FOAMit FI-25N 25 Gallon Foam Unit Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- FOAMit
Table of Contents
FOAMit FI-25N 25 Gallon Foam Unit
Product Information
The 25 Gallon Foam Unit, model FI-25N, is a versatile and efficient unit designed for various applications. This unit is equipped with a pump that pressurizes chemical solutions to produce foam for firefighting, cleaning, and other industrial purposes. It is important to read and understand all instructions provided in the operation manual before using or servicing this unit to ensure safe and proper operation.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as indicated in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when using or servicing the unit. This includes protective eyewear, gloves, and respiratory protection to prevent burns, rashes, and potential eye, throat, or lung damage.
- Chemical solutions used with this unit may pose health risks if they come into contact with the skin, eyes, or are inhaled or swallowed. Always read and follow all chemical safety precautions and handling instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer and the associated SDS.
- To avoid unexpected release of the chemical solution and potential serious injury, always depressurize and clean the unit after each use. Release any remaining air pressure by opening the discharge ball valve. Never leave the unit unattended while pressurized.
- Do not use the unit if it is damaged or leaking, as it may result in exposure to chemical solutions and serious injury or death.
- Never point the discharge wand at yourself, another person, or any object you do not want covered in chemical.
- Operating the unit with incoming air pressure exceeding 100 psi (6.9 bar) may lead to pressure buildup, explosion, serious injury, or death. Ensure that the incoming air pressure does not exceed this limit when operating the unit.
- Hydrocarbons and flammable products should never be used with the unit, as it may result in explosions, fire, and serious injury or death.
- When switching between alkaline and acid solutions, always flush the unit with fresh water thoroughly. Mixing an alkaline with an acid may cause a chemical reaction and overheating, leading to splattering of caustic compounds or release of hazardous fumes, gas, and vapors.
Usage Instructions
- Ensure that you have read and understood all safety precautions mentioned above.
- Inspect the unit for any damage or leaks before use. Do not use the unit if it is damaged or leaking.
- Prepare the chemical solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines provided in the SDS.
- Connect the unit to a suitable air supply line that provides clean, filtered, dry, and moisture-free air. If needed, install an air dryer before the unit to remove moisture from the air lines.
- Fill the unit’s tank with the prepared chemical solution. Ensure that the tank is properly sealed.
- Pressurize the unit by adjusting the incoming air pressure to a maximum of 100 psi (6.9 bar).
- Once pressurized, aim the discharge wand at the desired target area, making sure to avoid yourself, others, or any object that should not be covered in chemical.
- Operate the unit by activating the appropriate controls to release the foam. Adjust the flow rate as needed.
- After each use, depressurize the unit by opening the discharge ball valve and clean the unit thoroughly.
- Store the unit in a safe and secure location, away from unauthorized access.
For any servicing or modifications required for the unit, refer to the operation manual provided. Only use authorized parts and avoid using an air lubricator before the unit to maintain its performance and prevent damage. Ensure that the air supplied to the unit is filtered, clean, dry, and free of moisture.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING OR SERVICING THIS UNIT. KEEP THIS MANUAL IN A LOCATION THAT IS READILY AVAILABLE TO USERS AND SERVICE TECHNICIANS.
Safety
WARNING: PEOPLE OR OBJECTS CAN BE HURT OR DAMAGED IF THIS UNIT IS NOT USED CORRECTLY!
- Failure to read all the instructions before operating the unit may result in personal injury or death from the improper use or the chemical solution. Anyone handling, operating or using the unit must read and understand the instructions in the manual. The buyer assumes all responsibility for safety and proper use in accordance with the instructions.
- Using or servicing the unit without appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may result in serious injury such as burns, rashes, eye, throat or lung damage and death. Always wear PPE as indicated in the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) when using or servicing the unit. Protect eyes, skin, and lungs against drifting spray.
- Chemical solutions may pose a health risk and death if they contact the skin or eyes, are inhaled or swallowed.
- Always read and follow all chemical safety precautions and handling instructions provided by the chemical manufacturer and the SDS associated with the chemical solution before using the unit.
