CAFS Flashcards
Definition of CAFS
Is a high energy system that uses compressed air to generate foam. It attacks all 3 sides of the fire triangle.
Is ‘carbon loving’ meaning it draws in smoke, aiding firefighting duties. Other advantages:
Very efficient foam production.
Long discharge and stronger jet reaction.
Uses less water and lasts longer.
CAF pre-treatment of structure can last from 2 to 6 hours depending on application and weather.
CAFS foam consistencies
Can produce wet, medium and dry foams. Controlled by the air to solution ratio and to a lesser amount by the water to solution ratio.
Dry and medium type foams have long drain times, meaning the bubbles do not burst and give up their water quickly, and have a longer duration. Wet type foam drains more quickly in the presence of heat.
Foam concentrations and default setting
Wet: 0.1% - 0.3%
Medium: 0.4% - 0.7%
Dry: 0.8% to 1.0%
Default setting is 0.3%
Smooth bore nozzle advantages
Is better for structure/ car fires and exposure protection as it creates a more resilient foam.
Protek or variable nozzles advantages
When using CAFS better for wildfire as it conserves water and gives you wetter foam to help penetrate the fuel.
How the foampro works
Foampro is an electric motor flow based foam proportioning system that measures water flow and then injects the proportional amount of foam concentrate to maintain the preset percentage.
Light will briefly flash on meaning its ready.
If light does anything else it means there a fault. Mainly low concentration of foam.
Pneumax auto sync settings
Unload: Compressor essentially idles (freewheeling) producing a minimal pressure of (275kPa) to maintain compressor oil flow.
Fixed: Air pressure is maintained at a preset pressure setting (1000kPa).
Auto: Air pressure matches water discharge pressure.
CAFS 2000 specifications
Better access to remote areas. Weight : 10t Height : 3.3m Water capacity: 2000lts includes 200lt emergency reservoir. Foam capacity: 100lts A class foam.
What flashing amber light means
Amber light activates when there is approximately 1/4 water remaining in the tank, audible alarm will also activate which can be silenced from the cabin but will re-activate after 15 seconds. Crews should leave the fire ground to refill when light activates.
Foam classes
Class A: Green Drum
Class B: Blue Drum
CAFS 8000 specifications
Can construct control line approx 3.5km long and 15m wide on one tank in 12 - 25 mins.
Weight: 23t
Height: 3.7m
Water capacity: 8000lts includes 800lt emergency reserve
Foam capacity: 200lts A class foam
CAFS usage
Has several pumping modes: Water only. Foam solution. Compressed air foam. Compressed air only. Has 2 240v inlets, if both are plugged in you will blow the fuse to the building.
Entrapment procedure
Park in a clear or burnt out area with rear to fire.
Position largest vehicle in direction of the fire front to protect smaller appliances.
If possible, ensure all crew are inside cabin.
Send Red message with location.
Surround vehicle with CAFS if possible.
Leave charged branch behind front wheel for easy access.
Turn on all lights.
Activate siren.
Ensure windows are up, A/C on and select recirculation.
Lower protection curtains or rear platform curtain.
Activate emergency spray system.
Cover crew with wildfire blankets.
Emergency spray system
Works independently from the main pump.
CAFS 2000 with 200lt left will last approx. 6 mins.
CAFS 8000 with 800lt left will last approx. 26 mins
Fire front can remain hot for 30mins.
Slug flow
If foam concentration is not present a condition known as Slug flow will occur. Unmixed water and air will be discharged through the nozzle in an erratic manner.
