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CAF Systems

CAF SYSTEM OR UNIT

What is a CAF Unit or System?

A well functioning CAF System is a highly engineered machine.

CAF is actually a very simple process. Mix water, concentrate and compressed air.

The system that does this can be a simple limited duration stored energy system (consisting of a tank of water/concentrate mix and a stored compressed air tank), or a complicated, well engineered machine of unlimited duration, automatically mixing the appropriate amounts of water, concentrate and air to deliver the bubbles desired for the tasks at hand. The stored energy system is similar to a pressurized fire extinguisher, used for initial attack on small fires. For regular department fire fighting purposes, an automatic, engineered system will provide better service.

Basically, what is a fire engine?

A fire engine is a pump, a water tank and 4 wheels.

Basically, what is a CAF engine?

A CAF engine is a fire engine (see above) adding a foam concentrate tank, a proportioner, and an air compressor system. Of course, to make it all work smoothly, an engineered system will have lots of valves, meters and filters. The design, engineering, number of valves, meters and filters will vary by manufacturer.

Can a fire engine be converted to CAF?

In most cases – Yes. A department needs to assess the age of the truck, compared to the cost of the upgrade and considering the expected life left in the truck. Many fire engines have successfully been upgraded. The cost would be based on the size and condition of the current pump, manifold, space available for the compressor system and proportioner, the type and size of system desired, and labor needed to fit it all together. Obtaining ballpark figures will give an idea if it is feasible to convert a particular engine. As an example, this engine was originally a 1978 LaFrance and was converted to a new body in the 1990’s. Then a CAF system was added.

Should a department convert all of its equipment to CAF?

That would be great, but that’s a decision for local government. It would require a tremendous immediate expense. Many communities are switching to CAF’s through attrition of apparatus, buying all new scheduled apparatus CAF capable. The attrition process softens the upfront $ cost and also allows the department personnel to smoothly convert to the CAF process.

See Also – CAF Unit Design Considerations and CAF System Manufacturers!!!

CAF Components

Incorporating a compressor into a fire engine to generate compressed air foam requires a few parts to support the compressor function. Below are the components commonly found in CAFS and links to their basic descriptions. Compressor Sump Site Glass Hydraulic Oil Clean Out Wye Air Gauge Temperature Gauge Pilot Balance Valve Air/Oil Separator Minimum Pressure …

CAF Ops – The Right Way!!

What is the “Right Way to Operate a CAF System?” Simple answer – “Any way you want.” It’s a mixing system made of 3 separate machines. One machine doesn’t know what the other is doing. None of the machines know what kind of concentrate you are using, nor what kind of nozzle (smooth bore or …

CAF Unit Design Considerations

   or What to ask for from a builder (OEM)   If a department makes the decision to go CAF, the unit may show up in any configuration. Below are a few tips for a department to consider when asking for a unit. A department will have a much happier relationship with their CAF machine …

Compressor Post Ops Bleed Down

This discussion covers why it is not good to turn the CAF system compressor on & off in rapid succession. Here, we’re referring to just turning the compressor on/off and not referring to the load/unload, auto and fixed switches of the Auto Sync system. Now mostly, this is only going to be an issue in …

CAF System Design – Advanced

The above CAF System Design – Advanced Power Point document is a breakdown of the three (3) main systems that make up a CAF system. This outline includes the common components, how the three (3) systems (Water, Concentrate and Air) interface and also includes common failure points allowing for the Advanced System Operator’s understanding and …