US 5,582,776 A · Apparatus for generating foam

Abstract

An apparatus for generating foam includes a power source such as an internal combustion engine mounted in a frame for portable transportation of the apparatus. The power source drives an air compressor through an electric clutch which can disconnect the air compressor and a water pump. The water pump generates flow of the water under pressure through a duct system either to a water discharge valve or to a foam discharge valve. The foam is generated by injecting into the water stream a surfactant which is injected by reciprocating valve arrangement operated by flow of the water. The flow is controlled by a maximum flow orifice, a minimum flow orifice and an adjustable valve. The air compressor supplies a surge tank and the air is passed from the surge tank through a pressure regulator to a mixing device where the water and surfactant is mixed with the air to generate the foam. The mixing chamber comprises a vertical tube with a central shaft carrying a plurality of conical shaped baffles in spiral arrangement around the shaft.

Claims17

Dependent claims

Apparatus for generating foam comprising:

a portable frame;
a pump mounted on the frame for pressurizing a liquid to be foamed having a pump inlet and a pump outlet;
a supply line connected to the pump outlet for receiving a flow of the liquid therefrom;
an injector mounted on the frame for a foaming agent connected into the supply so as to receive therein the liquid from the supply line, the injector including means responsive to the flow of liquid for pumping the foaming agent from a supply thereof into the liquid in the injector;
an air compressor mounted on the frame for generating a supply of air under pressure including a regulator for regulating the pressure;
an internal combustion engine mounted on the frame for driving the pump and the air compressor;
means for feeding the compressed air into the liquid;
mixing means for mixing the liquid, foaming agent and compressed air to generate the foam;
a pressure control valve responsive to pressure in the air from the air compressor;
and an electric clutch system mounted on the frame actuated by said pressure control valve for halting drive to the air compressor means, the electric clutch system being located between the engine and the air compressor to halt operation of the air compressor means while the engine continues to run.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for generating foam

Life of this patent

Apparatus for generating foam

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17