Compressed Air Foam System

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.

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Benefits of the ICAF System Units

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. A must-have investment considering ICAF uses four times less water and up to six times less foam concentrate compared to foam-water systems.

Improved Visibility in the Hazard

In comparison to water-based systems, CAF’s unique physical properties
significantly reduce steam production and thereby improve visibility during and after a fire. The CAF blankets the fuel surface and therefore does not cause visual impairment often associated to high-expansion, total flooding foam systems.

Industry Recognition, Worldwide Acceptance

The ICAF SYSTEM is a deluge-type system that uses a balanced piping network and can be activated by electric, pneumatic or manual release. The system can be configured with multiple mixing chambers and can have multiple zones.

  • Significant reduction in foam and water requirements
  • Reduced infrastructure requirements for fire protection
  • Enhanced system performance
  • Improved visibility in the hazard
  • Engineered system

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ICAF Integrated Compressed Air Foam System
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The ICAF SYSTEM is a deluge-type system that has gained important industry recognition and acceptance

The ICAF Cabinet

The ICAF cabinets include all hydraulic and electrical devices required for proper operation. The ICAF System cabinets are of the freestanding type and are made of robust 14 gauge steel with a corrosion resistant fire red paint finish, polyester powder-coated and oven-baked on a phosphate base.

Cabinets are also provided with two locked frontal doors that are removable without special tools, reducing space requirements for ease of installation and maintenance. Furthermore, all doors are provided with a neoprene gasket to reduce vibrations.

Technical details:

  • FM Approved as a factory assembled unit.
  • Modular releases (manual, fail-safe, electric & pneumatic).
  • Compact layout saves floor space.
  • Up to three (3) mixing chambers per cabinet.
  • Integrated ARC-1 analog release controller.
  • Fully tested and programmed at the factory.
  • Unique serial number on every unit.
  • User-friendly owner's manual with every unit.
  • Simplified operation and maintenance.
  • Factory built under ISO-9001 conditions.

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Enhanced System Performance

Full-scale fire tests have demonstrated that ICAF is a very effective extinguishing mechanism for class B fires. The unique physical properties of ICAF foam with a 10:1 expansion ratio combined with long drain times provide improved extinguishing and burnback performance. Furthermore, its ability to stick to vertical surfaces enabled the ICAF to be Listed for cascading fires. System performance can be a deciding factor in critical applications where it is desirable that system performance exceeds the minimum requirements set out in published codes or standards.

Foam Concentrate

The foam concentrate is stored in a stainless steel pressure vessel. The foam concentrate tank and water supply tank, if applicable, are pressurized with compressed air upon system actuation.

Water, compressed air and foam concentrate are then injected into the mixing chamber(s) mounted in the cabinet. CAF is generated in the mixing chamber and then flows through the system’s piping network towards the distribution nozzles

Special Discharge Devices

CAF is discharged in or on the hazard using special discharge devices which effectively distribute the foam evenly over the nozzle’s area of coverage. In addition to coverage, the TAR and FPO nozzles are specifically designed to maintain CAF quality preventing degradation of the CAF generated in the mixing chamber. 

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ICAF Operational Diagram

Significant Reduction In Foam And Water Required

ICAF uses four times less water and up to six times less foam concentrate compared to foam-water systems.

 

Flammable & Combustible Liquid Type

Minimum Density (gpm/ft2)
TAR-225
Minimum Density (gpm/ft2)
FPO
FOAM-WATER CAF FOAM-WATER CAF
Hydrocarbons 0.16 at 3% 0.04 at 2% 0.10 at 3% 0.025 at 3%
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) 0.24 at 3% 0.06 at 6% 0.15 at 3% 0.06 at 6%
 

Protecting Various Applications

In addition to enhanced Listings with FM Approvals to incorporate designs involving simultaneous sprinkler discharge, the ICAF system can be used in certain storage applications and many other hazard.

Suitable Applications

  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES : emergency generators and diesel storage areas
  • PHARMACEUTICAL : process areas, chemical storage, laboratories, loading and unloading gantries
  • TRANSPORTATION : urban transit fueling bays, maintenance garages, aircraft hangars, ethanol transfer stations and heliports
  • POWER GENERATION & DISTRIBUTION : power transformers, turbine generators and nuclear facilities
  • OIL & GAS: tank farms, oil pumping stations, refineries, off-shore drilling platforms, pump rooms and lube oil skids
  • INDUSTRIAL : wood treating machines, solvent storage and process areas
  • MINING : hoistways, combustible and flammable liquids storage
  • OFFSHORE WIND FARMS SUBSTATIONS : power transformers and other oil-filled equipment

Case Studies

ICAF system and skid for offshore platform
ICAF System & Skid - Offshore Platform
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Aircraft Hangars
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Flammable Stockage

ICAF SYSTEM is available with 2 control panel options

FireFlex systems are made of industry-recognized components. We’re proud to work with these amazing partners.

