Behind the Equipment: FOAMit at IPPE 2026

At IPPE, we talked with Brad DeVries of FOAMit to discuss the role of foam in poultry cleaning and disinfection. While biosecurity depends on using the right products and following proper procedures, the application method can also make a difference in coverage, contact time, and water efficiency.

Brad explained how foam provides a visual indicator during application, helps cleaning and disinfection products remain on surfaces, and may offer meaningful savings compared with traditional spraying. He also shared examples of equipment designed to improve cleaning efficiency and support poultry growers.

Foam Provides a Visual Indicator for Coverage

One of the primary benefits of foam is that it makes coverage easier to see.

When using a spray or mist, it can be difficult to tell whether every area has been reached. Foam provides a more visible application, allowing growers to identify missed areas and improve coverage across the surface.

“The goal is complete coverage,” Brad explained. Once the product has been applied evenly, the chemistry can do its job across the treated surface.

Foam can also expand significantly during application. Brad noted that one gallon of solution can potentially be made into as much as 80 gallons of foam, depending on the equipment and product being used.

Improving Contact Time

Contact time is another important consideration when cleaning and disinfecting poultry facilities.

For a product to work as intended, it needs to remain in contact with the surface for the time specified for that product. Foam can help by allowing the solution to remain on surfaces rather than quickly running off.

Brad explained that foam can maintain contact with soil and pathogens, supporting a more efficient cleaning and disinfection process. Depending on the product, he noted that a five- to eight-minute contact time can be achievable before returning to rinse the surface.

Potential Water and Cost Savings

Foam can also contribute to water and application efficiency.

Because the solution expands during application, growers may be able to cover more surface area using less concentrated solution. Brad noted that FOAMit has seen savings of approximately 40% when using foam compared with spray, although actual results depend on the product, equipment, foam quality, and application consistency.

The potential savings make it important to evaluate the full cleaning process, including the amount of solution used, water consumption, coverage, and labor involved.

Equipment Designed for Poultry Growers

FOAMit offers a range of equipment designed to support cleaning and disinfection operations. Brad explained that the company focuses on products that are easy to use and maintain, while providing efficiency and support for customers.

One example he discussed was a drive-over disinfection system. The automated system activates when a vehicle approaches, applies the disinfection treatment as the vehicle passes through, and shuts off afterward.

For poultry operations, systems like this can provide an additional option for managing vehicle disinfection and supporting biosecurity procedures.

Finding the Right Equipment for Your Operation

The right foam equipment depends on the needs of each operation, including the desired application volume, cleaning process, and facility layout.

Brad emphasized that the goal is to improve cleaning efficiency, support more effective coverage, and help growers complete turns more efficiently. FOAMit offers equipment for a range of applications, and growers can work with the company to identify options that fit their operation.

Learn More About FOAMit

Effective cleaning and disinfection are important parts of poultry biosecurity. Foam can offer growers a more visible application method while supporting contact time, coverage, and potential resource savings.

To learn more about FOAMit’s equipment and solutions, visit the company’s website. For more information related to poultry biosecurity, visit our YouTube channel.