What type of foam is used primarily for polar solvent fires?

Fluorinated foam is specifically designed to combat polar solvent fires due to its unique properties that allow it to effectively suppress flammable liquids that have a lower flash point and are more volatile. Polar solvents, such as alcohols, can be more challenging to extinguish because they do not mix well with water and can form a layer on top of the water, leading to re-ignition.

Fluorinated foam, also known as fluoroprotein or fluorinated surfactant foam, creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the fuel and helps to form a blanket over the fuel surface. This barrier is critical in preventing the vapors from igniting and re-igniting once the fire is suppressed. The composition of fluorinated foam includes surfactants that enhance its ability to spread rapidly over the surface of polar solvents, thereby providing an effective firefighting solution.

Understanding the specific applications and characteristics of foam types is essential in firefighting. For instance, while Class A foam is useful for ordinary combustibles and protein foam is good for hydrocarbons, neither is suitable for polar solvents, making the choice of fluorinated foam the best option in this scenario. This knowledge ensures that firefighters can select the appropriate foam for the fire type, leading to