Apparatus Mounted Master Streams

Almost every engine company has an apparatus mounted master stream device.  Call it a deck gun, deluge set, wagon pipe, pipe, monitor, etc, its operating on the same principle, to deliver large volumes of water for large fires.  With these devices come a few points that aren’t often considered and are also overlooked and some common operational errors.

Design/Limitations/Flow.
There are two common types of master stream devices on most of today’s engines, the removable deluge set, that can be attached to a base for portable use and the fixed mount electrically controlled monitor.  There are also some models of fixed pipes that are manually controlled.  Removable deluge sets are typically rated for a maximum flow of 1250 GPM, whereas the fixed electric and manually operated models may be capable of operating up to 2000 GPM.  Why?  Simply a matter of safety for the most part.  Devices that are used in the portable mode are faced with even lower operating limitations, because the nozzle reaction (backpressure) can subject the device to tipping over or sliding along the ground from the high forces.  The portable deluge sets may be limited to between 800 and 1000 GPM, depending on the type of base that is used.  As with any equipment, check the manufacturers warning labels and operational guides.

Tips for the devices can be a hot topic for debate; I'll stay away from that battle at the moment and simply point out the options.  Removable deluge sets can be purchased with smooth bore tips and/or fog tips.  There are some very common tip options from the major manufacturers.

Smooth bore tips come in the stacked arrangement, with four typical discharge orifices.  1 3/8" is the top, or smallest tip.  It delivers about 500 GPM, next is the 1 1/2" tip for about 600 GPM, the 1 3/4" tip for about 800 GPM and the 2" tip for about 1000 GPM.  Some departments opt for a single smooth bore tip; however, this limits your ability to flow more or less water based on the needs for the situation.  There are triple stacked tip sets on the market as well, usually having some varying tip options.  There are stacked tips where the largest base orifice is only 1 1/2", and using these tips on a device that’s rated for 1250 GPM will limit your flow to about 600 GPM, or half its capability.  Be aware when purchasing tips.  A stream shaper pipe is critical for a crisp and well focused smooth bore stream.  The longer models, which are about 12-18" in length will provide a better stream than the shorter ones.

Fog nozzles come in three basic types, selectable gallonage, fixed gallonage and automatic.  There are low pressure automatic and fixed gallonage models as well.   Whatever tip you choose, it’s always best to have smooth bore and fog tips available.  Whichever tips you do not keep on the gun, are best mounted next to or near it, so changing over isn’t a hassle.

Mounting configurations
Most of these devices are mounted over the pump house, midship on the engine.  Top mount pump panels offer ease of access to operate the devices, whereas side mount panels make it harder to access them.  It is probably for this reason that many of today’s side mount pump panel engines are showing up with electrically controlled master stream devices.  The location of the device, how it is mounted and other apparatus features will determine the useful range of stream movement.  Whenever possible, it’s best to design the device so that it can project a stream 360 degrees at about zero degrees elevation.  This ensures more stream "scrub" area, and allows for the stream to reach first floor level windows in more instances.  Raised cab roofs and telescopic floodlight heads often interfere with nozzle or stream rotation and elevation.  Apparatus with large booster tanks and hose beds may hide the device in their shadow, reducing their effective e use to two very small areas off of either side of the apparatus, and reducing use over the front and rear to angles in the vicinity of 45 degrees or more.  To accomplish this range of motion, telescopic pipes or articulating devices are available.  Such devices are Akron’s "Hi-Riser" deluge set, which has a hinging waterway, which allows the gun to operate at a higher range.  There are also electric telescopic pipes such as TFT's "Extend-A-Gun" or Elkharts "Extender".  Other extending pipes can be attached as necessary such as "The Pipe" by Elkhart, and the "Upper Deck" by Akron.  However you accomplish getting the gun up high enough, it’s clear, there are definite advantages.

