Compressed Air Foam Systems
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAF) are suitable to many different applications and different types of fire, making them a flexible solution to multiple fire risks.
Merlin supply and install a variety of CAF systems, and can recommend a solution suitable to your industry or application.
By working closely with our customers, we make sure we have a good understanding of exactly what you need from your fire suppression systems.
Combined with our industry-leading brand-name solutions and stringent quality accreditations, this gives you complete peace of mind about the systems you install.
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How CAF systems work.
CAF systems use a fire-retardant foam which is kept under compression and, in the event of fire, is released to smother and suppress the flames.
The compressed foam can expand many times to cover a large area, starving the fire of oxygen so that the flames are quickly extinguished.
CAF itself causes little to no damage in most industrial environments, allowing operations to resume once any direct fire damage is repaired.
Overall, losses are minimised and fires extinguished quickly, often before the emergency services are able to respond.
- Low-expansion foam: has an expansion ratio of less than 20 times. These are low-viscosity, mobile and can quickly cover large areas, making them ideal for large outdoor spaces or large warehouses
- Medium-expansion foam: has an expansion rate of 20 to 100 times and offers a suitable solution for the majority of businesses
- High-expansion foam: has a high expansion ratio of 200 to 1000, making them suitable for enclosed areas which rapid coating and elimination of fires is the top priority. You will commonly see this type of foam being used in hangars
- Alcohol-resistant foams: these foams contain a polymer which creates a protective coating between the fire and the foam, preventing the foam being broken down by alcohols in the fire. Naturally, these are commonly used in spaces where MTBE and other oxygenates are in regular use.
In addition to these, there are also different classes of foam. The type you’ll need depends entirely on your business, and many of our clients require different foams for different areas. Whatever your requirements, we’ll work with you to help you make the best decision for your business.
The benefits of CAF systems
CAF systems have several innate advantages, especially for environments that would be susceptible to water damage:
- Foam extinguishing means little to no water is needed, minimising property damage.
- Less potentially contaminated run-off due to minimised use of water.
- Expansive foams coat large areas fast to prevent fire from spreading further.
- CAF systems can be installed in small areas with minimal infrastructure spend.
- Different grades of CAF foams can cater for a wide range of specific needs.
If you would like to know whether CAF systems are the right solution for your premises, contact us and we will be happy to help.
Where to use a compressed air foam system
CAF systems have broad applications and are suitable for use in industries including:
- Agriculture & Forestry
- Biomass & Waste to Energy
- Mining & Quarrying
- Recycling & Waste Management
- Wood Processing
This is not an exhaustive list. The flexibility and versatility of CAF systems mean they can be a good option for many more sectors.
If you would like to know more, please use the details on our Contact Us page to make an enquiry, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.