- burnback resistance
In firefighting foam terminology, burnback resistance refers to a foam's ability to resist direct flame impingement or contact with elevated temperature surfaces without significant degradation. This property is crucial for maintaining a stable, long-lasting foam blanket that prevents re-ignition of flammable materials.
Several standards assess and grade the burnback resistance of firefighting foams:
- EN 1568:2018: This European Standard evaluates the performance of firefighting foams, including burnback resistance. Foams are assigned grades A, B, or C for burnback resistance, with Grade A indicating the highest standard of performance.
- NFPA 11: The National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High- Expansion Foam outlines requirements for foam extinguishing systems. While NFPA 11 does not specify burnback resistance, it emphasizes the importance of foam performance in preventing re-ignition.
- ICAO Levels A, B, and C: The International Civil Aviation Organization's standards for firefighting foams used in aviation assess extinguishing performance and burnback resistance. Foams are categorized into Levels A, B, or C based on their performance, with Level A representing the highest standard of performance.
These standards provide a framework for testing and measuring the performance of firefighting foams to ensure they possess adequate burnback resistance to effectively control, suppress fires and prevent the re-ignition of fire.