Compressed air foam systems (CAFS) are making their way into more and more departments across the United States; one manufacturer estimates that up to 4 percent of new apparatus are coming CAFS-equipped. These systems produce a finished foam product ranging from very wet to almost completely dry, both of which suppress Class A and B fires better than water alone.

With any new technology, myths are sure to abound, and CAFS is no different. One such myth: CAFS apparatus must use smooth-bore nozzles so the finished foam product won’t break down. The truth: You can use a fog nozzle if it’s designed with CAFS in mind. The new CAFS-FORCE nozzle from Task Force Tips is clearing up the fog caused by the smooth-bore myth.

The CAFS-FORCE nozzle is an automatic fog/ smooth bore combination nozzle designed specifically to work with CAFS. The fog nozzle’s design allows for maximum stream reach and protection against a breakdown in foam consistency. At an operating pressure of 75 psi, the fog portion of the nozzle will produce anywhere from 70-200 gpm. A switch in the middle of the fog portion of the nozzle allows the firefighter to change between low-pressure water operations and CAFS operations. Break and extend operations are possible as well, due to the nozzle’s two-piece design.

To test the CAFS-FORCE nozzle, I asked several firefighters to use it on the end of a handline off of a CAFS engine. Due to the compressed air within the hoselines, CAFS lines produce a significantly higher nozzle reaction than that of a fog nozzle equipped with a water-only line. So first I wanted to observe the nozzle reaction while using the CAFS-FORCE nozzle. After using a smooth-bore nozzle on the end of a CAFS line for several minutes, I asked a couple of firefighters to give the CAFS-FORCE fog nozzle a try. Their response: This nozzle didn’t produce anywhere near as much nozzle reaction as its smooth-bore counterpart. Once I was on the end of the nozzle, I understood exactly what they were saying. The stream reach and quality were equal to that of a smooth-bore as well. If given the choice, the firefighters preferred the CAFS-FORCE fog nozzle to a smooth-bore for this reason alone.

Next, I removed the fog nozzle portion of the nozzle to test its smooth-bore portion. Without attaching any of the smooth-bore tips, I asked the firefighters to flow just out of the bail itself, which has a 1 ³?₈” orifice. With this configuration, the characteristics were the same as that of any smooth-bore.

The one feature I didn’t care for: the smooth-bore tips included with the nozzle. They are difficult to install and remove and are made of plastic. Personally, I would like the nozzle to come with several metal tips with standard threads, which could be carried in a firefighter’s bunker pants pocket.

Although anyone can debate the pros and cons of a smooth-bore nozzle vs. a fog nozzle, the CAFS-FORCE certainly scores a point on the fog nozzle side. It provides a fog stream ranging from straight to wide, while also providing minimal nozzle reaction and a finished foam product. The fog pattern also allows for greater coating of the contents in a room vs. the blasting characteristic of the smooth-bore stream. One scenario where the smooth-bore comes out ahead, however, is the application of dry foam. This should be done with a smooth-bore due to the consistency of the foam product.

Because the finished foam product coming from a CAFS-equipped apparatus can take on a very wet or dry consistency, you need a nozzle that can adapt as well. The CAFS-FORCE nozzle just might be the right nozzle for the job.

Task Force Tips’ CAFS-FORCE Nozzle

Pros

+ Fog nozzle has considerably less nozzle reaction compared to a smooth-bore;
+ Break and extend operations are possible;
+ Fog nozzle can be used for low-pressure water or CAFS applications; and
+ Can be used as a smooth-bore or a fog.

Cons

– Tips are made out of plastic and are difficult to install/remove.

Task Force Tips Inc.

2800 East Evans Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383-6940
Tel: 800/348-2686; 219/462-6161
Fax: 219/464-7155
Web: www.tft.com