What type of foam is used for gas spills?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is specifically designed for fighting flammable liquid fires, including those caused by gas spills. AFFF works by creating a barrier between the fuel and the air, thus suppressing the combustion process. Its ability to flow across the surface of the fuel allows it to quickly cover and displace flammable vapors, significantly enhancing its effectiveness during firefighting operations involving petroleum-based products and flammable liquids.

The unique formulation of AFFF helps it to form a thin aqueous film that helps to extinguish the fire and prevent re-ignition. This is particularly crucial in emergency situations involving gas spills, where rapid response and effective suppression methods are necessary to mitigate fire hazards.

Other foams listed, such as protein foam and film forming fluoroprotein foam, have their advantages but are generally less effective with certain modern fuels compared to AFFF. Alcohol-resistant foam is specifically tailored for polar solvents and does not provide the same level of effectiveness in the situation of gas spills as AFFF does. The choice of foam in firefighting is critical, and AFFF's unique properties make it the preferred option for handling gas spills efficiently.