ClassiCAFS

Robwen Inc. has gained worldwide reputation as a recognized leader in the manufacture of foam generating equipment. From the longstanding bladder systems to the more recent Hydro-Flo series to our line of aspirating nozzles, water pumps and slip-on foam systems, Robwen has always endeavored to offer quality, dependable products at a reasonable price and to back the sales effort with unmatched customer service.
The industry trend in recent years has been a move towards the use of compressed air form systems (CAFS). Given our family of products, it seemed natural to bring these components together to produce a CAFS of our own. We are pleased to introduce you to ClassiCAFS by Robwen. consulting with some of the most experienced CAFS engineers in the industry, we have built ClassiCAFS around the HF100 and our model 180 pump.
ClassiCAFS II
1. General
CLASSIC CAFS provides a "self-contained" gas powered "modular"
Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS). The CAFS module shall be designed for
slip-on or quick attack applications.
The CAFS shall be designed to discharge water only, air only, foam solution only or compressed air foam solution. In addition, the consistency of the compressed air foam (expansion ratio) shall be fully adjustable and repeatable. See sections 7A and 7B.
2. Capacities and Dimensions
A. Weight Apx. 750 Lbs.
B. Dimensions 5" H 50" D 48"W
C. Water Pump Capacity, Minimum 100 GPM
D. Air compressor Capacity, Minimum 50 cu. ft.
E. Simultaneous Flows 80 GPM + 50 CFM @ 100 PSI
F. Maximum Water PSI at 3600 250 PSI
G. Engine Horsepower 36 HP (two 18 HP)
3. Engines
The engines shall be Briggs & Stratton, 2 Cylinder, 4 Cycle gas developing
18 horsepower each at 3600 RPM, air-cooled, 23 amp alternators, 12 volt
electric start, dry cartridge air filters and mufflers.
4. Water Pump
The water pump shall be a Robwen model 180, with the following features;
aluminum casing, bronze impeller and stainless steel wear rings, impeller
shaft, mechanical seal.
5. Drive System
The water pump and air compressor are belt driven off the engine crankshafts.
They shall be driven via a toothed belt. The complete drive system shall
have a 2,000 hour rated service life and it shall be designed and rated
for the imposed speed and load. Belt guards are provided.
6. Pump Primer
Forest Service approved diaphragm style water pump primer. Includes primer
ON/OFF valve. .
7. Air Compressor
The air compressor shall be of the oil flooded rotary screw type, designed
and installed to supply a minimum of 50 CFM / 125 psi of free air at maximum
engine RPM. The compressor sump shall be built and designed by the compressor
manufacturer. A spin-on oil filter shall also be integrated into the compressor
system. Replacement elements shall be readily available.
The air compressor shall be driven via a dry Poly chain drive from the engine crankshaft and will be mounted to the pump platform. The compressor drive ratio shall allow operation of the air end at maximum RPM while the water pump is developing 120 to 130 PSI in a "no-flow" state. The air compressor shall be capable of maintaining prolonged pressure from 100 to 150 pounds per square inch throughout the service life of the complete CAFS unit.
The compressor shall be controlled by a
pneumatic modulating inlet valve mounted to the air end inlet. This controller
shall sense air pressure and control the air delivery of the air end while
maintaining constant pressure. An automatic balancing system shall be provided
to automatically maintain the air pressure within plus-or-minus 5% of the
water pump pressure throughout the CAFS operating range.
The air compressor shall be cooled by the units water pump, using a shell
and tube heat exchanger of all brass and copper construction. Water shall
flow through the heat exchanger whenever the water pump is operating. The
air compressor cooling system shall incorporate a thermostat that maintains
the system oil temperature within a 168 to 225 degree range. The system
shall be capable of maintaining recommended operating temperatures throughout
the full operational range in ambient temperatures up to 115 degrees. A
dry cartridge type air filter shall be provided on the compressor air intakes.
7A. CAFS Air Metering Valve
System shall have an air metering valve incorporating 20 CFM, 35 CFM and
50 CFM flow settings.
7B. CAFS Solution Metering Valve
System shall have a solution metering valve incorporating 10 GPM, 20 GPM,
40 GPM and 80 GPM flow settings.
8. Compressed Air Delivery
All air lines shall be rated to a minimum of 250 PSI. All air line fittings
shall be of brass or bronze construction. Stainless steel or brass check
valves shall be utilized at air injection points to prevent water/solution
back-flow into air lines. Compressed air shall be injected into CAFS solution
untilizing the patented Robwen Check-Vent air injection valve.
