Portable Foam Fire Extinguishing System — PY Series Mobile Foam Suppression Unit
✓ 8 Models — 4 & 8 L/s
✓ 10–36 Min Discharge
✓ 3% or 6% Mixing Ratio
✓ No Electricity Required
✓ Deploy in < 5 Minutes
✓ GB / ISO 9001 / CE
The CA-FIRE PY series portable foam fire extinguishing system is a self-contained, mobile suppression unit that stores foam concentrate in an integrated bladder tank and delivers a precisely proportioned foam-water mixture to the fire through any compatible discharge device — foam gun, foam generator or foam monitor. Unlike fixed foam suppression installations, this portable foam system can be repositioned and redeployed across a site as operational requirements change, making it the practical first-choice solution for facilities where fire risk locations shift, where fixed infrastructure is unavailable, or where a mobile backup to a fixed system is needed for redundancy. Eight models cover foam injection durations from 10 to 36 minutes at 4 L/s or 8 L/s, in 3% and 6% mixing ratios. No electricity required. Wheeled frame deployable by a single operator.
Technical Specifications — Working Parameters
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Working Pressure Range | 0.6 – 1.0 MPa |
| Foam Concentrate Mixing Ratio | 3% or 6% (model dependent) |
| Flow Rate | 4 L/s or 8 L/s (model dependent) |
| Foam Injection Duration | 10 – 36 minutes (model dependent) |
| Applicable Fire Types | Class B (flammable liquids) / Class A+B combined fires |
| Compatible Discharge Devices | Foam guns, foam generators, foam monitors |
| Compatible Foam Systems | Low / Medium / High expansion foam systems |
| Power Requirement | None — fully hydraulic, water supply pressure only |
| Frame Type | Wheeled steel frame — single operator deployment |
| Certifications | GB standard · ISO 9001 · CE |
PY Series — Model Selection Table
Eight models cover 3% and 6% mixing ratios, 4 L/s and 8 L/s flow rates, and foam injection durations from 10 to 36 minutes. Select the model that provides sufficient discharge duration for the fire risk area and hazard size.
| Model | Mixing Ratio | Flow Rate (L/s) | Foam Injection Time (min) | Proportioner | Working Pressure (MPa) | Fire Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PY4/100 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 12 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY4/200 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 24 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY4/300 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 36 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/300 (3%) | 3% | 8 | 18 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/400 (3%) | 3% | 8 | 24 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PYB/300 (6%) | 6% | 4 | 13 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PYB/500 (6%) | 6% | 4 | 16 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/400 (6%) | 6% | 8 | 10 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
* Model number format: PY = portable foam unit; number after slash = concentrate volume in litres; percentage = mixing ratio. Contact CA-FIRE for model selection guidance.
How the Portable Foam Fire Extinguishing System Works
The PY series portable foam fire extinguishing system operates on the same fully hydraulic bladder tank proportioning principle as CA-FIRE’s fixed PHY/PHYM series — no electricity, no diesel engine, no electronic controls. Ready the moment water pressure is applied.
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Standby — Bladder pre-charged with foam concentrate The rubber bladder inside the tank is filled with foam concentrate at the factory or after each recharge. The unit is stored on its wheeled frame at the designated deployment location — no connections, no power, no standby maintenance required. |
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Deploy — Wheel to fire location, connect water supply A single operator wheels the unit to the fire location, connects a fire hose water supply to the system inlet and connects the selected discharge device — foam gun, foam generator or monitor — to the outlet. No tools required. |
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Discharge — Venturi proportioner delivers precise 3% or 6% foam Opening the water supply valve applies water pressure to the outside of the bladder, squeezing concentrate into the venturi proportioner at the same pressure as the incoming water. The proportioner delivers a consistent 3% or 6% foam solution immediately — no warm-up, no calibration, no adjustment. |
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Recharge — Unused concentrate retained, refill and redeploy After suppression, any unused concentrate in the bladder is in full-quality condition — water never entered the concentrate side. Rinse the discharge device, refill the bladder, and the unit is ready for the next deployment. No concentrate wasted from partial discharges. |
Key Features
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🚗 Fully Mobile — Single Operator, No Civil Works The portable foam fire extinguishing system is mounted on a wheeled steel frame engineered for rapid manual deployment across industrial sites. The balanced weight distribution allows a single operator to manoeuvre through standard doorways, along facility corridors and across outdoor ground to the fire location. No fixed pipework, no civil construction, no electrical connection. For larger sites, tow by vehicle or load onto a flatbed for rapid transport between risk zones. No Fixed Infrastructure Required |
⚡ No Electricity — Works When Site Power Fails Because the bladder tank proportioner operates entirely on water supply pressure, the portable foam system functions independently of site electrical infrastructure — critical in industrial fire scenarios where electrical systems may be compromised, shut down or unsafe to operate. Ready to deploy wherever a fire hose water supply connection is available. No generator, no control panel, no power cable required. Operates 0.6–1.0 MPa Water Supply Only |
