Williams WNF33A: Leading the transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam

Williams WNF33A: Leading the transition to fluorine-free firefighting foam

The global fire industry is undergoing a seismic shift as international regulations push for the transition away from fluorinated firefighting foams. As a signatory to the Stockholm Convention, the time is drawing near for the South African industry to accelerate the necessary transition. Following numerous large scale tests, it is now clear that not all Fluorine Free Foams are created equal. There remain substantial differences in expansion ratios, viscosities and application rates as well as overall performance of the various foams. To assist our clients in making a safe and commercially sound transition without encountering the multitude of pitfalls, Williams Fire and Hazard Control has introduced WNF33A, a next-generation, non-fluorinated firefighting foam that delivers exceptional fire suppression capabilities while adhering to stringent environmental standards.

Why transition to fluorine-free foam?

Traditional aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) and alcohol resistant aqueous film-forming foams (AR-AFFF) containing perand polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in petrochemical, oil and gas, aviation, and municipal fire protection industries. However, concerns over their environmental persistence, bio accumulative properties and potential health risks, including links to cancer, hormone disruption and water contamination, have led to a global movement to faze them out.

Regulatory bodies, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and various national governments, are implementing bans and restrictions on PFAS-containing foams.

PFAS are (or should we use the term “were” as all premium firefighting foam manufacturers have halted the manufacture of AFFF and AR-AFFF in favour of non-fluorinated foams) included in the production of firefighting foams because of their exceptional fire suppression properties, particularly their ability to reduce the surface tension of the water allowing the foam to spread quickly over the flammable liquid, forming the much required aqueous film which acts as a barrier between the fuel and oxygen. Further to this, the stability and durability of the PFAS compound made for effective firefighting in extreme fire scenarios.

As a leader in large-scale industrial firefighting solutions, Williams Fire and Hazard Control has developed WNF33A to provide fire departments, ports authorities, petrochemical facilities, and aviation operations with a sustainable, highperformance alternative.

Uncompromising performance

WNF33A has been rigorously tested against industry benchmarks, demonstrating:

• Rapid knockdownEngineered for fast flame knockdown and vapor suppression, even in highchallenge flammable liquid fires.

• Superior burnback resistanceForms a robust foam blanket, preventing re-ignition and enhancing firefighter safety.

• Multi-fuel capabilityEffective against hydrocarbon and polar solvent fires, making it versatile for diverse industrial applications.

• Exceptional drainage propertiesMaintains a stable foam blanket for extended suppression effectiveness.

Environmental and regulatory compliance

WNF33A is 100 percent fluorinefree, ensuring compliance with and tested against:

• NFPA 11

• ICAO Level B

• UL 162

• LASTFIRE

• EN 1568:2018

• IMO

• GESIP

• European and US Environmental Standards

With a biodegradable formula, WNF33A significantly reduces environmental impact and facilitates easier cleanup and disposal compared to legacy fluorinated foams.

Real-world application: proven success in the field

Fire departments and industrial response teams worldwide have already begun adopting WNF33A for critical applications. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in live fire scenarios, where it has outperformed expectations in both rapid extinguishment and long-term vapor suppression.

The future of industrial firefighting

As regulatory pressures intensify, the adoption of fluorine-free firefighting solutions like WNF33A is not just a compliance measure; it’s a commitment to sustainability and firefighter safety. Williams Fire and Hazard Control remains at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that industries reliant on largescale fire protection have access to cutting-edge, environmentally responsible solutions.

Conclusion

The transition to fluorine-free foams is a defining moment in firefighting history. With Williams WNF33A, fire response teams no longer have to compromise performance for environmental responsibility. As more industries embrace this technology, WNF33A is set to become the new standard in large-scale industrial and municipal fire suppression.

Industrial Fire and Hazard Control, an authorised Williams Fire and Hazard Control dealer, welcomes the opportunity to visit your department for a comprehensive presentation on the transition from legacy foams to NFF as well as live demonstrations.

For more information on WNF33A and the JCI range of NFF and industry-leading fire protection solutions, please reach out to:

Zarto Williams:Mobile: 061 158 6941Email: zarto@industrialfire.co.za

Lee Marques:Mobile: 061 225 2710Email: lee@industrialfire.co.za

Trevor Fiford:Mobile: 082 651 2580Email: trevor@industrialfire.co.za

Or visit www.industrialfire.co.za

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