Design and installation guide
NFF foam: fuel and hardware compatibility in non-fluorinated options
NFF describes non-fluorinated options, also referred to as F3 and, for synthetic formulations, SFFF. Manufacturer statements about no intentionally added PFAS are interpreted within formulation documentation. The family includes hydrocarbon products and separate options covering polar solvents.
The Özkartay portfolio assesses ANSUL NFF-331, ANSUL NFF-3H and SKUM NFF-332 fluorine-free models separately. Sharing the NFF designation does not establish identical concentrations, fuels or certification. The model is selected alongside system design.
01
How does the foam form and provide protection?
Concentrate chemistry, proportioning with water and application method together determine foam behaviour.
Protection through the blanket
Suitable NFF solution is aerated to cover the fuel surface. The blanket helps limit vapour release, with water contributing cooling. Expansion and drainage depend on concentrate and discharge device.
Model-specific alcohol resistance
AR-SFFF models include protective formulation features for compatible polar solvents. A hydrocarbon-focused NFF is not assumed suitable for polar solvents. Actual fuel and application follow the model test scope.
Proportioning and flow behaviour
Viscosity and flow behaviour vary among NFF models. Suction, pumps, proportioners and operating temperature are coordinated for accurate concentration. Nominal percentage alone cannot establish hardware compatibility.
02
Selection, hardware and product condition
Combustible material, product documentation and installed hardware are assessed together for appropriate selection.
Fuel and concentration
- Fuel and model selection
- Hydrocarbon, polar-solvent and Class A use are checked separately. Concentration, water type and application come from product data. Multiple-fuel sites require an appropriate model or separate protection arrangements.
- Approved combinations
- UL, FM or EN performance follows specified product, fuel and hardware conditions. One model approval is not extended to the whole family. Changes to sprinklers or proportioners require renewed combination checks.
Proportioning and discharge equipment
- Transition in existing systems
- AFFF-to-NFF transition reviews flow range, pressure losses, suction and discharge hardware. The change requires more than refilling a tank. Necessary equipment changes and proportioning verification are defined through design.
- Legacy fluorinated residues
- Legacy agent may remain in tanks, piping or equipment. Cleaning and any necessary replacement follow manufacturer guidance. Wash water is collected, and new concentrate does not justify an unmeasured claim that the whole installation is PFAS-free.
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.
- Biodegradability and SDS
- Biodegradability is described by test method and result, rather than a universal 100% or harmlessness claim. Assessments such as GreenScreen belong to the model scope. Used foam and fuel-contaminated water require suitable collection and handling.
03
Applications and selection approach
The actual fuel, site conditions and validated scope of the selected model govern the following applications.
New industrial systems
- Application need
- Agent and hardware can be selected together.
- Selection approach
- Fuel-validated NFF and hardware combinations form part of the project.
Paint and chemical production
- Application need
- Polar solvents or blended fuels may be present.
- Selection approach
- AR model compatibility and application are verified for the actual chemical.
Legacy fluorinated-agent conversion
- Application need
- Legacy equipment and residues require management.
- Selection approach
- Fuel, hydraulics, cleaning, hardware and acceptance checks are planned together.
04
Checks considered together for this product
Scroll the table horizontally to view every column.
| Item | Product approach | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| NFF / F3 / SFFF | Non-fluorinated family designations. | Manufacturer formulation and PFAS statement. |
| AR scope | Only in suitable models. | Actual polar solvent and test scope. |
| Hardware | Approved model combination. | Concentration, flow, water and viscosity. |
| Environment | Documented properties and controlled use. | SDS, biodegradability test and collection. |
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.