- Pressure within the equipment may cause an unexpected release of the chemical solution and cause serious injury such as burns, rashes, eye damage, throat or lung damage and death.
- Always depressurize and clean the unit after each use. Release any remaining air pressure by opening the discharge ball valve. Never leave the unit unattended while pressurized.
- Using the unit with fluid temperatures above 100°F (37.8°C) may result in scalding, burns, serious injury or death.
- DO NOT use a solution with a temperature above 100°F (37.8°C).
- Operating the unit when damaged or leaking may result in exposure to chemical solutions, serious injury or death. Never use the unit if it is damaged or leaking.
- Never point the discharge wand at yourself, another person, or any object you do not want covered in chemical.
- Using incoming air pressure exceeding 100 psi (6.9 bar) may result in pressure buildup, explosion, serious injury or death.
- DO NOT exceed 100 psi (6.9 bar) incoming air pressure when operating the unit.
- Use of hydrocarbons and flammable products may result in explosions, fire and serious injury or death. Never use hydrocarbons or flammable products with the unit.
- Mixing an alkaline with an acid may result in a chemical reaction. Overheating of the mixture may cause it to splatter caustic compounds or release hazardous fumes, gas and vapors.
- Always flush the unit with fresh water thoroughly when switching from an alkaline to an acid or an acid to an alkaline.
NOTICE
- Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this manual may cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts when servicing the unit.
- Use of an air lubricator before the unit may result in diminished performance and damage to the unit. Do not use an air lubricator before the unit.
- Moisture in the air lines will damage the pump and diminish the pump life. The air must be filtered, clean, dry and free of moisture. If needed, install an air dryer before the unit.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT
Please dispose of packaging materials, old machine components, and
hazardous fluids in an environmentally safe way according to local waste
disposal regulations
Product Overview
Requirements
Compressed air requirements| 40-80 psi (2.8-5.5 bar) with 5-10 CFM
(141.6-283.2 l/min)
---|---
Liquid temperature range| 40-100˚F (4.4-37.8˚C)
Chemical compatibility| Chemical products used with this equipment must be
formulated for this type of application and compatible with unit materials and
pump seals. For more information on chemical compatibility, consult the
manufacturer or SDS for your product or contact our customer service
department.
Specifications
Power type | Compressed air |
---|---|
Chemical pickup type | Draws from pre-mixed solution |
Number of products unit can draw from | One product |
Suction line length/diameter | 3.5 ft. (1 m) hose with ⅜ in. (9.5 mm) inside |
diameter
Capacity| 30 gallons (113.6 liters)
Discharge line length/diameter| 30 ft. (9 m) hose, with ¾ in. (19 mm) inside
diameter
Discharge wand/tip type| 7 in. (17.8 cm) stainless steel wand with zero tip
and ball valve
Output distance| 25-30 ft. (7.6-9.1 m)
Output volume| 20-45 gal/min (75.7-170.3 l/min)
Flow rate*| 2-2.5 gal/min (7.6-9.5 l/min)
Pump seals| Santoprene, Viton, or Kalrez
Wheel type| Two 10 inch (25.4 cm) non-marking wheels and two 3 inch (7.6 cm)
locking casters
Flow rates given are based on chemical with viscosity of water and factory air pressure settings.
Product Components
Get to know the FI-25N components that you will need to use, adjust or
assemble.
Back plate assembly Inside view
- In-line strainer
- Quick-change pump
- Needle valve
- Air regulator
- Air pressure gauge
- Check valve
- Tee assembly
- Back plate thumb nuts
- Suction line valve
- Solution tank
- Hinged lid
- Drain plug
- Discharge wand
- Discharge ball valve
- Discharge hose
- Needle valve
- Air fitting
- Suction line valve
Using your unit
Operating Instructions
-
Verify drain plug is securely closed.
-
Following all instructions from chemical manufacturer, fill the solution tank with pre-mixed solution.
-
Verify that the suction line valve at the base of the suction line is open, allowing fluid into the suction line.
-
With the discharge ball valve in the closed position, plug an air line into the air fitting.
-
Slowly open the discharge ball valve to begin foaming. Discharge ball valve should be completely open while foaming.