9. Discharge Plumbing
All foam plumbing to be brass 1 ½" pipe. A brass spring-loaded
check valve shall be installed on foam discharge to prevent air back-flow
into the foam pump. Foam mix valve is to be 1 ½ Legend. Water discharge
valve is to be Bronze alloy 1 - piece 1 ½" NST-m Legend valve.
10. Skid Frame
An aluminum welded frame shall be provided to support the entire slide-in
module, with the base constructed of 3/8" aluminum plate. The frame
shall be strong enough to support the weight of the pumping equipment while
in the apparatus and during loading and unloading and shall be utilized
as a base mount for the engine, compressor and pump. The frame will have
fork lift access openings.
11. Foam Proportioner
A Robwen 500 B Proportioner shall be provided and installed to inject foam
concentrate into the discharge plumbing. The proportioner shall automatically
meter the correct percentage of foam concentrate, based on current flow,
into the water stream. An integral check valve shall be provided upstream
of the foam injection point to prevent foam solution back-flow. No electrical
power is required other than the refill pump. Proportioner on/off, ratio
controls, operating instructions shall be mounted on the pump panel. (The
optional A & B 1% foam system quoted upon request.)
12. Electrical System
All electrical equipment installed by the manufacturer shall conform to
current automotive electrical system standards and the requirements of the
applicable NFPA, Apparatus Standard. Wiring shall be individually and permanently
color and function coded. The installation shall meet SAE Standard J1128
in its latest edition for GXL or SXL temperature rating.
All exposed wiring shall run in loom with a minimum 280 degree rating. All wiring loom shall be properly supported and attached to frame members along the entire run. At any point where wire or looms must pass through metal, rubber grommets shall be installed to protect the wire from abrasion.
The main low voltage electrical terminal block and circuit breaker panel shall be provided behind the pump operator's panel in a location providing easy service access. An electrical quick disconnect shall be provided for connection to the chassis electrical system or battery with hold tray.
Electrical connection shall be made using heat shrink and/or weatherproof connectors. All electrical circuits shall be protected with automatic reset circuit breakers.
13. Pump Panel
The pump panel shall be constructed of powder coated aluminum attached with
stainless steel machine screws to the unit frame. The following controls
and instruments shall be provided on the panel:
Shielded pump panel light cluster and switch
2 ½" Master pump pressure gauge,
2 ½" Master air pressure gauge
Air compressor temperature switch gauge and 97 decibel overheat alarm
Instructional plate
Ignition switchs
Engine chokes
Cable throttle controls
Proportioner controls with instruction plate
Water only discharge - 1 ½" NST - M., chromed .
Foam discharge outlet - 1 ½" NST - M. ,chromed, controlled at
the panel.
The compressed air discharge shall be control color coded and located next
to respective water control.
Diaphragm primer system for water pump
Pump drain, bladder tank drain, heat exchanger drain
Mechanically attached color coded and engraved pump panel tags shall be
utilized for each instrument and control. All panel mounted instruction
plates shall be mechanically attached.
CFM metering valve CAFS air metering valve
Solution Metering valve CAFS solution metering valve
14. Testing Requirements
The completed unit shall undergo a manufacturer's run-in test prior to delivery.
The engine, pump and air compressor shall be operated at full load for a
minimum period of two (2) hours, during which time the test operator shall
monitor and record the functions and performance of each system component.
Compressed air foam shall be produced during the test.
This testing shall be performed to ensure
proper system operation and performance prior to shipment. The manufacturer
shall provide written certifications that the tested unit meets all performance
criteria contained herein. Water flow performance shall be measured using
standard Fire Department test methods. Air flow performance shall be measured
with a temperature and pressure compensated air flow meter
15. Manuals
Two (2) copies of operation and maintenance manuals shall be provided to
the purchaser with each unit. These manuals shall include detailed instructions
in the operation and maintenance of the overall unit, engine, water pump,
air compressor, and foam proportioner.
16. Warranty
ENGINE --- 1 yr. *
COMPRESSOR--- 1 yr. *
WATER PUMP---1 yr. *
PROPORTIONER ---1 yr. *
WATER TANK--- Lifetime *
ROBWEN --- All fabrication and materials are warranted for a period of two
years, barring accidents, abuse or negligence. Excluded from warranty are
all consumables and parts subject to routine replacement. Robwen will repair
or assist in getting repaired the product in entirety.
* Covered by the original manufacturers warranty.