ARC 3×3 S foam concenrate

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is an alcohol resistant aqueous film forming foam concentrate (AFFF-ARC) consisting of a blend of fluorocarbon-, hydrocarbon surfactants and polymers, various solvents and stabilisers. All Fomtec AFFF-ARC foam concentrates are formulated with 100% C6 Pure fluoro-surfactants and fluoro-polymers. On hydrocarbon fuels, Fomtec ARC 3×3 S utilises the unique film forming effect to cut off oxygen supply to the fire and the oleophobic properties of the foam enables a stable foam blanket to prevent reignition of the fire. With polar fuels, a polymeric membrane is formed that suppresses vapours and allows the foam blanket to survive on the water miscible fuel surface.

Features

  • Short chain C6 Pure fluorochemistry
  • UL Listed, ULC Listed, FM Approved
  • Suitable for sprinkler applications
  • Suitable for Class A and B fires
  • Low and medium expansion foam
Fomtec ARC 3x3 S can

Description

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S should be used at a 3% proportioning ratio (3 parts concentrate and 97 parts of water) for both hydrocar-bon and polar solvent fuels. May be used with all water types. For use on Class A type fires, a proportioning ratio of 0,3% to 1% is recommended depending on application and discharge device.

Application

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is tested according to UL 162 7th Edition, ULC and FM 5130 for use on class B hydrocarbon fuel fires such as oil and diesel as well as polar solvent fires such as IPA and acetone. Can also be used on class A fires such as wood, paper, textiles etc.

Typical applications include high risk installations such as:

  • Petrochemical and chemical plants
  • Tank farms
  • Offshore installations
  • Warehouses
  • Foam sprinkler systems

Refer to the FM Approval Guide and UL Listing for approved fuel hazards and application rate as well as approved system components for use with this concentrate.

Sprinkler application

Sprinkler applications are especially challenging for any foam due to the very low operating pressure and the very low expansion reached. Applying foam through a sprinkler is a very forceful application method and requires foam that can handle direct application and partial submersion into the fuel without losing its fire performance and burnback resistance. Foams that shall be regarded as suitable for Sprinkler applications shall also be able to withstand limited time of water deluge directly onto the foam blanket without losing its burnback properties. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S has passed these tests showing very good extinguishing and burnback properties. Refer to the FM Approval Guide and UL Listing for acceptable system configurations used with this concentrate and specific sprinkler SINs and their associated minimum application rates.

Fire performance & Foaming

The fire performance of this product has been tested and documented according to the “International Approvals” stated in this document. The use of the product should follow design guidelines appropriate to the type of system and application. The foaming properties are depending on equipment used and other variables such as water and ambient temperatures. Average expansion 7:1, average 25% drainage time 9:00 minutes using UNI 86 test nozzle according to EN 1568-3.

 

*) See detailed viscosity data in TDS

Typical data

Appearance Pale yellow liquid
Specific gravity at 20°C 1,030 ± 0,020 g/ml
Viscosity Pseudoplastic*
pH 5,8 – 6,8
Freezing point 0˚C
Recommended storage temperature 2˚C - 55˚C
UL Minimum storage temperature 1,7 ˚C
Suspended sediment (v/v) < 0,1%

Equipment

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S can easily be proportioned at the correct ratio using conventional proportioning equipment. The equipment should be designed to the foam type. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is suitable for use with Type II (gentle application) and Type III (direct application) discharge devices as well as sprinklers according to EN 13565-2. It can be used in low and medium expansion applications with all conventional aspirating and non-aspirating discharge devices. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is also suitable for use in CAF-systems.

Compability

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S can be used together with foam compatible powders and other expanded foams. It is suitable for all water types. For mixing with other foam concentrates, contact Fomtec for advise and guidance. For material compatibility please refer to our Fomtec Technical Advices FTA 20 addressing the topic.

Environmental

Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is formulated using raw materials specially selected for their fire performance and their environmental profile. All raw materials are registered in the European REACH-database. Fomtec ARC 3×3 S is non-toxic, biodegradable and each individual component is fully tested and documented. Fomtec only uses C6 Pure fluoro-surfactants and polymers in our AFFF-ARC formulations. Our film forming (AFFF-ARC) products contains no PFOS or PFOA in accordance with US EPA Stewardship Programme 2010/15 and EU Directive 2017/1000. More details can be found in the Material Safety Datasheet (MSDS). The disposal of spills of foam concentrate or premix foam solution should be made in accordance with local regulations. For more detailed information please consult our Fomtec Technical Advices FTA 40.

Storage/Shelf life

Stored in original unbroken packaging the product will have a long shelf life. Shelf life in excess of 10 years will be found in temperate climates. As with all foam concentrates, shelf life will be dependent on storage temperatures and conditions. For storage recommendations and material compatibility please refer to our Fomtec Technical Advices FTA 10 addressing the topic.

Fomtec ARC 3x3 S IBC

Inspection/Testing/Maintenance

All foam concentrates should be tested annually. Testing should be carried out by an approved laboratory certified to assess firefighting foam quality according to relevant standards, such as NFPA 11, FM 5130, EN 13565-2, EN 1568 and IMO MSC.1Circ. 1312. Storage containers should be inspected and reevaluated for the suitability of the storage location regarding temperature fluctu-ations (temperature should be as stable as possible). Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided.

Packaging

We supply this product in 25 litre or 5 US gallon cans, 200 litre or 55 US gallon drums, and 1000 litre or 265 US gallon IBC containers. Larger bulk supply is available against special request.

International approvals

  • UL Listed according to UL 162 7th Edition and ULC
  • FM 5130 including sprinkler application