AFFF and Military Hangars: Protecting Aircraft and Ensuring Safety
Chris Eberly, PE
Vice President of Product Development @ ParkUSA | Water treatment and environmental control systems
Military hangars serve as critical facilities for housing and maintaining aircraft, safeguarding them from the elements and providing essential support for military operations. Fire safety is of paramount importance in these hangars, considering the potential risks associated with highly flammable aviation fuels and the need to protect valuable assets. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has emerged as a vital firefighting agent for military hangars, providing an effective means of suppressing fires and minimizing damage. In this article, we delve into the role of AFFF in safeguarding military hangars and explore its key features and benefits.
Understanding AFFF
AFFF is a specialized firefighting foam that possesses exceptional fire suppression properties. It is predominantly used for combating flammable liquid fires, including those involving aviation fuels like jet fuel. The foam is composed of a combination of water, foam concentrate, and various additives that enhance its effectiveness. When applied to a fire, AFFF forms a thin, aqueous film that rapidly spreads over the fuel surface, cutting off the oxygen supply and preventing the release of flammable vapors, thereby extinguishing the fire.
Key Features and Benefits of AFFF
1. Rapid Fire Suppression: AFFF is highly effective in quickly extinguishing flammable liquid fires, including those fueled by aviation fuels. Its ability to rapidly spread and form a cohesive film helps smother the flames, reducing the risk of further fire propagation. The repulsion between PFAS and water and the attractive forces between hydrocarbons create a unique scenario where the PFAS molecules tend to remain at the water-hydrocarbon interface.
PFAS molecules create a distinct layer where “water floats on top of the hydrocarbons”.
2. Vapor Suppression: AFFF's unique film-forming properties play a crucial role in suppressing the release of flammable vapors. By creating a barrier between the fuel and the air, it minimizes the chances of re-ignition, ensuring enhanced safety in military hangars.
3. Cooling Effect: The water component of AFFF aids in cooling the fuel and surrounding surfaces, reducing the temperature of the fire and preventing re-ignition. This cooling effect aids in mitigating heat-related damage to the hangar structure and the aircraft housed within.?
4. Foam Stability: AFFF foam exhibits remarkable stability, ensuring it remains intact and effective for an extended duration. This stability allows for extended firefighting operations, enabling firefighters to combat complex fires and giving them more control over the situation.
5. Compatibility with Equipment: AFFF is compatible with various firefighting equipment, including foam generators, monitors, and hand-held devices. This compatibility facilitates efficient deployment and distribution of the foam, maximizing its firefighting potential within military hangars.
6. Environmental Considerations: In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on the environmental impact of firefighting agents. AFFF formulations are now available that have reduced or eliminated the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), addressing concerns about potential contamination of soil and water sources.
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New PFAS-free foams are being developed that use biodegradable agents and pose minimal risks to ecosystems and human health.
Implementation in Military Hangars
To effectively utilize AFFF in military hangars, proper infrastructure and training are essential. Hangar designs should incorporate AFFF storage tanks, pumping systems, and specialized foam delivery systems to ensure swift and efficient firefighting responses. Additionally, regular training for hangar personnel and firefighters is vital to familiarize them with AFFF equipment, application techniques, and safety protocols.
An AFFF wastewater system should be included in the hangar's design and strategically placed in areas where AFFF is likely to be used. The containment systems should have proper sealing to prevent any potential leaks or spills and include trench drains, an oil-water separator, and an automatic diversion valve system that diverts runoff to a dedicated containment system in the event of firefighting activities and/or AFFF testing or accidental discharge.
Just as important as the AFFF suppression system, a hangar wastewater management system plays a vital role in safeguarding the environment from PFAS contamination.
Conclusion
The protection of aircraft and the safety of personnel within military hangars are of utmost importance. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has proven to be a valuable tool in combating flammable liquid fires, particularly those involving aviation fuels. Its ability to rapidly suppress fires, create a vapor barrier, and cool the surroundings makes it an indispensable asset for fire safety in military hangars. By incorporating AFFF into hangar designs and providing adequate training, engineers can ensure the effective use of this firefighting agent, mitigating the potential risks associated with aircraft operations and safeguarding valuable assets.
For design assistance, product recommendations, contact Chris Eberly, PE at (832) 244-9408 or [email protected]