Foam Testing

Foam Testing is a requirement of BS5306, NFPA11 and UKOOA/HSE and is a procedure that should be carried out at least once annually to determine any changes in the constitution, specification and characteristics of the foam.

Flameskill offer totally independent foam testing from our leading foam test house.

In order to obtain accurate ‘foam percentage proportioning results’ it is essential to adopt good sample collection procedures, always being careful not to dilute the sample accidentally in the collection procedure by mixing with initial discharge solution, and always collecting a sample after steady-state conditions are reached.

Please Note: We must be in receipt of suitable foam samples with all required information attached and a Purchase Order prior to the commencement of any foam testing. Please use the link below to complete the required information forms to be attached to your sample bottles prior to return.

Click here for printable foam ‘sample bottle’ forms.

Foam Testing & Samples

Foam Concentrate Test Report

The purpose of a Foam Concentrate Test Report is to evaluate if the sample tested is in satisfactory condition and, most importantly, is within the manufacturer’s specification

Samples required:

Please provide at least 1 litre of foam concentrate. Samples should ideally be provided in clean tightly-sealed bottles and be labelled with the following information,

• Type of foam concentrate, eg 6% AFFF
• Name of company
• Date of sample taken
• Sample location point

How do I take a sample of Foam Concentrate?

The foam concentrate sample should be representative of the stored product. The three recognised sample procedures most frequently used are:

• Single sample – Circulate the stored product to obtain a single homogeneous sample.
• Two samples – Take a sample from the top and bottom of the stored product and composite the samples into a single unit.
• Three samples – Take a top, middle and bottom sample and composite into a single unit.

Foam Concentrate Test Report – What is required?

Produced Foam Test Report

The purpose of a Produced Foam Test Report is to determine the suitability and accuracy of a foam system proportioning/induction equipment.

Each Produced Foam Test Report shows a calculated percentage induction measured using the sample provided.

Samples required:

Please provide at least the following:

• 1 litre of foam concentrate
• 1 litre of induction water
• 0.5 litre of produced foam

Samples should ideally be provided in clean tightly-sealed bottles and be labelled with the following information:

• Type of foam concentrate, eg 6% AFFF
• Name of company
• Date of a sample taken
• Sample location point

How do I take a sample of Produced Foam?

Produced or Expanded Foam samples should be represented as closely as possible the foam reaching the designated discharge area.

Collecting samples from nozzles, monitors and overhead sprinklers – collect samples from point of impact in the discharge area.
Collecting a sample from foam pourers – insert sample container into the edge of produced foam stream and take a sample.

Practical points:

• Before taking the sample, activate the foam system long enough to remove standing columns of water (which otherwise would contribute to a diluted produced foam sample).
• Use a foam target and collecting board. Please contact us for more details.
• Sample when the system is in equilibrium

Foam Concentrate Test Report – What is required?