The Power of Compressed Air Foam Systems

1/27/2009

Compressed Air Foam (CAF) systems multiply on-board resources in the form of expanded foam, allowing for maximum effectiveness per size and weight, whether used for fire, decontamination, or other emergency response. Intelagard CAF systems have the ability to apply a wide range of liquid and foaming solutions for a variety of needs.  This ability was invaluable during the Olde Stage Fire. Working through the night, Intelagard equipment provided a steady supply of finished foam while other systems had to replenish their water supply. Intelagard systems have deployed Class A, AFFF and AR-AFFF foams for fire suppression, and HAZMAT remediation solutions and bio-remediation foams to inert and break down hydrocarbon spills and other hazardous incidents.  The same systems have been tested with and deployed EasyDECON DF200, Reformulated Decon Green (RDG), hot and cold water/soapy water, and chlorine-based decontamination solutions including HTH and STB.

CAF-generated foams, when generated through Intelagard systems deployed in decontamination operations, have the unique ability to adhere to vertical and inverted surfaces, allowing the durable foam blanket to maintain required wet contact time between the detected agent and the decontamination formulation.  Depending on the situation, Intelagard systems are capable of applying compressed air foam, air aspirated foam and liquid with simple control adjustments, in order to quickly and effectively switch operational modes to match specific needs.

Used extensively by the US military, Intelagard systems are widely chosen for decontamination efficacy testing because of their ease of use and fully replicable foam expansion settings. The systems have been fully calibrated and rigorously tested to ensure that they will perform to exacting standards in extreme environments.  The systems are capable of remote drafting operations for self-refill or deployment directly from off-board bulk resources. All Intelagard systems have been through extensive materials compatibility analysis to ensure that they are capable of deploying aggressive decontamination formulations without damage to the equipment.  Intelagard CAF technology has been shown to be extremely flexible in adapting to meet specific performance and technological requirements.

The unique capabilities of Intelagard CAF technology makes it ideal for use as lightweight, portable as well as effective large-scale multiple hazard response apparatus for diverse incidents. Their ability to expand payloads and effectively respond to multiple hazardous situations in harsh environments is valuable to any First Responder dealing with the distinct demands inherent to these settings. The wide range of system sizes and configurations allow for a comprehensive package of response equipment to fit current and future requirements.  While the traditional First Responder single focus of fire, hazmat, law enforcement and EMS shift to wider multi-hazard response capabilities, expect to see Intelagard systems play a wider and more crucial role.

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