own strengths and limitations. By understanding the differences between AFFF, AR-AFFF, protein-based foams, fluoroprotein foams, and high-expansion foams, firefighters and safety professionals can select the right extinguisher for the specific type of fire they may encounter.
According to the comparison above, AR-AFFF is the most unique foam fire extinguisher. Not only can it extinguish oil fires like gasoline, but it can also extinguish solvent fires like ethanol. Since it was born to extinguish fires caused by polar solvents, it can be said that it was born to extinguish fires caused by polar solvents.
The development of AR-AFFF foam is rooted in the need to address a critical gap in firefighting capabilities. In the 1960s, the U.S. military faced a significant challenge: traditional fire suppression methods were inadequate for fuel fires, especially those involving non-polar fuels like gasoline and diesel. To tackle this problem, the military collaborated with 3M to develop AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). This innovation was a game-changer, as AFFF could quickly spread over burning liquids, forming a film that effectively smothered the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply. However, it had a major limitation: it failed when used on polar solvents like alcohols, ketones, and ethers. When AFFF was applied to alcohol fires, the foam would break apart, and no protective film would form, rendering it ineffective in stopping the fire.
Recognizing this flaw, engineers set out to improve upon AFFF in the 1970s. Their solution was AR-AFFF (Alcohol-Resistant AFFF), an upgraded version specifically designed to handle alcohol fires. The key innovation was the addition of a special polymer to the foam. This polymer forms a thick gel coating over polar fuels, preventing the foam from dissolving and maintaining its integrity. The gel barrier not only blocks the solvent from breaking down the foam but also provides firefighters with the crucial time needed to extinguish the fire.
| Key Difference | AFFF Foam | AR-AFFF Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Fuel Use | Breaks down | Gel barrier blocks solvents |
| Protective Layer | Thin water film | Thickened polymer + foam coating |
| Example Fuels | Diesel, gasoline | Ethanol, acetone, gasoline, more |
AR-AFFF has become an essential component in modern fire protection systems, particularly in environments where both polar and non-polar fuels are present. Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications. Common sites where AR-AFFF is used include:
Airports: These facilities handle large quantities of jet fuel and deicing chemicals, many of which are flammable liquids. AR-AFFF provides the necessary protection to quickly suppress fires and prevent them from spreading.
Refineries: Processing solvents and hydrocarbons are a staple in refineries, making AR-AFFF an indispensable tool for managing potential fire hazards.
Chemical Plants: These facilities often store and handle a variety of flammable liquids, including ethanol, methanol, and other alcohols. AR-AFFF’s ability to handle both polar and non-polar fuels makes it ideal for such environments.
Alcohol Warehouses: Facilities that store spirits, sanitizers, and industrial alcohol benefit from AR-AFFF’s effectiveness in handling alcohol fires, ensuring that these high-risk areas remain protected.
AR-AFFF has evolved from a specialized solution to a fundamental part of industrial fire protection systems. Its ability to handle a wide range of flammable liquids, including both polar and non-polar fuels, makes it a versatile and reliable choice for modern firefighting needs.
Modern AR-AFFF foam is more than just an upgraded version of traditional firefighting foam—it's a highly engineered solution designed to tackle some of the toughest fires. Its formula goes beyond what basic AFFF offers, incorporating advanced ingredients to address specific challenges posed by polar fuels and environmental concerns. Let’s take a closer look at what makes AR-AFFF so effective.
One of the primary challenges in fighting fires involving polar fuels like ethanol or acetone is that these substances can quickly break down traditional foam. AR-AFFF addresses this issue by incorporating polymer thickeners into its formulation. When sprayed onto alcohol-based fires, these polymers react to form a gel-like protective film over the fuel surface. This barrier not only keeps the foam stable but also prevents flammable vapors from escaping, effectively smothering the fire. Without these thickeners, alcohol would simply dissolve the foam, rendering it useless.
