TECHNOLOGIE AG

HIGH PERFORMANCE
FOAM EXTINGUISHER

www.hne.ag MADE IN GERMANY

 CONTENTS Page
Important basic information............... 1
Symbols and warnings....................... 2
Unpacking....................................... 2
Overview......................................... 3
Storage........................................... 4
Extinguishing agents......................... 4
Filling.............................................. 5 - 6
Replacing the pressure bottle.............. 7 - 8
Applying the system.......................... 9
Foam mode selection......................... 10
Jet gun............................................ 11
Dual mode gun................................. 12
Service and maintain......................... 13
Legal inspections.............................. 14
Pressure safety................................. 14
Technical data.................................. 15
Exploded drawing............................. 16
Replacement parts............................ 17
Warranty......................................... 18
Declaration of conformity................... 19
Contact........................................... 20
Servicing notes................................. 21

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 VARIO 9
Important basic information

Dear customer,
thank you for choosing one of our products. You have
acquired premium class firefighting equipment of highest
quality and superior performance.

The versatile VARIO 9 is a compact and weight-optimized

system for professional use. Beside the excellent fire rating
it offers increased capabilities and more safety for fire
fighters during action.

This manual will help you to keep operational readiness and

lifespan of your HNE-device on highest level and to take full
advantage of its technical superiority. Please read it carefully
before using the extinguisher for the first time. In case of
questions or technical problems, please contact us.

This manual is an important part of the extinguisher. It

refers to safe and proper use of the device in the interest of
safety. It has to be accessible for users and must be passed
on in case of sale.

We assume no liability for injuries, damage or malfunctions,

which arise due disregard of these user instructions.

The warranty for the device applies for flaws of material,

assembly, quality and function. It is void if the device is not
applied, operated and maintained as described.

Without our written permission, no content of this manual

shall be reproduced or forwarded to others. All technical
specifications and illustrations are subject to copyright.

Technical modifications are subject to change without notice.

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Symbols and meaning
Important information is highlighted with the following icons.
Please note them with particular attention in the interest of safety.

Indication of possible danger. Disregard can result in

damage or hazard to device, vicinity, operator or other
persons.

Important information for proper use and handling of

extinguisher, necessary tools, accessories and supplies.

Warning of possible hazards by pollutants and chemicals.

Legal requirements for protection of environment must
be observed.

i Additional information, advice and recommendations.

Unpacking
All packing material is recyclable. Please dispose of it in
an environmentally responsible way. Please check the
shipment upon delivery and contact us immediately in
case of any damage to the device due transport.

Scope of delivery
• Extinguisher with bottle holder, hose and jet gun
• Steel pressure cylinder (CFRP optional), 1 Liter/300 bar
• Plastic bottle with foam concentrate, portioned for first filling
• Ergonomic backpack, already mounted (optional)
• Second bottle holder for breathing apparatus (optional)

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 VARIO 9
Overview
Vent valve

Container lid

Compressed air
cylinder
2'nd bottle holder
(optional)

Bottle valve

Adjustable air inlets

Carrying frame
(optional)

Pressure
reducer
Pressure gauge

Jet gun
Trigger

Safety catch

Foam mode selector

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Storage
The device must be stored in an upright position when filled. The
environment should be dry, cool and dust-free. Avoid direct
sunlight. Ultraviolet light harms plastic, rubber and textiles in the
long run. If the device is filled with regular foam agent, do not
expose it to temperatures near freezing point or below. Frozen
extinguishing media causes irreparable damage! Use frost proof
additives for cold conditions.

Do not store the filled extinguisher in horizontal position.

Regular range of temperature: +5 to +60° C

With frost proof extinguishing agent: -25 to +60° C

Extinguishing agents
Clean tap water represents the simplest way of filling for non-
polluting and cost-free user training. For foam generation, fill
the device with a mixture that is listed on the containers label.
As suitable extinguishing agents we recommend:
AFFF 6% most common foam agent against fires of class A + B.

SC-6 especially for use in portable extinguishers,

AFFF 1% against fires of class A + B.

HNE optimized for HNE-high pressure technology to achieve

63 A superior extinction ratings. For fire class A + B.

MG 6-30 Ready-for-use agent with -30° C freeze protection.

Premix Suitable for fire class A + B.

NOTE: With the use of unlisted extinguishing agents,

the device no longer meets the EN-3 approval. In this
case, successful fire extinction and the safety of the
specified minimum distance to electrical installations
can not be guaranteed by HNE!

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 VARIO 9
Filling
Before you start: The extinguisher achieves optimal
performance only when accurately filled. Prepare things
thoroughly and perform all steps with necessary care. We
recommend a clean and steady work area with water supply.

