Iso 7203-1-2019

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INTERNATIONAL ISO

STANDARD 7203-1

Third edition
2019-07

Fire extinguishing media — Foam


concentrates —
Part 1:
Specification for low-expansion foam
concentrates for top application to
water-immiscible liquids
Agents extincteurs — Émulseurs —
Partie  1:  Spécifications  pour  les  émulseurs  bas  foisonnement  destinés 
à  une  application  par  le  haut  sur  les  liquides  non  miscibles  à  l'eau

Reference number
ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

© ISO 2019
ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT


© ISO 2019
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context o f its implementation, no part o f this publication may
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved
ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... v
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ vi
1 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative re ferences ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Grades and uses o f foam concentrates .......................................................................................................................................... 4
4. 1 Grades ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
4.2 Use with sea water............................................................................................................................................................................... 4
5 Tolerance o f foam concentrates to freezing and thawing .......................................................................................... 4
6 Sediment in foam concentrates ............................................................................................................................................................. 4
6.1 Sediment before ageing ................................................................................................................................................................... 4
6.2 Sediment after ageing ....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
7 Determination o f viscosity ......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
7.1 Newtonian foam concentrates ................................................................................................................................................... 4
7.2 Pseudo-plastic foam concentrates ......................................................................................................................................... 5
8 pH o f foam concentrates ............................................................................................................................................................................... 5
8.1 pH limits........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
8.2 S ens itivity to temp erature ............................................................................................................................................................ 5
9 Surface tension o f the foam solution ............................................................................................................................................... 5
9.1 Before temperature conditioning ........................................................................................................................................... 5
9.2 .................................................................................................................................................................. 5
Temp erature s ens itivity

10 Interfacial tension between the foam solution and cyclohexane....................................................................... 5


1 0.1 ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
General

10.2 Before temperature conditioning ........................................................................................................................................... 5


1 0.3 Temp erature s ens itivity .................................................................................................................................................................. 6
11 Spreading coe fficient o f the foam solution on cyclohexane .................................................................................... 6
12 Expansion and drainage o f foam.......................................................................................................................................................... 6
........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1 2 .1 General

1 2 .2 .................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
E xp ans io n limits

12.3 Drainage limits ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 6


13 Test fire performance ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
14 Marking, packaging and specification sheet ........................................................................................................................... 7
14.1 Marking ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7
14.2 Packaging ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
1 4. 3 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
S p ecificatio n s heet

Annex A (normative) Preliminary sampling and conditioning o f the foam concentrate ............................... 9
Annex B (normative) Determination o f tolerance to freezing and thawing ............................................................. 10
Annex C (normative) Determination o f volume percentage o f sediment ................................................................... 12
Annex D (normative) Determination o f viscosity for pseudo-plastic foam concentrates .......................... 13
Annex E (normative)
Determination o f surface tension, interfacial tension and spreading
coe fficient ................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Annex F (normative) Determination o f expansion and drainage time .......................................................................... 16
Annex G (normative) Determination o f test fire performance .............................................................................................. 22
Annex H (informative) Description o f a radiation measurement method ................................................................. 28

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved iii


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex I (informative) Compatibility .................................................................................................................................................................. 32


Annex J (informative) Small-scale fire test.................................................................................................................................................. 33
Bibliography ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 42

iv © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work o f preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters o f
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular the di fferent approval criteria needed for the
di fferent types o f ISO documents should be noted. This document was dra fted in accordance with the
editorial rules o f the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso .org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some o f the elements o f this document may be the subject o f
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identi fying any or all such patent rights. Details o f
any patent rights identified during the development o f the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso .org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is in formation given for the convenience o f users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation on the voluntary nature o f standards, the meaning o f ISO specific terms and
expressions related to con formity assessment, as well as in formation about ISO's adherence to the World
Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see the following URL:
www.iso .org/iso/foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 21, Equipment  for  fire  protection  and  fire 
.
fighting , Subcommittee SC 6, Foam  and  powder  media  and  firefighting  systems  using  foam  and  powder

This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 7203-1:2011), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are:
— addition o f Part 4 containing specifications for Class A foam concentrates;
— extension o f Clause 2 ;
— modification o f Clause 12 to run two tests instead of one and take the average of both values instead
o f having just one datum;
— correction o f figures;
— extension o f Annex G by a scheme o f a decision tree, and modification o f the acceptable temperature
range for testing fire per formance;
— removal of Annex J: “Typical anticipated performance for various types of foam concentrate”.
A list of all parts in the ISO 7203 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso .org/members .html.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved v


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Introduction

Firefighting foams are widely used to control and extinguish fires o f Class B (flammable liquids) and/or
Class A fuels (solid materials, usually o f an organic nature) and for inhibiting reignition.
Foams can be used in combination with other extinguishing media, in particular halons, carbon dioxide
and powders which are the subject o f other International Standards, including, ISO 6183, ISO 7201-1,
ISO 7201-2 and ISO 7202. A specification for foam systems can be found in ISO 7076.
Attention is drawn to Annex I, which deals with the compatibility of foam concentrates, and the
compatibility o f foams and powders.

vi © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Fire extinguishing media — Foam concentrates —


Part 1:
Specification for low-expansion foam concentrates for top
application to water-immiscible liquids

1 Scope
T h i s do c u ment s p e ci fie s the e s s enti a l prop er tie s and p er forma nce o f l iquid fo am concentrate s u s e d

to ma ke low- exp a n s ion fo am s for the control, the ex ti nc tion a nd the i n h ibition o f reign ition o f fi re s o f

water-i m m i s cible l iqu id s . M i n i mu m p er formance on cer tai n te s t fi re s i s s p e c i fie d .

T he s e fo a m s a re s u itable for top appl ic ation to fi re s o f water-i m m i s c ible l iqu id s . T he fo am s that con form

with I S O 7 2 0 3 -3 a re a l s o s u itable for top appl ic ation to fi re s o f water-m i s c ible l iqu id s .

T he fo a m concentrate s c an b e s u itable for u s e i n non-a s pi rati ng s prayers or for s ub s u r face appl ic ation to
l iqu id fi re s , but the re qu i rements s p e ci fic to tho s e appl ic ation s are outs ide the s cop e o f th i s do c u ment.

2 Normative re ferences
T he fol lowi ng do c uments a re re ferre d to i n the te xt i n s uch a way that s ome or a l l o f thei r content

con s titute s re qui rements o f th i s do c u ment. For date d re ference s , on ly the e d ition c ite d appl ie s . For

u ndate d re ference s , the late s t e d ition o f the re ference d do c u ment (i nclud i ng any amend ments) appl ie s .