-
While the unit is running and discharging product, adjust the needle valve as needed to regulate the wetness or dryness of the foam following the steps below:
- Close needle valve completely in clockwise direction.
- Open needle valve in counter-clockwise direction 3 complete turns.
- Continue to open needle valve in ¼ turn increments, allowing 30 seconds between adjustments, until desired consistency of foam is achieved.
-
Close the discharge ball valve to stop foaming. After Use Instructions
NOTE : For proper handling and disposal procedures refer to chemical SDS. -
Solution should be removed from unit after each use. This can be done in two ways:
- Unthread drain plug from front of tank and drain solution into approved location.
- Place discharge wand into approved container to transfer remaining solution. Turn the needle valve to the wet setting and activate unit until all solution has been flushed from the system.
-
After solution has been removed, disconnect air line from the air fitting.
-
Open discharge ball valve to relieve remaining pressure.
-
Close ball valve after all pressure has been relieved. Store unit with discharge ball valve closed.
-
Before using unit with another chemistry, thoroughly flush with water.
Maintenance
WARNING: Performing any maintenance with the unit pressurized, and connected to the air supply may result in serious injury or death. Always ensure that the unit has been depressurized, and disconnected from the air supply before conducting any maintenance. Servicing or modifying this unit with parts not listed in this manual may cause the unit to operate improperly. Do not use unauthorized parts when servicing the unit.
Maintaining Your Unit
To keep your unit operating properly, periodically perform the following
maintenance procedures:
- Inspect the pump for wear and leaks.
- Inspect all hoses for leaks or excessive wear. Make sure all hose clamps are in good condition and properly secured.
- Replace the filter located within the air regulator as needed. Clean by unthreading the air regulator bowl from the air regulator.
- Check the suction line and strainer for debris. Clean as needed.
- Drain your air compressor tank on a regular basis to help extend pump life. An air source with a high moisture content will accelerate pump wear.
Note : If your air source has a high moisture content, install a water separator to the air fitting on the backplate.
Servicing Your Unit
To service your unit, refer to the service manual which includes:
- Troubleshooting procedures.
- Detailed parts breakdowns and illustrations.
- Part numbers of serviceable components and assemblies.
Servicing Your Unit
Most repairs on the unit can be performed with the following tools:
- Crescent wrench (2x)
- ⁷/16 in. (11 mm) open-ended wrench
- Flat head screwdriver
- Thread seal tape
-
2 Phillips head screwdriver
-
3 Phillips head screwdriver
- Hose cutters
- Knife
Troubleshooting Your Unit
If your unit is not operating properly, try using these troubleshooting tips:
Issue | Solution |
---|
Air regulator bowl or air filter has debris such as water, oil, or rust
particles| • Clean by unthreading the air regulator bowl from the air
regulator.
Pump is cycling improperly| • The needle valve is open too far. Close and
readjust the needle valve as described in the operation section.
• Ensure proper foaming chemical and concentration are being used.
Air passes through the pump without cycling| • The pump needs to be
replaced.
The solution backs up into the air regulator bowl| • The check valve needs
to be replaced.
Foam comes out wet, no matter where the needle valve is positioned| • Check
for proper air pressure on the air gauge. The air regulator is factory set at
50 psi (3.4) bar. Operating range is 40 to 80 psi (2. 8 to 5.5 bar) with
5 to 10 CFM (141.6 to 283.3 l/min).
• The check valve may need to be replaced.
• Verify correct chemical concentration is being used.
The unit operates at a reduced pressure| • Check suction line and strainer for debris or damage. Clean or replace as needed. To prevent damage to the unit, the strainer must always be used.
• Check the air compressor supplying the unit. If the pressure is less than 40 psi (2.8 bar), turn off the unit until the compressor can catch up.
• If the air supply is 50 psi (3.4 bar) or above, check the air gauge, which should read near 50 psi (3.4 bar). If the air gauge reads more or less than 50 psi (3.4 bar), adjust the pressure by turning the knob on the top of the
air regulator.
• Check if the stainless steel mixing mesh is plugged. Remove and clean it by following the instructions below:
1. Verify the unit is not plugged into an air supply and then relieve all stored pressure in the unit by turning the ball valve to the open position.
