Technical ResourcesCA-FIRE Technical Team · Last updated: March 2026 · 10 min read
Foam Bladder Tank Diagrams, CAD & Revit:
Technical Drawing Resources for Engineers & Designers
Fire protection engineers, system designers and BIM coordinators working with foam suppression systems regularly need foam bladder tank diagrams, dimensional drawings, CAD blocks and Revit families to incorporate the tank into system designs, spatial coordination models and submittal packages. This page provides an overview of the technical documentation CA-FIRE makes available — including general arrangement drawings, system schematic diagrams, technical datasheets and information on obtaining CAD and Revit files for PHYM and PHY series foam bladder tanks.
Contents
1. What Technical Drawings Are Available
CA-FIRE provides a comprehensive set of technical documents for every foam bladder tank order. The following table summarises the document types available, their purpose and how to obtain them:
| Document Type | Purpose | Format | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| System Schematic Diagram | Shows piping connections, valve positions, proportioner location and system flow logic | PDF / DWG | Standard — included with every order. General version available on request pre-order. |
| General Arrangement (GA) Drawing | Tank overall dimensions, nozzle positions, support spacing, weight, and clearance requirements | PDF / DWG | Project-specific — issued after order placement and model confirmation. |
| Technical Datasheet | Specifications, operating parameters, materials, certifications — one page per model series | Publicly available — download from CA-FIRE download centre. | |
| Product Catalogue (PDF) | Full foam bladder tank range overview with model parameters, applications and order information | Publicly available — download from CA-FIRE download centre. | |
| Installation Drawing | Foundation dimensions, anchor bolt pattern, pipe connection layout for site installation | PDF / DWG | Supplied with order. Request preview during project budgeting phase. |
| CAD Block (DWG) | 2D plan and elevation blocks for insertion into AutoCAD / AutoCAD MEP system layout drawings | DWG / DXF | Available on request — contact CA-FIRE with model and size. |
| Revit Family (RFA) | 3D parametric BIM object for Autodesk Revit MEP coordination and clash detection | RFA | Available on request — contact CA-FIRE with model, size and Revit version. |
Download Technical Documents
Datasheets, product catalogue and installation manuals available in the CA-FIRE download centre.
2. Foam Bladder Tank System Schematic Diagram
The system schematic diagram shows the complete piping and instrumentation layout for the foam bladder tank proportioning system — how the tank connects to the fire pump water supply, proportioner, deluge valve and foam discharge devices. This is the primary reference document for system designers and commissioning engineers.
Reading the System Schematic — Key Points for Engineers
Water equalising line: A bypass line connects the main water supply directly to the tank water side (annular space). This line — sometimes omitted from simplified diagrams — is essential for maintaining equal pressure across the bladder in standby. Without it, the bladder cannot respond correctly on activation.
Proportioner position: The proportioner must be on the main supply line upstream of the deluge valve, not downstream. Water must flow through the proportioner before reaching the deluge valve to ensure foam solution is delivered to the distribution piping from the first moment of activation.
Check valve on concentrate line: A check valve on the concentrate injection line (between proportioner injection point and bladder concentrate outlet) prevents back-pressure from contaminating the concentrate with water during start-up surges. This component is frequently omitted from simplified diagrams but is required in practice.
3. General Arrangement Drawing — What It Contains
The General Arrangement (GA) drawing is the primary dimensional reference for space planning, structural loading calculations and site installation. CA-FIRE issues a project-specific GA drawing for every order — the dimensions vary by tank volume, model and pipe size. The following information is included in all GA drawings:
▶ Overall Dimensions
Total length, diameter (horizontal) or height (vertical) and width across saddles/base frame. Used for space allocation and clearance verification. Minimum 800 mm perimeter clearance and 1,000 mm top clearance (vertical) must be maintained.
▶ Nozzle Positions & Sizes
Exact position, orientation and flange standard (ANSI / DIN) for every nozzle on the tank: water inlet, concentrate outlet, fill port, drain, vent, safety valve and instrument connections. Critical for pipework routing.
▶ Support Dimensions
For horizontal PHYM: saddle centreline spacing, saddle width, anchor bolt pattern and bolt size. For vertical PHY: base frame footprint dimensions, anchor bolt pattern. Used by structural engineer for foundation design.
▶ Operating & Empty Weights
Empty weight (for transport and rigging planning) and operating weight (shell + bladder concentrate + water). Both values needed by structural engineer for foundation load calculations.
