NFPA RECOGNITION OF ENCAPSULATOR AGENT

Validation of the applicability of the new 2022 version of NFPA 18A, Standard on Water Additives for Fire Control and Vapor Mitigation, which covers encapsulator agents in particular.

For those who may be unfamiliar with “true” encapsulator agents, these products are often confused with Class A and Class B foams, of which an encapsulator agent is neither. “Foams” are just what their names imply. When they come out of the end of a specialized “foam” nozzle, Class B foams produce a blanket of foam bubbles designed to smother a single-dimensional, flowing fuel fire, by NFPA 11, Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam.

Often misunderstood, NFPA 11 states that foams are contraindicated for use on multi-dimensional (i.e., vertical surfaces) fires, as the foam blanket is challenged by gravity on any 

surface other than flat, horizontal ones. Most of our current fire apparatus are equipped with traditional foam systems that hold foam concentrate and, when employed, introduce foam concentrate into the apparatus or foam trailer’s water stream, typically at a solution of 1 to 6%, to achieve the desired foam blanket for the application.

 Unlike foam, true encapsulator agents have none of the same properties as foam and fight/extinguish fire in a completely different way. True encapsulator agents are simply added to water, typically at a 1-3% solution, and are used in the same way that we use water. They can be batch mixed with the rig’s tank water. They can be used in onboard foam systems. Remember to never add anything to your foam system without thoroughly flushing the entire foam system with water to remove all foam concentrate. Encapsulator agents can be educted in the same way that foam is; however, there is no foam blanket produced.  

Encapsulator agents have been the “redheaded stepchild” of extinguishing agents for the past number of years because they were lumped into the generic category of “water additives” such as those found in NFPA 18, Standard on Wetting Agents. The new 2022 version of NFPA 18A specifically delineates encapsulator agents as well as offers the fire testing criteria for agents to be able to call themselves encapsulators.

True encapsulator agents are PFOA and PFOS free, nontoxic, and biodegradable. Unlike foams, a number of these agents have 15-year shelf lives, and it is not necessary to use an entire 5-gallon pail of concentrate once it’s opened.

F-500 Encapsulator Agent is The Future of Fire Suppression

Encapsulator Agents are now recognized by NFPA because they are a valuable alternative to foams and wetting agents.

• Less inventory – One agent for Class A, Class B (polar and nonpolar), Class C (lithium-ion batteries, transformers), Class D

• Greatly reduces carcinogenic toxins – up to 98%

• Eliminates scalding steam

• Renders hydrocarbon spills nonflammable

• Faster knockdown; faster overhauls – less agent used

• Less water – less diking, drafting, run-off and calls for more water

There is no better or faster agent for car fires. F-500 EA attacks car fires without magnesium explosions and has been recommended by many companies as the solution for lithium-ion battery hybrid and electric car fires.

Lithium-ion Batteries in Hybrid and Electric Cars: Extensive independent testing by Bosch, Dekra, Daimler (Mercedes) and Deutsche ACCUmotive in Germany concluded F-500 EA was the 

recommended agent for lithium-ion battery car fires. Penetration into the battery compartments was excellent and no other agent could extinguish the other vehicle components like F-500 EA. Less agent and water are required resulting in little run-off. Voltage feedback to the nozzle is negligible with F-500 EA.