Frequently Asked Questions

CAF is actually a very simple process, mixing water, concentrate and compressed air. Without concentrate, air and water cannot mix together. Other benefits of mixing concentrate with water:

• Reduces the surface tension of the water so it will soak into combustible materials
• Makes the water cling to carbon materials, preventing rapid run-off and allowing water to soak in to wood
• This affinity to carbon also causes the foam bubbles to attract carbon bi-products of fire (smoke), reducing the black cloud production over a fire. This results in improved visibility and safety for both firefighters and trapped victims within a burning structure.

No. The British Navy actually experimented with agents foamed by compressed air in the 1930’s. The U.S. Navy refined and adopted this process for firefighting in the early 1940’s.

Identify your situation. TRI-MAX produces stored energy systems similar to pressurized fire extinguishers. The differences being these systems are great for initial attack on small to medium fires, vapor suppression and the sealing of spilled containments. TRI-MAX’s patented manifold allows foam to hit the target with "cold" foam as low as 20 degrees. This will greatly reduce the chance of re-ignition. For large fires and spills it may require continuous pumping of foam for an extended period of time. For these situations, and engine mounted system using a foam pump, compressor and mixing system (educator) is recommended. This type of system allows for water pressure to draw agent into the water stream.

TRI-MAX uses a stored energy system for all of its products. High pressure compressed air is loaded into various sized tanks depending on the dimension of the unit and the amount of finished foam desired. The foam is "super cooled" through our patented process. TRI-MAX’s Cold CAF is not a catch phrase. It is a unique, scientifically proven process that gives firefighters a big advantage over the competition in regards to efficiency and safety.

First and foremost, no other available CAF unit on the market compares with TRI-MAX’s science. Secondly, no other system in its class is as portable or a efficient at any price. We are the leaders in CAF technology.

Refer to individual models and product information on the website.

All TRI-MAX Cold CAF units are easily refilled in the field in a matter of a few minutes.

Refer to product section.

Yes. TRI-MAX can retrofit any vehicle with its Quick CAF system or build a new truck to your specifications from scratch.

No special hoses or nozzles are required with any TRI-MAX Cold CAF systems. No "scrubbing" is necessary to produce a high quality foam. Tiny, uniform bubbles are produced through our “patented” process. Not so with other systems. They require certain types and lengths of hose with much experimenting to achieve the right consistency. TRI-MAX Cold CAF units all use smooth bore nozzles. No special aspirated nozzle is needed.

• 1. Class A
• 2. Class B
• 3. Class A&B
• 4. Class D
• 5. Class K
• 6. Cold weather agents down to -40° degrees Fahrenheit

Cold CAF can produce up to 20x the amount of agent/water stored in the tank. For example, a 200 gallon unit will produce up to 4,000 gallons of finished foam. In remote areas where the water supply is limited, this can be a life saver. A pumper and tender can only do so much. This alone will save your department manpower and equipment and better serve your community to-boot.

• SAFETY- greater stand-off distances and will eliminate a lot of smoke for better visibility.
• FINANCIAL IMPACT- more firefighting capability for a lot less money.
• LESS DAMAGE- no massive run-off or adverse environmental impact. No water damage.

Yes. An adaptor is available to use SCBA bottles.

Over 10,000 worldwide.