Transitioning to Synthetic Fluorine-Free Foam (SFFF): Key Considerations

The global fire protection industry is undergoing a significant transformation: the shift away from fluorinated foam concentrates toward synthetic fluorine-free foam (SFFF). This change is driven by regulatory restrictions, environmental concerns, and the shared responsibility of operators, manufacturers, and authorities to ensure safer and more sustainable fire protection.

While the benefits of SFFF are clear, the transition requires careful planning. Foam concentrates play a decisive role in the design and performance of extinguishing systems, meaning that substituting the agent is not as simple as draining one tank and filling another.

SFFF concentrates often differ from traditional fluorinated foams in terms of viscosity, proportioning behavior, and extinguishing performance. For this reason, a transition concept is essential to ensure proper system function after conversion. This includes:

• Selecting an SFFF concentrate that matches the specific fire risks (verified through standardized fire tests).
• Reassessing application rates and extinguishing system design parameters.
• Verifying compatibility with proportioning technology.

When changing to SFFF, all elements of the extinguishing system should be reviewed:

• Hydraulics: Water supply, tank capacity, pump performance, piping diameters, and valve sizes may require adjustment.
• Foam discharge devices: Expansion ratios and operating ranges must align with the chosen SFFF.
• Proportioning systems: Many proportioners struggle with higher-viscosity SFFF concentrates. Checking whether the existing unit can reliably admix the new agent is critical.

As a specialist in foam proportioning technology, FireDos supports operators throughout this transition. Our Gen III proportioners have been specifically developed to handle the challenges of modern SFFF concentrates, including high viscosities and pseudoplastic fluids. They provide:

• Reliable proportioning independent of system pressure.
• A wide operating flow range.
• FM approval for various capacities and admixing rates.

Depending on the outcome of the evaluation, the existing proportioner may be professionally cleaned, modified, or replaced with a FireDos Gen III unit.

A structured approach helps minimize risk and ensure compliance:

1. System draining and cleaning – tanks, piping, pumps, and valves must be fully emptied and thoroughly decontaminated or replaced.
2. Disposal – old fluorinated foam and cleaning residues must be treated and disposed of by certified companies.
3. Component adaptation – adjustments to tanks, suction lines, and proportioners may be necessary.
4. System verification – confirming hydraulic performance and extinguishing effectiveness with the new SFFF.

Although FireDos does not recommend specific foam concentrates or perform complete system conversions, we provide expertise in the most critical area of transition: foam proportioning.

Our support includes:

• Assessing whether an existing FireDos proportioner can be used with SFFF.
• Guidance on cleaning, modification, or replacement of proportioners.
• Recommendations for suction line and tank design.

To begin the process, FireDos requires basic system information such as the proportioner’s serial number, technical data of the new foam (including viscosity), and drawings and / or photographs of the existing installation.

Switching from fluorinated foams to SFFF is not a one-step exchange but a holistic process involving evaluation, planning, and adaptation. With the right transition concept, an experienced partner and the support of FireDos technology, owners will achieve a smooth and future-proof conversion—ensuring reliable fire protection while meeting environmental and regulatory demands.

For more information or to start your transition, please contact info@firedos.com or your local FireDos distributor.