Unit 4C Foam and Foam Proportioning Equipment Version January 2023 Objectives Discuss why foam is more effective than plain water when performing wildland fire suppression operations Discuss foam safety including guidelines for handling foam products ID: 1048148
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1. Water HandlingOperationsUnit 4C - Foam and Foam Proportioning EquipmentVersion: January 2023
2. ObjectivesDiscuss why foam is more effective than plain water when performing wildland fire suppression operations.Discuss foam safety, including guidelines for handling foam products.Identify and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of manual foam proportioning methods used when performing wildland fire suppression operations.
3. ObjectivesIdentify various operational components of the FoamPro® 1600/1601 and Waterous Aquis 1.5.Demonstrate the ability to set up, run, have foam solution pumped to a nozzle person, and shut down a foam proportioner.Discuss basic maintenance, winterization, and troubleshooting methods for foam systems
4. Reasons to use foamMakes water “wetter” (more effective)Reduces evaporation/improves absorptionAdheres to surfaces for pre-treating fuels and structuresImproves water conservation and usage, especially during mop-up. Use as holding feature during ignition operationsRestricts oxygen. Reduces fuel temperature to below ignition point.
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11. THAT Is the question!To Mix or Not to Mix....
12. Safety ConcernsSkin and eye irritantDries out skin, boots, gloves, etc.Caution when using in sensitive areas and waterways
13. Safety equipment
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15. Foam Proportioners
16. Manual Foam ProportionersOperators manually adjust the device to maintain a constant mix ratio when water flow and pressure changes.Cannot maintain constant mix ratio over various flow and pressure ratesCaution with plumbing configuration to not "foam the tank"
17. Foam On/off valve at tank
18. Cascade Foam FloSimple and effective.Uses standard fittings and is unpowered.Caution: Foam can get into the tank if valving is not correctly installed or if internal check ball malfunctions.
19. Batch Mixing
20. Suction-Side Proportioners
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22. Automatic Foam ProportionerThe automatic foam proportioner makes an adjustment on its own to maintain a constant mix ratio when water flow and pressure changes.Waterous Aquis™ 1.5FoamPro® 1601
23. Foam ProportionerProportional and automaticWorks on discharge side of pumpClass A foam onlyRequires water flow and electrical currentNo restrictions due to hose length or number of nozzles No loss of pressure or flowAccurate at all flow rangesResupply foam without interruption
24. Operating the Foam ProportionerMajor ComponentsOperator control moduleMotor driver box/modulePaddlewheel flowmeterFoam pump and electric motorCalibrate/Inject valveInline strainer
25. Foam Proportioners
26. Operator Control ModulePanel MountedOperating instructionsOn/Off switchInjection rate controlAdjustable from 0.1%-1.0% Low concentrate (“LOW CONC.”) light
27. Motor Driver Box/ModuleNormal OperationCircuit breaker switch “Up” for normal operationSimulated flow switch “Down” for normal operation
28. Paddlewheel Flowmeter
29. Foam Pump and Electric Motor
30. Calibrate/Inject Valve
31. Purging AirEnter “Simulated Flow”Switch to “Up” positionPreprogrammed for 100 gpmValve to “Cal/Flush”Turn panel switch “On”Run pump until concentrate flows from dump line
32. Purging Air ContinuedTurn control panel to “Off” positionReturn valve to “Inject” Exit “Simulated Flow” by returning switch to “Down” position
33. Inline Strainer
34. Foam Injection Check Valve and Injection Port
35. Maintenance/CalibrationFoamPro 1601 – grease every 50 hoursCalibrating the system:Check flow ratesFlush systemPurge air/prime systemFollow manufacturer recommendations for service intervals. Waterous Aquis 1.56.1 oz., SAE30, non-detergent
36. WinterizationDrain tank.Drain lines.Clean inline "Y" strainer.Flush with clean water.Flush with recreational vehicle antifreezeWhen in doubt, follow the manual.
37. TroubleshootingIs there foam?Is there enough water flowing?Check valvesPaddlewheelsCorrect settings on proportioner/control moduleManufacturer’s manual for workflows/common issues
38. ObjectivesDiscuss why foam is more effective than plain water when performing wildland fire suppression operations.Discuss foam safety, including guidelines for handling foam products.Identify and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of manual foam proportioning methods used when performing wildland fire suppression operations.
39. ObjectivesIdentify various operational components of the FoamPro® 1600/1601 and Waterous Aquis 1.5.Demonstrate the ability to set up, run, have foam solution pumped to a nozzle person, and shut down a foam proportioner.