IMPROVED FORMULATION OF FIRE FIGHTING AGENTS FOR HYDROCARBON FIRES

This Phase I effort describes Mainstream's innovative approach for the development of improved aqueous film forming (AFFF) fire fighting agents designed for hydrocarbon fires. This approach addresses the problem of biodegradability and performance of the current AFFF in extinguishing rolling fuel fires and its efficiency for securing the fire after its initial extinguishment. Under Phase I we will establish the parameters for developing a fire suppression agent with the capability of extinguishing rolling fires in flight operations. Then use Mainstream's experience with its computational chemistry software, ADAPT, to screen surfactants currently commercially available for their performance as a fire suppression agent. The Phase II effort will develop a surfactant formulation that enhances the fire fighting capabilities of the present technology, does not contain fluorosurfactants, and has less impact on the environment.