Marine system testing shows foam compatibility

Survitec has reported the successful completion of performance testing for new alcohol-resistant, fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates.

The company confirmed that the results demonstrate compatibility with marine foam proportioning and pump systems, supporting the global transition away from PFAS-based products ahead of incoming IMO regulations.

According to Survitec, testing was required to confirm that the denser, more viscous foam formulations can operate effectively within systems originally designed for lower-viscosity compounds.

The manufacturer stated that this process involved modifications to existing dosing and pumping components, rather than full equipment replacement.

Testing confirms performance with high-viscosity foams

Survitec explained that the latest round of trials builds on previous laboratory tests examining foam performance under various marine conditions.

Last year, Survitec conducted fire tests using different sprinkler nozzles and fuel types.

These earlier tests showed that the foam retained its stability and effectiveness, even with volatile substances like methanol.

However, as Survitec noted, the alcohol-resistant variant introduced new challenges due to its increased viscosity. Standard systems were not designed for such properties, creating dosing accuracy risks.

Maciej Niescioruk, Product Manager, Foam Systems at Survitec, said: “Standard proportioners are not typically designed to handle this kind of fluid.

“So it was essential that we rigorously test the system to ensure compatibility and dosing accuracy.”

Adjustments reduce dosing risk in existing systems

Niescioruk explained that proportioning accuracy is a key requirement under marine fire safety standards.

He said: “An incorrect dosing ratio can result in a foam that is ineffective in suppressing a fire.

“Foam proportioning systems must comply with a strict dosing accuracy range of -0% to +30% to ensure that underdosing does not occur.

“This is a critical requirement to avoid system failure.”

He added: “This is particularly important when using high-viscosity foam concentrates, which typically generate higher flow resistance.

“If a standard, unchanged, proportioner is used, the increased resistance can cause the actual mixing ratio to fall below the nominal value, violating regulatory requirements and compromising foam performance.

“By implementing our findings from these tests, we can ensure that our customers won’t face that risk.”

Survitec reported that the extent of system redesign varied depending on configuration and scale. In some cases, changes to internal components and orifices were enough to meet the required dosing precision.

Regulatory compliance drives fluorine-free transition

The tests were carried out ahead of new International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules coming into force in January 2026.

Survitec stated that under IMO MSC.532(107), the use and storage of foams containing PerFluoroOctane Sulfonate (PFOS) will be banned. PFOS is one of several PFAS compounds being phased out globally due to environmental and health concerns.

Niescioruk said: “Fluorine-free, alcohol-resistant foams are particularly suited for chemical tankers, Norwegian double-ended ferries, and methanol-fuelled vessels, where environmental performance and fire safety are paramount.

“The successful completion of these performance tests allows Survitec to offer a tested and validated solution that mitigates technical risk and supports a smooth, compliant transition to fluorine-free technology.

“The findings are already being implemented in current projects, including a system commissioning in Turkey.”

He added: “These are safety-critical systems.

“Any significant changes to these systems must be handled carefully, allowing time to assess the engineering requirements and obtain the proper approvals.

“Our message to the market is clear: plan now, test early, and work with an OEM partner who understands the technical and regulatory landscape.”

Survitec completes testing of alcohol-resistant fluorine-free firefighting foam: Summary

Survitec completed testing of new alcohol-resistant, fluorine-free firefighting foam concentrates.

The company reported the results confirm compatibility with marine foam proportioners and pumps.

Testing focused on managing the increased viscosity of fluorine-free formulations.

Modifications were made to dosing and mixing components to maintain regulatory accuracy.

Proportioning systems must deliver foam within a -0% to +30% mixing range.

Survitec stated that incorrect dosing can lead to ineffective foam during fire suppression.

IMO regulation MSC.532(107) will prohibit PFOS-based foams from January 2026.

Survitec highlighted the importance of early planning to support compliance and safety.

The company confirmed that the tested foam will be used in current marine projects.

Applications include chemical tankers and vessels using methanol as fuel.