What samples are needed for foam testing?

One of the things our Foam Testing Laboratory is asked most often is: what samples do I need to have my foam tested?

To ensure your foam is tested as quickly as possible, it's important that:

the correct amount of foam is sent
the samples are correctly labelled.

If not enough foam is sent, you'll need to send more; if the correct information isn't provided, we'll need to contact you to get it - both of these will delay your test being started.

The information below has been put together to help avoid these delays happening and we hope you find it useful. Of course, if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

What samples are needed for a Foam Concentrate test?

For each Foam Concentrate Test, please provide at least:

1 Litre of foam concentrate

Please ensure each sample is labelled with the following information:

Company Name
Order Reference / PO Number
Type of Foam Concentrate
Concentration
Foam Manufacturer
Sample source
Sample location point
Date of sample location

Sample bottle labels can be downloaded from here.

What samples are needed for a Produced Foam test?

For each Produced Foam Test, please provide at least:


1 Litre of Foam Concentrate		1 Litre of Induction Water		1 Litre of Produced Foam

Please ensure each sample is labelled with the following information:
Company Name	Order Reference / PO Number	Sample source
Sample location point	Date of sample location
and, where applicable:
Type of Foam Concentrate	Concentration	Foam Manufacturer
Sample bottle labels can be downloaded from here. Back to top

What samples are needed for an IMO Foam Concentrate test?

For each IMO Foam Concentrate Test, please provide at least:

2 Litres of foam concentrate

Please ensure each sample is labelled with the following information:

Company Name
Order Reference / PO Number
Type of Foam Concentrate
Concentration
Foam Manufacturer
Sample source
Sample location point
Date of sample location

Sample bottle labels can be downloaded from here.

How do I take a Foam Concentrate sample?

Sampling Foam Concentrate from a tank

If a foam concentrate is contaminated or degraded, samples taken from the top and bottom of a storage tank are likely to have different physical properties. For this reason, we recommend concentrates should not be circulated prior to sampling.

Normally, two samples per storage tank are taken

One sample from the bottom (1 litre)
One sample from the top (1 litre)

If you have access to a tank sampling jar with removable bung, we recommend taking an additional 1 Litre sample from the middle of the tank.

The contents of a tank should not be circulated where dilution or contamination of the concentrate is suspected to have occurred. We also recommend that the tank is labelled with "Awaiting Foam Test Results" and the date that the sample was taken.

NB: it is important that sludge, sediment, rust, scale, etc is removed before collection of the bottom sample. To do this draw off at least 5-10 litres of product before taking a sample.

Once the samples have been taken, the tank should not be circulated until the samples have been tested and the results obtained. However, if it is only possible to take one sample, then circulate the tank to obtain a "composite sample" prior to taking a 1 litre sample.

Taking a Foam Concentrate Sample from the bottom of a tank

When taking a sample from the bottom of a foam storage tank, it is important that any sludge, sediment, rust, scale, etc is removed before collection of the sample. To do this, draw off at least 5-10 litres of product before taking a sample.

Sampling Foam Concentrate from a drum

Take a 1 litre sample from the top of the drum
Vigorously shake the drum and take an additional 1 litre sample

How do I take a Produced Foam sample?

Before taking a sample, activate the foam system long enough to remove standing columns of water (which otherwise would contribute to a diluted produced foam sample), and sample when the system is in equilibrium.

Collecting samples from nozzles, monitors & overhead sprinklers:

Collect sample from the point of impact in the discharge area.

Collecting samples from Foam Pourers:

Insert sample container into the edge of produced foam stream and take a sample.