Successful Application Of PerfluorAd™ Technology For AFFF Cleanup In Connecticut
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We recently completed the first commercial application of the PerfluorAd™ technology in North America, cleaning out aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) impacted firefighting equipment for the State of Connecticut. This marks a significant milestone in AFFF cleanup efforts in the region. PerfluorAd is a patented, biodegradable, plant-based liquid that removes per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water and wetted surfaces. TRS, a Parsons Company, is the exclusive North American licensee of the PerfluorAd™ system, developed by Cornelsen GmbH in Essen, Germany.
Using PerfluorAd™ To Remove PFAS from AFFF-Impacted Equipment
The process involves creating a PerfluorAd and water solution and circulating it through firefighting equipment as part of an effective AFFF cleanup strategy. We then transfer the solution to a sedimentation tank for the settling out of PFAS flocs. We recirculate a potable water flush through the equipment, typically repeating the process with two or three additional cycles. This method is central to achieving thorough AFFF cleanup. We then remove the settled solids and transfer the rinsate for a polishing step, such as granular activated carbon or ion exchange filters, or prepare it for off-site disposal.
A significant advantage of the PerfluorAd™ system is we can use it not only for cleaning the wetted surfaces of the firefighting equipment, but we can also dramatically reduce the volume of water requiring treatment.
Efficient AFFF Equipment Cleanup And Future Enhancements
In September 2021, we mobilized to a fire-fighting training facility in eastern Connecticut, assembling the system for service in two days. This rapid deployment is crucial for efficient AFFF cleanup operations. We cleaned three fire trucks and two trailers during the next few weeks, averaging four days of cleaning per vehicle. In the coming months TRS will retrofit the system to clean two vehicles simultaneously, enhancing our AFFF cleanup capabilities.