CAFS or Compressed Air Foam System Retrofits

Is it possible to retrofit my existing apparatus with a compressed air foam system?

There are a number of departments that have purchased new apparatus within the last 10 years  or so that are still mechanically sound and worth  investigating to see if a cafs retrofit is viable. There are no set rules for determining if cafs or compressed air foam systems are correct for your department. The same can be said for the consideration of doing a retrofit that will cost thousands of dollars and take your existing unit out of service for a period of time. That being said, let's look at some considerations that will assist you in determining the best route for your department.

1. First consideration is age and condition of the present vehicle in question, paying particular attention to the condition of the fire pump.
2. Pump size, discharge configuration, and number of cafs discharges desired must be considered as a primary factor and therefore many of the options desired may be limited because of the reasons listed below.
3. Next, does the pump compartment have room for the additional components such as the compressor, foam manifold, new plumbing, and foam system (if no foam system currently exists).
4. If there is a foam system is it:
   • An eductor system - If so it should be replaced for the CAFS system to operate correctly.
   • Around the pump system - Can be used but again not highly accurate nor easy to maintain. Suggest replacement.
   • If there is a foam system is it a "class a foam" system or "class b foam" system. If it is "B" then there may be contamination problems.
   • An inducted foam system. This is the best case scenario as the inducted system is highly accurate and dependable.
5. Should an existing "Class A" foam system be in place (such as a FoamPro) then it must be determined if the foam pump output will match the demands of the user when determining flow rates for the caf system. Also, the existing foam manifold may have to be altered.
6. The next consideration is the compressor size, mounting location, and method of driving the compressor
   • The larger the compressor often time requires additional horsepower requirements from the existing apparatus motor.
   • This may require a "pto" output on the transmission or a transfer case as well.
   • Additionally, the larger compressor equates into a larger mounting space requirement or specialized placement.
   • Will the cafs system be used in "stationary mode" or does it have to have "pump and roll capabilities".

As you can see there are a number of variables that can play into the "bottom line" when it comes to determining if a retrofit program is the correct way to go. It is difficult to give an average price, but for the sake of conversation I would venture a guess that on the "low end" a CAFS retrofit will cost $20,000 - 25,000. A good rule of thumb is an approximate cost of $7,500 - $10,000 per CAFS discharge point with the minimum cost of the $20-25,000 range already mentioned.

Now a word to the wise - DON'T let anyone that is not experienced in doing compressed air foam system retrofits attempt to "experiment" on your truck! The proper installation and integration of the cafs system is not only necessary but it can prevent unwarranted damage to your pump, electrical systems, and drive train! This is not one of the projects for the "shade tree mechanic" or those that have not been properly trained and factory authorized to do these types of critical installations.

The best way to determine if a retrofit is right for your department is to review the considerations listed above and then contact one of the suggested links in my link page or included in this document. They will want as many details as possible and highly accurate digital photos to examine whether or not the process can be done. It may even include a visit by a factory or retrofit facility representative to further discuss and determine the viability of the end product. Again, cost is a determining factor - but so is quality of installation!

The following are suggested sites to visit for more information and expertise in assisting your departments needs and questions regarding retrofits.

W.S. Darley / Odin Foam - Probably the most experience in CAFS and retrofits.

(click on the logo to the left to access CAFS retrofits)

Circle K Services / Midland, MI - Specializing in Fire Apparatus Repair Service

(click on the logo to the left to access Circle K Service)

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