Hale CAFSPro - Manual (Page 17)

Overview ❑
17 CAFSPro User Operation Manual
p/n: 029-0020-75-0
In addition to the normal hydraulics at work in a fire ground operation, using CAFS
also adds pneumatics. Therefore, “hydro-pneumatics” is the governing physics at
work when using CAFS.
Pump operators and firefighters should keep the following items in mind:
WARNING !
ADDING COMPRESSED AIR TO THE HOSE LINE WILL DRAMATICALLY
INCREASE THE ENERGY CONTENT. IF PERSONNEL ARE NOT PREPARED,
A DANGEROUS SITUATION CAN RESULT. HOSE LINES CHARGED WITH
COMPRESSED AIR FOAM HAVE VERY LITTLE WEIGHT BUT CONTAIN
LARGE AMOUNTS OF ENERGY. “OPEN CAFS NOZZLES SLOWLY.”
The operating pressure on CAFS hose lines can be lowered to make them easier to
handle. CAFS hand lines are typically “pumped” at 90 to 100 PSI (6-7 BAR) for a
typical pre-connected 1-3/4” (45 mm) hose line.
Each fire department must conduct practical tests to find the appropriate pump
pressure required to move the agent (GPM/SCFM) into, through and out the end of
a hose line, monitor (if used) and the nozzle selected.
WARNING !
PLAIN WATER AND AIR DO NOT MIX.
WHEN AIR IS INJECTED INTO A WATER STREAM WITHOUT FOAM CONCEN-
TRATE, A CONDITION CALLED “SLUG FLOW” WILL OCCUR. SLUG FLOW
CAN CREATE VIOLENT HOSE PULSATIONS. “CHATTER” IS THE CONDI-
TION WHERE INSUFFICIENT FOAM CONCENTRATE IS BEING INJECTED.
THIS IS A LESS SEVERE FORM OF SLUG FLOW. SLUG FLOW AND CHAT-
TER CAN DAMAGE HOSE LINES AND COULD CAUSE THE NOZZLE OPERA-
TOR TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE NOZZLE. ALSO SEE HEADING “HALE
FOAMLOGIX SYSTEM” ON PAGE 17.
Hale FoamLogix System
The Hale CAFSPro Foam Proportioning System uses an exclusive safety
enhancement interlock to help prevent Slug Flow.
Air and water do not mix, so it is important that foam chemical be added to
the water prior to air injection.