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🎯 Precise Proportioning — Consistent Suppression The venturi proportioner delivers foam concentrate to the water stream at a consistent 3% or 6% ratio across the full rated flow range. Under-proportioned foam lacks the film-forming properties needed to extinguish flammable liquid fires. Over-proportioned foam wastes concentrate. The CA-FIRE bladder tank proportioner maintains accuracy within ±3% of the rated ratio across the 0.6–1.0 MPa working pressure range — reliable suppression performance from first discharge. ±3% Accuracy · 3% or 6% Ratio |
♻️ Reusable Concentrate — Lower Operating Cost After a partial deployment, unused concentrate remaining in the bladder is in full-quality condition — the closed bladder system prevents water from entering the concentrate side of the tank throughout the discharge. This reusability distinguishes the bladder tank from open atmospheric tank proportioners, where any concentrate mixed with water must be disposed of — a significant cost advantage for high-frequency deployment scenarios. Unused Concentrate Retained · No Waste |
Applications
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Oil Fields & Petroleum Terminals Wellheads, flow lines and tank farm bund areas. Pre-positioned at high-risk locations, deployable to a fire in minutes — before a fixed deluge system activates or before a fire tender arrives. |
Refineries & Petrochemical Plants Process units, pump seal areas and reactor zones. Immediate first-response capability for plant operators, complementing fixed foam and water deluge systems. Covers 3% and 6% concentrate types. |
Ports & Marine Terminals Fuel bunkering berths and cargo handling areas. Compact dimensions allow access through hatch openings and along vessel deck runs where larger wheeled equipment cannot pass. |
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Airport Airside Operations Aircraft fuel servicing areas and ground support maintenance facilities. Supplements airport fire tender operations — addresses incipient fuel spill fires before they escalate. |
Warehouses & Distribution Centres Facilities storing flammable liquids, aerosols and solvents. Distributed through large warehouse areas — provides first-response suppression while fixed sprinkler systems activate. |
Auxiliary to Fixed Foam Systems Backup capability during fixed system maintenance impairments. Directs foam to specific fire locations — tank roof seam failures, pipe flange spray fires — that fixed overhead devices cannot reach. |
Deployment & Installation Guide
Pre-Deployment Checklist
Before deploying the portable foam fire extinguishing system, confirm the following: the foam concentrate type and mixing ratio (3% or 6%) in the bladder matches the discharge device and application requirement; the concentrate level indicator shows a sufficient charge for the anticipated deployment duration; the proportioner, hose connections, discharge device and wheeled frame are free from damage or deterioration; the water supply connection point pressure is within the 0.6–1.0 MPa operating range.
Deployment Procedure
Position the portable foam system upwind and uphill of the fire location where possible, at a safe distance from the fire perimeter. Connect the water supply hose to the system inlet and the selected discharge device to the outlet — ensure all connections are fully tightened. Open the water supply valve progressively (not rapidly, to avoid water hammer in the proportioner). Once stable flow is established, direct the foam stream onto the base of the fire or onto the burning liquid surface as appropriate for the discharge device in use.
Post-Deployment Procedure
After fire suppression is complete, close the water supply valve and disconnect hoses. Check and record the concentrate volume remaining in the bladder. Rinse the proportioner and discharge device with clean water to remove foam residue. Inspect the bladder tank and frame for any damage. Recharge the bladder to the full charge level before returning the unit to standby readiness.
Maintenance Schedule
| Frequency | Task |
|---|---|
| Monthly | Inspect the bladder tank exterior, frame, wheels and handle assembly for corrosion, mechanical damage or deformation. Check all hose connections, valves and proportioner body for leaks or deterioration. Verify the concentrate level indicator shows a full charge. Confirm the unit is stored in its designated location, accessible and unobstructed. |
| Quarterly | Check the bladder condition by comparing concentrate volume indicated against the original fill volume — any unexplained reduction may indicate bladder leakage. Inspect the proportioner inlet and outlet connections for scale, debris or corrosion. Test the water supply connection and verify supply pressure is within the 0.6–1.0 MPa operating range. |
| Annual | Proportioning accuracy test — connect to a calibrated flow measuring arrangement and verify the foam-to-water ratio is within ±3% of the rated mixing ratio at both minimum and maximum rated flow. Inspect the bladder condition through the tank inspection port. Pressure test the tank to 1.5× working pressure and check for leaks. Document all inspection findings in the equipment maintenance log. |
| Every 3–5 years | Preventive bladder replacement regardless of apparent condition, or earlier if inspection reveals cracks, stiffening or chemical attack. CA-FIRE supplies replacement bladders for all PY series models. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a portable foam fire extinguishing system used for?
A portable foam fire extinguishing system suppresses Class B fires involving flammable and combustible liquids — petroleum products, chemicals, solvents and fuels — and combined Class A and B fires. It works by mixing foam concentrate with water at a precise 3% or 6% ratio and discharging the resulting foam solution through a discharge device onto the burning surface. The foam blanket cuts off the oxygen supply, suppresses flammable vapour generation and provides a cooling effect on the burning fuel — extinguishing the fire and preventing re-ignition.
What is the difference between the 3% and 6% model variants?