I S O 3 0 4, Surface  active  agents  —  Determination  o f  surface  tension  by  drawing  up  liquid  films
I S O 3 10 4, Petroleum  products  —  Transparent  and  opaque  liquids  —  Determination  o f  kinematic  viscosity 

and  calculation  o f  dynamic  viscosity


I S O 3 2 19, Plastics  —  Polymers/resins  in  the  liquid  state  or  as  emulsions  or  dispersions  —  Determination  o f 

viscosity  using  a  rotational  viscometer  with  defined  shear  rate


I S O 3 3 10 -1 , Test  sieves  —  Technical  requirements  and  testing  —  Part  1:  Test  sieves  o f  metal  wire  cloth
I S O 3 5 0 6 -1 , Mechanical  properties  o f  corrosion-resistant  stainless  steel  fasteners  —  Part  1:  Bolts,  screws 
and  studs
I S O 3 69 6: 19 8 7, Water  for  analytical  laboratory  use  —  Specification  and  test  methods
ISO 3734 , Petroleum  products  —  Determination  o f  water  and  sediment  in  residual  fuel  oils  — 
Centrifuge  method
I S O 7 2 0 3 -2 , Fire  extinguishing  media  —  Foam  concentrates  —  Part  2:  Specification  for  medium-  and  high- 

expansion  foam  concentrates  for  top  application  to  water-immiscible  liquids


I S O 7 2 0 3 -3 , Fire  extinguishing  media  —  Foam  concentrates  —  Part  3:  Specification  for  low-expansion  foam 

concentrates  for  top  application  to  water-miscible  liquids


Testing  corrosion  inhibiting,  engine  coolant  concentrate  (“antifreeze”). 
B S 51 17-1 . 3 : 19 8 5 , Methods  o f  test 
for  determination  o f  physical  and  chemical  properties.  Determination  o f  freezing  point

3 Terms and definitions


For the pu rp o s e s o f th i s do c u ment, the fol lowi ng term s a nd defi n ition s apply.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 1


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso .org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia .org/
3.1
characteristic value
va lue de clare d by the fo am concentrate s uppl ier for the chem ic a l a nd phys ic a l prop er tie s and the

p er formance s o f the fo a m, fo a m s olution, and fo a m concentrate

3.2
25 % drainage time
ti me for 2 5 % o f the l iqu id content o f a fo am to d rai n out

3.3
expansion
ratio of the volume of foam to the volume of the foam solution from which it was made
3.4
low-expansion
expansion (3.3
) in the range 1 to 2 0 , a s appl ie d to fo a m and to a s s o c iate d e qu ipment, s ys tem s a nd

concentrates
3.5
medium-expansion
expansion (3.3
) i n the ra nge 2 1 to 2 0 0 , a s appl ie d to fo am and to as s o c iate d e qu ipment, s ys tem s a nd

concentrates
3.6
high-expansion
expansion (3.3
) gre ater tha n 200, as appl ie d to fo am and to as s o c iate d e qu ipment, s ys tem s a nd

concentrates
3.7
foam
< fi refighti ng> aggre gate o f a i r-fi l le d bub ble s forme d from an aque ou s s olution o f a s u itable fo am
concentrate
3.8
concentrate
< fo am> l iqu id th at, when m i xe d with water i n the appropri ate concentration, give s a fo am s olution

3.9
protein foam concentrate
P
foam  concentrate (3.8 ) derive d from hyd rolys e d pro tei n materia l s

3.10
fluoroprotein foam concentrate
FP
protein foam concentrate (3.8 ) with adde d fluori nate d s ur face -ac tive agents

3.11
synthetic foam concentrate
S
foam concentrate (3.8 ) b as e d on a m i x tu re o f hyd ro c arb on s ur face -ac tive agents and wh ich c an conta i n

fluoro c arb on s with add itiona l s tabi l i z ers

2 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

3.12
alcohol-resistant foam concentrate
AR
foam concentrate (3.8) resistant to breakdown when applied to the surface of alcohol or other water-
miscible solvents
3.13
aqueous film- forming foam concentrate
AFFF
foam concentrate (3.8) based on a mixture of hydrocarbon and fluorinated surface-active agents with
the ability to form an aqueous film on the sur face o f some hydrocarbons
3.14
film- forming fluoroprotein foam concentrate
FFFP
fluoroprotein foam concentrate (3.8 ) that has the ability to form an aqueous film on the sur face o f some
hydrocarbons
3.15
foam solution
solution of foam concentrate (3.8) and water
3.16
force ful application
application o f foam such that it falls directly onto the sur face o f a liquid fuel
3.17
gentle application
application o f foam indirectly to the sur face o f a liquid fuel via a backboard, tank wall or other sur face
3.18
sediment
insoluble particles in the foam concentrate
3.19
spreading coe fficient
value calculated from the measured sur face and inter facial tensions to indicate the ability o f one liquid
to spontaneously spread across the sur face o f another
3.20
temperature for use
maximum and minimum temperatures claimed by the manu facturer between which the foam
concentrate is ready for use
3.21
fluorine- free foam concentrate
F3
foam concentrate (3.8) which does not form an aqueous film on hydrocarbon fuels, but which targets
Class B per formance at force ful application and which does not contain any fluorochemicals
3.22
Class A foam concentrate
foam concentrate (3.8) for use on Class  A  fires (3.23)
3.23
Class A fire
fire involving solid materials, usually o f an organic nature, in which combustion normally takes place
with the formation of glowing embers
Note 1 to entry: Adapted from ISO 3941:2007, Clause 2.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 3


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Note 2 to entry: Class A fires involve solid materials, usually o f an organic nature (such as vegetation, wood, cloth
and paper), rubber, and some plastics, in which combustion can occur at or below the sur face o f the material,
with or without the formation of glowing embers.

4 Grades and uses o f foam concentrates

4.1 Grades
According to its test fire per formance (see Clause 13 ), a foam concentrate shall be graded
— as Class I, II or III for extinguishing per formance, and
— as Level A, B, C or D for burn-back resistance.

4.2 Use with sea water


I f a foam concentrate is marked as suitable for use with sea water, the recommended concentrations for
use with fresh water and for use with sea water shall be identical.
5 Tolerance o f foam concentrates to freezing and thawing
A foam concentrate that the supplier claims not to be adversely a ffected by freezing and thawing
shall show no visual signs o f either stratification or non-homogeneity be fore and a fter temperature
conditioning in accordance with A.2 , when tested in accordance with Annex B .
Foam concentrates complying with this clause shall be tested for compliance with the appropriate
requirements given in other clauses of this document a fter freezing and thawing in accordance with A.2.1.

6 Sediment in foam concentrates

6.1 Sediment be fore ageing


Any sediment in the concentrate sampled in accordance with A.1 shall be dispersible through a 180 µm
sieve, and the volume percentage o f sediment shall be not more than 0,25 % when tested in accordance
with Annex C .
6.2 Sediment a fter ageing
Any sediment in the concentrate aged in accordance with C.1 shall be dispersible through a 180 µm
sieve, and the volume percentage o f sediment shall be not more than 1,0 % when tested in accordance
with Annex C .
7 Determination o f viscosity

7.1 Newtonian foam concentrates


The viscosity o f the foam concentrate at the lowest temperature for use claimed by the manu facturer
shall be determined in accordance with ISO 3104. I f the viscosity is greater than 200 mm 2 s−1 , the
container shall be marked as follows: “This concentrate can require special proportioning equipment”.

4 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

7.2 Pseudo-plastic foam concentrates


The viscosity o f the foam concentrate shall be determined in accordance with Annex D. I f the viscosity
at the lowest temperature for use is greater than or equal to 120 mPa*s at 375/s, the container shall be
marked as follows: “This concentrate can require special proportioning equipment”.
NOTE Pseudo-plastic foam concentrates are a particular class of non-Newtonian foam concentrates and
have a viscosity that decreases with increasing shear rate at constant temperature.

8 pH o f foam concentrates

8.1 pH limits
The pH o f the foam concentrate, be fore and a fter temperature conditioning in accordance with A.2 ,
shall be not less than 6,0 and not more than 8,5 at (20 ± 2) °C.

