Formula Optimization of Foaming Agent Using Mixture-D-Optimal Method and Application in Peat Fire Suppression

Foaming agents for fire suppression on peatland were formulated from the saponification product of palm oil fatty acids, namely sodium laurate and potassium palmitate. This study aimed to obtain the best formulation of sodium laurate and potassium palmitate as raw material for foaming agent concentrate through formula selection based on physical parameters foaming ability, foam stability, and surface tension. In addition to obtaining the best formula, foam liquid performance test for the foaming agent was also conducted on the peat fire suppression applications. Formulation of sodium laurate and potassium palmitate that produce the best foaming agent concentrate was 20% sodium laurate, 5.58% potassium palmitate, and 74.42% water, which produced a foaming response of 393.58%, foam stability of 69.59%, and surface tension of 31.11 dyne/cm. Foam performance test for the mixture of water and foaming agent showed that peat fire could be extinguished in 3 h 50 min 42 s using 4.56 L/m2 extinguishing solution. Meanwhile, fire suppression with water requires 5 h 31 min 59 s, with the application of 9.72 L/m2 solution. Water mixed with a foaming agent concentrate can extinguish peat fires faster than using water alone, besides being faster the application of foaming agents can reduce water consumption.