Polaris – a new way of inducting foam
Published: 10 January, 2012
Angus Fire, the manufacturer of a wide range of firefighting foams and firefighting equipment, is launching Polaris, a foam-induction water motor that complements its existing range of foam-making equipment. Polaris has been designed to accurately and reliably deliver 1%, 3% or 6% or dual rate foam induction within Underwriters Laboratory (UL), Factory Mutual (FM) and EN standard limits, across a wide range of flows and pressures.
Angus Fire is part of UTC Climate Controls & Security Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp. The water motor is driven solely by the extinguishing water flow, so no external energy source is required. The water flow drives a rotor connected to a foam pump, which pumps foam concentrate into the water motor outlet, creating the firefighting water / foam solution.
The system is flow-proportional – the higher the water flow, the more foam is inducted, to maintain the correct concentration level. Major benefits of Polaris include minimum water and line pressure loss, unlike conventional Pelton Wheel induction devices.
Foam concentrate can be supplied from a tank at atmospheric pressure, which can be refilled at any time without any need to interrupt firefighting activities. Polaris is manufactured from high grade, corrosion-resistant materials compatible with seawater, ensuring that it can be used in a wide range of environments, including offshore and marine installations.
Polaris induction motors are designed to match normal water flow through a schedule 40 pipe system, and can be configured for static industrial systems and ring mains, including foam sprinkler systems.
A de-mountable, portable version of the unit is available as well, suitable for use on fire and rescue vehicles.