Operating the Devices
When operating apparatus mounted master streams, it’s important to remember a few things;

• Water supply from tank water is limited by two factors, the size of the tank and the size of the tank to pump piping.  Knowing what size tip you are flowing from will give you an idea how much water you will be able to flow from your booster tank.  In addition, the piping that supplies water to the pump is a critical piece of the success of the operation of the gun when operating from the booster tank.  It’s fair to say you can expect 400-500 GPM from a single 3" tank to pump pipe/valve and 800 to 1000 GPM from a 4" tank to pump valve, but you must test and verify the flow to be sure.
• Abide by all manufacturers recommendations
• The devices are typically not limited in their operating range when mounted to the apparatus.  This is important because the stop pin that prevents the removable devices from being lowered past about 30 degrees when in the portable mode must be pulled to operate at lower elevations when truck mounted.  This pin is often an unknown device to many firefighters, which can be evidenced by the number of master streams you see cascading over burning buildings, while the fire burns merrily under the rain shower of the passing stream.
• Use a tip size appropriate for the fire, using the smallest smooth bore tip is often a common mistake.  Use the largest possible tip for the best fire knockdown potential.
• Placing an inline gate valve at the base of the stream shaper will allow you better control of the stream when performing blitz-attacks.  The driver can charge the waterway and then ascend the apparatus and open the gate and direct the stream.  This saves precious water from errantly being thrown onto the ground or over the building, and affords better aim and water usage.  The inline valve should not be closed all the way, but left a turn or so cracked, to reduce the chance that water hammer when charging the riser does not cause damage.
• Master streams from ground level lose effectiveness past the third or fourth floor level, depending on the distance the rig is from the building.  It is often a good idea to divert the water to the more effective aerial streams when they are available for such situations.
• Knowing the scrub area of your stream is important when you are spotting your rig for known master stream operations.  You should consider this factor, but not cause havoc for additional companies that are coming in, by stopping in a spot just so you can use your wagon pipe.  In some cases, a company may elect to dump their tank water through the pipe and then spot in a different location once the tank is exhausted.  Be flexible and think ahead to the impact this decision makes.

The summary of my little article is simply to point out that this device is often overlooked to its potential flexibility and versatility, and there are often some key errors made when they are placed into operation.  Like any other tool, train, train, train.

Apparatus Mounted, removable deluge set on a side mount pump panel. Notice how floodlights can obstruct the tip.

Another example of a device mounted above the pump panel, on a side mount pump. Notice how this device is boxed in on several sides. The tip is lowered to the pin stop point as well. In this position, the effectiveness of this device is minimal.

Pulling the pin and rotating this "Hi-Riser" device now allows it to operate clear of the body obstructions. The elevation stop pin has not been pulled, so this is as low as the gun will operate unless the pin is pulled.

On the "Hi-Riser" device, this is the pin that you pull to rotate the device to its elevated position.

At its elevated position, this device can project its stream at less than zero degrees throughout its complete 360 degree rotation. The elevation stop pin must pe pulled to lower the stream angle

This is the elevation stop pin on the device, that must be pulled to operate it at low elevations when mounted on the apparatus

This raised cab roof will impede lower elevation nozzle scrub area. An extension pipe would solve the issue easily.

This is the elevation stop pin on al older device. Be familiar with the pin/limiting mechanism on your devices

Fog nozzle stored at point of use

"Quad Stack" smooth bore tips. 1 3/8", 1 1/2", 1 3/4" and 2" orifices

A gate valve at the base of the stream shaper pipe

The portable base for this device is limited to about 800 GPM. It is stored on top of the rig, to free up space in compartments, because this device is typically not used often

This is the approximate stream elevation you can expect if you do not pull the stop pin on the device. This stream will overshoot the roof of most 2 story dwellings if the rig is within any resonable distance

 Stay Safe!

Moving With Urgency!

Fort Worth, Tx E22 arrives first due and has water to the line within seconds and makes a quick push. Nice work!

How fast can you get your line in service?

Tragic Fires Remembered

The beginning of December typically signifies the kick-start of the holiday rush.  People looking for good deals on Christmas buys, decorating for the holidays and trying to tie up loose ends on things as the year comes to a close.  December also starts out with the anniversaries of some tragic life-loss fires too.

When we look back at fires of the past, where lives are lost, families torn apart and society was reeling from the aftermath, its important to look beyond the losses, and see that there are, in fact some positives amidst the grief.  The honor and memory of those who gave their lives is lest forgotten, and their names can be memorialized in many different ways.  We should never forget these events, and always strive to learn from them and do our best not to let tragedy strike again.

