The American La France Foamite (ALFITE) Corporation system could consist of one or more cylinders. When more than one cylinder was used, they were arranged to be operated as a single unit.

Two different types of ALFITE systems were available. Both systems operated from break-glass pull boxes. The cable from the pull boxes was attached to the lever head on the first cylinder valve. When more than one pull box was used, a dual control tube was provided at the location where the pull cables came together and were joined.

1. The type “D” system had a single passageway through the cylinder valve through which the cylinder was charged, discharged or through which the cylinder pressure was relieved should the pressure have become excessive. The valve body forging contained the cutter valve assembly. In systems made up of more than two cylinders, the first two cylinders were equipped with lever heads and were known as the pilot cylinders. The remaining cylinders were equipped with pressure heads and were known as the battery cylinders.
2. The type “M” system had a three-port valve with a separate port for charging, safety and discharge. A cutter head assembly was attached to the cylinder by means of a swivel nut. The cutter head assembly contained a piston as an integral part. When it was used on the first two cylinders of a system, the protective cap was removed from over the cutter knob and a lever head was attached. Inasmuch as the cutter head assembly was essentially a pressure head, no other part other than the cutter head assembly was required on the remaining cylinders.

In either system, the first two cylinders were operated mechanically either from pull boxes located a distance from the cylinders or by lever heads located at the cylinders.

When the lever heads were operated, the valve cutter was depressed and the gas sealing disc was cut, discharging gas into a manifold and to the pressure heads on the remaining cylinders. On the type “D” system, which had a separate pressure-operated head, a separate pressure manifold was required. This was not necessary on the type “M” system.

When cylinders were operated from remote locations, the pull boxes’ pull handles were connected by cable to operating heads on the first two cylinders. When two pull boxes were used, a dual-control tube was installed for the cable leading from each pull box. The cylinders for the ALFITE system were not installed where the temperature at any time would reach 120° F. If there was a possibility of a temperature in excess of 120° F being reached, the cylinders were charged with only 45 pounds of carbon dioxide.

After a Fire

1. General: The hatches or doors to the compartment were left protected closed for at least five minutes after the system had been operated. This ensured against any glowing or heated materials causing a reflash. When that danger had passed, the compartment was ventilated if required.
2. Disassembly:
   1. Type “D” System:
      1. Cable connections and connecting rods from the lever heads were removed and the lever hearts were unscrewed. The elbow adapter at the bottom of each flexible connector was disconnected from the pressure operating head, and the pressure operating head was removed.
      2. The cylinder clamps were removed and each cylinder taken out. The elbow adapter from each cylinder valve outlet was removed, a safety plug was inserted, a safety clip was slipped under each cutter knob and a protective cap was installed.
   2. Type “M” System: The cutter head assembly was unscrewed and removed. The cable connections and flexible connections were not removed unless it was desired to do so.
   3. The cylinder was then returned to the manufacturer for recharging. It could also be recharged at any reputable carbonic plant or onboard a Navy tender following carefully the instructions given in illustration.

Maintenance Instructions

1. General:
   1. Once every six months damage controlmen removed the cylinders for weighing.
   2. When weighing idle cylinders, they were either stripped or due allowance made for the parts attached. Sailors had to remember that the weight stamped on the cylinder valve was always the weight o f the cylinder and valve only. A type “D” cylinder system was never handled unless a safety plug and safety clip was in place.
   3. The inspection also included close examination of all nozzles to see that they had not been accidentally damaged, and examination was made of the piping to see that it was properly supported and well strapped in place.