ICAF / CAF (1)

ICAF Integrated Compressed Air Foam System

The ICAF integrated compressed air foam system is an innovative approach to the protection of risks requiring a foam based solution but where water supplies or discharge containment are particularly problematic. This is due to the low application densities which in turn reduces the water requirement and subsequent discharge containment.

Compressed air foam (CAF) is generated by the combination of compressed air, water and foam concentrate in the right proportions, to create a homogeneous foam solution similar to shaving cream.

CAF is delivered with high momentum through a fixed piping system, and distributed over the hazard via an approved discharge device. The ICAF compressed air foam system is FM approved as a local application extinguishing system for Class B pool fires, spill fires and cascading fires. Full-scale fire tests have demonstrated ICAF to be an extremely effective extinguishing mechanism for flammable and combustible liquids, both miscible and non-miscible.

The unique physical properties and texture of CAF allow it to form a stable and uniform foam blanket over the liquid surface. The robust foam blanket developed during a discharge works at the fuel surface, creating an effective vapour seal to establish a physical separation between the fuel and the burning vapours. Because CAF is generated through aeration in a mixing chamber versus agitation at the nozzle, it has higher expansion ratios and longer drain times than conventional low expansion foam systems. This translates directly into enhanced extinguishing and burnback performance.