Wildland CAFS nozzles?

[milfordchief]

We just took delivery of our new brush truck, complete with a Waterous 150-70-DS CAFS system. This is our first experience with CAFS, and we are looking for a good all-around nozzle for initial attack. We generally use 1 1/2" and 1" hose for wildland applications. Also would like to know what the target nozzle pressures are for different applications, ie. initial attack, structure protection, etc. Any info is appreciated!

[neiowa]

Your Waterous CAFS trainer been there yet? Call him or talk to Greg Geske at Waterous.

You just need a smoothbore breakapart shutoff with appropriate tip. For 1-1/2" line a 1-3/8" tip.

Nothing sexy needed. When we got our Waterous CAFS system 2 yr ago tried the TFT, and Elkhart CAFS nozzles. Expensive gimmicks that just striped bubbles out of the stream.

[Nozzle nut 22]

Your Waterous CAFS trainer been there yet? Call him or talk to Greg Geske at Waterous.

You just need a smoothbore breakapart shutoff with appropriate tip. For 1-1/2" line a 1-3/8" tip.

Nothing sexy needed. When we got our Waterous CAFS system 2 yr ago tried the TFT, and Elkhart CAFS nozzles. Expensive gimmicks that just striped bubbles out of the stream.

Very true. I was going through the literature online, and some of the claims just didn't add up... Nozzle control of CAFS foam type?? That's done back at the pump- by the CAFS! With cafs, you're actually sending finished foam through the hose- no aspiration or mixing needed- just an orfice.

Same with the bubble cup tips. Basically a built in aspirating tip that can be activated/deactivated at will. Nice for water/foam solution, no need for a clamp on tube. not necessary for cafs, and the fog type tip could be counter productive, as Neiowa said.

Everything I've ever learned about CAFS said the same thing- an old school smoothbore knob is all you really need. You spent all that extra money on the system so you didn't NEED any special foam nozzles. The trick will be in learning to use your system to best effect. I'd take full advantage of manuf provided training, and as much hands on as I could get.

Can't really blame the nozzle makers for trying to sell more high end nozzles! Esp knowing how much we like our nifty gizmos and doo dads.

[milfordchief]

Thanks for the info. We haven't had our manufacturer training yet, but will soon. We plan to do lots of hands-on and plenty of prescribed burns, if we ever get rid of the snow here in Maine. 7 months of Winter is a little ridiculous!