The percentage refers to the foam concentrate mixing ratio — the proportion of concentrate in the finished foam solution. A 3% ratio system uses 3 litres of concentrate per 97 litres of water; a 6% ratio system uses 6 litres per 94 litres. The 6% models are used with protein foam and certain AFFF concentrates that require a higher mixing ratio to produce effective foam. Always match the system mixing ratio to the concentrate manufacturer’s specification.
How does the bladder tank proportioner differ from other foam proportioning methods?
The bladder tank proportioner is entirely hydraulically driven — it uses water supply pressure to squeeze foam concentrate from the bladder at the correct rate, with no external power, pumps or electronic controls required. This makes it more reliable in emergency conditions than electrically powered proportioning systems and simpler to maintain than pump-based proportioners. Its main limitation is that the concentrate charge is finite — once the bladder is empty, the unit must be recharged before redeployment.
Can the portable foam system be used as part of a larger fixed foam installation?
Yes. The portable foam fire extinguishing system is designed to function both as a standalone mobile unit and as an auxiliary component of larger fixed foam fire suppression systems. It can be connected to a fixed system’s foam outlet manifold during a fixed system maintenance impairment, or used in parallel with a fixed system to supplement foam delivery to a large fire area. For permanent fixed installations, see CA-FIRE’s horizontal foam bladder tank and vertical foam bladder tank range.
What foam concentrates are compatible with this system?
The CA-FIRE PY series portable foam system is designed for use with standard 3% and 6% AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam), FFFP (Film-Forming Fluoroprotein) and protein foam concentrates. Compatibility with specific concentrate formulations — including fluorine-free foam alternatives — should be confirmed with CA-FIRE’s technical team before use.
How is the correct PY model selected for my application?
Two parameters drive model selection: (1) flow rate — determined by the discharge device and the size of the fire hazard area (4 L/s for foam guns and small generators; 8 L/s for larger monitors and generators); (2) discharge duration — how many minutes of continuous foam supply is required to suppress and secure the fire. Multiply your required flow rate by your required duration to determine the minimum concentrate volume, then select the model with a concentrate charge equal to or greater than this value. Contact CA-FIRE for free model selection support.
Why Specify CA-FIRE’s Portable Foam Fire Extinguishing System
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✓ 8 Models — 10 to 36 Minutes Coverage Eight PY series models across 3% and 6% mixing ratios, 4 L/s and 8 L/s flow rates, and foam injection durations from 10 to 36 minutes — the right capacity for applications from small plant room spill fires through to large bund area suppression. |
✓ Factory Tested Before Despatch Every portable foam fire extinguishing system undergoes factory pressure testing and proportioning accuracy verification before despatch. Full test documentation provided for site safety records and authority inspection submissions. |
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✓ ISO 9001 · GB Certified · 50+ Countries ISO 9001 certified manufacturing, GB standard certification, and over a decade supplying portable foam suppression equipment to oil, gas, petrochemical, aviation and industrial clients in more than 50 countries globally. |
✓ Free Application Engineering Support CA-FIRE’s technical team provides model selection support, application engineering assistance and after-sales service. Contact us with your site requirements — hazard type, risk area size, discharge duration needed — and we will identify the right PY series model for your application. |
Related Products
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PHY Series · Compact Footprint Vertical Foam Bladder Tank Fixed upright installation for above-ground fire pump rooms where floor space is limited. 8–120 L/s, 0.5–13.0 m³. For permanent fixed foam suppression systems. |
PHYM Series · Low Headroom Horizontal Foam Bladder Tank Fixed low-profile installation for underground pump rooms and shipboard systems. 4–360 L/s, 0.5–13.0 m³ — widest flow range in the CA-FIRE range. |
Full Range · All Models Foam Bladder Tank — Category Overview Compare all CA-FIRE foam bladder tank configurations — horizontal, vertical and portable — with a full specification comparison table and selection guide. |
Get a Quote — Portable Foam Fire Extinguishing System
PY Series · 8 Models · 4 & 8 L/s · 3% or 6% · 10–36 Min · NFPA 11 · Factory Direct · Free Model Selection Support
sales@ca-fire.com
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Eight models cover 3% and 6% mixing ratios, 4 L/s and 8 L/s flow rates, and foam injection durations from 10 to 36 minutes. Select the model that provides sufficient discharge duration for the fire risk area and hazard size.
| Model | Mixing Ratio | Flow Rate (L/s) | Foam Injection Time (min) | Proportioner | Working Pressure (MPa) | Fire Types |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PY4/100 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 12 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY4/200 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 24 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY4/300 (3%) | 3% | 4 | 36 | PQ4 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/300 (3%) | 3% | 8 | 18 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/400 (3%) | 3% | 8 | 24 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PYB/300 (6%) | 6% | 4 | 13 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PYB/500 (6%) | 6% | 4 | 16 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
| PY8/400 (6%) | 6% | 8 | 10 | PQ8 | 0.6–1.0 | Class B / A+B |
* Model number format: PY = portable foam unit; number after slash = concentrate volume in litres; percentage = mixing ratio. Contact CA-FIRE for model selection guidance.