Multi-asset equipment, the time has come

The need for true preparedness and response ability at a local or regional level for today’s wide range of potential threats is obvious. The economics of having an individual system for each potential threat would be crippling given the current economy. The time has come for multiple-application, multi-asset equipment so that single systems may be purchased that will provide users with the tools they need to effectively address a wide range of potential threats. Save valuable time by training for different incidents rather than different equipment. Raise confidence levels through the knowledge that on a local or regional level, populations as well as the infrastructure that supports those populations can remain safe and Responders have what they need given today’s global dynamics.

Both civilian and military entities have identified needs for equipment, solutions and associated support for large-scale, rapidly deployable and highly effective fire fighting as well as Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) decontamination systems. Mission requirements for fire suppression systems are well known. Decontamination mission requirements will include both operational and thorough decontamination of equipment, vehicles, infrastructure including buildings, and roadways and runways in battlefield environments and other key areas including airports and seaports of debarkation. These required systems will be used to secure and restore operational readiness status to critical infrastructure. The equipment required to accomplish this mission should be airlift capable and vehicle transportable, and designed to be self-supporting and able to perform multiple functions while maintaining operational requirements. 

This article will provide information regarding the use of Compressed Air Foam (CAF) equipment in order to meet these stated mission requirements. Multi-asset systems, that is systems that may be used for fire suppression and CBRN decon systems manufactured by Intelagard, Inc of Broomfield, CO will be specifically addressed due to their unique design and operational characteristics that make them especially suited for these diverse and demanding environments.

Foam System Applications

CAF systems are an excellent choice for decontamination applications for a number of important reasons, including their ability to expand on-board resources in the form of expanded foam. This ability allows for maximum effectiveness per size and weight, whether used for decontamination, fire or other emergency response. For instance, a 757-liter system deploying DF-200 CBW decontamination foam for response is capable of expanding the on-board 757-liters into 11,350-liters of expanded foam at a nominal, calibrated 15:1 expansion ratio.

The systems have the ability to apply a wide range of liquid and foaming solutions for a variety of needs. Depending on the situation encountered, the systems have been tested with and can deploy EasyDECON DF200, Reformulated Decon Green (RDG), hot and cold water/soapy water, and chlorine-based decontamination solutions including HTH and STB. Additionally, the same systems can deploy 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 incidents.

CAF-generated foams, especially when generated through Intelagard CAF systems, when 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 situational requirements, Intelagard CAF 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.

Intelagard CAF systems are designed and constructed to be simple to operate and maintain. The systems can be relied upon for consistent and dependable operation in severe situations, with minimal training requirements for personnel. Intelagard CAF systems are used extensively by the US military, and have been through rigorous testing regimens to determine their suitability for specific missions within the military and Homeland Security.

Intelagard foam systems are widely chosen for decontamination efficacy testing because of their ease of use and fully replicable foam expansion settings. Intelagard 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.

Systems

Intelagard manufactures independent, man-portable CAF systems, such as the Macaw® and the Merlin®, as well as small All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) mounted units. These systems have been tested and are currently in use with the US Military. Their small size, portable configuration and rapid deployment capabilities make them excellent tools for small to medium size response situations. The systems are presently in use for fire as well as decontamination and HAZMAT applications.

Intelagard also manufactures a number of larger scale systems, including trailer-mounted deployment systems, as well as truck/trailer combination systems, some of which are currently fielded by the US Army for CBRN decontamination applications. Also offered is a UTV mounted system, the Intelagard SwiftRunner®. Intelagard also offers other large-scale systems, such a thousand gallon truck-trailer systems.                                                           

The unique capabilities of Intelagard CAF systems make them ideal for use as lightweight, portable as well as effective large-scale fire suppression as well as CBRN decontamination apparatus. Their ability to expand payloads and effectively respond to multiple hazardous situations in harsh environments is valuable to any operator dealing with the diverse demands inherent to these settings. The wide range of system sizes and configurations allow for a comprehensive package of response equipment to fit mission requirements.