Avoid spilling of extinguishing agent. Flush affected

surfaces and components with water.
Empty the container completely before filling.
Dispose of chemicals with ecological responsibility.
Do not use any leftover extinguishing fluid again.
Never overfill the container.
The threads of container and lid must be free of dirt
and debris. Clean if necessary and lubricate with
silicon grease.

Always wear goggles, gloves and apron when dealing

with extinguishing agent. The chemicals can cause skin
irritation or allergies.
After contact with eyes or mouth, immediately flush out
with plenty of clean water.
Also observe the safety instructions in the data sheet of
the extinguishing agent manufacturer.

Extinguishing agents are polluting and hazardous to

health. They must not seep into soil or sewer system.
Use a suitable container to dispose of it in an
environmentally friendly way.

We recommend to mark the extinguisher after filling as

i ready for use. For example, a paper seal can state the
date and type of extinguishing agent.

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Amount and mixing ratio:
The VARIO 9 needs a total filling of exactly 9.0 liters, consisting
mostly of clean tap water. The amount of additive depends on
the extinguishing agent used. Exact mixing details can be found
on the container label and must be strictly observed.
Venting the system:
Always relieve the system completely from residual
pressure before opening the container lid. Even after
complete discharge of the extinguisher, new pressure
may occur due rising temperature.

1. Make sure that the valve of the

compressed air cylinder is closed.
2. Turn the upper knob into open CLOSE
position ( ) for venting.
EN
3. Press and hold the trigger of the jet
OP

gun until no more hissing is heard.

4. Place the device on a level surface
and remove the pressure bottle (see
next page). Then unscrew the lid.

Correct order of liquids:

At first, pour the proper amount of water into the container with
the help of a funnel. Then add the extinguishing concentrate.
The liquids are self-mixing, stirring is unnecessary.
Silicon
Closing the lid:
grease
A thin layer of silicon grease on thread and
sealing surface increases lifetime and
facilitates opening. Screw the lid tightly and
turn the vent valve into closed position ( ).

Tightening the lid by hand is sufficient. Do not use tools.

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 VARIO 9
Replacing the pressure bottle
Pressurized vessels represent significant hazard for user and
vicinity in case of negligence or mishandling. Always treat filled
air cylinders and charged extinguishers with due diligence.

Do not use tools to tighten the hand screw at the air

cylinder connection.
Partially emptied air cylinders must be recharged or
replaced before the next use of the extinguisher.
The threads of air cylinder and regulator must be free of
dirt and debris. Clean if necessary, but do not lubricate.
Check the condition of the O-ring at the pressure
regulator. Replace it in case of cracks or loss.
Do not open the cylinder valve before the next use.

If necessary, clean the threads of pressure tank and air cylinder

connection with compressed air or a small brush. Do not
lubricate. Check the condition of the O-ring before screwing the
regulator to the compressed air cylinder.
air outlet
O-ring

internal thread external thread

If the air cylinder is opened by mistake, close it again and

discharge the pressure by opening the vent valve of the
i lid. The remaining capacity of the air cylinder is still
sufficient. Refill or replace the bottle in case of recurrence.

Never overfill an air cylinder. Maximum pressure: 300 bar.

Use approved pressure bottles of same size only.

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Replacing the pressure bottle
An air cylinder with 1 Liter volume serves as propellant. On
delivery, the cylinder is empty and needs to be charged with a
suitable air compressor. The maximum pressure of 300 bar must
not be exceeded.

1. Close the cylinder valve completely

by turning the hand wheel clockwise. 3
2. Actuate the jet gun until any
residual pressure is relieved.
1
3. Disconnect the pressure reducer
by turning the knurled screw
anti-clockwise.
4. Open the retaining strap and
remove the cylinder.
5. Place a fully pressurized cylinder into the mounting and fix it
with the retaining strap.
6. Reconnect the pressure regulator to the new cylinder.

empty 5

4 full

To avoid accidental opening and to indicate readiness,

i we recommend marking the hand wheels of filled
cylinders with paper seal.

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 VARIO 9
Applying the system
Open the air cylinder valve The pressure gauge at the
fully. A howling is heard regulator now shows the
while the working pressure filling status of the
in the container builds up. compressed air cylinder.

1 2

3 4
Take the jet gun from its Turn the red safety catch at
holding clamp and uncurl the triggering lever upward
the hose. into unlocked position.
The device is now ready for operation.
Users must be sufficiently familiar with the device
by instruction and training.

