We are pleased to announce that Dyne has been accepted by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) as an independent laboratory for foam analysis. Our status as an accepted independent laboratory is publicly available at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.
Dyne is authorized to perform the periodical analysis of foam concentrate samples as required by the USCG Title 46 CFR 1.D.31.10-18.C and as recommended in International Maritime Organization (IMO) MSC.1/Circ. 1312 chapter regarding periodical controls of foam concentrates (Chapter 4 in the 2009 edition). As a result, Dyne will be updating all foam analysis reports tested in accordance with IMO standards to also include the USCG requirements.
These reports will also feature two new test results as requested by this approval: sediment dispersion and percent dilution.
Sediment Dispersion
The sediment dispersion test will help determine if the size of the sediment collected from the sample could be detrimental to foam system performance. Sediment that cannot pass through the 180 micrometer sieve as called for in 2009 edition of IMO 1312 Chapter 3 Section 3.2.3 will receive a “not dispersible” result for the sediment dispersion test. Should all the sediment pass through the sieve, the result will be indicated as “dispersible.” This will not affect the overall result of the foam but will provide information to the consumer about potential system issues.
Percent Dilution
The percent dilution test will quantify any potential dilution issues. Calculated using either the refractive index (non-protein based foams) or density (protein based foams) of your sample and the published values for the product, the percent dilution will be estimated assuming either fresh or seawater – each result will be published on the report. Since seawater physical properties can vary around the world, Dyne will assume a refractive index of 1.3393 and density of 1.023 g/mL based on the simulated seawater used in the lab. Should the performance of the foam be subpar, the consumer can now reference the estimated percent dilution result if they believe water contamination is to blame. Again, this will not affect the overall result but is intended to provide additional information.
The foam testing explanation sheets will be updated to reflect these new tests. These tests and the USCG reference come at no added cost to the IMO reports. If you have any questions about the USCG approval, the new report format, or these new tests, please contact us at 1(800)-632-2304 or lab@dyneusa.com.
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