What is CAFS?
A compressed air foam system (CAFS) is a system used in firefighting to deliver fire retardant foam for the purpose of extinguishing a fire or protecting unburned areas from becoming involved in flame. A CAFS is defined as a standard water pumping system that has an entry point where compressed air can be added to a foam solution to generate foam. The air compressor also provides energy, which, gallon for gallon, propels compressed air foam farther than aspirated or standard water nozzles. Typical components include a centrifugal pump, a water source, foam concentrate tanks, a rotary air compressor, a direct-injection foam proportioning system on the discharge side of the pump, a mixing chamber or device, and control systems to ensure the correct mixes of concentrate, water, and air.
How do I know if we can retrofit CAFS to my truck?
If you are wanting a PTO compressor give us a call at (870) 777-9688 with the Make, Model# and the Serial# on the transmission, engine make, model, Horse Power (if available), and the pump performance tag info.
We are going to buy a new Pumper and plan to install CAFS on it later once we have the money. What do we need to do to make sure a retrofit will work on our truck?
Make sure your transmission has a PTO provision on it. Do not spec your truck with anything on the PTO, such as a generator. On the late model trucks you cannot move the exhaust, so you are only able to use one side.
What about dangerous slug flow?
The design of our system assures that while water flows through our device (Equalizer), you always get air into the water stream eliminating dangerous slug flow.
Do I have to take a 4-hour maintenance class?
The only maintenance required is checking your compressor oil.
Does the Equalizer (balancing device) have moving parts?
There are no springs or moving parts to break or wear out over time.
What is the warranty on the Equalizer CAFS?
Lifetime on the Equalizer; Parts and labor 1 year; Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty on the compressor. Visit www.vanair.com/contents/supplements/warranty1128.pdf for more information.
What operating pressure should we run at?
The Equalizer does not care what the water pressure and air pressure is. As long as you have pressure you will always have perfect foam.
Do you have to flush out the system with each use?
The Equalizer does not need or require flushing.
What is the minimum hose length required?
There are no minimum hose length requirements. The Equalizer is mixing the air and solution water, making the compressed air foam prior to discharge – not scrubbing in the hose. We do not use a static mixture.
If we have three 1.5″ CAFS discharges, and are running them simultaneously, can we run one line dry, one line medium dry, and the another line wet at the same time?
Yes, each line can be adjusted from wet to dry without affecting the other discharges.
Sounds to good to be true?
Probably so, but it’s not! We have eliminated the problems associated with CAFS. Contact us today to get a customized price quote.