By Jennie Novak, Marketing Manager, Dyne Fire Protection Lab
Previously published in September 2024, this article has been updated to match our current form.
Our goal at Dyne Fire Protection Labs is to make testing Quick, Easy, and Accurate. With just a few clicks or a phone call, we put a foam sampling kit right in your hands. Our firefighting foam sample kits include bottles and caps, an etching marker to write on the sample bottles, a return shipping label (in the contiguous U.S.), and paperwork to submit with the sample(s). We also have an online version of this form, which allows you to enter the information we need and submit it directly to us, therefore saving time. It is our preferred method as the information is imported to our database which eliminates the need to read handwriting and do manual data entry.
What can you do to make the process quick once we get your samples for testing? Filling out the form completely and accurately helps ensure that the samples are entered for testing correctly, the report lists the information you will need to resample next year, and the reports get to the right people.
We realize that often times the person completing the paperwork is not always the same person who collected the samples. This article will help everyone from the technician to the administrative staff understand what information is needed on the form.
Type - What is in the bottle?
Foam Concentrate (pure foam concentrate with no water added)
Check this box if the foam was taken directly from a tank, tote, or container.
Solution (foam & water mix)
There are two types of solutions. One is premixed with water and stored ready to use, the other is sent through a proportioning system and collected for testing.
Performance –(stored in solution form) tests the performance properties of the foam solution.
% Concentration/Proportioning- (from proportioner/flow test) tests the % concentration of the solution to see if it was mixed/proportioned at the appropriate % of water vs foam (i.e. 1% or 3% foam solution).
To determine the percent concentration, a concentrate sample MUST be supplied. A sample of the system water used to mix/proportion the solution is also recommended.
To determine the % concentration, let us know what % concentrate the system is using. If the foam is a 3% x 6% AR-AFFF, note whether the proportioner is set for 3% or 6%. Similarly, if the foam is a 1% x 3% AR-AFFF, indicate if the system is 1% or 3%.
WATER
Shell Water (percent foam estimation)
- Use this box for the water that was pulled from around the bladder. Shell water would be tested if you suspect a bladder leak or otherwise suspect contamination from a foam concentrate.
System Water (from water source)
• If you are sending in a solution sample, it is preferable that you send in a sample of the water that the system uses to mix with the foam. We can use the tap water from the Dyne lab, but to best simulate your solution, you can provide your system water at no additional cost.
• You may also submit a sample of the system water if you think the foam has contaminated the system water in some way.
Concentration: What percent concentration is it being used?
If the foam is an AFFF, SFFF, Protein, FFFP, High Expansion, or Wetting Agent choose one of the single percent categories (such as 3%).
If the foam in an AR-AFFF, AR-SFFF, AR-Protein Based, or AR-FFFP choose one of the X categories (such as 3% x 6%).
Foam Type: What type of foam do you have?
Do I have to fill out all of the information?
At a minimum, we need the Type of Product and the Concentration (%). Indicate a tank # as this will appear on your report and should match what is written on the bottle. Examples of tank numbers or names include #1, South, Front, etc. This number/name will appear on the tank tag that you can go back and hang for future reference (passing samples only).
If you indicate the tank sampling point or where sample was pulled from, that can help in determining issues with the foam results.
Click the following links for samples of these form filled out for each scenario:
Sample Bottle Tips:
·Clearly number the bottles with the etching marker provided in the kit to match the order on the return form
·It may help to use a towel/rag to dry off the outside of the bottle, then write on it with the marker
·Securely tighten the caps and tape them shut
·Fill the bottles to the fill line without overfilling them
·If a sample is very bubbly, wait a few minutes for the bubbles to dissipate to ensure the bottle fills entirely
·Seal the bottles in the plastic bag provided, and place the form outside of the bag
·Return empty bottles to the box to hold them in place during shipping (you will not be charged for empty bottles)
·Secure the box with tape and make sure the kit number is not covered and add your address to the top of the box.
If your company/address is listed on the top of the shipping or kit box it helps us sort them when they arrive via UPS or USPS mail.
Our customer service and technical support are available to you or your staff via phone at 800-632-2304, email dyne.lab@nfpaglobal.com, or start at a chat on our website www.dyneusa.com during business hours. We are always happy to answer your questions on the form and sampling process.
©Dyne Fire Protection Labs 2026