On December 1, 1958 95 lives were lost in the Our Lady of Angels School fire in Chicago.  92 children and 3 nuns perished in a fire that was likely the result of arson, yet the exact cause was never determined.

OLA School Fire (Courtesy of http://www.olafire.com/Home.asp)

A wealth of information on the OLA fire can be found at: http://www.olafire.com/Home.asp

 December 3, 1999 is a day that is hard to forget for many firefighters, and one that gripped the nation.  It signifies the anniversary of the Worcester Cold Storage warehouse fire, in Worcester, Ma.  It was a fire that brought out deep emotional responses from many, for a variety of reasons.  Most notably, the loss of 6 firemen stunned not only the Worcester Fire Department, but it sucker punched firefighters across the nation and left many people asking why?  The biggest of those questions is why would those firemen place themselves into a situation with such little hope for what turned out to be a pair of homeless people, who had actually fled the scene of a fire they had accidentally started?  Was it worth it?  As for the decisions made by fire commanders that day, were they right?  Many questions came to light, some have been satisfied, some still linger.

In the flames over the cold storage warehouse, the silhouette of what appears to be a firefighter emerges...

Born of the ashes of that building, and the souls of the 6 firemen who died that night, is a program that aims to educate.  Worcester fire officials travel the country spreading the word about the lessons they learned that night to other firefighters, in the hopes their lessons will prevent toe loss of others.  One of those men, Retired District Fire Chief Michael McNamee was a key figure in the mission to spread that word. 

Retired District Chief Recalls Cold Storage Fire

There is alot of information about this fire, it can be seen here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worcester_Cold_Storage_Warehouse_fire

Take a few minutes out of the next few days and honor those lost, and educate yourself to protect yourself, as a firefighter as well as your friends and family by learning from these tragedies.

Hose Stretch Estimates....A look at My Home

I've often been told I have too much free time on my hands, I tend to think its more like I find ways to fit in my quirky little experiments between other daily happenings.  In this case, after my son is in bed asleep, I have begin to map out the hose stretch scenarios for my home.

Using a 100ft commercial tape measure reel (available at home depot) I have come up with some real world numbers.  To my slight surprise, the size of my modest little dwelling unit shows a little deviation from typical hose estimate formulas.

The testing device

I live in two story, attached, wood frame townhome with a peaked truss roof and a full unfinished basement.  The approximate dimensions are 16 wide x 30 deep.

If you use the hose stretch formula of (length + width), a fire in the basement would require two lengths, as there is a stair case to descend to get to the basement.

Running the tape from the far corner of the basement up to the front door. 

My result, 50 feet almost exactly from the far basement corner to the front door threshold.  I was a little surprised.  The hose stretch from the front bumper of my truck to the far basement corner was 100 feet.  The tape was taught on the corners, so there might be a few additional feet to account for the more gradual bows of the hose at corners.  My summary for this stretch is that three lengths would be very adequate for a fire in my basement if the rig pulled past my unit, leaving room for the truck.

The next stretch, to the top (second) floor, front bedroom.  As my tired little boy sleeps quietly, I am stealthily laying out my tape measure to determine how much hose is needed to fight a fire in his bedroom.  The L + W formula says it should take two lengths, as the fire is on the top floor and we must account of the stairwell.  The result.  40 feet to the front door threshold from the far corner of his bedroom.  This run was from the front door, up the stairs and around the newel post at the top of the stair landing.  By dropping the line over the railing, it saved 5 feet of hose, making the required hose from the front door to his room only 35 feet.

Running the line over the railing saves 5 feet of hose

Any fire in my home will easily be handled with three lengths of hose, assuming the rig is within 50 feet of the edge of my parking space (in front of my home).  The bottom line here is to know your buildings.  Is the formula wrong, not at all.  Its simply an estimation formula.

Here are a few points not to be forgotten with regard to hose stretching.

