- Author
- McKenzie, D. W. | Hill, P. R.
- Title
- Engineering Analysis of Threshold Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS).
- Coporate
- Department of Agriculture, San Dimas, CA
- Report
- Project Report 8751 1202, October 1987, 19 p.
- Book or Conf
- Fire Foam Information Catalog, Chemeketa Community College, Rochna, R. R.; Schlobohm, P. M., Editors, ET 33-51 p., ['1987', '1988']
- Keywords
- compressed air | fire fighting equipment | water | foam extinguishing systems | wildland fires | fire pumps | centrifugal pumps | foaming agents
- Identifiers
- "Texas Snow Job"
- Abstract
- This engineering analysis of compressed air foam systems (CAFS) deals only with methods of producing expanded water (foam) and delivering it to the end of a hose, and not with the effect of the expanded water on a wildfire nor with foaming agents themselves. The Texas Forest Service developed the concept of water expansion using 'soap skim' as a foaming agent, positive displacement pumps to pressurize the water-foaming agent solution, and air compressors to supply gas for the water expansion. This concept is in wide use within the State of Texas. Water expansion has been further developed by the USDI Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the USDA Forest Service through the use of improved foaming agents and centrifugal pumps. CAFS are a brute force method of producing foam; therefore, almost any foaming agent can be used.