2. Remove discharge hose from hose barb on back of the unit.
3. Open back plate assembly and hold stainless tee with wrench to remove hose barb from tee fitting.
4. Remove the screen and the mixing mesh from inside the tee fitting.
5. Clean any particles from the mixing mesh and the screen. If the mixing mesh has a lot of foreign particles in it, make sure the suction strainer is still in place.
6. Replace the mixing mesh and screen into the back of the tee. Screw the stainless hose barb back into the tee.
NOTE: It is recommended to use a pipe thread sealant when reinstalling the stainless hose barb back into the tee fitting.
Tank Assembly
Front view
TNKA-25N-BK:
25 gallon natural tank assembly – black* lid – includes drain plug, wheels,
suction valve, and backplate thumb nuts
LDA-7BK:
Lid assembly – includes 7 in. black* lid, lid flange, hinge pin, and mounting
screws
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | LD-PIN |
2 | LD-7BK-LID |
3 | S812-FH |
4 | LD-7BK-FLNG |
5 | TNK-25N |
--- | --- |
6 | CST3SS |
7 | DPA |
8 | CST3SS-L |
Additional colors available, see datasheet for options.
Back view
TNKA-25N-BK:
25 gallon natural tank assembly – black* lid – includes drain plug, wheels,
suction valve, and backplate thumb nuts
BPTNA:
Back plate thumb nut assembly – includes bolt, thumb nut, and tether
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | BST1420118-VS |
2 | TN1420 |
VLVA-PVCV34:
Suction valve assembly – includes valve, bushing, and elbow
3 | PVCV34FM | PVC valve ¾ in. FPT x ¾ in. MPT |
---|---|---|
4 | HHPB3414 | Hex head poly bushing ¾ MPT x ¼ FPT |
5 | HBSSEL1438 | Stainless hose barb ¼ MPT x ⅜ barb elbow |
WHLA-AXL20:
10 in. wheel assembly – includes 20 in. axle, axle plate, bolts, washers, and
cotter pins
6 | COT | Cotter pin – stainless – ⅛ in. x 1 in. |
---|---|---|
7 | PLSS-AXL | Axle plate – stainless – 2.5 in. x 1 in. |
– 2 holes
8| AXL20| Axle – stainless – 0.625 dia. x 20.5 in.
9| B142012-VS| ¼-20 x ½ in. bolt – stainless – truss head Phillips –
Vibra-Seal
10| W10| Wheel – non-marking – 10 in.
11| FW58| Flat washer for ⅝ in. pipe – stainless – 0.687 id x 1.5 od x
0.07 thk
Back Plate Assembly
PA-PF34:
Plate assembly for portable foam units with ¾ in. hose – Santoprene pump
Additional plate assembly pump options:
PA-PF34K: Kalrez pump
PA-PF34V: Viton pump
Item number | Description |
---|
1
| ****
A P56
| Pump with Santoprene seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust
barb
| ****
B P56K
| Pump with Kalrez seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust barb
C P56V
| Pump with Viton seals – includes hose barbs, air fitting, and exhaust barb
2| NV14| Needle valve – ¼ in. NPT – includes black knob
3
| ****
R25
| Air regulator – two ¼ in. FPT ports – two ⅛ in. FPT ports – includes filter
and bowl
4| AG100| Air gauge – ⅛ in. NPT – 100 PSI dry model
5
| ****
CV38-AP
| Check valve – ⅜ in. barbs – PVC body – Hastelloy spring – Teflon ball –
white
6| SSC38| Stainless screw band clamp for
⅜ in. hose
7
| ****
SST12HB38A-MX
| Stainless tee assembly – ½ in. FPT x ⅜ in. barb – includes mixing material
and screen
8| STR38-IL| In-line strainer – ⅜ barb – EPDM gasket – 20 mesh SS –
black bowl
9| H14BL-F| ¼ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
10| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
Back Plate Assembly
PA-PF34:
Plate assembly for portable foam units with ¾ in. hose – Santoprene pump
Additional plate assembly pump options:
-
PA-PF34K: Kalrez pump
-
PA-PF34V: Viton pump
Optional Components
WSA-20CFM:
Water separator assembly – 20 CFM – ¼ in. FPT ports – includes air plug and
union fittings
WSA-20CFM
Optional assembly sold separately
Back Plate Sub-assemblies
NVA-NV14-PF:
Needle valve assembly for portable foam units – includes hose barbs, and screw
band clamps
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBSSEL1438 |
2 | NV14-HNDL |
3 | NV14 |
4 | HBSS1438 |
5 | SSC38 |
⅜ in. hose
SST12HB38A-MX:
Stainless tee assembly – ½ in. FPT x ⅜ in. barb – includes mixing material and
screen
Item number | Description |
---|---|
6 | SST12HB38 |
7 | MXA- PF |
includes stainless mesh and screen
Back Plate Sub-assemblies
RGA-R25-PF:
Air regulator assembly for portable foam units – includes air gauge, pump
barb, hose, bulkhead fittings, and air plug
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBB14P |
2 | EC14 |
3 | H14BL-F |
4 | HBSSEL1814 |
5 | SSC38 |
⅜ in. hose
6| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
7| HBSSEL1438| Stainless hose barb ¼ MPT x ⅜ barb elbow
8
|
R25
| Air regulator – two ¼ in. FPT ports – two ⅛ in. FPT ports – includes filter
and bowl
9| AG100| Air gauge – ⅛ in. NPT – 100 PSI dry model
10| SSA14BKH| Bulkhead adapter – stainless – ¼ NPT x ¼ NPSM
11| SSSFN12| Serrated flange nut – stainless – ½ in.
12| AP14| Air fitting ¼ MPT x plug – nickel- plated brass
Suction Assembly
SCTNA-PF:
Suction assembly for portable foam units – includes suction valve, hose, in-
line strainer, and pump hose barb – for Santoprene pump
Additional suction assembly options:
SCTNA-PFK: Portables with Kalrez pump
SCTNA-PFV: Portables with Viton pump
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | A HB5638 |
B HB5638K | |
C HB5638V | Hose barb for P56V pump – Viton o-ring |
2 | STR38-IL |
black bowl
3| SSC38| Stainless screw band clamp for
⅜ in. hose
4| H38BL-F| ⅜ in. blue hose – hybrid TPE – available per ft.
5| HBSSEL1438| Stainless hose barb ¼ MPT x ⅜ barb elbow
6| HHPB3414| Hex head poly bushing ¾ MPT x ¼ FPT
7| PVCV34FM| PVC valve ¾ in. FPT x ¾ in. MPT
Hose Assembly
HA34BL-30:
Hose assembly – 30 ft. of ¾ in. blue* hose – includes ferruled hose barb
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | HBSS1234 |
2 | SSC34 |
3 | H34BL-F |
Additional colors available, see datasheet for options.
AKSS34:
Stainless anti-kink spring for ¾ in. hose
Item number | Description |
---|---|
4 | AKSS34 |
Wand Assembly Options
SSWA34:
Stainless wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – ⅜ in. outlet
Item number | Description |
---|---|
1 | W387 |
2 | HHSB1238 |
⅜ FPT
3| BVSS12| ½ in. stainless ball valve – welded nut
4| HBSS1234| Stainless hose barb ½ MPT x ¾ barb
5| SSC34| Stainless screw band clamp for ¾ in. hose
SSWA3410-ST:
Stainless wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – 10 in. stainless wand – ST80200SS
spray tip
Item number | Description |
---|---|
6 | ST80200SS |
7 | W1210FM |
8 | BVSS12 |
9 | HBSS1234 |
10 | SSC34 |
PWA3410-ST:
Poly wand assembly for ¾ in. hose – 10 in. poly wand – ST80200SS spray tip
Item number | Description |
---|---|
11 | ST80200SS |
12 | PW12F10 |
10 in. long
13| SN1212| Stainless hex nipple ½ MPT x ½ MPT
14| BVSS12| ½ in. stainless ball valve – welded nut
15| HBSS1234| Stainless hose barb ½ MPT x ¾ barb
16| SSC34| Stainless screw band clamp for ¾ in. hose
Model: FI-25N
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