• Stretch for the fire and look ahead.  If you have fire in the basement, there will likely be fire above.  The first line should be stretched with enough hose to reposition it to adjacent areas or levels where likely fire extension may be found, especially if you know there will be a delay in additional lines being placed.
• The "backup line" should be stretched to assist the attack line and in most cases should be THE SAME diameter, as its typically unnecessary to stretch a 2 1/2 into an average sized private dwelling.  It should be estimated to reach the location of the attack line and have enough hose to advance to any areas of likely exposure (adjacent rooms, floor above etc).
• Remember to plan for setback, and include any obstacles you may need to lay the line around
• Stretching too short can be devastating, and result in a nozzle team that is pinned in a hallway with fire advancing on them.
• If you run short, running hose over top of cars in the parking lot, over railings, fences, etc will shorten a stretch and avoid potentially having to shut the line down and extend it until the fire has been knocked down.  Always try these options first before retreating to shut down and extend.  Engine or truck company drivers can cut down fences and other obstacles to make a stretch shorter in dire circumstances.
• Stretching too much hose can be devastating when numerous kinks prevent full flow to the nozzle.  A nozzleman with poor pressure can try to "pump" the bale, causing purposeful water hammer spikes that might push some kinks out.

In summary, get to know your district.  Get a measuring wheel or tape and after making some estimates, check them to see if they are close.  Use the routine and nuisance runs as training opportunities to plan your hose stretches.

Stay Safe.

Where to Put the Loops?

Look for an upcoming article discussing where to put the hand loop folds when packing lines.  Send in your pictures or thoughts to us via email or facebook.

Mark Your Hydrant Valve

Many engine companies lay out supply line with hydrant valves to promote fast initial flow and provide the ability of a later arriving engine to boost the flow.

One way to reduce confusion and radio traffic is to mark the valve with large numbers indicating your company/rig number. The engine arriving to boost the flow can then definitively contact the company that has laid out to verify they are ready for the water pressure boost.

Company ID on Humat Valve

Standpipe Outlet Pressures-Are You in the Ballpark?

When selecting hose and nozzle configurations for standpipe use, its important not to forget hydraulics.  Too often, the biggest issue considered is the weight of the equipment.  This is important, but weight can be managed in  the way that the hose and equipme t is bundled.

The following are required standpipe OUTLET pressures for the listed hose and nozzle configurations.  This is the pressure required at the standpipe outlet, not factoring in any elevation loss or gain going up or down stairs.  Add 5 PSI per floor going up or subtract 5 PSI for each floor going down from the outlet.  The values represent the total pressure required to deliver the listed flow from the given hose and nozzle combination.  No other pressure, aside from elevation or appliance losses/gains need to be added.

The below data represents approximate pressures based on known pressure loss values on commonly available pressure loss charts.  The numbers are rounded slightly in some cases to the nearest 5 PSI value for the sake of simplicity.  Certain brands of fire hose will perform better, such as "Ponn Conquest", where the pressure loss of this particular 1 3/4" hose represents a value closer to 2" hose.  Pressure loss charts for this hose and other brands are found on each manufacturers websites.

1 3/4" Hose 100 PSI Fog Tip 150 GPM
This includes automatic standard pressure, selectable and fixed gallonage nozzles

• 100 FT Hose: 135 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 150 PSI  *NOT LIKELY*
• 200 FT Hose: 170 PSI  *NOT OBTAINABLE*

1 3/4"Hose 50 PSI Tip 150 GPM
This includes 7/8" Smooth Bore or Low Pressure 50 PSI Fog tips

• 100 FT Hose: 85 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 100 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 120 PSI

1 3/4" Hose 100 PSI Fog Tip 180 GPM
This includes automatic standard pressure nozzles and standard fog nozzles with this flow setting

• 100 FT Hose: 145 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 170 PSI  *NOT OBTAINABLE*
• 200 FT Hose: 190 PSI  *NOT OBTAINABLE*
 

1 3/4" Hose 50 PSI Tip 180 GPM
This includes the 15/16" Smooth Bore tip, which is the most common tip for this flow.

• 100 FT Hose: 95 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 120 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 140 PSI
 

2" Hose 100 PSI Fog Tip 180 GPM

• 100 FT Hose: 120 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 130 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 140 PSI

2" Hose 50 PSI Tip 180 GPM
This includes the 15/16" smooth Bore tip.

