CAFS Flashcards
Pro’s of using CAFS
Long discharge distance
Very light in the hose, around 2/3 lighter than water
At least 5 times more efficient than water
Ability to cling to assets and structures under threat for long periods
Can be used as Foam and Bulk water appliance for ACTF&R
Cons of using CAFS
More components, higher skill level to operate
Needs flushing
Higher maintenance
Initial jet reaction is higher than water
CAFS cannot be discharged near open water source
Foam isn’t affective as water in terms of water and cooling.
CAFS Characteristics
Small strong uniform bubbles
Greater foam durability
Low expansion system
User can easily adjust
Expansion ratio
Drain time
Foam type
Lower foam concentrate % required
0.1% - 1% v 3% - 6% for B Class Foam
CAFS Safety Characteristics
Light weight hose
Less strain on firefighters
Effect on hose
No water hammer
Reduced friction loss
Hose kinks
Effective hose stream with kink
What are some uses of CAFS operationally
- Wildfires / Urban interface fires
- Tips and industrial fires
- Remote Heavy RAR and Flammable Liquid fires
- Airport backup and response
- Remote property protection
- Exposure protection
- Basement fires
- Hazmat / CBR support
- Aerial support
- CFU water mother ship
- Special events
- Interagency support
- Remote water supply
- Mass decontamination
- Vehicle fires
- USAR support (compressed air)
- Remote heliport protection
- Interstate Task Forces
- Victoria Bush Fires 2009
- Hazelwood Mine Fire Victoria 2014
- Somerton Victoria 2015
- *
Smooth bore is best suited for?
Straight Bore nozzle:
Structural Protection
and Car Fires
Wet foam percent
0.1%
Medium Foam Percent
0.5%
dry foam percent
Class A foam
Class B foam
Can you mix A class and B class foam?
True or False
False
Why does foam work better
Smaller droplets – faster heat absorption
Reduces surface tension – penetrates and wets fuel
Foam blanket – provides protection
Benefits of Class A Foam to ACTF&R
- Improves firefighter safety
- Increases efficiency of plain water up to 5 times
- Faster fire knockdown
- Reduces heat rapidly
- Reduces property damage
- Reduces overhaul
- Fewer rekindles
- Protection of exposures
- Preserves evidence
- Faster cleanup
- Reduces on scene time
Specs for CAFS 2000
7.4m Long
2.8 wide
3.3m High
10 Tonnes
2000L Water including 200L crew protection
100L Foam
What is slug flow
