National Foam Knockdown Class A Foam

National Foam Knockdown Class A Foam

Environmentally responsible Knockdown®, Class A foam concentrate, is a unique new formulation providing unmatched firefighting performance and flexibility. Knockdown is specially designed for use in Class A/B foam systems and is excellent for Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS). This environmentally responsible formulation does not contain reportable components under SARA Title III, Section 313 of 40 CFR-372, or CERCLA.

Knockdown works in two ways. First, it improves the penetrating capability of water. It reduces the surface tension of plain water which allows it to penetrate surfaces where water might normally run off, to reach deep-seated fires. This helps reduce the amount of water required to extinguish the fire and also provides quicker knockdown.

Secondly, Knockdown increases the heat absorbing capabilites of water. Foaming ingredients give water the ability to adhere to vertical surfaces which allows the water longer contact with the fuel. The longer the water is in contact with the fuel, the more heat it is able to absorb. A coating of Class A foam may also be used for exposure protection to prevent fuels from igniting by raising their moisture content and providing a tough protective barrier to an oncoming flame front.

Features:

• Meets USDA Forest Service Requirement per Specification 5100-307
• Environmentally responsible formulation
• U.L. Listed as a Wetting Agent, at substantially lower usage rates than most Wetting Agents
• Premix is stable for more than 30 days (using potable water), which is significantly longer than traditional Class A foam solutions.
• Emulsifies Class B Hydrocarbon fuels
• Contains NO alcohols for higher flash point and compatibility with Class A/B Systems
• Can be used with fresh, brackish and sea water, plus exhibits good foamability, even in cold water

Storage and Handling
Knockdown should be stored in its original shipping container or in tanks or other containers which have been designed for such foam storage. Recommended construction materials are stainless steel (Type 304L or 316), high density cross-linked polyethylene, or reinforced fiberglass polyester (isophthalic polyester resin) with a vinyl ester resin internal layer coating (50 -100 mils). Refer to National Foam Technical Bulletin NFTB100 for further information.

Foam concentrates are subject to evaporation which accelerates when the product is exposed to air. Storage tanks should be sealed and fitted with a pressure vacuum vent to prevent free exchange of air. The recommended storage temperature range for Knockdown concentrate is 20°F (-7°C) to 120°F (49°C).

Knockdown foam concentrate is freeze/thaw stable. Should the product freeze during shipment or storage, no performance loss is expected upon thawing. Samples of Knockdown, premixed with potable municipal water supplies, have been shown to be stable and not suffer any significant loss of expansion or drainage properties after 30 days. Actual results may vary based on the water supply.

It is recommended that Knockdown not be mixed with any other type of foam concentrate in long term storage. Such mixing could lead to chemical changes in the product and a possible reduction in or loss of its firefighting capability. Most expanded foams are compatible for sideby-side application during an incident.

Shelf Life, Inspection, and Testing
The shelf life of any foam concentrate is maximized by proper storage conditions and maintenance. Factors affecting shelf life are wide temperature changes, extreme high or low temperatures, evaporation, dilution, and contamination by foreign materials. National Foam firefighting foam concentrates have been tested and have not shown significant loss of performance even after 10 years or more, provided annual testing and proper storage recommendations are followed. Refer to National Foam technical bulletin NFTB240 for recommendations on foam concentrate storage and preservation. Annual testing of all fire fighting foam is recommended by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). National Foam provides a Technical Service Program to conduct such tests. Refer to National Foam product data sheet NFC960 for further details on Technical Service Program.

Environmental and Toxicological Information
Knockdown is biodegradable. However, as with any substance, care should be taken to prevent discharge from entering ground water, surface water, or storm drains. With advance notice, Knockdown foam concentrate or foam solution may be treated by local biological sewage treatment systems. Since facilities vary widely by location, advance notice should be given, and disposal should be made in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.

The biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of Knockdown are as follows:

BOD5:

• Concentrate: 389,000 mg/kg
• 0.5% Sol: 2,140 mg/kg
• 1% Sol: 4,220 mg/kg

COD:

• Concentrate: 782,000 mg/kg
• 0.5% Sol: 3,900 mg/kg
• 1% Sol: 7,960 mg/kg

Tests for acute oral toxicity have proved negative. Knockdown concentrate is a primary skin irritant. Repeated skin contact will remove oils from the skin and cause dryness. Knockdown is classified as a primary eye irritant, and contact with the eyes should be avoided. Users are advised to wear protective eyewear. If the foam concentrate enters the eyes, flush them well with water and seek immediate medical attention. For further details see the Knockdown Safety Data Sheet NMS700.

Hydrocarbon Spill Control
Knockdown is also formulated for extinguishing and emulsifying hydrocarbon spills at a 0.3% application rate. Special care should be used when using Knockdown on Class B fire spill situations. The utilization of air-aspirating nozzles, over non-aspirating nozzles, may offer more effective control of these situations. Knockdown should be used on hydrocarbon spills ONLY. Class A foam should never be used on polar solvent or water miscible fuels.

Stay one step ahead of disaster with this Class A firefighting foam. Reach out today to learn more.

Please review and follow the tank, eductor, and pump manufacturer recommendations for maintaining your system, particularly when changing concentrated foam or additive products. Use the system and the product in compliance with the manufacturer directions.