8.2 Sensitivity to temperature


The difference in pH between before and after temperature conditioning shall not be greater than
1,0 pH units.

9 Surface tension o f the foam solution

9.1 Be fore temperature conditioning


The sur face tension o f the foam solution prepared from the concentrate, be fore temperature
conditioning in accordance with A.2 , at the supplier's recommended concentration, shall be within
±10 % o f the characteristic value when determined in accordance with E.2.

9.2 Temperature sensitivity


The sur face tension o f the foam solution prepared from the concentrate, a fter temperature conditioning
in accordance with A.2 , at the supplier's recommended concentration, shall be determined in accordance
with E.2.
The value obtained a fter temperature conditioning shall not be less than 0,95 times, or more than
1,05 times, the value obtained be fore temperature conditioning.

10 Interfacial tension between the foam solution and cyclohexane

10.1 General
Inter facial tension shall only be tested on foam agents which are declared by the manu facturer to be
aqueous film- forming.

10.2 Be fore temperature conditioning


Before temperature conditioning in accordance with A.2 , the di fference between a) the interfacial
tension between the foam solution prepared from the foam concentrate and cyclohexane (when
determined in accordance with E.3) and b) the characteristic value for interfacial tension shall not
exceed 1,0 mN/m or 10 % o f the characteristic value, whichever is greater.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 5


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

10.3 Temperature sensitivity


After temperature conditioning in accordance with A.2 , the interfacial tension between the foam solution
prepared from the foam concentrate and cyclohexane shall be determined in accordance with E.3.
The two values obtained be fore and a fter temperature conditioning shall not di ffer by more than
0,5 mN/m.

11 Spreading coe fficient o f the foam solution on cyclohexane


The spreading coe fficient shall only be tested on foam agents which are declared by the manu facturer
to be aqueous film- forming.
Before and after temperature conditioning in accordance with A.2 , the spreading coefficient of the foam
solution prepared from a concentrate claimed by the supplier to be film- forming shall be positive when
calculated in accordance with E.4.
NOTE Foam concentrates con forming with this clause are more likely to be o f type AFFF or FFFP than o f
type FP, P, F3 or S.

12 Expansion and drainage o f foam

12.1 General
Either of the following tests shall be conducted twice with potable water and if appropriate twice with
synthetic sea water, and the average o f both series shall be recorded.

12.2 Expansion limits


The foam produced from the foam concentrate, be fore and a fter temperature conditioning in accordance
with A.2 , with potable water and, i f appropriate, with the synthetic sea water according to G.2.4, shall
have an average expansion within either ±20 % o f the characteristic value or ±1,0 o f the characteristic
value, whichever is greater, when tested in accordance with Annex F.

12.3 Drainage limits


The foam produced from the foam concentrate, be fore and a fter temperature conditioning in accordance
with A.2 , with potable water and, i f appropriate, with the synthetic sea water according to G.2.4, shall
have a 25 % average drainage time within ±20 % o f the characteristic value when tested in accordance
with Annex F.
13 Test fire performance
The foam produced from the foam concentrate with potable water and, i f appropriate, with the
synthetic sea water according to G.2.4, shall have an extinguishing per formance class and burn-back
resistance level as specified in Table 1 when tested in accordance with G.2 and G.3, G.2 and G.4, or G.2
and G.3 plus G.4, as appropriate.

6 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Table 1 — Maximum extinction times and minimum burn-back times


Durations expressed in minutes
Gentle application test Force ful application test
Extinguishing (See G.4) (See G.3 )
Burn-back
per formance
resistance level Extinction time 25 % burn-back Extinction time 25 % burn-back
class time not less time not less
not more than not more than
than than
A Not applicable 3 10
I B 15 3
C Not applicable 10 3 Not applicable
D 5 3
A Not applicable 4 10
II B 15 4
C Not applicable 10 4 Not applicable
D 5 4
B 5 15
III C 5 10 Not applicable
D 5 5
NOTE 1 There is no burn-back resistance Level A for Class III.
NOTE 2 Extinction time is the period from the start o f foam application until the time when all flames are extinguished.
NOTE 3 25 % burn-back time is the period from the ignition o f the burn-back pot fuel until 25 % o f the tray is covered by
sustained flames or by “flare up” flames.

14 Marking, packaging and specification sheet

14.1 Marking

14.1.1 The following information shall be marked on the shipping container:


a) designation (identi fying name) o f the concentrate and the words “low-expansion foam concentrate”;
b) Class (I, II or III) and Level (A, B, C or D) o f the foam concentrate and, i f the concentrate complies
with Clause 11 , the words “aqueous film-forming”;
c) recommended concentration for use (most commonly 1 %, 3 %, or 6 %);
d) any tendency o f the foam concentrate to cause harm ful physical e ffects, the methods required to
avoid them and the first aid treatment i f they occur;
e) recommended storage temperature and temperature o f use;
f) if the concentrate complies with Clause 5 , it shall be marked with the words; “Not a ffected by
freezing and thawing”; or, i f the foam concentrate does not comply with Clause 5 , the words “Do not
freeze”;
g) nominal quantity in the container;
h) supplier's name and address;
i) batch number;
j) it shall be marked with the words “Not suitable for use with sea water” or “Suitable for use with sea
water”, as appropriate.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 7


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

WARNING — It is extremely important that the foam concentrate, a fter dilution with water to
the recommended concentration, shall not, in normal usage, present a significant toxic hazard
to li fe in relation to the environment.

The recommended storage temperature and temperature of use are the same if the product is marked
“D o no t fre e ze”.

14.1.2 Markings on shipping containers shall be permanent and legible.


14.1.3 I t is reco mmended that no n- N ewto nian co ncentrates b e ap p ro p riately identified.

14.1.4 Fo am co ncentrates in acco rdance with I S O 7 2 0 3 - 2 s hall als o b e marked “medium- exp ans io n” o r

“high- exp ans io n” o r b o th.

14.1.5 Fo am co ncentrates in acco rdance with I S O 7 2 0 3 - 3 s hall als o b e marked “alco ho l res is tant”.

14.2 Packaging
The packaging of the foam concentrate shall ensure that the essential characteristics of the concentrate
are pre s er ve d when s tore d a nd hand le d i n accordance with the s uppl ier's re com mendation s .

14.3 Specification sheet

14.3.1 I f reques ted by the us er, the s up p lier s hall p rovide a lis t o f the characteris tic values .

14.3.2 I f the fo am co ncentrate is N ewto nian and the vis co s ity at the lo wes t temp erature fo r us e is mo re

than 200 mm2 /s when meas ured in acco rdance with I S O 3 1 0 4, it s hall b e marked with the wo rds , “This

co ncentrate can require s p ecial p ro p o rtio ning equip ment”.

14.3.3 I f the fo am co ncentrate is p s eudo - p las tic and the vis co s ity at the lo wes t temp erature fo r us e is

greater than o r equal to 1 2 0 mPa s at 3 7 5 /s , it s hall b e marked, “This co ncentrate can require s p ecial

p ro p o rtio ning equip ment”.

14.3.4 I t is reco mmended that no n- N ewto nian co ncentrates b e ap p ro p riately identified.

8 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex A
(normative)
Preliminary sampling and conditioning o f the foam concentrate

A.1 Preliminary sampling


T he s ampl i ng me tho d sh a l l en s u re repre s entative s ample s , whe ther ta ken from a bu l k conta i ner or

from a number of individual packages.


