Which foam type is recommended for ethanol or alcohol-based liquids?

Which foam type is recommended for ethanol or alcohol-based liquids?

• A. AFFF foam
• B. Alcohol resistant (AR) foam
• C. Protein foam
• D. Fluoroprotein foam

Answer: (B)

Alcohol-based liquids pose a challenge because polar solvents like ethanol can break down conventional foam films, causing the foam blanket to collapse and the fire to continue or reflash. Alcohol resistant foam is formulated to form a protective layer on the liquid surface that resists dissolution by alcohols, so the foam blanket remains stable, keeps cooling the fuel, and suppresses vapors. This makes it the most effective choice for fires or spills involving ethanol and other alcohol-based liquids. Other foams aren’t designed to withstand alcohols and tend to lose their effectiveness when ethanol is present.

Alcohol-based liquids pose a challenge because polar solvents like ethanol can break down conventional foam films, causing the foam blanket to collapse and the fire to continue or reflash. Alcohol resistant foam is formulated to form a protective layer on the liquid surface that resists dissolution by alcohols, so the foam blanket remains stable, keeps cooling the fuel, and suppresses vapors. This makes it the most effective choice for fires or spills involving ethanol and other alcohol-based liquids. Other foams aren’t designed to withstand alcohols and tend to lose their effectiveness when ethanol is present.