Design and installation guide
FFFP foam: film-forming fluoroprotein
FFFP is the film-forming fluoroprotein family. It combines a protein-based blanket with fluorinated surfactants supporting film formation on suitable hydrocarbons. Surface coverage, vapour control and burnback resistance are assessed within the same application.
FFFP designation does not establish aviation approval or polar-solvent suitability for every model. Its protein base and film-forming properties distinguish it from AFFF and FP. Selection follows actual fuel and product performance scope.
01
How does the foam form and provide protection?
Concentrate chemistry, proportioning with water and application method together determine foam behaviour.
Protein blanket
Correctly proportioned concentrate is aerated through suitable hardware. The protein base contributes blanket behaviour. Drainage and stability depend on product and discharge conditions.
Film-forming ingredients
Fluorinated surfactants support aqueous film formation on suitable hydrocarbons. Film and blanket together aim to limit vapour release. Fuel properties influence this mechanism.
Application and blanket integrity
Delivery method, flow and density are assessed alongside performance. Heat stability and burnback resistance follow model test conditions. One extinguishing time is not assigned across the family.
02
Selection, hardware and product condition
Combustible material, product documentation and installed hardware are assessed together for appropriate selection.
Fuel and concentration
- Hydrocarbon and AR distinction
- Standard FFFP is assessed for suitable hydrocarbons. Water-miscible solvents require an alcohol-resistant AR-FFFP model and fuel scope. Blends, temperatures and use scenarios inform selection.
- Concentration and performance classification
- Concentration follows the selected model. EN, UL or ICAO statements are read with their ratios and test conditions. Ratings from different products require matching conditions for comparison.
Proportioning and discharge equipment
- Aspirating hardware
- Branchpipes, chambers or monitors are selected within product application scope. Non-aspirating use requires specific product and hardware evidence. Nozzle type, expansion and surface delivery are checked together.
- Water, proportioning and materials
- Water type and viscosity are matched to proportioner range. Tanks and piping contacting neat concentrate follow material instructions. Existing FP or AFFF equipment requires separate compatibility checks for FFFP.
Storage, documentation and environment
- Preserving concentrate condition
- Storage temperature and tank materials follow manufacturer instructions. Evaporation, dilution and contamination are controlled, with batch identification and sample checks recorded. Different concentrates are not mixed without documented compatibility.
- Fluorinated ingredients and after-use management
- Safety information and conditions applicable at the project location are reviewed for fluorinated foam. Agent, wash water and contaminated firefighting water are collected appropriately. A transition to NFF also assesses hardware, fuel compatibility and legacy residues.
03
Applications and selection approach
The actual fuel, site conditions and validated scope of the selected model govern the following applications.
Fuel storage
- Application need
- Surface coverage and burnback resistance are considered together.
- Selection approach
- Product, fuel and tank/spill delivery arrangements are matched.
Aviation-fuel hazards
- Application need
- A project may require aviation performance.
- Selection approach
- Any ICAO scope is identified for the selected model, concentration and test conditions.
Mobile industrial response
- Application need
- Fuel and access conditions vary.
- Selection approach
- Branchpipes/monitors, agent demand and AR needs follow site conditions.
04
Checks considered together for this product
Scroll the table horizontally to view every column.
| Item | Product approach | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| FFFP | Protein blanket and film formation. | Family designation and product performance. |
| Difference from FP | Includes a film-forming property. | Fuel and application scope. |
| Polar solvents | Not assumed for standard FFFP. | Required AR-FFFP product. |
| Aviation | ICAO scope is model-specific. | Documentation, ratio and test conditions. |
A family description does not certify identical performance across manufacturers. Model values and approved application conditions are matched to current product data and the relevant documentation.
Share the combustible material, water supply and existing equipment so we can assess a suitable concentrate and application arrangement together.