Store s ample s i n fu l ly clo s e d contai ners .

NO TE C o nta i ners with a c ap ac ity o f 2 0 l a re s u itab le .

A.2 Conditioning o f foam concentrate

A.2.1 I f the s up p lier claims that the co ncentrate is no t advers ely a ffected by freezing and thawing,

co nditio n the co ncentrate s amp le thro ugh fo ur cycles o f freezing and thawing, generally as des crib ed

in B.2 , b e fo re co nditio ning in acco rdance with A.2.2 . I f the fo am co ncentrate is advers ely a ffected by

freezing and thawing, it s hall b e co nditio ned acco rding to A.2.2 without prior freezing and thawing.
A.2.2 C o nditio n the co ncentrate in the s ealed co ntainer fo r 7 d at (6 0 ± 2 ) °C , fo llowed by 1 d at

(2 0 ± 5 ) °C .

A.3 Subsequent testing


Test samples shall be prepared in accordance with A.1 , or A.1 and A.2 as appropriate. Shake the sample
container before sampling for further tests.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 9


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex B
(normative)
Determination o f tolerance to freezing and thawing

B.1 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following:
B.1.1 Freezing chamber, capable o f achieving the temperatures required in B.2.
B.1.2 Polyethylene tube , approximately 10 mm in diameter, approximately 400 mm-long and sealed
and weighted at one end, with suitable spacers attached.
Figure B.1 shows a typical form.
B.1.3 Measuring cylinder, glass, o f 500 ml capacity, approximately 400 mm-high and approximately
65 mm in diameter, with a stopper.

B.2 Procedure
Set the temperature of the freezing chamber (B.1.1) to at least 10 °C below the freezing point of the
sample, measured in accordance with BS 5117-1.3, excluding 5.2.
To prevent the glass measuring cylinder ( B.1.3 ) from breaking due to expansion o f the foam concentrate
on freezing, insert the tube ( B.1.2 ) into the measuring cylinder with the sealed end downward, weighted
i f necessary to avoid flotation, the spacers ensuring it remains approximately on the central axis o f the
cylinder. Fill the cylinder and fit the stopper.
Place the cylinder in the freezing chamber, cool it and maintain at the required temperature for 24 h.
At the end o f this period, thaw the sample for not less than 24 h and not more than 96 h in an ambient
temperature o f (20 ± 5) °C.
Repeat three times to give four cycles o f freezing and thawing be fore testing.
Examine the sample for stratification and non-homogeneity.

10 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Nominal dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 spacers (e.g. plastic cable strap)
2 mass at sealed end
Figure B.1 — Typical form o f polyethylene tube

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 11


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex C
(normative)
Determination o f volume percentage o f sediment

C.1 Sampling
Use a sample prepared in accordance with A.1 . Ensure that any sediment is dispersed by shaking the
sample container. Take two samples, testing one immediately and the other a fter ageing for (24 ± 2) h at
(60 ± 2) °C in a filled container without access to air.

C.2 Apparatus

The usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following:


C.2.1 Centri fuge tubes , graduated.

Centri fuge tubes complying with ISO 3734 are suitable.

C.2.2 Centri fuge , operating at (6 000 ± 600) m/s 2 .


A centri fuge complying with ISO 3734 is suitable.

C.2 .3 Sieve , o f nominal aperture size 180 µm, complying with ISO 3310-1.

C.2.4 Wash bottle , plastic.

C.3 Procedure

Centri fuge each sample o f the concentrate for (10 ± 1) min. Determine the volume o f the sediment and
record it as a percentage of volume of the centrifuged sample volume.
Wash the contents of the centrifuge tube (C.2.1) onto the sieve (C.2.3) and check whether or not the
sediment can be dispersed through the sieve by the jet from the plastic wash bottle (C.2.4).

12 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex D
(normative)
Determination o f viscosity for pseudo-plastic foam concentrates

D.1 General
This annex specifies the procedure for determining the viscosity for pseudo-plastic foam concentrates.
The procedure is described in ISO 3219.
NOTE Pseudo-plastic foam concentrates are a particular class of non-Newtonian foam concentrate and have
a viscosity that decreases with increasing shear rate at constant temperature.

D.2 Viscosity determination

D.2.1 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and the following:

D.2.1.1 Rotational viscometer, in accordance with ISO 3219, with the following parameters:

— maximum shear stress o f ≥75 Pa;


— maximum shear rate o f ≥600/s.
The viscometer shall be fitted with a temperature control unit that can maintain the sample temperature
within ±1 °C o f the required temperature.
D.2.2 Test temperatures
The viscosity o f the foam concentrate shall be measured from 20 °C down to, and including, the lowest
temperature for use claimed by the manu facturer, in increments o f 10 °C. Use a fresh sample for each
temperature.
D.2.3 Viscosity measurement
I f the sample contains suspended air bubbles, the sample shall be centri fuged for 10 min using the
apparatus specified in C.2.1 and C.2.2 before the sample is placed in the apparatus.
The test should be performed according to the following test procedure.
a) Adjust the temperature control unit.
b) Set the gap.
c) Apply the sample.
d) Wait a minimum o f 10 min (with no shear) to reach temperature equilibrium.
e) Pre-shear for 1 min at 600/s.
f) Wait 1 min without shearing.
g) Measure the shear stress for 10 s at each shear rate, starting at the lowest shear rate (pre ferably
at 75/s).
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 13
ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

M e a s ure the s he ar s tre s s at a m i n i mu m o f eight d i fferent s he ar rate s over the range 0/s to 6 0 0/s , e . g.

75/s , 1 5 0/s , 2 2 5/s , 3 0 0/s , 3 75/s , 45 0/s , 5 2 5/s and 6 0 0/s . C a lc u late the app arent vi s co s ity, v, expre s s e d

i n m i l l ip as c a l- s e cond s , a s given i n Formula (D.1):


s
v = 1 000 × 1
s2
(D.1)
where
s1 i s the she ar s tre s s , expre s s e d i n p a s c a l s;

s2 i s the she ar rate, e xpre s s e d i n re cipro c a l s e cond s .

D.2.4 Results
Rep or t the re s u lts as a table i nclud i ng te s t temp eratu re, e xpre s s e d i n de gre e s C el s ius , the s he a r rate,

expre s s e d in re cipro c a l s e cond s , the s he a r s tre s s , e xpre s s e d in re c ipro c a l s e cond s , and app arent

vi s co s ity, e xpre s s e d i n m i l l ip as c a l- s e cond s .

14 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex E
(normative)
Determination o f surface tension, interfacial tension and
spreading coe fficient

E.1 Reagents and materials

E.1.1 Solution o f foam concentrate , at the reco mmended co ncentratio n fo r us e in fres hly made

analytical water co mp lying with grade 3 of ISO 3 69 6: 1 987 and with s ur face tens io n no t les s than

70 mN/m.
NO TE T he s olution c a n b e m ade up i n a 10 0 m l volu me tr ic fl a s k, u s i ng a p ip e tte to me a s u re the fo a m
concentrate.
E.1.2 Cyclohexane , o f p urity no t les s than 9 9 % , fo r interfacial tens io n and s p reading co e fficient o nly.

