To ensure that the gel mixtures used in aerial firefighting are fully effective, it is important to ensure the gel concentrate is properly mixed with the water. The proper mixing of the liquid water-enhancing gel concentrate with water requires a precision mixing process, and turbulence is required for the gel to fully disperse and mix with the water. This process is referred to as “shearing” the concentrate. The first step in evaluating a gel-mixing and delivery system is to determine the system’s ability to shear the gel and achieve a complete mixing of the product with water.