Challenge

A Canadian customer engaged Evergreen Solutions to improve the removal of PFAS contamination from aviation fire trucks previously exposed to AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam). PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals," are highly persistent compounds that pose significant environmental and health concerns. Due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS-containing waste requires specialized disposal, typically through licensed high-temperature incineration.

As refineries, chemical plants, airports, and defence organizations transition away from AFFF containing PFAS, firefighting and fire suppression equipment must be cleaned to meet regulatory targets for PFAS. This customer's objectives were to:

• Reduce cleaning time

• Reduce total cost of operation

• Minimize wastewater generation and disposal requirements

• Prevent PFAS rebound and maintain residual concentration below 50 ppm

Solution

Evergreen Solutions developed PFASter Clean 1090C, a specialized cleaning formulation designed to improve PFAS removal efficiency. Laboratory testing confirmed the product could meet the customer's key performance indicators before field validation was conducted on two airport fire trucks in Winnipeg, MB. The trial compared PFASterClean 1090C against the customer's conventional cleaning process.

Results

Wastewater samples were analyzed immediately following treatment and at two-week intervals over a six-week period. Tanks cleaned with PFASterClean 1090C demonstrated consistently lower PFAS concentrations and continued reductions over time. In contrast, PFAS levels in tanks cleaned using the standard method increased during the monitoring period, indicating greater PFAS rebound.

The results demonstrated that PFASterClean 1090C will deliver more thorough decontamination while significantly reducing wastewater volumes, HAZMAT transportation requirements, and disposal costs. These benefits are particularly valuable in remote or water-constrained locations.

Product Description

PFASter Clean 1090 is a specialized chemical formulation designed to rapidly dissolve and remove legacy AFFF (PFAS-containing) residues from firefighting equipment and systems. Proven in laboratory and field conditions, it enables efficient decontamination with minimal foam generation and reduced waste.

KEY BENEFITS

• Rapid dissolution (2-10 minutes)

• Minimal foam generation and fast collapse (~10 sec)

• Reduced rinse water requirements

• Compatible with metals and polymers

• Reduces hazardous waste disposal costs by up to 75%

FIELD PERFORMANCE

Validated under real-world conditions:

• ~20 minute soak time

• Low RPM circulation

• Clean, residue-free surfaces

• ~50% reduction in water usage

APPLICATIONS

• Airport fire rescue systems

• Military firefighting equipment

• Industrial foam systems

• Storage tanks and piping