1. WWyylliiee FFiirree ~~ RReessccuuee
EEcclliippssee CCAAFFSS SSyysstteemm OOppeerraatt iioonn
Instructor
Capt. James Brown
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2. CCoouurrssee OObbjjeecctt iivveess
The Driver/Operator shall be able to explain how the department’s Compressed
Air Foam Systems (CAFS) operate and the components of the system.
The Driver/Operator will learn the causes of damage to our Compressed Air
Foam Systems (CAFS) that are a result of driver error.
The Driver/Operator will be able to demonstrate the proper operational
sequence of the department’s Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) to
include system start up, operation, and shut down.
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3. What SSyysstteemm DDoo WWee HHaavvee??
Waterous Eclipse 1750 GPM Pump with
CAFS
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5. CCoommppoonneenntt ss
Pump= Water
FoamPro foam proportioning system= Solution
injection
Rotary Screw Compressor= Air
Clutch Drive System- This is the system use to
turn on the compressor.
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6. OOppeerraatt iioonn PPrroocceedduurree
Put pump PTO in gear.
Shift transmission to drive.
Pull tank to pump valve and crack the tank fill valve.
Turn on the Foam Pro proportioning system
While at idle turn on the compressor power switch.
Pull the valves for the lines that are pulled.
Throttle up until the pressure gauges on the pulled hand-lines are
between 140-150 psi.
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7. CCaauusseess ooff DDaammaaggee
Starting the compressor when not at idle.
Starting the compressor when there is still pressure
on the system.
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14. Compressor CCoonnttrrooll PPaanneell
AAuuttoo//RRuunn PPoossiittiioonn
This is the position we run when we are generating compressed air foam. The
auto position allows the compressor to “auto”matically generate the appropriate
amount of air for the amount of volume we are flowing.
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15. Pump Pressure and AAiirr PPrreessssuurree GGaauuggeess
In “auto” the air will automatically adjust.
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16. CCAAFFSS AAiirr BBlleeeedd VVaallvvee
• We specified these in order to insure the systems is completely bled off before
starting the compressor.
• As soon as you shut off the compressor, you should immediately open this
valve, watch the pressure go to zero on the gauge, then close the valve.
• If the valve is left open, the system won’t maintain pressure.
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17. Compressor Control SSyysstteemm-- FFiixxeedd//RRuunn
PPoossiittiioonn
We do not use this position for CAFS generation. This is an auxiliary position
where we set the pressure goes to max air generation. What do we use this for?
•We can use this position to blow out our hoses after use.
•We can also use this to dry out frozen hoses.
•This can be used as an auxiliary air source for power tools and such. This is
difficult on our existing units due to we don’t have many access ports that are
accessible. The new units will have a port on the pump panel for this.
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18. WWyylliiee FFiirree ~~ RReessccuuee
GGeenneerraall PPuummpp II nnff oorrmmaatt iioonn aanndd MMaaiinntt eennaannccee
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19. Pump Oper at iioonnss aanndd MMaaiinntteennaannccee
We have centrifugal pumps.
• They work by slinging water from the innermost portion of the pump
outwards to the discharges.
• Basics on how to engage the pump:
• Remember to give the pneumatic shifter time, it is not instantaneous.
• Once you have a green light you can then engage the truck transmission.
• Open and close all discharges and intakes slow as to avoid water
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hammer.
• Perform all steps in reverse order to disengage the pump.
20. Pump Oper at iioonnss aanndd MMaaiinntteennaannccee
• Pump discharge pressure can be regulated by
• adjusting pump speed
• discharge valve opening
• nozzle size
• pump intake pressure
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21. Pump Oper at iioonnss aanndd MMaaiinntteennaannccee
Potential problems to watch for.
• Cavitation
• Overheating
• Pump Maintenance
• Regular external cleaning
• Run C.L.R. through the pump about every 6 months
• Check primer fluid level daily
• Perform daily pump operations check to ensure proper function and catch
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any problems early.
• Report any problems to your officer and fill out a mechanical defect form and
forward it to C-shift sta. 1.
22. Pump Oper at iioonnss aanndd MMaaiinntteennaannccee
Pressure relief valve
• Used as a safety measure.
• Setting the pressure relief valve should be done daily during your morning pump
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check.
• Slowly increase pump pressure until the relief valve opens.
• Make any adjustments in quarter turn increments until desired relief pressure is
obtained.
• Lower the pump pressure below the relief pressure and wait for the relief valve to
close.
• Slowly increase pump pressure to test the pressure relief setting.
