PFAS-Free Fire Protection

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) have become a hot topic in nearly every industry. Historically, these chemicals have been present in everything from Teflon anti-stick coatings to fire-fighting foam solutions.?From a fire prevention standpoint, PFAS helps to make water “wetter.” PFAS are uniquely effective in fighting flammable liquid fires. Many of the chemicals included in the PFAS family have become regulated at the state and federal levels as the longevity of PFAS chemicals in the environment has raised concern.

Ahern is committed to providing superior fire protection services without using PFAS. By using synthetic fluorine-free foam, Ahern is proud to be a leader in sustainable, safe fire protection. When ADM, a corn processing facility in Clinton, Iowa, needed three new foam systems to protect its establishment, they turned to Ahern's expertise.

The Scope

• ADM needed to expand its facility, which required demolishing two foam tanks and six foam risers. The Ahern team also installed three new foam tanks in a different area of the building and eight new foam risers.
• In the project's first phase, Ahern installed the three new foam tanks, each holding 2,000 gallons of foam—the size of many public aquarium tanks! The tanks were installed via crane before the roof of the new room was placed.
• The crews installed the risers and reconnected the existing pipe to the new foam systems, which utilize PFAS-free synthetic fluorine-free foam. This process required many safety considerations as teams worked at a high elevation.
• When the new system was completely installed, Ahern’s crews demolished and removed the old foam tanks. The project management team coordinated the demolition's timing so the facility maintained fire protection throughout the project’s entirety.

ADM selected Ahern for this job because of the company’s sustainable foam fire protection capabilities and safety record. Most of the project had to be completed by working on scaffolding. This required 100% tie-off fall protection. Crews also needed to use a chain fall to dismantle and install the pipe. Because this was a highly explosive environment, no electronics could be used in the facility, including electric lifts or gas-powered tools.

“When we work on a job, we do it safe and right,” said Bill Beckett, General Manager of Ahern’s Quad Cities office. “We believe in leading by example, which is why we're proud to offer safe systems that not only provide superior fire protection but also alleviate any concerns surrounding PFAS.”

As industries grapple with the implications of PFAS chemicals on health and the environment, Ahern is committed to providing customers with sustainable and safe fire protection solutions. Not only was the demolition and installation of these systems completed safely, but they were also completed two months ahead of schedule, showcasing Ahern's dedication to efficiency and excellence in delivering construction services.

Have you had a chance to check out the rest of our latest edition of Pipeline? Read more about a day in the life of our crew on the project at Ripon college and get the answers to your burning questions with our Q&A feature. Read, download and share the rest of our issue here.