All features used on the aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle must be tested regularly to ensure effectiveness; why should the foam system be any different? Oshkosh’s Eco EFP™ is an ARFF foam testing system created by Oshkosh Airport Products and is approved for use by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Not only does the system meet FAA regulations, Eco EFP foam testing also minimizes negative environmental and health impacts that have been linked to foam testing. Continue reading to see how the Eco EFP foam test system can change the way they test and operate the ARFF foam fire suppression agent.
What is an ARFF foam test system and Eco EFP?
Not all FAA-approved foam testing systems are alike. The Eco EFP foam test system is an integrated, onboard solution that uses just water instead of foam to measure the percentage of foam-to-water ratio the truck’s foam system is proportioning.
Eco EFP foam test system is an integrated, onboard solution that uses just water instead of foam
This system measures both the flow rate of the water through the foam flow meter and the flow rate of water through the solution (water + foam) meter to find the specific discharge percentage rate. This process gives they the most accurate reading to ensure they are outputting the exact proportions of foam and water that are required by the FAA and NFPA 412 standards.
Why choose Eco EFP for foam testing?
With all the necessary preventative maintenance and scheduled testing that goes into keeping the ARFF truck mission-ready, they want to make sure foam testing is easy, efficient, and effective. With the Eco EFP system, they can test the foam system’s output proportions in 10-15 minutes with only one operator. The Eco EFP foam test system stores all test results on the vehicle storing data from up to three years prior (which is in line with FAA record retention requirements).
The foam key rate will be fed automatically without the need to calculate each discharge manually
The versatility of the Eco EFP foam test system makes it an easy-to-use system that doesn’t require extensive training. Any operator can verify foam percentages and discharge flow rates as frequently as desired. Due to the Eco EFP foam test system being an automated system with a solution flow meter, there is no room for manual timing or calculation error. The foam solution rate will be provided automatically without the need to calculate each discharge manually.
Eco EFP retrofit kit
How to access an Eco EFP retrofit kit for an existing Oshkosh Striker ARFF?
Installation of the system can be done by a qualified dealer or an Oshkosh service technician
Oshkosh Airport Products’ Eco EFP (Electric Foam Proportioning) retrofit kits are available as an aftermarket add-on. Prior to installation, the team of engineers will review the vehicle’s specifications to verify an Eco EFP retrofit kit is compatible with the Striker ARFF vehicle. To qualify for an Eco EFP retrofit kit, they must have either a gen 1, 2, or 3 Striker ARFF vehicle with a poppet system or a gen 1, 2, or 3 Striker ARFF vehicle with an Oshkosh EFP system or Foam Boss EFP. Once the truck’s specifications are confirmed, the installation process can begin.
Installation of the system can be done by a qualified dealer or an Oshkosh service technician. However, if the department would like to keep the installation in-house, Oshkosh Airport Products can provide the proper instructions for a successful installation.
ARFF foam testing and the environment
The environmental and health concerns surrounding the use of AFFF foam are a significant challenge for airports and fire stations worldwide. Eco EFP eliminates the use of harmful chemicals during testing, limiting the use of foam to only necessary emergency response situations.
The FAA has approved input-based foam test systems and the Oshkosh Eco EFP foam test system for operation at airports in the United States. Eco EFP is a simple and easy-to-use solution from the trusted partner, Oshkosh Airport Products.