Decontamination of stationary extinguishing systems
Stationary extinguishing systems must be carefully cleaned before switching to fluorine-free foam concentrate, as even the smallest PFAS residues can contaminate new extinguishing agents. Cornelsen offers a proven, multi-stage cleaning process with analysis, rinsing, targeted measures and professional disposal - for a safe, compliant restart.
The challenges of decontamination
In industrial plants, logistics centres and airports, stationary extinguishing systems are often filled with PFAS-containing foaming agents. These products have been used for many years, but contain substances from the PFAS group (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), which are now strictly regulated and classified as harmful to the environment and health. PFAS are characterised by extreme resistance, accumulate in the environment and in organisms and are hardly degradable. They are therefore increasingly being banned and must be removed from existing applications.
Before switching to fluorine-free alternatives, the systems must be completely decontaminated. Even small residues of PFAS-containing foaming agents can contaminate the new fluorine-free products. In addition, these residues could be released into the environment via the extinguishing systems - which is inadmissible from a legal and ecological point of view.
This illustration shows the contaminated contents of a stationary extinguishing system.
The solution: PerfluorAd® process
The patented PerfluorAd®® process is based on a liquid active ingredient that reacts with the PFAS in the system and forms stable flocs. These can be removed from the water by filtration or sedimentation.
The advantage: decontamination is efficient, gentle on the material and without the disadvantages of adsorption.
The rinsing water is also treated directly on site, which significantly reduces transport and disposal costs as well as the CO₂ footprint - and typical challenges such as the rapid blocking of activated carbon due to organic background contamination can be specifically avoided.
The example shown in Figure 1 indicates that, in addition to the PFAS that can currently be analysed, other "much more highly concentrated fluorine-containing water constituents" may be present in fire extinguishing water. Figure 2 shows examples of elimination rates that can be achieved with the PerfluorAd® process. It is very clear from this that the PFAS currently categorised as particularly relevant (sum of 23 PFAS!) can be removed from the water by up to 99.5% when using the PerfluorAd® process.
Sampling and analysis
Complete emptying & multiple rinsing
Individual cleaning measures & system customisation
Cleaning of complex components as part of individual part decontamination with PerfluorAd® technology in specialised facilities
Professional preparation
up to
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PFAS decontamination rethought - patented, safe, sustainable
Changeover procedure Extinguishing system
With PerfluorAd®, Cornelsen offers a future-proof solution that is not only technically impressive, but also sets the course in terms of environmental policy. Fire-fighting vehicles, equipment and stationary systems can be reliably decontaminated to PFAS levels well below the current EU limits. As a rule, values of total PFAS <= 1 mg/l can be achieved.
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