PUMP OPERATOR
Note Taking Guide
PILOT
Spring 2012
Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute
University of Maryland
Steven T. Edwards, Director
The Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute of the
University of Maryland is the State’s comprehensive training and education system for all
emergency services.
The Institute plans, researches, develops, and
delivers quality programs to enhance the ability
of emergency service providers to protect life,
the environment, and property.
Lesson 1-2
The Role of the Driver/Operator
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the history of the fire
service driver/operator.
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-1
Overview
The Safe Operation of Fire Apparatus
The History and Evolution of Fire Apparatus
Safety Considerations and NFPA 1500
Types and Specifications of Modern Fire Apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-2
The Safe Operation of Fire Apparatus
The proper operation of the fire apparatus and
equipment is critical
Driving to and from the scene can be as dangerous as
operating on the fireground itself
Failure of equipment
on the fireground can
be disastrous
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-3
The Safe Operation of Fire Apparatus
The driver/operator has a tremendous responsibility
for the success and safety of the company
Preparing and inspecting fire apparatus and equipment for
a safe response
Driving the fire apparatus in emergency response mode to
a call
Placing the fire apparatus at the scene to ensure maximum
effectiveness of the equipment
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-4
The Safe Operation of Fire Apparatus
The responsibility of the driver/operator (continued)
Operating the equipment to support operations on the
fireground
Securing equipment
Returning the fire apparatus and company members to
the station
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-5
The History and Evolution of
Fire Apparatus
The introduction of hand pumps and hose carts
Hand pumps were the first equipment to replace the
bucket brigade
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-6
The History and Evolution of
Fire Apparatus
Hand pumps are piston-driven, positive-displacement
pumps pushed up and down by firefighters manning
poles on either side of the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-7
The History and Evolution of
Fire Apparatus
The fire apparatus evolution
The first mechanized fire pumps
The introduction of gasoline-powered fire apparatus
The addition of a pump to apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-8
The History and Evolution of
Fire Apparatus
The addition of a pump to apparatus
Booster pumps were added as trucks became larger and
stronger
A booster line was attached to the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-9
The History and Evolution of
Fire Apparatus
The addition of diesel-powered fire apparatus
Larger-capacity pumps that required greater horsepower
meant larger vehicles
The diesel engine started to replace the gasoline engine
Diesel engines replaced the gasoline engine as the
power system of choice for the fire service
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-10
Safety Considerations and NFPA 1500
NFPA 1500
Emerged from a growing concern for firefighter safety
during the movement of fire apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-11
Safety Considerations and NFPA 1500
NFPA 1500 required that new fire apparatus be
designed so that all members riding on the apparatus
would have a seating area inside an enclosed cab
The adoption of this standard resulted in the near
elimination of rear steps on fire apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-12
Types and Specifications of
Modern Fire Apparatus
The fire apparatus used by departments today
are larger, heavier, and taller with a higher
center of gravity, and thus are more difficult to
maneuver through traffic
Th capacities
The
iti off fire
fi apparatus
t continue
ti
to
t
increase
The water delivery rate of many pumps exceeds
1500 GPM
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-13
Types and Specifications of
Modern Fire Apparatus
The use of computers on fire apparatus has
increased
ABS systems prevent the vehicle brakes from
locking up
Electrical load management systems make
sure the electrical load does not exceed the
ability of the fire apparatus to produce
electricity
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-14
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the history of the fire
service driver/operator.
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-15
Review
The Safe Operation of Fire Apparatus
The History and Evolution of Fire Apparatus
Safety Considerations and NFPA 1500
Types and Specifications of Modern Fire Apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-1-2-16
Lesson 1-3
Types of Fire Apparatus Pumps
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of water
on the fire apparatus, the elements of a pumper,
and the elements of various fire apparatus including
initial attack,, mobile water supply,
pp y, aerial,, q
quint,,
special service, and mobile foam.
