Q. How long does it take for TetraKO to disperse in water?
A. For small batch sizes such as air pressurized extinguishers (2.5 gal) and backpacks (5 gal), the product will fully disperse within 10 minutes with moderate agitation (inverting the container three times).

For larger batch sizes, such as a 250 gal tank, you will need to use mixing and agitation and a slow addition rate of product to ensure complete dispersion. You can determine when the product is completely dispersed by dipping a small plastic plate into the tank and observing that all "lumps" are gone and that the plastic is uniformly coated.

Q. Can I manually mix TetraKO in a tank with a paddle?
A. This method is not recommended. It just takes too long and results vary tremendously.

Q. How do you clean up equipment after using TetraKO?
A. Rinse thoroughly with plain water. There is no negative effect on plants or animals, and the product readily biodegrades to leave no negative impact on the environment.

Q. Can we use TetraKO in a fire truck tank?
A. We have considerable experience with many types of fire engine and pumper designs. Contact us directly for information on specific designs and instructions.

Q. Can I use TetraKO on a grease fire?
A. Currently TetraKO is only available as a Class A fire suppressant (e.g. paper). Because the mixture “as used” is greater than 99% water, the water will flash when coming into contact with the hot grease. You can spray the surrounding objects (being careful to not spray any TetraKO into the grease fire) to protect them from the heat and the flame of the fire.

Q. Can I use this product on an electrical fire?
A. No. TetraKO is based on water chemistry and is not suitable for electrical fires. We would recommend turning off the electricity at the source (e.g. fuse box) and then dealing with the fire as a Class A fire.

Q. Can I use TetraKO in air pressurized water fire extinguishers and backpack pumps?
A. Yes. This is an excellent delivery device because TetraKO extends the effectiveness (minimizes the amount) of water needed to extinguish fires. Contact us for specific instructions.

Q. I am interested in using TetraKO in my tank truck and skid-mounted units. How long can I safely store hydrated TetraKO in a tank?
A. TetraKO is a “ready biodegradable” product and is designed to be consumed by the microbes in nature. Because the water you use will vary in quality (e.g. pond water vs city supplied water), we don’t recommend storage for longer than seven days.

Q. I have a tanker that I want to have ready to respond to a fire, but it may be months before an actual fire. If TetraKO is “ready biodegradable” and I can’t store it (hydrated) for several months, how do I prepare to respond quickly?
A. Because TetraKO hydrates within minutes, we would suggest storing a pail/bag on your truck. When you know there is a present danger, then add TetraKO to the tank. Typically, by the time you reach the fire or the structure you want to protect, the product will be fully-hydrated and ready to use.

If you don’t use all the product, leave it in the tank in case there is a follow-on incident, but be diligent and inspect your tank for microbial degradation (color and odor). Once you notice a change in smell/color, drain and rinse the tank and place another pail/bag in your truck. If you cannot inspect the inside of the tank, then draining the tank once the incident is over is your best option.

Q. How does this product’s performance compare to compressed air foams and gels?
A. Our data indicates TetraKO is more effective than either of these water enhancers. Go to the TetraKO video section for a quick visual demonstration of TetraKO’s superiority.

Q. How does TetraKO performance compare to just plain water?
A. TetraKO dramatically reduces the amount of water needed to suppress fires and prevent re-kindles, according to user comments and experience. Some users report using as little as 10 percent of the water that is typically required, but water usage reduction will depend heavily on the technique of the applicator.

Q. How does the cost of TetraKO compare to other water enhancers?
A. Our studies have shown that TetraKO costs no more than competitive enhancers and is more effective at recommended concentrations. Costs will vary greatly depending on application levels and usage habits. Contact us directly if you need more specific information.

Q. Can I use TetraKO with seawater?
A. You will not see the same performance using seawater. TetraKO’s ability to thicken water is severely limited by the electrolytes. The starch can still absorb the heat in seawater, but because the water is water-thin the starch may fall out of the water and remain in the bottom of the mixing tank. 

Q. I did not follow your advice and added too much TetraKO to my tank, too quickly and made a material that is too thick for my system to spray. What are my options?
A. We are very sorry to hear that. It may be possible to recover, but that depends on how thick the material is and if your system can move the thick material enough to allow for the incorporation of additional water. Here is what we recommend:

1. Determine if your tank has enough capacity to add more water. If not, drain some of the material from the tank (in accordance with local regulations).
2. Turn the motor on to start the flow of material moving through the tank.
3. Slowly add water until you reach the desired thickness.
4. If the material is too thick to flow through your equipment (and you cannot mix water into the material) add (fine) table salt and dish soap. After several hours the material will begin to thin out. (For very thick material that appears to be solid, the process can take several days to a week due to the slow migration of the salt through the material).