▶ Design Pressure & Temperature
Design pressure (1.6 MPa), test pressure (1.5 MPa), working pressure range (0.6–1.2 MPa), and operating temperature range (4–70°C). Required for pressure vessel certification and documentation packages.
▶ Materials & Coating Spec
Shell material grade, internal lining type and thickness, external coating system (primer + topcoat) and colour reference. Required for material certification and corrosion protection verification.
To request a GA drawing preview: CA-FIRE can issue a preliminary GA drawing for space planning purposes once the tank model, volume and pipe diameter have been confirmed — typically within 3–5 business days of order placement. For pre-order space planning, indicative dimensional data by model is available in the technical datasheet. Contact CA-FIRE technical team with your project model requirements.
4. CAD Blocks & DWG Files
CA-FIRE provides 2D CAD blocks in AutoCAD DWG format for the PHYM horizontal and PHY vertical foam bladder tank series. These blocks allow fire protection designers and MEP engineers to insert accurate tank representations — with correct dimensions and nozzle positions — directly into AutoCAD system layout and coordination drawings.
How to request: Email sales@ca-fire.com with the subject line “CAD Block Request” and specify: (1) series — PHYM or PHY; (2) model — e.g. PHYM 32; (3) tank volume; (4) main pipe DN; (5) AutoCAD version. Files are provided free of charge to confirmed project buyers. Pre-order CAD blocks for space-planning purposes are also available on request with project details.
5. Revit Family — Foam Bladder Tank
BIM projects using Autodesk Revit for MEP coordination require an RFA (Revit Family) file that accurately represents the foam bladder tank in 3D — including the tank envelope, clearance zones and connector locations. CA-FIRE provides Revit families for the PHYM and PHY series on request.
Request a Revit Family (RFA) File
Specify: PHYM or PHY · Model number · Tank volume · Pipe DN · Revit version
6. Technical Datasheet & PDF Catalogue
The technical datasheet and product catalogue are the primary public-facing reference documents for the CA-FIRE foam bladder tank range. They are available for immediate download from the CA-FIRE download centre without account registration.
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Foam Bladder Tank Technical Datasheet
PDF · 2 pages per series · EN / CN
Per-model specifications: flow rate, tank volume, working pressure, pipe diameter, mixing ratio, bladder material, certifications, dimensional outline and ordering information. Separate datasheets for PHYM (horizontal), PHY (vertical) and PY (portable) series.
Contents: Operating parameters · Materials · Certifications · Dimensional outline · Model selection table · Ordering code
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CA-FIRE Foam Firefighting Equipment Catalogue
PDF · Multi-page · EN / CN
Full product catalogue covering the complete CA-FIRE foam firefighting equipment range — bladder tank systems (PHYM, PHY, PY series), foam proportioners, foam monitors and accessories. Model parameters, application notes and product photography.
Contents: PHYM Series · PHY Series · PY Portable Series · Proportioners · Accessories · Technical parameters · Company overview
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Installation & Operation Manual
PDF · Per series · EN
Full installation and operation manual for PHYM horizontal and PHY vertical series. Covers mechanical installation, filling procedure, commissioning checklist, routine maintenance schedule and troubleshooting guide.
Contents: Safety precautions · Installation procedure · Filling sequence · Commissioning · Maintenance schedule · Spare parts list
7. Submittal Package — What Engineers Need for AHJ Submission
Most fire protection projects require a submittal package to be reviewed and approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) before installation. CA-FIRE provides a complete submittal package with every order. The following documents are included:
For projects requiring additional documentation — material certification (mill certificates), weld inspection records, third-party inspection reports (SGS / Bureau Veritas) or specific format AHJ submittals — contact CA-FIRE’s technical team at the time of order placement to confirm availability and any additional lead time required.
FAQ — Foam Bladder Tank Drawings & Technical Resources
Request Technical Documents for Your Project
Datasheet, GA drawing, CAD block, Revit family or full AHJ submittal package — contact CA-FIRE with your model requirements and project details. All documents provided free of charge for confirmed project buyers.
Related Articles & Products
CAD blocks, Revit families and technical drawings provided by CA-FIRE are for use on projects specifying CA-FIRE foam bladder tank products only. Drawings are issued as construction reference documents — dimensions must be verified against the project-specific GA drawing before fabrication or installation. CA-FIRE reserves the right to update drawings and specifications without notice. System design must comply with NFPA 11, NFPA 16, GB 50151 or the applicable standard for the jurisdiction.