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 Foam mode selection
For quick adaptation to changing fire situations, the VARIO
system offers switchable foam generation. The knob for mode
selection is located at the mixer housing.

HiPRESS
Turn the knob left into
vertical position, to
produce liquid low-
expansion foam. It is
PRESS
flowing and penetrates
into smallest gaps. CAFS

HiCAFS
Turn the knob right into
horizontal position for
generation of
homogeneous and long
lasting CAFS-foam. It
adheres to walls and
even ceilings.

• You can change the foam mode while the jet gun is
actuated.
• Turn the switch always fully. Mixing the functions by
centering the knob is not possible.
• The mode setting has no significant effect when pure
water is used as extinguishing media.

i The adjustable air inlets at the jet gun allow further

influence on foam consistency (see next page).

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 VARIO 9

The jet gun

The VARIO system is equipped with a multifunctional jet gun.
Range and flow rate are variable by stepless actuation. This
increases efficiency and duration significantly when fighting small
fires. The adjustable air inlets allow to modify the foam
consistency. In combination with the mode selector (see last
page), any intermediate stage of foam generation is settable.

up to 16 m

Air Inlets: maximum air enrichment of

the jet stream when opened.
Trigger: press fully for maximum jet
range and throughput.
Safety catch: unlocked in upper position.

● Caution, compact jet with up to 16 m of range.

● Never aim directly at people or living animals.
● Hazard of suffocation under a layer of foam.

Caution when jetting into

electrical installations !

Keep a minimum safety distance of 2 Meters within the

limit of 1000 Volts !

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 Dual mode gun (optional) *
The double-tube jet gun is ideal for
smoke suppression and treatment of
+
smoldering embers. When set to spray
mode, the total duration of the extinguisher
is increased significantly due reduced flow rate.
Atomized by a special nozzle, extinguishing
media is blasted with area effect into a far
reaching cloud of foam. All basic functions of
this jet gun are identical to the standard version
(see previous page).
Setting the jet mode:
Turn the two jet tubes by 180 degrees until the pivot sensibly
locks into place in the new position. The tube in the upper
position is active.
compact jet
range app. 16 m

Main tube in
upper position

spray mode
range app. 6 m

Secondary tube
in upper position

Do not change the jet mode while the gun is actuated!

• First release the jet gun trigger.
• Turn the tubes fully into opposite position.
• Then press the trigger again.

i * If used in spray mode and filled with pure water, the

VARIO is suitable against burning cooking oil and fat fires.

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 VARIO 9
Service and maintenance
HNE-extinguishers have to be inspected regularly for function
and readiness by qualified personnel, but at least every 12
months according to the following inspection scope:
• General condition and cleanliness
• Legibility, completeness and correctness of the labelling
• Fittings, hoses and attachment parts
• Damage to protective coating and possible corrosion
• Plastic parts of jet gun and backpack for cracks or deformation
• Smooth operation of all moving parts and switches
• Age of Filling: change at the latest after 12 months
• Condition of internal coating: check with inspection lamp
• Filling state of the compressed air cylinder: 300 bar
• Condition of seal rings in filler neck and at pressure reducer
• Tightness of tension belts (air cylinder and backpack)

Check and clean the extinguisher thoroughly after every

use, even if it has not been applied.
Check the fully operational condition. If necessary,
restore it by repair within the limits of your legitimation.
All spare parts must be approved for use with the device.
To gain full performance, extinguishing media in the
container must not be older than 12 months. Do not use
any leftover extinguishing agent again.

NOTE: As a highly safety-relevant element, the pressure

reducer is absolutely maintenance-free. Any work or repair
at it is solely reserved for HNE. Unauthorized action leads
to the complete loss of warranty.

i After maintenance or repair, the extinguisher should be

labeled with filling date and content.

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 Legal inspections

Extinguishers are subject of periodic checks for

function and safety. Legally prescribed inspections
are country specific and vary. The owner is
responsible for compliance with prescribed
intervals. Therefore, the container is labeled with
badges for the date of manufacturing and the
maturity of the next inspection. The punched-out
areas mark the exact period.

Compressed air cylinders too must be approved and

tested regularly. Please keep yourself informed about
the regulations in your country.
The badge for the next inspection date must be updated
after every inspection.

Pressure safety
The entire pressure system is extremely
robust and designed to withstand high
overload. In addition, there is an
automatic pressure relief valve for safe
discharge of potential overloads. It is
located at the protected position between
Safety
container and backpack and requires no
valve
maintenance.

The safety valve is precisely adjusted and sealed.

