Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS)

Question 1

How much class A foam does a CAFS truck hold?

Answer 1

20 to 30 gallons

Question 2

What lines are typically available for CAFS?

Answer 2

Front jump line
Crosslays
Rear 2 1/2 discharge
Deck gun

Question 3

What 2 Class A CAFS systems do we have?

Answer 3

Old style- Foam Pro

New style- Husky 10/12

Question 4

What one air system does our apparatus operate with?

Answer 4

Hercules

Question 5

What 3 sub systems make up CAFS?

Answer 5

Water pump
Air compressor
Foam concentrate proportioner

Question 6

How is the air supplied for CAFS?

Answer 6

Supplied by a 200cfm screw-drive compressor.

Question 7

Where is the air introduces into the foam solution?

Answer 7

Downstream of the discharge valve

Question 8

What is used to match the compressor pressure (plus or minus 5%) to the discharge water pressure when the compressor rocker switch is activated to the foam side?

Answer 8

The auto pressure balancer valve

Question 9

When will the CAFS compressors PTO operate?

Answer 9

Only when the fire pump is engaged

Question 10

What might prevent the compressor PTO to engage?

Answer 10

If the compressor pressure is above 30psi

Look for this on the air pressure gauge

Question 11

When should he systems be engaged?

Answer 11

At idle

Question 12

Name the functions for the compressor system control panel

Answer 12

-PTO/ compressor engagement switch (on/off)
-PTO engaged indicator light
-compressor air gauge
-oil temp gauge of CAFS
-audible and visual warning of high temp (250F)
FOAM MODE
-automatic pressure balancer to match compressor discharge pressure to pump discharge pressure between the ranges of 60-150psi
TOOLS MODE
-fixes pressure for the use of air tools

Question 13

What is the operating temperature of the oil in CAFS?

Answer 13

165-210F

Question 14

What pressure range does the automatic pressure balancer operate between?

Answer 14

60-150psi

Question 15

What mode automatically balances pressure to match compressor pressure with pump discharge pressure?

Answer 15

Foam mode

Question 16

What mode is fixed pressure?

Answer 16

Tools Mode

Question 17

What circumstance is it recommended to operate the system in tools mode?

Answer 17

It is not recommended in any circumstance to operate in tools mode. Serious injury could result if system is accidentally discharged

Question 18

What is CAFS airflow monitored in?

Answer 18

SCFM

Standard cubic feet per minute

Question 19

What must happen before operation of any system?

Answer 19

Daily check

Question 20

What must be checked before use of CAFS?

Answer 20

The compressor oil reservoir

Should be 1/4 to 1/2 up the sight glass

Question 21

Where is the sight glass for the CAFS oil reservoir located?

Answer 21

On the right side, lower front, behind the door on the pump panel

Question 22

How long should you wait to check the CAFS oil reservoir sight glass if the system has been running?

Answer 22

10 min

Question 23

What percentages can the Foam Pro system deliver?

Answer 23

.1 to 3.0% foam concentrate

Question 24

What indicates water flow in the Foam Pro system

Answer 24

The red light that indicates the system is on will begin the blink indicating foam injection

Question 25

What 4 functions does the Foam Pro system display when the grey select button is pressed?

Answer 25

1. Flow 2. Total water flowed 3. % of foam 4. Total foam used

Question 26

What is the default percentage of the Foam Pro system?

Answer 26

.03%

Question 27

What will be displayed if the water flow rate exceeds the foam pump capacity?

Answer 27

“Hi flow”

Question 28

What does the operator know if the display on the Foam Pro system flashes “low flow”?

Answer 28

Percentage of foam in the system is rich due to low amount of water in system

Question 29

What does a “LO/CON” message flashing on the digital display mean?

Answer 29

Foam level is low

Question 30

What does the CAFS system air compressor use to keep it cool and lubricated?

Answer 30

Oil

Question 31

What are the operating temperatures for the CAFS compressor?

Answer 31

165 to 210

Question 32

What oil temp causes and audible alarm and a light to activate?

Answer 32

250 F

Question 33

What is the most likely cause of an overheating air compressor?

Answer 33

Clogged oil cooler strainer

Question 34

Water source should not exceed what psi?

Answer 34

125 psi

Question 35

What should your intake psi and discharge psi be set to?

Answer 35

Gate intake down to 70psi and discharge should be 120 to 125 psi

Question 36

What difference of pressure is needed for proper cooling?

Answer 36

30 to 40 psi difference

Question 37

List the 7 steps to start CAFS operation

Answer 37

1. Engage pump 2. Check the CAFS valves are off and tools/foam switch is in the foam position 3. Turn the compressor switch on at idle 4. Turn on the foam system 5. Open the proper line 6. Turn on the CAFS air switch for the proper line 7. Throttle up (psi mode) 80 to 125psi

Question 38

List the 9 steps in shutting down CAFS

Answer 38

1. Close air valve switch 2. Throttle down PDP 3. Turn compressor off 4. Turn off foam system 5. Flow water until clear from line 6. Shut down line 7. Throttle to idle 8. Push red button on throttle control to clear out system 9. Disengage pump per sop

Question 39

What is the new foam system?

Answer 39

Husky 10/12 foam injection system

Question 40

What is the maximum gpm of foam concentrate the husky 10 system can support?

Answer 40

10 gpm

Question 41

What is the maximum gpm of foam concentrate the husky 12 system can support?

Answer 41

12 gpm

Question 42

Where is the PTO mounted?

Answer 42

The truck transmission

Question 43

How many gallos is the hydraulic tank?

Answer 43

Approx 4 gallons

Question 44

What are the 6 buttons on the husky 10/12 control head?

Answer 44

1. On/off 2. Mode 3. Display 4. Enter 5. Arrow up 6. Arrow down

Question 45

What is the default foam percentage on the husky 10/12 system?

Answer 45

.3%

Question 46

What are the 5 types of foam?

Answer 46

``` Type 1/ wet foam Type 2/ medium foam w/ air aspirating nozzle Type 3/ medium foam CAFS TYPE 4/ high expansion foam Type 5/ dry foam ```

Question 47

What are the two factors that determine foam type?

Answer 47

Scrubbing and expansion ratio

Question 48

Define the term scrubbing

Answer 48

The amount of mechanical agitation the air and foam solution receive prior to discharge

Question 49

Define the term expansion ratio

Answer 49

The amount of air used during the foam generation process.

Question 50

What is a good indicator that you have flown too much foam I retook?

Answer 50

Foam begins to collect and flow over the floor

Question 51

What is a benefit to using a CAFS attack?

Answer 51

Less water used | Very efficient flame-extinguishing