AFFF Cleanout And Transition Services
We are a global provider of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) characterization and remediation services. We provide aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) cleanout services and the thermal desorption of PFAS from impacted soil.
Since 2020, we have completed hundreds of fire suppression system cleanouts (mobile and fixed) prior to transitioning to fluorine-free foams (F3).
Our turnkey solution is fast, robust, and cost-effective. Our post-cleanout laboratory analyses have confirmed virtually no rebound.
How To Prepare For An F3 Transition
Using specialty cleaning solutions and proprietary methods, we reduce PFAS concentrations by more than 99%, making our approach ideal for cleaning fire trucks, fixed systems (e.g., airport hangars, fuel storage, chemical manufacturing), storage vessels, pumps, and piping. We treat the rinse water onsite, generating less waste than other methods. Compared to replacing systems, our solution significantly reduces costs.
How Does AFFF Cleanout Work?
We use our purpose-built equipment with the patented PerfluorAd™ technology. Developed by Cornelsen Umwelttechnologie GmbH, PerfluorAd is a biodegradable cleaning agent that forms a bond with PFAS, creating particles we filter and remove.
- Step 1: Generate a cleanout flushing solution.
- Step 2: Circulate the solution through each part of the fire suppression system multiple times, continually removing AFFF and PFAS residuals.
- Step 3: Capture the spent solution (rinsate).
- Step 4: Place fire suppression system back in service.
- Step 5: Separate the PFAS-containing particles from the rinsate.
- Step 6: Consolidate the small volume of PFAS waste for off-site disposal.
- Step 7: Polish the remaining rinsate and, with regulatory approval, discharge the treated water to the sanitary sewer, dramatically reducing disposal costs.
PFAS Removal Results At Confidential Fire Suppression System
| PFAS Compund | Baseline (ng/l) | Triple Water Rinse (ng/l) | Cleanout (ng/l) |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFBA | 2290 | 275 | Non-detect |
| PFPeA | 360 | 59.2 | Non-detect |
| 4:2 FTS | 90.5 | 25.8 | Non-detect |
| PFHxA | 2150 | 316 | 8.39 |
| PFHpA | 27.9 | 4.7 | Non-detect |
| 6:2 FTS | 56700 | 65100 | 374 |
| PFOA | 1290 | 231 | Non-detect |
| PFNA | 25.3 | 2.86 | Non-detect |
Removal Rate
Percentage of PFAS removal.
Waste Reduction
Reduces the amount of PFAS waste.
Use Case: Using AFFF Cleanout Of A Fire Truck
We optimized a method for cleaning PFAS from firefighting systems. Watch below as our employee-owners set up the system and remove PFAS from the equipment.
Client Testimonials
"It was a pleasure to work with and learn from the team as they performed an AFFF cleanout of a firefighting vehicle at a major airport on the West Coast using their patented PerfluorAdTM solution. They brought a wealth of knowledge and technical expertise in decontaminating firefighting apparatuses exposed to PFAS-containing AFFF, leading to a successful project implementation. We look forward to working with them again."
Shayan Simantob, District Manager
EFI Global
"The field team did a remarkable job cleaning the AFFF from our ARFF vehicles, especially the hard-to-reach components, reducing our firefighters’ exposure to PFAS. Their PerfluorAd™ technology, which is far more effective than applying a triple rinse of water, allowed us to process the waste stream onsite, significantly lowering our hazardous waste transportation and disposal costs. Further, they were a great partner helping us set up a regional center for the cleanout of two local airport ARFF Trucks in addition to ours."
Randy Krause, Fire Chief
Port of Seattle
Featured Resources
Employee Spotlights
Our Employee Spotlights showcase the unique expertise and experiences that shape our AFFF Cleanout team. From varied career paths to specialized backgrounds, each profile offers a glimpse into the skills and perspectives driving our work.