E.2 Procedure for surface tension


Determine the surface tension of the solution (E.1.1 ) at a temp erature o f (2 0 ± 1) ° C , u s i ng the ri ng

method in accordance with ISO 304.


E.3 Procedure for interfacial tension
After measuring the surface tension in accordance with E.2 , i ntro duce a l ayer o f c yclohe xane ( E.1.2)
f
at (2 0 ± 1) ° C onto the E.1.1
o am s olution ( f ) , b ei ng ca re u l to avoid contac t b e twe en the ri ng a nd the

c yclohexane . Wait (6 ± 1) m i n and then me a s u re the i nter fac i a l ten s ion .

E.4 Spreading coe fficient


C a lc u late the s pre ad i ng co e fficient, S, e xpre s s e d in m i l l i new ton s p er me tre (m N/m) , b e twe en the

solution (E.1.1 ) a nd c yclohexa ne ( E.1.2) from Formula (E.1):


S = Yc − Yf − Yi (E.1)
where
Yc i s the s u r face ten s ion o f the c yclohexane, e xpre s s e d i n m i l l i new ton s p er me tre;

Yf i s the s u r face ten s ion o f the fo am s olution, e xpre s s e d i n m i l l i new ton s p er me tre;

Yi i s the i nter facia l tens ion b e tween the fo am s olution and c yclohexane, expres s e d i n mi l l i newtons
per metre.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 15


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex F
(normative)
Determination o f expansion and drainage time

F.1 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and, in particular, the following:
F.1.1 Collecting vessel , plastic, cylindrical, o f volume known to ±1 %, equipped with a bottom
discharge facility, as shown in Figure F.1.

F.1.2 Foam collector, for expansion and drainage measurement, as shown in Figure F.2.
Stainless steel, aluminium, brass and plastic are suitable materials for the collection sur face.
F.1.3 Foam-making nozzle , as shown in Figure F.3 , which, when tested with water, has a flow rate o f
11,4 l/min at a nozzle pressure o f (630 ± 30) kPa [(6,3 ± 0,3) bar].

F.1.4 Foam solution tank, connected to the nozzle.

F.2 Temperature conditions


Carry out the tests under the following temperature conditions:
— air temperature: (20 ± 5) °C;
— foam solution temperature: (17,5 ± 2,5) °C.

F.3 Procedure
Check that the pipework and hose from the foam solution tank (F.1.4) to the nozzle (F.1.3 ) is completely
full o f solution. Set up the nozzle horizontally, directly in front o f the foam collector ( F.1.2 ), with the front
o f the nozzle (3 ± 0,3) m from the top edge o f the collector. Wet the collecting vessel ( F.1.1) internally
and weigh it; record the mass as m 1 . Set up the foam-making nozzle and adjust the nozzle pressure to
give a flow rate o f 11,4 I/min. Discharge foam and adjust the height o f the nozzle so that the discharge
strikes the collector centrally. Keep the nozzle horizontal. Stop foam discharge and rinse all the foam
from the collector. Check that the foam solution tank is full. Start discharging foam and, a fter (30 ± 5) s
to allow the discharge to stabilize, place the collecting vessel, with the discharge outlet closed, below
the collector. As soon as the vessel is full, remove it from the collector, strike the foam sur face level with
the rim and start the clock. Weigh the full vessel; record the mass as m 2 .
Calculate the expansion, E, as given in Formula (F.1):
V
E=
m2 − m1
(F.1)

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

where
V is the volume, expressed in litres, o f the collecting vessel (F.1.1);
m1 is the mass, expressed in kilograms, of the empty vessel;
m 2 is the mass, expressed in kilograms, of the full vessel.
Assume that the density o f the foam solution is 1,0 kg/l.
Open the drainage facility (see F.1.1) and collect the foam solution in a graduated measuring cylinder to
measure the 25 % drainage time. Adjust the drainage facility such that the drained foam solution can
flow out but the passage o f foam is prevented.
NOTE This can be achieved by controlling the level o f the liquid/foam inter face in the plastic tube at the outlet.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 17


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Nominal dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 collecting vessel
2 stand
3 trans p arent tub e, 3 0 mm to 5 0 mm- lo ng, 6 mm to 8 mm b o re

4 discharge outlet closure


5 graduated meas uring cylinder

NO TE 1 T he nom i n a l b a s e a n gle o f the p o t i s 1 1°.

NO TE 2 I n s er ti ng a n ap er tu re s i z e 1 2 5 μm- s ie ve b e twe en b o tto m outle t o f the co l le c ti n g ve s s el 1 a nd up p er

s ide o f the d i s ch a rge outle t clo s u re 4, c a n e ffe c tivel y s ep a rate fo a m fro m d ra i n i ng l iqu id hence pro vide more

stable results.
Figure F.1 — Collecting vessel for determination o f expansion and drainage time

18 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Nominal dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 collecting vessel
Figure F.2 — Foam collector for expansion and drainage measurement

Dimensions in millimetres

a) General arrangement

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 19


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

1) 2) 3)

4) 5) 6) 7)

8)

20 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

9) 10-11) 11)

b) Details

NOTE The numbers underneath the figures re fer to the numbers in Figure F.3 a).
Figure F.3 — Foam-making nozzle

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 21


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex G
(normative)
Determination o f test fire performance

G.1 General
T h i s a n nex s p e c i fie s the pro ce du re for de term i ni ng the te s t fi re p er forma nce for low- e xp an s ion fo am
concentrate s . T he te s ts de s c rib e d i n th i s a n ne x a re more e xp en s ive and ti me - con s u m i ng than the o ther

te s ts de s crib e d i n th i s do c u ment. I t i s re com mende d th at they b e ca rrie d out at the end o f the te s t

pro gram me, s o a s to avoid the exp en s e o f u nne ce s s a r y te s ti ng.

Te s ti ng at temp eratu re s ab ove the ra nge re qui re d b y th i s do c u ment c an re s u lt i n p o or p er formance a nd

do e s no t re s u lt i n con form ity to th i s do c u ment.

G.2 General conditions

G.2.1 Test series and criteria for success

G.2.1.1 Foam concentrates not compatible with sea water

C onduc t two or th re e te s ts (the th i rd te s t i s no t ne ce s s ar y i f the fi rs t two a re b o th s ucce s s fu l or i f

neither is successful). The concentrate conforms to Clause 13 if two tests are successful.
G.2.1.2 Foam concentrates compatible with sea water

C onduc t one te s t with p o table water (te s t 1) a nd the o ther (te s t 2 ) with s ynthe tic s e a water o f the

composition given in G . 5 . I f b o th are s ucce s s fu l , rep e at the te s t with the gre ater o f the two ex ti nc tion

ti me s (te s t 3 ) . I f the e xti nc tion ti me s are identic a l, rep e at the s e a water te s t. I f the rep e at te s t i s

s ucce s s fu l, the te s t s erie s i s comple te .

