BIOEX launches fluorine-free wildland firefighting foam range
Iain Hoey
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BIOEX presents two wildland foam concentrates
BIOEX has presented its wildland firefighting range, made up of ECOPOL F and BIOFOR, with both concentrates described as 100% fluorine-free and fully biodegradable for forest fire operations.
The French manufacturer BIOEX outlined the range as suitable for wildland firefighting across different terrains, seasons and delivery platforms.
ECOPOL F and BIOFOR are free of PFAs and are described as non-toxic to animals and vegetation.
Both products are stated to comply with current and future environmental regulations including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Stewardship Program and the European Groundwater Directive.
BIOEX details ECOPOL F applications
ECOPOL F operates at concentrations from 0.1% as a wetting agent to 1% as a foam agent.
Its surfactant technology is described as driving water into burning solids to extinguish embers and reduce re-ignition.
At 0.1% to 0.5%, the product is intended for wetting applications involving vegetation, timber, tyres, plastics, car fires and structure fires.
At 0.5% to 1%, it forms an adhesive foam blanket that clings to vertical surfaces at low, medium and high expansion.
It is also described as suitable for contained Class B hydrocarbon fire scenarios involving diesel, kerosene and petrol.
The concentrate is listed for aerial and ground delivery including airtankers, helicopters, compressed air foam systems and foam proportioners.
A nitrate-free corrosion inhibitor is included alongside a 10-year warranty.
ECOPOL F is listed on the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service QPL and is GreenScreen Certified.
BIOFOR is positioned for year-round use
BIOFOR is designed for wildland firefighting in remote terrain, cold weather and large-scale aerial coverage.
Its Newtonian viscosity enables pumping with standard proportioning equipment and its freeze-protection formula removes the need for heated storage.
The product supports low, medium and high expansion within a single concentrate.
Wetting properties are described as enabling water to penetrate burning solids more quickly, addressing embers at the fire’s core.
It also creates visible firebreaks on the ground to support tactical operations.
The formulation is suitable for use in winter and cold-climate zones without heated storage.
A low concentration rate is described as reducing storage requirements and supporting operational flexibility.