Foam filling is used to safely fill and stabilise redundant tanks, pipelines, underground voids, cavities, shafts, chambers, ducts, and other disused structures where excavation is not practical or where a fast, controlled filling solution is required.

Void filling is the process of filling underground spaces, cavities, redundant chambers, shafts, or voids with a lightweight controlled material to reduce collapse risk, improve stability, and support long-term ground safety.

Yes. Foam filling is widely used for tank decommissioning projects because it helps render tanks inert, supports long-term stabilisation, and reduces risks associated with unused fuel and oil tanks — including vapour buildup and structural instability — without requiring full excavation or removal.

Britteco uses advanced RG22-grade water-based industrial hardfoam systems designed for long-term underground filling and stabilisation. Once cured, the foam has an apparent density of approximately 22 kg per cubic metre and is engineered for controlled expansion, structural stability, and low load on surrounding structures.

The cured foam is classified as non-flammable and does not support combustion under normal conditions. Softening begins at elevated temperatures, flash ignition occurs only at around 235 °C, and self-ignition at approximately 620 °C. While it is not marketed as a fire barrier, it helps reduce risks associated with residual fuels and vapours in decommissioned structures.

The foam system is water-based and environmentally considerate, with biodegradable characteristics and no known ecotoxic effects once cured. In suitable applications, the cured material may also be incorporated into ground improvement works where appropriate.

Foam filling is significantly lighter, faster to install, and creates less pressure on surrounding structures compared with concrete or grout-based methods. It is particularly useful in confined spaces, underground assets, and projects where excavation needs to be minimised or avoided entirely.

The foam is designed for long-term underground stability in suitable dry conditions. It offers minimal shrinkage, strong resistance to hydrocarbons and mineral oils, and a design life of at least 150 years in suitable dry underground conditions.

Yes. Although the foam provides a durable, permanent-quality fill, it can be mechanically removed if required by cutting, breaking, or digging out the cured material. This makes it a practical solution for sites that may require future access or redevelopment.

In many cases, yes. Foam filling can reduce or eliminate the need for major excavation, helping lower disruption, shorten project timescales, and reduce overall site costs.

Foam filling can be used for fuel tanks, underground tanks, pipelines, pipework, chambers, shafts, ducts, cavities, voids, confined spaces, and selected industrial structures requiring safe, controlled, and lightweight stabilisation.

Yes. Foam filling is widely used to decommission petrol, diesel, and heating oil tanks in situ — filling the tank in place to render it inert and safe without excavation or removal. Where full tank removal, fuel uplift, cleaning, and certification is required, Britteco also provides a complete fuel and oil tank decommissioning service.

In most cases, remaining fuel and residues should be removed before foam filling commences. Unlike concrete filling, foam filling does not always require full degassing before the foam is injected — the RG22 hardfoam absorbs residual hydrocarbons, helping to render the tank inert and safe. For tanks that require full cleaning, gas-freeing, removal, and certification, see our fuel and oil tank decommissioning service.

Yes. On completion of every foam filling project, Britteco provides suitable project documentation to support compliance, planning, insurance, and audit requirements. For projects requiring a full certificate of disposal, see our fuel and oil tank decommissioning service.

Use the enquiry button on this page and send us the basic site details — structure type, estimated volume, access conditions, and any relevant project constraints. Britteco will review the requirements and advise on the most suitable approach.