Wylie Fire ~ Wylie Fire ~ RescueRescue

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Eclipse CAFS System OperationEclipse CAFS System Operation

Instructor Capt. James Brown

Course ObjectivesCourse ObjectivesThe Driver/Operator shall be able to explain how the department’s Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) operate and the components of the system.The Driver/Operator will learn the causes of damage to our Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) that are a result of driver error.The Driver/Operator will be able to demonstrate the proper operational sequence of the department’s Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) to include system start up, operation, and shut down.

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What System Do We What System Do We Have?Have?

Waterous Eclipse 1750 GPM Pump with CAFS

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Eclipse VideoEclipse Video

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ComponentsComponents

Pump= WaterFoamPro foam proportioning system= Solution injectionRotary Screw Compressor= AirClutch Drive System- This is the system use to turn on the compressor.

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Operation ProcedureOperation ProcedurePut pump PTO in gear.Shift transmission to drive.Pull tank to pump valve and crack the tank fill valve.Turn on the Foam Pro proportioning systemWhile at idle turn on the compressor power switch. Pull the valves for the lines that are pulled. Throttle up until the pressure gauges on the pulled hand-lines are between 140-150 psi.

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Causes of DamageCauses of Damage

Starting the compressor when not at idle. Starting the compressor when there is still pressure on the system.

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Engine Monitoring GaugesEngine Monitoring GaugesThe engine must be at idle to start the compressor!!!!!

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CAFSCAFS

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Air Pressure GaugeAir Pressure GaugeMust be at zero to start the compressor!!!!

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Foam Foam Proportioning Proportioning Control UnitControl UnitDefaults to 0.3 percent for our standard foam applications. That is 3/10 of 1 percent, not 3%.

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Compressor PTO SwitchCompressor PTO Switch

Only engage at idle!!!!!!! No exceptions!!!!!!!!!

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Compressor Control Panel Compressor Control Panel Auto/Run Position Auto/Run Position This is the position we run when we are generating compressed air foam. The auto position allows the compressor to “auto”matically generate the appropriate amount of air for the amount of volume we are flowing.

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Pump Pressure and Air Pressure Pump Pressure and Air Pressure GaugesGaugesIn “auto” the air will automatically adjust.

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CAFS Air Bleed ValveCAFS Air Bleed Valve

• We specified these in order to insure the systems is completely bled off before starting the compressor.

• As soon as you shut off the compressor, you should immediately open this valve, watch the pressure go to zero on the gauge, then close the valve.

• If the valve is left open, the system won’t maintain pressure.

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Compressor Control Compressor Control System-Fixed/Run PositionSystem-Fixed/Run Position

We do not use this position for CAFS generation. This is an auxiliary position where we set the pressure goes to max air generation. What do we use this for?•We can use this position to blow out our hoses after use.•We can also use this to dry out frozen hoses.•This can be used as an auxiliary air source for power tools and such. This is difficult on our existing units due to we don’t have many access ports that are accessible. The new units will have a port on the pump panel for this.

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Wylie Fire ~ Wylie Fire ~ RescueRescue

General Pump Information and General Pump Information and MaintenanceMaintenance

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Pump Operations and Pump Operations and

MaintenanceMaintenance

We have centrifugal pumps.• They work by slinging water from the innermost

portion of the pump outwards to the discharges.• Basics on how to engage the pump: • Remember to give the pneumatic shifter time, it is

not instantaneous.• Once you have a green light you can then engage

the truck transmission.• Open and close all discharges and intakes slow as to

avoid water hammer.• Perform all steps in reverse order to disengage the

pump.

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Pump Operations and Pump Operations and

MaintenanceMaintenance

• Pump discharge pressure can be regulated by

• adjusting pump speed• discharge valve opening• nozzle size• pump intake pressure

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Pump Operations and Pump Operations and

MaintenanceMaintenance

Potential problems to watch for.• Cavitation• Overheating• Pump Maintenance• Regular external cleaning • Run C.L.R. through the pump about every 6 months• Check primer fluid level daily• Perform daily pump operations check to ensure proper

function and catch any problems early.• Report any problems to your officer and fill out a

mechanical defect form and forward it to C-shift sta. 1.

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Pump Operations and Pump Operations and

MaintenanceMaintenance

Pressure relief valve • Used as a safety measure.• Setting the pressure relief valve should be done daily

during your morning pump check.• Slowly increase pump pressure until the relief valve

opens.• Make any adjustments in quarter turn increments until

desired relief pressure is obtained.• Lower the pump pressure below the relief pressure and

wait for the relief valve to close.• Slowly increase pump pressure to test the pressure relief

setting.