Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) Valves for Firefighting Applications
US Valve Check Valves and Full Port Ball Valves are used in a variety of firefighting applications. In recent years one of the most important advancements in fire suppression is the development of the Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS). Combining water with compressed air and a foam solution provides greater heat absorption, better fire penetration, quicker knock downs and less water consumption. US Valve check valves are used in Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS) and fire fighting applications to prevent foam concentrate from mixing with the water supply. Other applications include main water tank check valves along with main pump outlet check valves.
Full Port, Lowest Pressure Drop Fire Fighting Valves
Full Port Check Valves provide more flow and lower pressure drops than conventional check valves. Our elastomer hinge check valve design takes performance to an entirely new level by eliminating the restrictive valve seat and substantially increasing the valve’s open area and flow coefficient (Cv). Our Full Port Ball Valves offer open flow paths, thus reducing turbulence and noise which makes them great fire fighting valves. They are ideal for application in vacuum pumps, compressed air and gas systems as well as in water systems where low head loss and elimination of water hammer are desirable.
Fast Delivery
We maintain an extensive inventory of fire fighting valves, parts and components in a wide variety of materials so we can respond to your needs quickly. Valves are typically assembled and tested within 1 to 2 days after receipt of an order.
Features & Benefits of CAFS Systems
Our Fire Fighting Valves offer some impressive advantages over competitive designs.
- Lowest Pressure Drop in the Industry
- Available in 316 SS, Carbon Steel, Cast Iron, Brass, Aluminum
- Most Carbon Steel Valves include Zinc DiChromate Plating
- Male & Female NPT, Wafer, Grooved & Plain End, API, etc
- Easy to Install, Quiet Operation
- USA Content, ARRA Compliant
- Our Check Valves Alleviate Water Hammer
- Every Valve is Tested Prior to Shipment
Complete Engineering Data
Engineering data, including available materials, dimensions, exploded view, part numbers and descriptions, standard models, valve Cv, pressure loss curves, and other information for our CAFS systems is available in our brochures. Visit our product pages at the links below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CAFS check valve?
A CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) check valve is a one-way valve installed between a fire truck's foam concentrate tank and its water system to stop foam from flowing backward and contaminating the water supply. It keeps the foam and water systems isolated until they're intentionally mixed at the pump.
What materials are used in firefighting check valves?
Firefighting check valves are commonly made from 316 stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, brass, and aluminum, chosen based on the apparatus's weight requirements, corrosion exposure, and budget. Stainless steel is favored where long service life and resistance to foam concentrate corrosion matter most.
Why is low-pressure drop important for firefighting valves?
Every bit of pressure lost through a valve is pressure firefighters don't get at the nozzle, which affects hose stream reach and firefighting effectiveness. Low-pressure-drop, full-port valve designs preserve more of the pump's output, giving crews stronger, more reliable water or foam delivery under emergency conditions.