Two (2) Renowned Control Panel Options

  1. One of the releasing control panels is the Notifier® NFS-320 model. This panel includes two Class A or B, programmable detection zones; five Class B supervisory zones and four Class A or B, programmable output circuits. Programming of the control panel is done by FireFlex® Systems and is password protected. The panel is compatible with many types of fire alarm & supervisory devices such as linear heat detectors, spot-type heat and smoke detectors, water flow and release indicators, low and high air pressure switches, manual pull stations and abort switches. The control panel also includes an alphanumeric display with two lines of 40 characters describing all the system conditions, as well as a set of red and yellow LED lamps individually indicating the alarm and trouble conditions of the system. Easy to operate control buttons are also provided to activate and operate the system's various functions.

  2. For applications where there is a risk of electromagnetic field interference, the FireFlex® ARC-1 releasing control panel, designed and testedto meet stringent EMI shielding requirements, can be used. The FM and CSFM approved panel is provided with a menu-driven programming including a specific program assigned at the factory. This panel is compatible with many types of fire alarm and supervisory devices such as: linear heat detectors, spot type heat and smoke detectors, waterflow and release indicators, low and high air pressure switches and manual pull stations. The panel also includes an alphanumeric display with up to 16 lines of 40 characters describing all the system conditions, and a set of red and yellow LED lamps individually indicating each of the alarm and trouble conditions of the system. Easy to operate control buttons are also provided to activate and operate the system's various functions.

 

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Notifier® NFS-320 control panel

Aligned with key NFPA Requirements

The water supply shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appartenances.

ICAF System Performance & Water Supply

The system water supply can be provided by a water pressure vessel or can be connected to a city fire main or fire pump system. The air supply is provided by high-pressure air cylinders that are factory assembled onto cylinder banks and include a high-pressure manifold and pressure regulator(s).

  • CAF technology offers an important reduction in the water supply requirements compared to standard sprinkler or foam systems; the system can operate with a water pressure in the range of 50 to 175 psi.
  • When fire pumps are required for system operation, they shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Centrifugal Fire Pumps.
  • The water supply shall be designed and installed in accordance with NFPA 24, Standard for the Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and Their Appurtenances.
  • Water pressure vessels also available from FIREFLEX® Systems.

In all cases the water supply shall be capable of providing the required flow and pressure for the required duration as determined by FireFlex®’s hydro-pneumatic calculation program.

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ICAF system performance and water supply

Why trust the FireFlex team and its systems?

Our cutting-edge systems are an alliance between research, development, quality & durability.

BECAUSE WE ARE INDUSTRY PIONEERS

Since its inception in 1991, FIREFLEX SYSTEMS has been designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art innovative integrated fire protection systems that set the benchmark in the market.

FOR THE WIDEST SELECTION AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET

FIREFLEX SYSTEMS offers the widest selection of integrated systems on the market. Regardless of the hazard to be protected, FIREFLEX is able to offer the best available technology with the widest range of options to suit all needs.

FOR OUR QUALITY CONTROL

FIREFLEX SYSTEMS' commitment, year after year, to quality and continuous improvement has resulted in achieving and maintaining its ISO 9001 quality certification. Its modern facilities are geared towards producing a high-volume of quality integrated systems in a factory-controlled setting.

FOR OUR TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Whether it is through exhibits, conferences, lunch & learn presentations, technical seminars, Webinars or one-on-one technical discussions, FIREFLEX's technical sales representatives draw on their in-depth knowledge and expertise to provide a level of technical support that meets or exceeds customer expectations.

FOR OUR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Our customer service department is readily available to address any product related service call, replacement part or general operation and maintenance questions that may arise. All our integrated product lines possess a serial number which is entered into our database. This enables FIREFLEX to record and track service calls, replacement parts, or any system modifications that have been reported on individual units.

FOR OUR INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS

Actively involved with research and development, FIREFLEX embarked on a new endeavor to better serve the fire protection practitioner in addressing challenging fire protection scenarios that evolve in modern life.

Protecting Various Applications

In addition to enhanced Listings with FM Approvals to incorporate designs involving simultaneous sprinkler discharge, the ICAF system can be used in certain storage applications and many other hazard.

Standard Piping & Fitting

  • Standard piping materials and standard fittings as defined in current NFPA 11
  • Balanced piping network - hydro-pneumatic calculation software by FIREFLEX® Systems

Reduced Infrastructure Requirements For Fire Protection

  • WATER SUPPLY –  ICAF can eliminate or reduce the size of water supply tanks & fire pumps
  • DRAINAGE & CONTAINMENT – ICAF can eliminate or reduce the size of drainage and containment systems including spill tanks and oil separators
  • DISPOSAL COSTS – The significant reduction in foam and water required for ICAF reduces the costs associated to clean-up and disposal of foam during discharge testing or after a fire.

