Leading the way with high-performance, fluorine-free firefighting foams

Organisations around the world are already transitioning to fluorine-free firefighting foam technology as global awareness of environmental and health impacts from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in legacy firefighting foams grows. This shift is driven not only by new regulations but also by the advances in performance and approvals of the latest fluorine-free foam concentrates. To many, it may appear that fluorine-free foam is a new solution. In fact, current-generation fluorine-free foams have been in development for more than 20 years.

Back in the 1990s, scientists started questioning the use of PFAS used in firefighting foam and other products, investigating their impact on the environment and human health. Even before more recent regulations on the use of fluorinated foams started to be introduced around the world in response to these concerns, researchers had already begun developing fluorine-free solutions to drive the industry forward.

A solution before its time

The conversation around the use of PFAS in firefighting foam started grabbing more attention after 3M, the world’s largest producer of fluorinated foams and the fluorochemicals used to produce them, decided to exit the business at the turn of the 21st century. Development of synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF) technology began in 2000 as a replacement to their own fluorinated foams. Solberg continued to advance the technology, focusing its efforts on creating fluorine-free alternatives that had comparable efficacy to the existing fluorinated products that had served the firefighting industry so well for more than 40 years. Over the ensuing years, Solberg emerged as a pioneer in fluorine-free technology, culminating in its acquisition by Perimeter Solutions in 2018.

As global awareness grew on the impacts of PFAS, and the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS, this brought about restrictions and regulations on their use starting in Australia, and then more broadly around the world. Traditional fluorinated foams, while effective, may pose environmental risks due to their persistent and bio-accumulative nature. In contrast, fluorine-free technology breaks down more readily in the environment, reducing long-term ecological impact. Whilst restrictions and regulations vary across different jurisdictions, in general the expectation is that there will be global restrictions around the world in the not-too-distant future.

Solberg, having anticipated these regulatory changes, was well-positioned to lead the industry in providing compliant, high-performance SFFF solutions. Their proactive R&D efforts meant that they had already developed and tested alternatives offering a transition path for their clients, including international airports, end users in the oil and gas industry, and fire departments.

World-leading products

Through the global research and development programme of Perimeter Solutions, a new range of SOLBERG® VERSAGARD™ products was developed that has seen remarkable success and widespread market adoption due to its exceptional performance and extensive certifications. Designed as a direct replacement for legacy products, rigorous testing was conducted by third-party organizations to ensure that SOLBERG VERSAGARD matched the performance standards of traditional fluorinated foams. These approvals and certifications provide a clear benchmark for comparison, making it easier for customers to choose the most appropriate solution for their needs.

SOLBERG VERSAGARD is tested and approved to the widest range of international approvals at the highest performance ratings. It has also successfully completed additional multiple large-scale fire testing programmes often with non-standard test fuels using standard equipment for proportioning and discharge. By selecting a high-performance foam like SOLBERG VERSAGARD, end users may require less foam to extinguish fires, resulting in cost savings and increased safety for firefighters and the public. Additionally, selecting a product that has been tested and proven to perform at typical industry application rates may require smaller system components and storage tanks, leading to further economic benefits and reduced operational costs. That is why SOLBERG VERSAGARD has seen wide adoption by the petrochemical industry, municipal fire departments and other fire management organizations around the world.

Latest developments

More recently again, Perimeter Solutions introduced SOLBERG® 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF, which was the first SFFF foam concentrate to be added to the United States Department of Defense Qualified Products List (QPL) for the newly developed MIL-PRF-32725 (I1) approval.

Our extensive years of knowledge and experience in the development of fluorine-free foams positioned us to deliver the first product of this type, ahead of any other manufacturer. SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF is designed specifically for fast knockdown and extinguishment of gasoline and Jet A fuel spills as identified in MIL-PRF-32725 (I1), a specification for land-based, freshwater applications introduced in January 2023. The new foam easily exceeds the MIL-SPEC’s expansion ratio, burn back and 25% drain time requirements, and meets saltwater requirements based on internal testing. It also has secured ICAO B Certification approval, a certification required for airports outside the U.S. Since its introduction, Perimeter Solutions has worked with numerous airports and military bases to help them transition to SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF.

Ongoing innovation

Perimeter Solutions’ R&D team continues to work to develop fluorine-free foam products as replacements for existing legacy-type products. Development of low-viscosity SFFF products with high performance and a range of approvals is a focus, due to their inherent advantages over traditional formulations. These products can be easier to use, mix and proportion, making them ideal for a wide range of applications and equipment, simplifying operations and enhancing the safety and effectiveness of fire-suppression efforts. These new technologies will provide a range of products for different applications, giving our customers greater choice and flexibility which represents another step in our company’s journey towards creating the most advanced and effective firefighting foams on the market. The process to create these advanced formulations involves extensive research and testing, and our global R&D teams leverage the latest scientific advancements and industry insights, as we continuously refine and improve our product offerings.

Conclusion

Perimeter Solutions is at the forefront of firefighting foam innovation with products like SOLBERG VERSAGARD and SOLBERG 3% MIL-SPEC SFFF. As the industry moves towards stricter environmental standards, our high-performance, environmentally responsible solutions offer unparalleled effectiveness and safety. We are committed to advancing firefighting technology to meet and exceed industry standards, ensuring that our customers are equipped with the best tools to protect lives, property and the environment. Through our technical knowledge and more than 20 years of experience developing fluorine-free foams, we are uniquely positioned to lead the market, making us the first choice for many customers around the world.