Compressed Air Foam Systems Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)(CAFS)
2
Air MeteringValves
Check Valve
Water Valve
Compressed Air
Water Pump
FoamTank
WaterTank
Pres
sure
GaugesScrewAirCompressor
Foam Proportioner
Compressed Air Foam SystemCompressed Air Foam System
3
CAFS ComponentsCAFS Components
Water pump
Compressor
Proportioner
4
Complete SystemsComplete Systems
• Fire pump manufacturers offer full CAFS packages. Components are assembled, tested and calibrated as a complete system.
Darley “AutoCAFS”
5
• Capabilities– Superior absorption of heat– Quick knockdown– Light hose lines: (per 100’ length)
– 1-1/2” Hose: Water - 103 lbs. CAFS - 35 lbs– 2-1/2” Hose: Water - 271 lbs. CAFS - 84 lbs
– Extended stream reach– Ability to make wet or dry foam
• Limitations– Tradition and knowledge base
Compressed Air Foam SystemsCompressed Air Foam Systems
6
CAFS Is A Versatile Tool CAFS Is A Versatile Tool
• Limited only by the user’s imagination
– Think outside of the box
– Be progressive
– Be safe
7
Nozzles For CAFSNozzles For CAFS
• Straight bore – CAFS bubble• Variable pattern nozzle – foam solution
8
• High energy system– Can be pumped higher and further than water
at same psi due to lack of head pressure
• Lower foam concentrate % required – 0.2% - 0.3% vs. 0.5%
CAFS CharacteristicsCAFS Characteristics
9
• Small strong uniform bubbles
• Greater foam durability
• Low expansion system
• User can easily adjust– Expansion ratio– Drain time– Foam type
CAFS CharacteristicsCAFS Characteristics
10
• Light weight hose– Less strain on
firefighters
• Effect on hose– No water hammer– Reduced friction
loss
• Hose kinks– Effective hose
stream with kink
CAFS Safety CharacteristicsCAFS Safety Characteristics
11
• High volume air compressor– Air tools– Air bags– Tires– Drain hose
Additional CAFS BenefitsAdditional CAFS Benefits
12
Aerial CAFS DischargeAerial CAFS Discharge
13
Thinking outside the box
Bumper Turret CAFS DischargeBumper Turret CAFS Discharge
14
CAFS 5CAFS 5"" Handline HandlineWay outside the box
15
Concentrate Delivery SystemsConcentrate Delivery Systems
• Many different levels of technology are used to deliver today’s water additives
• Fully understand the capabilities and limitations of each before deciding on a system