I f the rep e at te s t i s u n s ucce s s fu l, c a rr y out a fu r ther rep e at te s t (te s t 4) . I f that te s t then fai l s , term i nate

that series.
I f one o f the fi rs t two te s ts (te s t 1 or 2 ) i s no t s ucce s s fu l, rep e at th at te s t. I f th i s rep e at te s t i s s ucce s s fu l,

conduc t a s e cond rep e at te s t; o ther wi s e term i nate the te s t s erie s . T he concentrate con form s to

Clause 13 if three tests are successful.


gives a graphic version of the decision tree.
Figu re G .1

22 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

G.2.1.3 Decision tree fire test protocol

Figure G.1 — Decision tree for fire per formance test on water-immiscible fuels

G.2.2 Temperature and wind speed


C arr y out the te s ts u nder the fol lowi ng cond ition s:

— ai r temp erature: (5 − 4 0) ° C;

— fuel temp eratu re: (17, 5 ± 2 , 5 ) ° C;

— water temp eratu re: (17, 5 ± 2 , 5 ) ° C;

— fo am s olution temp eratu re: (17, 5 ± 2 , 5 ) ° C;

— ma xi mum wi nd s p e e d i n the proxi m ity o f the fi re tray: 3 m/s .

NO TE I f ne ce s s a r y, s ome for m o f wi nd- s c re en c a n b e u s e d .

G.2.3 Records

D u ri ng the fi re te s t, re cord the fol lowi ng:

a) lo c ation;

b) ai r temp erature;

c) fuel temp eratu re;

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 23


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

d) water temperature;
e) foam solution temperature;
f ) wind speed;
g) 90 % control time;
h) 99 % control time;
i) extinction time;
j) 25 % burn-back time.
NOTE 90 % control time and burn-back time can be determined either visually by an experienced person or
from thermal radiation measurements. Annex H gives details of a method suitable for low-expansion foams.
G.2.4 Foam solution
Prepare a foam solution following the recommendations from the supplier for concentration, maximum
premix time, compatibility with the test equipment, avoiding contamination by other types o f foam, etc.
Use potable water to prepare the foam solution and, i f the supplier claims that the concentrate is
suitable for use in sea water, make a second foam solution at the same concentration using synthetic sea
water in accordance with G.5 .
G.2.5 Fuel
Use an aliphatic hydrocarbon mixture having physical properties according to the following
specification:
a) distillation range: 84 °C to 105 °C;
b) maximum di fference between initial and final boiling points: 10 °C;
c) maximum aromatic content: 1 % mass fraction;
d) density at 15 °C: (700 ± 20) kg/m 3 .
NOTE 1 The normal value o f sur face tension o f the aliphatic hydrocarbon mixture measured in accordance
with G.2.1 is 21 mN/m to 22 mN/m.
NOTE 2 Typical fuels meeting this specification are certain solvent fractions sometimes re ferred to as
commercial heptane.

G.3 Force ful application fire test

G.3.1 Apparatus
The usual laboratory apparatus and the apparatus listed in G.4.1, except that the tray does not have a
backboard.
G.3.2 Procedure

Set up the tray and nozzle generally in accordance with G.4.2 but position the nozzle so that the central
part o f the foam discharge falls directly on the fuel sur face at a point (1 ± 0,1) m from the edge o f the
tray furthest from the nozzle (see Figure G.1).
Ignite the fuel not more than 300 s a fter adding it and allow to burn for (60 ± 2) s a fter full involvement
o f the sur face o f the fuel. Apply foam for (180 ± 2) s. I f the fire is extinguished prior to the end o f foam

24 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

appl ic ation, re cord the e xti nc tion ti me as the p erio d from the s tar t o f fo a m appl ic ation u nti l the ti me

when a l l flame s are e xti ngu i s he d .

Stop applyi ng fo am and, i f the fi re i s no t e xti ngu i s he d, wa it to s e e i f a ny remai n i ng fl ickers o f flame a re

e xti ngu i s he d a nd re cord the ex ti nc tion ti me .

(3 0 0 ± 10) s a fter s toppi ng fo am appl ication, place the bu rn-b ack p o t contai n i ng (2 ± 0 ,1) l o f fuel i n the

centre o f the tray a nd ignite . Vi s ua l ly e s ti mate when 2 5 % o f the tray i s covere d by s u s ta i ne d flame s or

b y “flare up” fla me s (s e e NO T E ) , ignori ng any fai nt, b arely vi s ible, or tran s ient fl ame s . Re cord the ti me

elapsed since ignition of the burn-back pot as the 25 % burn-back time.


NO TE D u r i n g the b u r n-b ack te s t, a “fl a re up ” c a n o cc u r, i n wh ich l a rge fl a me s c a n b e s u s ta i ne d for p er io d s

typ ic a l l y ra ngi ng fro m 3 0 s to 3 m i n b e fore de c re a s i ng i n i nten s ity.

If the burn-back at forceful application is less than 10 min the burn-back rating shall be evaluated in a
s ep arate fi re te s t with gentle appl ic ation .

Dimensions in metres

Key
1 water
2 fuel
3 foam-making nozzle
4 tray

Figure G.2 — Test fire arrangement for force ful application

G.4 Gentle application fire test

G.4.1 Apparatus
T he u s ua l lab orator y app a ratu s a nd, i n p ar tic u lar, the fol lowi ng.

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 25


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

G.4.1.1 Circular fire tray, stainless steel grade X5CrNi18-10 (ISO 3506-1: A2; ASTM: 304304; UNS:
S30400), with dimensions as follows:
— internal diameter at rim: (2 400 ± 25) mm;
— depth: (200 ± 15) mm;
— nominal thickness o f steel wall: 2,5 mm.

G.4.1.2 Backboard , vertical, stainless steel grade X5CrNi18-10 (ISO 3506-1: A2; ASTM: 304304; UNS:
S30400), (1 ± 0,05) m high and (1 ± 0,05) m long and 2,5 mm thick, fitted as closely as possible along the
top o f the tray wall, or formed by an extension o f the tray wall.
NOTE The tray has an area o f approximately 4,52 m 2 .

G.4.1.3 Foam-making equipment, as described in F.1.3.


G.4.1.4 Burn-back pot, stainless steel grade X5CrNi18-10 (ISO 3506-1: A2; ASTM: 304304; UNS:
S30400), o f nominal thickness 2,5 mm, diameter (300 ± 5) mm and height (250 ± 5) mm.
G.4.2 Test procedure

Place the tray directly on the ground and ensure that it is level. Set up the foam nozzle horizontally,
(1 ± 0,05) m above the fuel level, in a position where the central part o f the foam discharge strikes
the centre axis o f the backboard (0,5 ± 0,1) m above the fuel level (see Figure G.2). Clean the tray. Add
approximately 90 l o f water and check that the base is completely covered. Add (144 ± 5) l o f fuel, to give
approximately 150 mm between the fuel sur face and the top o f the tray wall.
Ignite the fuel not less than 3 min, and not more than 5 min, a fter adding it. Start foam application
(60 ± 2) s a fter full involvement o f the sur face o f the fuel. Readjust the nozzle to ensure that the jet
continues to hit the centre o f the backboard. Apply foam for (300 ± 2) s. I f the fire is extinguished,
record the extinction time as the period from the start o f foam application and until the time when all
flames are extinguished.
NOTE 1 I f a foam has achieved a burn-back resistance Level A at extinguishing per formance Class I or II on the
force ful application test, it is not necessary to test it using gentle application.

NOTE 2 Extinction is not required for foams that have success fully extinguished the force ful application test
of G.3 without achieving burn-back resistance level A.
NOTE 3 Foams that do not extinguish the gentle application test o f this clause can have a reduced burn-back
resistance level because o f flames remaining a fter foam application.
I f the fire is not extinguished within (300 ± 2) s and the foam has not achieved extinguishing
per formance Class I or II, terminate the test.
A fter an additional (300 ± 10) s, place the burn-back pot, containing (2 ± 0,1) l o f fuel, in the centre o f
the tray and ignite. Record the 25 % burn-back time.