Approved Foam Supply

The foam concentrate is stored in a stainless steel pressure vessel. The foam concentrate tank and water supply tank, if applicable, are pressurized with compressed air upon system actuation.

  • Approved with standard AR-AFFF foam concentrates
  • Foam concentrate is stored inside a normally non-pressurized stainless steel pressure vessel type tank stamped according to ASME Section VIII Div. 1
  • Foam storage tanks are built to order and come in various sizes from 5 to 500 US gallons
  • Storage tank maximum working pressure is 150 psi (1,033 kPa)
  • The tank is supplied with a safety relief valve set at 135 psi (930 kPa) for protection against over-pressurization

The foam storage tank is factory assembled and includes valves, trim and hardware. Manual valves are provided to fill the tank with foam concentrate and to release the air pressure after a CAF discharge. A sight gauge assembly is also provided to allow visual verification of the normal foam concentrate level.

APPROVALS & STANDARD LISTING

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Air Supply for Cabinets

Air is provided by DOT and TC certified compressed air cylinders pressurized to 3,000 psi (20,685 kPa); each cylinder is supplied with a cylindervalve equipped with a safety relief disc which provides relief at 3,600-4,000 psi

  • Air pressure regulators are used to reduce the air supply pressure to 100 psi (689 kPa) for the system operation
  • The cylinder bank pressure is supervised by a pressure transducer sending a low pressure supervisory signal when the pressure drops below the minimum pressure required to provide air supply for the specified discharge time
  • A safety valve is also used at the outlet of the air pressure regulator to protect the system from high pressure in case of malfunction, the maximum air operating pressure on the system side (downstream of the air regulator) is adjusted to 160 psi (1,103 kPa)
  • The cylinder bank is factory assembled on a painted steel skid and includes high pressure tubing, manifold and hardware
  • The skid-mounted cylinder bank is available with single or twin pressure regulator assemblies and is available with up to 10 cylinders per bank
  • The number of cylinders and regulators established at the design stage is based on both the maximum system flow and discharge time required for the largest single hazard protected or group of hazards that are protected simultaneously. FIREFLEX®’s program will take that information into account when calculating the system’s capacity.

ICAF FM Approved Discharge Devices

ICAF uses four times less water and up to six times less foam concentrate compared to foam-water systems.

DEVICES CEILING NOZZLE CONFIGURATION

The TAR-225C is an open-type ceiling nozzle used for area protection of flammable or combustible liquids spill or pool fire hazards and is specifically designed to effectively distribute CAF over a remote area. Located at the ceiling level the ICAF Nozzle is designed to discharge CAF in a 360° radius over a maximum area of 150 ft2 (13.9 m2) when used on hydrocarbon liquids and 100 ft2 (9.29 m2) when used on polar solvents.

SPECIFIC HAZARD CONFIGURATION

The TAR-225L (not shown in table) is an open-type directional nozzle which is specifically designed to discharge CAF over exposed horizontal or vertical surfaces of specific equipment, and is effective on cascading fires. The TAR 225L nozzle spacing shall be based on the spray pattern design principle. Nozzles shall be spaced and aimed so that their spray patterns will cover all surfaces adequately.

FOAM-POWERED OSCILLATOR

The FPO is an open-type oscillating nozzle that is specifically designed to project CAF horizontally over a wide area. It is an effective discharge device for low-level protection.

The CAF can be delivered via a 90° or 180° arc of oscillation with discharge range up to 92 ft. The FPO nozzle is self-propelled by the CAF discharge and does not require any electrical or hydraulic connection, considerably simplifying installation.

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ICAF FM Approved Discharge Devices

ICAF SYSTEM Certificates & Standards

Since its inception, ICAF has gained important industryrecognition and acceptance. In addition to enhanced Listings with FM Approvals to incorporate designs involving simultaneous sprinkler discharge

The ICAF SYSTEM units are FM Approved.

Click on the links below to view the ICAF SYSTEM certificates:

The FireFlex ARC-1 units are FM Approved.

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The ICAF system can be used in certain storage applications, with reference to Data Sheets FM 7-29 - Ignitable Liquid Storage in PortableContainers and FM 7-32 - Ignitable Liquid Operations. Also, Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) are an integral part of the 2010 edition of NFPA 11 - Standard for Low-, Medium-, and High-Expansion Foam, NFPA 850 – Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High-Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations, and NFPA 851 – Fire Protection for Hydro-Electric Generating Plants.

Talk To A Fire Protection Expert

Whether you want to select, specify, install or maintain our systems, you'll find in this section a range of useful documents related to our integrated systems. For further information, do not hesitate to contact our team of experts.