• 100 FT Hose: 70 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 80 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 90 PSI
 

2" Hose 50 PSI Tip 200 GPM
This includes the 1" smooth bore tip or low pressure fog tip

• 100 FT Hose: 75 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 90 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 100 PSI

2" Hose 50 PSI Tip 250 GPM
This includes the 1 1/8" Smooth Bore tip and low pressure fog tips

• 100 FT Hose: 90 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 110 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 130 PSI

2 1/2" Hose 50 PSI Tip 250 GPM
This includes the 1 1/8" Smooth Bore tip and low pressure fog tips

• 100 FT Hose: 70 PSI
• 150 FT Hose: 75 PSI
• 200 FT Hose: 80 PSI

Featured Apparatus Submissions Needed

We are looking for unique apparatus to feature regularly on the site. 

Please send the following information at a minimum;

• Year
• Make/Model
• Engine Size/HP
• Pump Capacity
• Tank size
• Amount and diameters of hose carried
• Intake and discharge configuration
• Other features of interest or design criteria that were followed when the rig was built

Provide photos of the front, sides and rear at a minimum, as well as other photos that illustrate features of interest.

Send photos and information to sendthewater1@gmail.com

Gate Valves, Ball Valves and LDH Adapters.

When gating the side ports of hydrants, some departments use gate valves, and some use ball valves.  Each has advantages and disadvantages.

Ball valves are made by several manufacturers.  Some have large knobs on the handle that lock the valve in the position it has been opened to.  Others are non-locking, and simply have a small knob on the end of the handle.  Ball valves are quarter turn, meaning they can quckly charge or shut a line off.  In most cases, this is a disadvantage, as water hammer can cause damage or injury from a valve that is quickly opened or closed.  The profile of the valve handle can often get in the way of large diameter hose adapters.  Typically, ball valves are best suited when you intend to connect 2 1/2" or 3" hose to them unless you have the right adapters.

Gate valves have a more reduced profile.  They allow a slower opening and closing, reducing the risk of water hammer.  Gate valves are generally the better option for use with LDH, as they are often cheaper in addition to the aforementioned reasons.

Adapting the valves for use with LDH is a critical function when flowing high volume, and we will discuss the adapters later in the article.


PHOTO 1. Pictured, are two styles of 2 1/2" ball valves and one style of gate valve

  

PHOTO 2. One style of ball valve, with a locking handle will not open all the way with a Storz adapter as shown.



PHOTO 3. This style of ball valve does not have a locking handle, and opens all the way.  The handle has narrow clearance to the 4" storz coupling.  A 5" coupling would not fit on this valve without an elbow.



PHOTO 4. This gate valve is pictured with a 4" storz adapter.  It has a much more reduced profile.



PHOTO 5. This ball valve, with locking handle, has been fitted with a 5" storz elbow, eliminating the obstruction that prevents it from opening all the way.

PHOTO 6. An elbow (which can be removed from an unused panel discharge) can be a benefitt, not only to clear a handle obstruction but to take stress off the hose coupling.



PHOTO 7. This 2 1/2" "Rigid" female x 4" storz adapter creates a lower profile when attached to the valve.  Use "Rigid" thread adapters when they will normally be attached to valves, the rig or the hydrant and the hose will be connected to them.  Make sure any adapters used on the hose are "swivel" adapters.



PHOTO 8. The 2 1/2" x 4" Storz to 4" Storz x 4 1 2" NST Male adapter attached to a 2 1/2" gate valve.  Note the clearance to the hydrant bonnet is such that the valve is better oriented so the handle is off center.  This connection was flowing approximately 1030 GPM with additional residual pressure.

PHOTO 9. In this photo, you can see a ball valve and a gate valve in use.  They were appropriately selected so that the gate valve was used with the LDH adapter.

PHOTO 10. If you have, or purchase your storz adapters with male thread, using a 2 1/2" double female will extend the adapter far enough from the locking ball valve handle to operate it.

PHOTO 11. The tight clearance to the hydrant bonnet here is noted using gate valves, hence the one on the left is rotated off center.  The 5" storz adapter on the left is a "swivel" type where the one on the right is a "rigid" thread type.  The difference in their profile is notable. The pressure gauge in the photo is used for training to show students the residual pressure in the system.