26 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Dimensions in metres

Key
1 b ackb o ard (no n- integral typ e s hown)

2 foam-making nozzle
3 fuel
4 water
5 tray

Figure G.3 — Test fire arrangement for gentle application

G.5 Synthetic sea water


P rep are the s ynthe tic s e a water b y d i s s olvi ng the comp onents as given i n Table G .1 .
Table G.1 — Components o f synthetic sea water

Percent mass fraction Component Chemical formula


2 ,50 Sodium chloride NaCl
1 ,10 Magnesium chloride MgCl 2 2 O
⋅ 6H

0 ,16 Calcium chloride CaCl 2 2 O


⋅2 H

0 ,4 0 Sodium sulfate Na2 SO 4


95 , 8 4 Potable water —

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 27


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex H
(informative)
Description o f a radiation measurement method

H.1 Evaluation
Rad i ation me as u rement i s a conven ient a nd obj e c tive way to monitor the p er formance o f a fo am du ri ng

the fi re p er formance te s t. I t re duce s the re qu i rement for vi s ua l ob s er vation s (excep t for fl ame fl ickers

and the ti me ne ce s s a r y for comple te e xti nc tion) .

T h i s an nex de s crib e s the e qu ipment and pro ce du re u s e d i n a s erie s o f te s ts i n one te s ti ng lab orator y,

and the me tho d s u s e d to i nterpre t a nd pre s ent the re s u lts . S e e Re ference [ 7 ] for add itiona l de ta i l s . T he

me tho d i s s u itable for low- and me d iu m- e xp an s ion fo a m s but no t for h igh- exp a n s ion fo am s .

H.2 General arrangement o f test


Rad iome ters s hou ld b e pl ace d d i ame trica l ly i n relation to the tray, a s s hown i n Figure H.1. The distance
b e twe en the me ters a nd the ri m o f the tray s hou ld b e no t le s s th an twice the d ia me ter, D , o f the tray; the

height ab ove the ri m s hou ld b e no t le s s tha n 1 , 5 m .

NO TE T he m a xi mu m d i s ta nce i s l i m ite d b y the s en s itivity o f the rad io me ters .

Rad i ation level s s hou ld b e re corde d conti nuou sly or with i nter va l s no t exce e d i ng 1 s .

Dimensions in metres

Key
1 radiometer
2 circular fire tray

Figure H.1 — Location o f radiometers for recording heat radiation during fire per formance tests

28 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

H.3 Technical data for radiometers


Two radiometers o f the Gordon or Schmidt-Boelter 1) type should be used. The meters should be cooled
with water. The temperature o f the cooling water should be (30 ± 10) °C, held constant during the
measurements.
The radiometers absorb at least 90 % o f the incoming radiation within the range o f wavelengths 0,6 µm
to 15 µm.
For a fully developed fire, the radiometer reading should be not less than 0,6 times the full scale.
The radiometers should have maximum non-linearity o f ±3 % o f nominal range o f measurement, and a
maximum response time o f 2 s (up to 63 % o f full response).
A radiometer with a protective glass may be used, provided that the requirements on spectral sensitivity
are satisfied. I f it is considered necessary, the utilization o f the range o f measurement specified above
may be changed i f the radiometers have a better linearity. Less than 40 % utilization is not advisable, as
the influence o f background radiation can have too great an e ffect.

H.4 Procedure
Correct the output from the two radiometers by deducting the background radiation recorded from 5 s
to 10 s a fter the moment o f complete extinction.
Determine the average value of the two radiometers.
Determine the average value of time of recorded radiation during the 25 s period beginning at 30 s
before the start of the foam application and ending 5 s before the start of the foam application (see
Figure H.2).
Determine the relative radiation by dividing the output by the average value obtained in accordance
with the preceding paragraph.
The instantaneous radiation values are subject to random fluctuation. A smoother curve, which
facilitates interpretation, can be obtained by plotting radiation values averaged over a period o f ±5 s for
each time value.
The adjusted relative radiation is shown for the extinguishing test in Figure H.3 and for the burn-back
test in Figure H.4. A control of 90 % is equivalent to the relative radiation 0,1.
The description above implies that computer-controlled measuring practices should be applied.

1) The Medtherm Series 64 supplied by Medtherm Corp., PO Box 412, Huntsville, AL, USA is an example o f a
suitable product (apparatus) available commercially. This in formation is given for the convenience o f users o f this
document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO o f this product (apparatus).
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 29
ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Key
X time, exp res s ed in minutes

Y radiatio n, exp res s ed in kilowatts p er s quare metre

NOTE Foam application starts at 1 min and stops at 5 min. The burn-back test starts at 15 min.
Figure H.2 — Typical absolute radiation levels throughout a test

Key
X time, exp res s ed in minutes

Y relative radiatio n, dimens io nles s

NOTE Foam application starts at 0 min and stops at 4 min. 90 % control is achieved at about 1 min 8 s.
Figure H.3 — Typical relative radiation levels during extinction

30 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Key
X time, exp res s ed in minutes

Y relative radiatio n, dimens io nles s

NOTE Burn-back starts at 0 min. 25 % burn-back is at about 8 min 30 s.


Figure H.4 — Typical relative radiation levels during burn-back

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex I
(informative)
Compatibility

I.1 Compatibility between foam concentrates and fire extinguishing powders


Where foam and powder might be applied simultaneously or successively, users should ensure that any
un favourable interaction does not cause an unacceptable loss o f e fficiency.
The small-scale fire-test detailed in Annex H may be used to evaluate the compatibility o f foam
concentrates and powders.
This test is carried out on the foam in question, and then repeated a fter the fuel has been covered in
powder as follows.
(500 ± 1) g powder is weighed into a 180 μm sieve, placed on a sheet o f paper or cardboard.
The sieve is held over the fuel, and the cardboard or paper removed.
The powder is then evenly distributed over the sur face o f the fuel from a height o f (150 ± 10) mm.
The fuel is lit not more than 60 s after the powder has been spread over the surface of the fuel.
I f the increase in extinction time is equal to or greater than 25 % longer than the result without
powder, then the combination o f powder and foam may be considered to lead to an unacceptable loss o f
e fficiency.
Likewise, a reduction in burn-back time by 25 % or more when powder is used indicates that the foam
and powder are incompatible.
I.2 Compatibility between foam concentrates
Foam concentrates o f di fferent manu facture, grade or class are frequently incompatible and should not
be mixed, unless it has first been established that an unacceptable loss o f e fficiency does not result.

32 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Annex J
(informative)
Small-scale fire test

J.1 General
Annex G describes large-scale fire tests for type approval. This annex describes a small-scale fire test
which can be suitable for quality control purposes.
The test should not be run outdoors as the results are very sensitive to any kind o f air flow.
To analyse the compatibility between foams and dry chemical powder, this test should be repeated
according to the procedure given in J.3 .
J.2 Apparatus

J.2.1 Fire tray, circular, brass, as shown in Figure J.1, with a turned-over rim and a drain point with
valve at the centre o f the conical base, with dimensions as follows:
— internal diameter at rim: (565 ± 5) mm;
— height o f vertical wall: (150 ± 5) mm;
— height o f conical base: (30 ± 5) mm;
— thickness o f vertical wall: (1,2 ± 0,2) mm.
NOTE The tray has an area o f approximately 0,25 m 2 .
The fire tray is supported approximately 1 m above the ground on a steel frame with four legs. The
tray is normally placed beneath a suitable fume extraction hood that can extract the smoke without
inter fering with the fire.