Do not adjust or work at it with tools.
If the safety valve is responding, only the effect, not
the cause of excess pressure is eliminated. The
device must be checked thoroughly before next use.

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 VARIO 9
Technical data
SPECS
filling capacity 9.0 Liters
propellant air cylinder, 300 bar/1.0 l
operation pressure 29 bar, constant
duration (fully triggered) app. 28 sec.
jet range * up to 16 m
maximum flow rate 0.65 l / sec.
fire rating max. 55A / 233B
jet pattern compact jet
temp. range (regular additive) 5 to 60° C
temp. range (frost-proof additive) -25 to 60° C
distance to electric systems min. 2 m, max. 1000 V
weight (empty) app. 12,6 kg
weight (filled) app. 21,8 kg
height 580 mm
diameter (vessel) 185 mm
pressure vessel steel, CE 0036 conform
hose length 1.35 m
certification SQ 173/15

*Depending on temperature, wind, *

type of additive and foam settings.
The device is approved as special
extinguisher according to EN 3

* Fire class F only with restrictions (see page 12)

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 Exploded drawing

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 VARIO 9
Replacement Parts
For orders, please contact our Service
Description Number
compressed air cylinder 1 l/300 bar/steel 01
compressed air cylinder 1 l/300 bar/CFRP 02
gasket kit 03
O-Rings for selector stud 04
pressure hose 05
jet tube 06
swivel gun 07
retaining strap 08
bottle holder 09
jet gun 10
safety catch for jet gun trigger 11
rising pipe 12
mixing chamber 13
Lid with venting valve 14
filler neck 15
extinguishing agent 1% SC-6 AFFF 0.09 liter 16
pressure hose: regulator to mixing chamber 17
pressure hose: mixing chamber to filler neck 18
pressure reducer (regulator) 19
pressure gauge 20
safety valve 21
swivel joint for pressure reducer 22
backpack 23
retainer nut 24

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 Manufacturer warranty

Technical reliability and sturdiness are indispensable when

manufacturing life-saving equipment. Only high quality parts
from certified suppliers are used and each assembled device is
tested thoroughly for pressure safety, function and performance.

For all HNE products, a limited warranty period of 12 months

applies for any defects in material, assembly, function and
performance starting from the date of commissioning.
For at least 10 years all spare parts and services for
maintenance and repair are available after sale.

The warranty is void if...

... the defect occurs later than 12 months after date of purchase.
... the device has not been used according to its purpose.
... maintenance or inspection intervals are not respected.
... the device was subject of unauthorized repair.
... unapproved parts were used for maintenance or repair.
... the device was modified by customer or third party.
... the device was damaged by external influences.
... relevant instructions in this manual have been disregarded

If a recognized warranty case occurs, the decision for

replacement or repair of single components or the entire device
lies solely with HNE. Incurred costs for replacement parts, repair
and transportation are assumed by HNE.

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 VARIO 9

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Directive: 97/23/EG/EEC, Annex VII

Type: Foam extinguisher VARIO 9

Drawing number : 782.00, 0036

Certification no.: Z-IS-ESP1-MUC-17-12-705893-002c

declare our sole responsibility that the device specified with type,
drawing number and serial number (see identification of pressure
vessel) to which this declaration refers, is in accordance with the
directions 97/23 EC and the AD-pamphlets. The product was
subjected to the following evaluation test of conformity:

EC Type-examination Modules B and C1

This inspection is performed by:
TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH,
Westendstraße 199, D-80686 Munich

We are in possession of the certificate of type approval EC

for the pressure vessel.

Augsburg, 08.09.2015 signed: S. Cerny

(chairman)

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 HNE Technologie AG
HIGH PERFORMANCE FIREFIGHTING SYSTEMS

THANK YOU FOR USING

OUR PRODUCT!

In case of questions or technical problems, please

contact our customer service and have type, date of
manufacture and serial number of the device ready.

HNE Germany: Sales & Service Singapore:

HNE Technologie AG HNE Technology

Alter Postweg 96 No. 99, Kaki Bukit Av. ‚# 02-08
D-86159 Augsburg SG 415984 Singapore
Tel. +49 821 720 47 70 Tel. +65 674 754 80
Fax +49 821 720 47 99 Mobile: +65 910 891 77
Internet: www.hne.ag Internet: www.hne.ag
mail: info@hne-ag.com Email: bhimsen@hne-ag.com

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 SERVICING NOTES
Foam extinguisher
Type : VARIO 9
Date of manufacture: ________________
please look at container and fill in

Proper inspection and repair are crucial for reliability and

i optimal life span of the device. For traceability, we
recommend to document such measures on this page.

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