Low-expansion foam has an expansion ratio of:

Low-expansion foam is characterized by its expansion ratio, which refers to the amount of air that is mixed with the foam concentrate to create the finished product. A low-expansion foam typically has an expansion ratio of less than 20:1. This means that for every part of the foam concentrate, there are fewer than 20 parts of air in the finished foam.

This type of foam is commonly used for fire suppression because it creates a thick blanket that smothers flames, prevents oxygen from reaching the fire, and provides cooling. The lower expansion ratio allows for a denser foam that is particularly effective for certain types of fires, such as those involving flammable liquids.

Understanding the expansion ratio is crucial in fire suppression scenarios because it influences the performance and effectiveness of the foam in combating different types of fire hazards. Higher expansion ratios, on the other hand, would be more characteristic of medium-expansion or high-expansion foams, which are used for different applications, such as flooding an area or protecting equipment. Adjusting the type of foam and its properties based on the specific situation can significantly influence the outcome of firefighting efforts.