The use of ball or gate valves on the side discharges of hydrants, is very critical if you have hydrants that are capable of high flows.  Because hydrants flow their greatest volume at the lowest pressure, splitting the flow between several hose lines will always provide a greater total flow.  It is a best practice to always attach gate or ball valves to the unused side discharges of hydrants.  Doing it every time makes it become a habit.

Adapters that are available for connecting large diameter hose to 2 1/2" gate and ball valves vary by manufacturer.  There are several options, some of which are pictured above.  The following list explains the most common types.

• Rigid.  A rigid female x storz adapter is best used when it is left attached to the valve.  Rigid adapters do not swivel, and therefore must be removed from hose to make the connection to the valve.  Rigid adapters must be tightened with a storz spanner wrench, as there are no rocker lugs on them.  Photo 7.
• Swivel.  A swivel female x storz adapter may be left attached to the valve or the hose.  The swiveling female connection allows the hose to be connected to the valve if it is already attached to the large diameter hose.  Swivel adapters may be left attached to the valve, but they have a larger profile and might pose storage issues in hydrant bags or buckets.  Swivel adapters may be purchased with long handles for better leverage without use of a wrench or with rocker lugs for use with a spanner wrench.  Photo 11.
• Male Thread.  Having male thread x storz adapters allows you to use the adapter in a variety of additional ways.  Coupling it with a 2 1/2" double female adapter makes it function as a female swivel adapter.  This will extend the profile of the adapter, but can be a money saver and the extra profile created by attaching the double female can avoid the locking handle of some ball valves from being blocked out of the fully open position.  Photo 10.
• Swivel Elbow.  A swivel elbow can have long handles or rocker lugs.  They are typically 30 degree drop and are a good tool to help reduce kinks when faced with sharp bends and for taking stress off the hose couplings.  You can use old chrome pump panel elbows in a pinch, but its best to try to obtain elbows specifically intended for use with LDH for the best efficiency.  Elbows also eliminate the issue of the locking ball valve handles being obstructed from opening fully.  Photo 5 and 6.

In summary, its important to know what options you have available to you on the rigs so that when you need to flow big water, you aren't stuck scratching your head or finding out that things don't fit together.  Whenever possible, use large diameter hose attached to your gate or ball valves rather than 2 1/2" or 3" hose.  While the restriction imposed by the valves and adapters might have some impact on total flow, using the smaller hose will have more significant implications.

For additional information or guidance on purchasing adapters please feel free to contact us at sendthewater1@gmail.com

Engine Company Operations: Hydraulic Ventilation w/ a Smooth-bore/Solid ...

Nozzle selection often considers the task of hydraulic ventilation. Your nozzles should be purchased and operated with the main purpose being fire extinguishment capability. Hydraulic ventilation is a very common function, once the fire is extinguished, and there is a bit of discussion amongst users of smoothbores vs. combination nozzles regarding this operation. This video shows that you can, in fact, ventilate with a smooth bore nozzle.

Courtesy of Brotherhood Instructors. Check these Guys out!
http://www.brotherhoodinstructors.com/

Big Water in Hopewell Township, NJ

In Hopewell Township, NJ on November 12th a large scale water supply exercise delivered over 2000 GPM.  The draft engine was supplying a tower ladder, a Blitzfire monitor and a 2 1/2" handline.

To maintain this flow, dual transfer tubes were used between drop tanks and three suction sleeves were connected to the drafting engine.  The 1750 GPM Pump did more than its duty for the day.

2800 GPM from 1500 GPM Engine

Here is a quick video that shows that you can easily acheive higher flows from a pump than its rated capacity, provided you can supply it with a sufficient source!

1 3/4" Hose

What brand of 1 3/4" Hose do you use?  It matters, maybe WAY more than you think.

Certain brands of 1 3/4" hose are actually more like 1.85" or more diameter, resulting in greater flow efficiency.  This is good, but results in lines being drastically over pumped in some cases.

Ponn Conquest, for example, has a pressure loss of 19 PSI per 100 feet compares to 35 PSI in standard rubber lined hose.  It's because it isn't truly 1 3/4" Hose.  Heres a link to Ponn's Data,
http://www.all-americanhose.com/products/friction/index.html

Be aware when you buy hose what the performance data is, and make sure your drivers know.  You can get pocket cards from All American Hose (the parent company of Ponn) that reflect the flows for their hose.

Stay safe.