Special Tanker-Pumper Carries Two Foam Types
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A tractor-trailer foam tanker that carries 4000 gallons of foam concentrate is now in service in the Memphis Fire Department.
The Superfoamer, built by FM Chemical Company in Ontario, Calif., carries two foam concentrates made by the 3M Company, Light Water (AFFF) for petroleum product Fires and ATC, an alcohol-type foam for polar solvents. The tanker has two four-cylinder, 40.5-hp, diesel engines that power its foam pumps. By using either a single pump or both of them simultaneously, the Superfoamer can pump from 250 to 4000 gpm through hose lines, mixing the foam concentrate in a 2, 3 or 6 percent solution.
On each side of the Superfoamer, there are two inlet and two outlet valves 3 1/2 inches in diameter and two inlet and two outlet valves 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The 3 1/2-inch valves have adapters for 4-inch hose. Acquisition of the foam tanker was supervised by A.O. Smith, the Memphis district chief in charge of apparatus maintenance until his recent retirement.
