Decontamination of fixed fire suppression systems
Fixed fire suppression 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 centers, and airports, stationary fire suppression systems are often filled with PFAS-containing foam agents. These products have been used for many years, but contain substances from the PFAS group (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are now strictly regulated and classified as environmentally and health-hazardous. PFAS are characterized by extreme resistance, accumulate in the environment and organisms, and are hardly biodegradable. Therefore, they are 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 fire suppression systems - which is inadmissible from a legal and ecological point of view.
This illustration shows the contaminated contents of a fixed fire suppression 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 firefighting 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 99.9% when using the PerfluorAd® process.
Sampling and analysis
Complete emptying & multiple rinses
Individual cleaning measures & system customization
Cleaning of complex components as part of individual part decontamination with PerfluorAd® technology in specialised facilities
Professional treatment and disposal
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PFAS decontamination rethought - patented, safe, sustainable
Changeover procedure Fire suppression 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. Firefighting 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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