Product Profile - CAFS




OFB Compressed Air Foam Systems (OFB CAFS) are the result of a process of introducing compressed air, at a constant rate, into a foam solution by air driven means, to create a high energy foam product with superior knockdown propulsion and protective capabilities.

 

The main features of CAFS are:

 

  • OFB CAFS has no moving parts
  • OFB CAFS can be pre-aspirated or filled with Fire fighting Chemical to be inducted direct into a main firewater line.
  • OFB CAFS are simple to use – requires very little training
  • OFB CAFS are a one man operation – saving on labour costs
  • OFB CAFS require very little maintenance
  • OFB CAFS can be used free standing or coupled to a sprinkler system
  • OFB CAFS are available in a range of models, catering for all needs

150 Wheeled model that fit through any standard doorway,

                        300, 500, 1000 and 2000 litre models fitted on skids,

                        Ships, trailers, trucks or as fixed units protecting sensitive areas

  • OFB CAFS are activated by the opening of one valve, or by heat sensors in sprinkler systems
  • OFB CAFS can be easily and quickly refilled
  • OFB CAFS use very little water – and they can use Fresh, Brackish or Salt Water
  • After the fire is extinguished, very little cleanup is required and water damage is kept to a minimum
  • All model OFB CAFS have sufficient compressed air to empty the system two times. Each compressed air cylinder is filled to a pressure of 3,200 psi.
  • OFB CAFS operate at a pressure of 165 psi. and delivers foam constant to a distance of >29 meters
  • OFB CAFS expand foam at a ratio of > 30: 1

 

Evaluation of OFB CAFS System and OFB 1 Foam Chemical

 

An evaluation of the effectiveness of foam as a fire suppressant, applied by means of an OFB-Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS), has been performed by Matrix Risk Pty Ltd (Matrix). The LastFire Protocol (Section 7.1) has been modified to also test a specific deluge system design for the CAFS, for application to tank top fires in hydrocarbon storage facilities. An evaluation of the system for extinguishment and suppression of pool fires has also been performed.

 

The evaluation method used, was testing against an internationally recognised test method (protocol) – the “LastFire” test protocol. Matrix was assisted in this task by University of Victoria (VU). The test was modified to accommodate the unique mode of application, an overhead deluge (Sprinkler) system.

 

The main objective was to test the capability of the application device – the CAFS system, as well as the effectiveness of the OFB 1 Foam Chemical.

 

A full evaluation report by Matrix Risk, on the official tests conducted, is available on request.

 

OFB 1 Foam Chemical

 

OFB Corporation has, through its own Research and Development, developed a Fire fighting Chemical which is highly effective on A, B and D class fires. An expansion ratio of > 30 : 1 is achieved through the CAFS. The foam proved to be of exceptional quality and performed extremely well when tested by Matrix on a Heptane fire with a temperature of > 800°C. Total extinguishment was achieved in 13 seconds with no burn-back after disturbance of the foam blanket.

 

The following test method was followed. Matrix and VU personnel observed the test.

 

 Fuel Tested

 

The fuel tested was Heptane. 300 L of Heptane was added to the Test Pan.

 

 Test Facility

 

• The Test Pan used was that specified by the LastFire Protocol.

• The deluge system consisted of 1 sprinkler head, fixed at a height of 3 m above the fuel surface.

• A 500 litre CAFS Unit was coupled to the deluge system.

• A Viper, Open Ball Valve type nozzle, from Tipsa.com in Spain was used for foam activation.

• The fire hose diameter was 25 mm – length of 15 meters.

 

 Test Methodology

 

• The CAFS was filled with 15 litres of OFB 1 Foam Chemical and 485 litres of water.

• The OFB-CAFS operated at 1241 kPa, delivering 15,000 litres of foam in ± 7 minutes.

• The fuel was ignited and a pre-burn was done for 3 minutes.

• The LastFire test procedure was followed.

 

TEST RESULTS

 

1. The fire was extinguished in ± 13 seconds.

2. The surface temperature of the pan and the fuel were cool to the touch after extinguishment.

3. No re-ignition occurred.

 

CONCLUSIONS

 

The following are the key conclusions drawn by Matrix and VU.

 

1. The CAFS Unit operated effectively as a means for fire suppression and extinguishment, using the OFB 1 foam concentrate.

2. Following extinguishment, the temperature of the fuel was found to be sufficiently low to prevent spontaneous combustion. With conventional foams, re-ignition may occur due to the presence of hot surfaces following ignition.

3. The OFB 1 foam behaved as expected – with a time for extinguishment similar to that reported by the manufacturer. 

4. The rating places the foam in the “Good Performance” category. It should be borne in mind that this is based on a modified procedure, to account for the fact that OFB 1 functions differently to standard type foams.

5. The LastFire test protocol has no specific criteria for applicators, but as an applicator, OFB CAFS would be rated as having “good fire performance”

 

As a mode of application for foam solutions, the OFB-CAFS, it is further concluded that:

 

• Extinguishment and suppression of a tank top fire may be enhanced. The effectiveness of conventional foams, using the OFB designed deluge system was not evaluated. 

• The OFB – CAFS system is innovative.

• The extinguishment of Diesel type fires, using cooling water alone was not evaluated.

• The substantial cooling of the test pan and fuel by the OFB 1 was corroborated. The quantification of this and comparison against cooling water was not done.

• Two different foams were used – with similar results. Conventional foams were not used in the comparison. It can be concluded that the CAFS system may be effective regardless of the type of foam concentrate used.

• An expansion ratio in excess of 30:1 was achieved – hence it may be concluded that good quality foam is produced.

 

OFB CAFS Fixed Systems

 

OFB CAFS has successfully been installed to newly installed, as well as existing, Sprinkler Head Systems in a Ship, Building, Mine and a Gas Production Installation. By tapping direct into the Fire Water Line the sprinkler system is upgraded from a containment fire fighting system to a system that has the capability to extinguish the fire.

 

The following Fixed System Installations have been done to date:

 

  • The Baltimore Patriot – Protecting the engine room on a ship, in the Bahamas, destined to be a floating Casino. The installation was tested and the ship declared sea-worthy by Lloyds of London.

 

  • Mount Isa Mines, Northern Queensland – Installed underground to protect high volatile areas such as Tyre Stores and Fuel Bays

 

  • Santos Gas Fields – Protection for a vital Pump Station controlling Gas distribution.

 

  • Neta Tyres, Brisbane – Protecting a Tyre Warehouse facility and enhancing the existing low mains water pressure from the Municipal supply lines.

 

OFB CAFS Sprinkler System complies fully to NFPA 11 and NFPA 13. The system requires minimal maintenance due to the fact that it has no moving parts. It can be adapted to be installed in any type of vehicle, sea going craft and ships, buildings, etc. It offers extensive opportunities for fire protection for the Military.  

 

Sales for non - fixed system OFB CAFS have been achieved in New Guinea (Lihir Gold, Newmont Asia Pacific, Chevron Oil, Ok Tedi Mining), Sth. America (Mexico and Ecuador),  UAE, Saudi Arabia, USA, and Taiwan, and Australia (Queensland Cotton). 

 

 In 2000, the OFB CAFS were the complete fire protection for the Indy Car races in Monterrey, Mexico.

 

OFB CAFS were successfully tested on aircraft fires at the Boeing Test Facility in Washington State (USA)

 

Negotiations for the installation of OFB CAFS in the UAE (Dubai), Israel, Turkey, India and Malaysia are well advanced.