Older versions of AFFF relied on long-chain PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) like PFOA or PFOS, which have been linked to serious health and environmental risks. In contrast, AR-AFFF has transitioned to using short-chain C6 fluorosurfactants. These compounds still provide the necessary surface tension reduction required for foam expansion, but with significantly lower environmental impact. They are less likely to accumulate in the body and pose a lower risk to water sources. While not entirely free from environmental concerns, this shift represents a significant step toward safer firefighting practices.
To ensure that AR-AFFF performs effectively under real-world fire conditions, its formulation includes several key additives:
Stabilizers that keep the foam bubbles strong and intact, even under intense heat and pressure.
Suppressants that quickly knock down flames and prevent re-ignition.
Solvents that help the foam flow and spread more easily across burning surfaces.
These ingredients work together to enhance the foam's durability and effectiveness, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of fire scenarios.
AR-AFFF is supplied as a foam concentrate and is not used directly from the container. Instead, it must be mixed with water in specific ratios, depending on the application. Common mixing ratios include:
1%: Used in aircraft hangars and light hazard areas where the risk of fire is relatively low.
3%: This is the standard ratio for general-purpose use and is suitable for most fire suppression systems.
6%: Recommended for high-risk zones such as refineries and tank farms, where the potential for severe fires is higher.
The right mixing ratio depends on the specific hazard level, equipment, and system specifications. Proper mixing ensures that the foam performs optimally in each scenario.
When comparing AR-AFFF to traditional AFFF, several key differences stand out:
| Ingredient | AFFF Foam | AR-AFFF Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Polar Fuel Resistance | None; breaks down on contact | Polymer barrier provides protection |
| Fluorosurfactant Type | Long-chain PFOS/PFOA | Short-chain C6 (lower toxicity) |
| Additives for Stability | Basic foam stabilizers | Enhanced with thickeners and suppressants |
| Common Mix Ratios | 3% or 6% | 1%, 3%, or 6% |
AR-AFFF's advanced formulation addresses the limitations of AFFF, making it a more versatile and environmentally friendly choice for modern firefighting needs.
A: AR-AFFF can extinguish both polar and non-polar liquid fires, while AFFF only works on non-polar fuels like gasoline.
A: AR-AFFF is safer than traditional AFFF due to its use of short-chain C6 fluorosurfactants, but it still contains PFAS.
A: No. AR-AFFF is not suitable for electrical fires; use a CO₂ or dry chemical extinguisher instead.
A: PFAS are toxic, long-lasting chemicals that can contaminate water and pose serious health risks over time.
A: AFFF must be treated as hazardous waste and disposed of according to local environmental safety and hazardous material guidelines.
In the ever-evolving landscape of fire suppression technology, AR-AFFF foam has emerged as a crucial and innovative solution. Originally developed as an upgrade to traditional AFFF, AR-AFFF has not only bridged the performance gap but also set a new standard for effectiveness and safety. While standard AFFF excels at handling non-polar fuels like gasoline and diesel, it falls short when faced with polar solvents such as ethanol and acetone. AR-AFFF, however, is specifically engineered to tackle both types of fires, making it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
The advanced ingredients in AR-AFFF, such as polymer thickeners and short-chain fluorosurfactants, play a pivotal role in its effectiveness. These components not only enhance the foam's ability to form a protective barrier against polar fuels but also address the growing concerns related to environmental impact and health risks associated with long-chain PFAS. By incorporating these modern, safer alternatives, AR-AFFF offers a more sustainable and responsible approach to fire protection.
As global industries increasingly prioritize safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance, AR-AFFF stands out as a critical transitional technology. It provides a balanced solution that meets the demands of modern firefighting while minimizing environmental and health risks. Whether in airports, refineries, chemical plants, or other industrial facilities, AR-AFFF ensures that fire protection is both effective and responsible.
If you are interested in exploring high-quality AR-AFFF foam solutions that meet these evolving standards, we invite you to consider our product line. We offer a comprehensive range of alcohol-resistant firefighting foam products, designed to meet the specific needs of various industries. Trust Suolong to provide the protection you need—safely, effectively, and responsibly.