J.2.2 Burn-back pot, brass, with a turned-over rim, fitted with four studs at the base to give an overall
height o f (96 ± 2) mm, with dimensions as follows:
— internal diameter at rim: (120 ± 2) mm;
— internal depth: (80 ± 2) mm;
— thickness o f wall: (1,2 ± 0,2) mm.
A chain fitted to the rim allows li fting o f the burn-back pot using a metal rod.

J.2.3 Foam-making nozzle , as shown in Figure J.2, which has a nominal flow rate o f 5,0 l/min at
700 kPa (7 bar) when tested with water.
It is fitted with an adjustable collar to allow ejection o f the foam from the side o f the nozzle and, thus,
variation o f the foam flow rate through the outlet. The foam flow rate can also be controlled by adjusting
the pressure applied to the foam solution.
J.2.4 Fuel , consisting o f an aliphatic hydrocarbon mixture as specified in G.2.5 .

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

J.3 Test procedure


J.3.1 Test conditions
Carry out the test under the following conditions:
— air temperature: (15 ± 5) °C;
— fuel temperature: (17,5 ± 2,5) °C;
— foam solution temperature: (17,5 ± 2,5) °C.
J.3.2 Set-up
Position the foam nozzle horizontally with the by-pass holes in the adjustable collar facing downwards
at a height o f (150 ± 5) mm above the rim o f the fire tray (see Figure J.1).
Prepare the foam solution following the recommendations o f the supplier for concentration, maximum
premix time, compatibility with test equipment, avoiding contamination by other types o f foam, etc.
Set the nozzle pressure to 700 kPa (7 bar) and the foam flow rate to (0,75 ± 0,025) kg/min by adjusting
the collar and, i f necessary, reducing the nozzle pressure. It is convenient to collect the foam in a tared
vessel for 6 s and to weigh it to calculate the flow rate.
Position the nozzle while keeping it horizontal so that the foam strikes the centre o f the fire tray. Shut
o ff the foam discharge. Clean the tray and close the drain valve.
J.3.3 Fire test
Place (9 ± 0,1) l o f fuel in the tray, and (0,3 ± 0,01) l o f fuel in the burn-back pot.
(120 ± 2) s a fter fueling, ignite the fuel and allow to burn for (60 ± 2) s be fore starting foam application.
Apply foam for (120 ± 2) s to the centre o f the tray and record the times from the start o f foam application
to 90 % control, 99 % control, and complete extinction.
At the end o f foam application, ignite the fuel in the burn-back pot, and (60 ± 2) s a fter the end o f foam
application, lower the pot into the centre o f the tray with a metal rod, taking care not to allow foam to
enter the pot. Record as the burn-back time the time taken from positioning of the burn-back pot to
permanent full re-involvement o f the fire tray sur face in flames.

34 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1 burn-back pot 4 adj us tab le b o s s

2 foam nozzle 5 fire tray

3 backboard (optional) 6 foam solution


Figure J.1 — Small-scale fire test

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Key
1 no zzle with fo am diverter (s ee Figure K. 3 ) 6 o rifice p late G (s ee Figure K. 8 )

2 co up ling (s ee Figure K. 4) 7 s p acing p iece (s ee Figure K. 9 )

3 mixing tub e (s ee Figure K. 5 ) 8 o rifice p late P (s ee Figure K. 1 0 )

4 s tab ilizing tub e (s ee Figure K. 6 ) 9 inlet (s ee Figure K. 1 1 )

5 venturi (s ee Figure K. 7 )

Figure J.2 — Foam-making nozzle for small-scale fire test

NO TE Figu re s K. 3 to K.1 1 re fer to the nu mb ere d item s i n Figu re K. 2 .

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

Key
1 H
3 ho les ∅

2 16 threads
a Knurled.

Figure J.3 — Nozzle with foam diverter — Sleeve and item 1

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

Key
a Coarse-knurled.
Figure J.4 — Item 2 — Coupling

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

Figure J.5 — Item 3 — Mixing tube

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

NO TE 1 E nd face s to b e at 9 0 ° to a xi s .

NO TE 2 T he th re ad i s W h itwor th , 16 tp i .

NO TE 3 T he ch a m fer at e ach end i s 1 × 45 °.

Figure J.6 — Item 4 — Stabilizing tube

38 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

Key
1 4 ho les , ∅ 6 at 9 0 ° in the s ame p lane

Figure J.7 — Item 5 — Venturi

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ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
a Slight radius.
NO TE 1 Face s p a ra l lel to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 2 H ole concentr ic with O D to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 3 H ole at 9 0 ° to e ach face to with i n 0 , 01 m m .

Figure J.8 — Item 6 — Orifice plate G

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

NO TE 1 B ore a nd cou nterb o re concentr ic to O D to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 2 C ou nterb ore face p a ra l lel to end face to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 3 C ou nterb ore face s a nd end face s s qu a re with a xi s to with i n 0 , 0 1 m m .

NO TE 4 C h a m fer th re ad e dge s 1 × 45 °, le ave o ther e dge s sh a r p .

Figure J.9 — Item 7 — Spacing piece

40 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
a Slight radius.
NO TE 1 Face s p a ra l lel to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 2 H o le co ncentr ic with O D to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

NO TE 3 H o le at 9 0 ° to e ach face to with i n 0 , 01 m m .

Figure J.10 — Item 8 — Orifice plate P

D imens io ns in millimetres unles s o therwis e s p ecified

NO TE 1 B ore a nd cou nterb ore co ncentric to O D to with i n 0 , 0 2 m m .

Figure J.11 — Item 9 — Inlet

© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved 41


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

Bibliography

[1] I S O 2 2 8 -1 , Pipe  threads  where  pressure-tight  joints  are  not  made  on  the  threads  —  Part  1: 

Dimensions,  tolerances  and  designation


[2 ] I S O 3 9 41 : 2 0 0 7, Classification  o f  fires
[3 ] I S O 61 8 3 , Fire  protection  equipment  —  Carbon  dioxide  extinguishing  systems  for  use  on  premises  — 

Design  and  installation


[4] I S O 7 2 01-1 , Fire  protection  —  Fire  extinguishing  media  —  Halogenated  hydrocarbons  —  Part  1: 

Specifications  for  halon  1211  and  halon  1301


[5 ] Fire  extinguishing  media  —  Halogenated  hydrocarbons  —  Part  2:  Code  o f  practice  for 
I S O 7 2 01-2 ,

safe  handling  and  transfer  procedures  o f  halon  1211  and  halon  1301
[6] I S O 7 2 02 , Fire  protection  —  Fire  extinguishing  media  —  Powder
[7 ] I S O 70 76 (a l l p ar ts) , Fire  protection  —  Foam  fire  extinguishing  systems
[8] NORD T E S T M e tho d N T Fi re 02 3 , Fi re E xti ngu i s h i ng Fo am C oncentrate s

42 © ISO 2019 – All rights reserved


ISO 7203-1:2019(E)

ICS  13.220.10
Price based on 42 pages
© ISO 2019 – All rights reserved

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