GB932742A - Improvements relating to apparatus for spreading foam - Google Patents

Abstract

932,742. Fire-extinguishing. PYRENE CO. Ltd. Nov. 30, 1961 [Dec. 7, 1960], No. 42129/60. Class 47. Apparatus for spreading foam on aircraft runways comprises a wheeled vehicle 1 on which a number of generators of mechanical or air foam are mounted so as to be adjustable from a stowed position in which they are close together and substantially parallel with their foam tubes extending rearwardly to other positions in which they are spread out fanwise to deliver between them a foam strip of width greater than that of the vehicle. The latter also carries members 24 mounted to move outwardly on each side of it to support the generators when spread out fanwise. As shown, the trailer 1 carries a central fixed air-foam generator 2 and four lateral generators 3 which are each of the kind described in Specification 842,461, and have a foam-generating head 4 connected to a foam tube 5 on the end of which is fixed a spreader 6 adjustable both around the generators and in elevation. The trailer carries an internal-combustion engine which drives a pump 9, the suction side of which is connected to an inlet pipe 10 for water. The latter is connected by a hose to a water tank, which may be carried on the same or a separate vehicle. The discharge side of the pump 9 is connected by a pipe 12 to a manifold 13 which feeds the generators through pipes 14. A pipe 15 branches from the manifold 13 to supply water to an inductor 16 the low-pressure point of which is connected to a supply pipe 17 for a foam stabilizing solution which may be carried on the same vehicle as the water tank. This solution is thus drawn into the inductor 16 which discharges through a pipe 19 into the pipe 10. Each of the lateral generators 3 swivel about a vertical axis, the pipes 14 making a swivel joint with a short pipe 21, and are supported by two wings 24 joined by vertical hinges 25, to a fixed central part 22 of a supporting bar 23. The outer ends of the wings 24 are supported by cables 26 which extend from the top of a stanchion 27. When the apparatus is not in use the generators 3 and the wings 24 lie parallel to one another and may be secured by straps. In use the generators 3 are spread out fanwise by rolling along the bar 23 on rollers which when the generators are in position are clamped by hooks on the bar 23.