Foam Troubles

[WFD999]

Hi Folks. I looking for a little help here. Our town water supply has a high soda content. Making it very soft water. It,s still drinkable and within health standards. {Crappy Coffee}. But the soda in the water really screws up our class A foam. We still get the carrying compacity in the water and it's "slimey" but it does not build a blanket even at three percent. Yes, the pressures correct and the inductor is placed properly. When we use a hard water source IE river dugout etc we get great foam. I've thought about adding calcium to the tank supply to harden up the water but that wont do any good for working off the hydrants. Has anyone heard of a additive we can mix with the foam. Or maybe a creative solution we can try to beat this snag. Thanks

[FireEMTGuy]

Interesting problem!

I think your best solution would be to contact the foam manufacturer and seek their advice. This soft water issue may be new to them and it will give them something to work off of, or it may be something they are aware of and have a solution.

Let us know if you find one! Good luck!

[WFD999]

Contacted the manufacture, still waiting for a reply.

[mcaldwell]

Any better results with a snap-on aerator? Maybe get a demo or two from your local suppliers (i.e. WFR FIRE out of Calgary or Edmonton are good for providing demos)

We just picked one up to help stretch our foam supply a little. That stuff's not cheap, and we couldn't make quality foam at any less than 1% or greater.

[WFD999]

Yes Sir, we have one and can make limited foam with it at 3%.

Good Thought

The manufacture has followed up with me some and there chemists in the lab have heard of the problem and are working on a additive. Will keep you folks posted

Have a good one.