By Jennie Novak
Our goal at Dyne Fire Protection Labs is to make testing Quick, Easy, and Accurate. With just a few clicks or a phone call, we put a foam sampling kit right in your hands. Our firefighting foam/antifreeze kits include plastic bottles and caps, a pen for filling out the form, an etching marker to write on the sample bottles, a return shipping label, and paperwork to submit with the sample(s). We also have a fillable PDF of this same form, which allows you to save the logistics, therefore saving time.
What can you do when the kits arrive to make the process quick once we get them back for testing? Filling out the form completely and accurately helps ensure that the samples are entered for testing correctly, the report lists the information you will need to resample next year, and the reports get to the right people.
We realize that often times the person completing the paperwork is not always the same person that collected the samples. This article will help everyone from the technician to the administrative staff understand what information is needed on the form.
Type - What is in the bottle?
Concentrate1 (pure foam concentrate)
Check this box if the foam was taken directly from a tank, tote, or container.
Solution (flow test, proportioning, premixed)
There are two types of solutions. One is premixed with water and stored ready to use, the other is sent through a proportioning system and collected for testing.
Performance2 – (stored in solution form) tests to see if the foam is performing correctly
% Concentration3- (from proportioner/flow test) tests the % concentration of the solution to see if it
was mixed at the appropriate % of water vs foam
In order to determine the percent concentration, a concentrate sample MUST be supplied.
In order for us to determine the % concentration, let us know what % concentrate the system is using. If the foam is a 3% x 6% AR-AFFF, note whether the proportioner is set for 3% or 6%. Similarly, if the foam is a 1% x 3% AR-AFFF, indicate if the system is 1% or 3%.
Water
Shell Water4 (percent foam estimation)
• Use this box for the water that was pulled from around the bladder. Shell water would be tested if you
suspect a bladder leak.
System Water5 (from water source)
• If you are sending in a solution sample, it is preferable that you send in a sample of the water that the
system uses to mix with the foam. We can use the tap water from the Dyne lab, but to best simulate
your solution, you can provide your system water at no additional cost.
• You may also submit a sample of the system water if you think the foam has contaminated the system
water in some way. See our October 2017 newsletter about sending in water for testing: When do you
need to send in system water?
Antifreeze6
If the antifreeze type is not known, Dyne can help verify if the solution contains propylene glycol or glycerine but
contamination, extreme dilution, and mixing of antifreeze types can make accurate determination difficult in
some cases. NOTE: If you are testing antifreeze, you do not need to complete the concentration, foam type,
sample information, tank sample point, or storage condition sections.
Concentration: What percent concentration is it being used?
If the foam is an AFFF, Protein, FFFP, High Expansion, or Wetting Agent choose one of the single percent
categories (such as 3%). If the foam in an AR-AFFF, AR-Protein Based, or AR-FFFP choose one of the X categories
(such as 3% x 6%).
Foam Type: What type of foam do you have?
AFFF – Aqueous Film Forming Foam
AR-AFFF – Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam
Protein – Protein-based Foam
AR-Protein Based – Alcohol Resistant Protein Foam
FFFP – Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam
AR-FFFP – Alcohol Resistant Film Forming Fluoroprotein Foam
For a more detailed explanation of the foam types listed above, read the article What Type of Foam Do I Have.
Do I have to fill out the information outside of the shaded areas?
While this information is helpful, it is not required. You should at least indicate a Tank# as this will appear on
your report and should match what is written on the bottle. Examples of Tank numbers or names include #1,
South, Front, etc. This number/name will appear on the tank tag that you can go back and hang for future
reference (passing samples only).
If you indicate the tank sampling point or where sample was pulled from, that can help in determining issues
with the foam results.
Click the following links for samples of these form filled out for each scenario:
Sample Bottle Tips:
• Clearly number the bottles with the etching marker provided in the kit to match the order on the return form
• It may help to use a towel/rag to dry off the outside of the bottle and then write on it with the marker
• Securely tighten the caps and tape them shut
• Fill the bottles to the fill line without overfilling them
• If a sample is very bubbly, wait a few minutes for the bubbles to dissipate to ensure the bottle fills entirely
• Seal the bottles in the plastic bag provided, and place the form outside of the bag
• Return empty bottles to the box to hold them in place during shipping (you will not be charged for empty bottles)
• Secure the box with tape and make sure the kit number is not covered and add your address to the box.
If your company/address is listed on the box it helps us sort them when they arrive via UPS or USPS mail.
If you are going to be testing the same samples as the year before, we can generate a PDF of the information we
received last year to include with your kits. Make sure to mention the job when you call to order the sample kits.
Our customer service and technical support are available to you or your staff via phone at 800-632-2304 and
email lab@dyneusa.com. We are always happy to answer your questions on the form and sampling process.