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-1
113-PPT-1-3-1
Overview
Water on the Fire Apparatus
Pumpers
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-2
113-PPT-1-3-2
Water on the Fire Apparatus
Water is the major component of fire attack
Water must be pressurized by a fire pump
NFPA 1901 defines a fire pump as a water pump
mounted on an apparatus and used for firefighting
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-3
113-PPT-1-3-3
Water on the Fire Apparatus
A fire pump of any size must meet certain
requirements
As a pump's psi rate is increased, the amount of
water that can be delivered decreases
The size and number of suction lines required
vary according to the fire pump size
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-4
113-PPT-1-3-4
Water on the Fire Apparatus
All fire pumps are rated from draft so no added
water pressure from an external source is used to
offset the fire pump capacity
The pump certification test is conducted at the
manufacturer by a third party
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-5
113-PPT-1-3-5
Water on the Fire Apparatus
NFPA 1901 defines the requirements of a fire
apparatus equipped with water tanks
Depending on the type of fire apparatus, a water tank may
hold several hundred or several thousand gallons of water
NFPA 1901 covers other aspects of the water tank
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-6
113-PPT-1-3-6
Pumpers
The pumper
Is the "bread and butter" of the fire service
Is the most common type of fire apparatus and is part
of almost every department
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-7
113-PPT-1-3-7
Pumpers
Per NFPA 1901, the pumper shall be equipped
with a permanently mounted pump at a
minimum rating of 750 GPM
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-8
113-PPT-1-3-8
Pumpers
NFPA 1901 requires
the pumper to carry
certain fire hoses and
nozzles
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-9
113-PPT-1-3-9
Pumpers
The pumper must be designed with at least 40 ft3 of
enclosed weather-resistant compartments to store
equipment
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-10
113-PPT-1-3-10
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
Many rural communities do not have hydrants or
readily accessible water
Firefighters need fire apparatus with large-capacity water
tanks
Tenders are mobile water supply fire apparatus that
provide water
For larger fires needing more water, a water shuttle
operation may be used to establish a sustained water
supply
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-11
113-PPT-1-3-11
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-12
113-PPT-1-3-12
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
The mobile water supply apparatus
May be designed with or without a fire pump
Is designed to carry a large capacity of water to the fire
scene
Is equipped with one or more water tanks that meet
requirements of NFPA 1901 and have a minimum certified
capacity of 1000 gallons
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-13
113-PPT-1-3-13
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
If the mobile water supply apparatus is equipped
with a fire pump, then it must carry at least 15' of
soft suction hose or 20' of hard suction hose with a
strainer
Soft suction hose includes couplings compatible with local
hydrants
The fire department specifies to the manufacturer whether
hard or soft suction hose is needed
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-14
113-PPT-1-3-14
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
Equipment storage is very important
At least 20 ft3 of enclosed weather-resistant
compartment space must be provided for equipment
storage
Minor equipment is organized and mounted in
brackets or in compartments
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-15
113-PPT-1-3-15
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
Aerial Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-16
113-PPT-1-3-16
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
Quint Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-17
113-PPT-1-3-17
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
Special Service Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-18
113-PPT-1-3-18
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
Mobile Foam Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-19
113-PPT-1-3-19
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of water
on the fire apparatus, the elements of a pumper,
and the elements of various fire apparatus including
initial attack,, mobile water supply,
pp y, aerial,, q
quint,,
special service, and mobile foam.
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-20
113-PPT-1-3-20
Review
Water on the Fire Apparatus
Pumpers
Mobile Water Supply Apparatus
Other Types of Fire Apparatus
FIRE
FIRE113-PPT-2-1-21
113-PPT-1-3-21
Lesson 2-1
Water Supplies and Pressure
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of water
supplies, the chemical properties of water, and
characteristics of a municipal and rural water
supply.
pp y Describe the concepts
p of water flow and
pressure; the characteristics, operation and location
of fire hydrants; and the proper steps for
maintenance and testing of fire hydrants.
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-1
Overview
The Importance of Water Supply
Municipal Water Systems
Flow and Pressure
Fire Hydrants
Inspecting and Maintaining Fire Hydrants
Testing Fire Hydrants
Rural Water Supplies
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-2
The Importance of Water Supply
The hoseline is the primary weapon for
fighting fire
Fighting fires requires an adequate supply of
water to confine, control, and extinguish fire
A water supply that is interrupted while
crews are working inside a building could
cause firefighters to become trapped,
injured, or killed
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-3
The Importance of Water Supply
Ensuring a dependable water supply is a
critical operation to be accomplished as
quickly as possible
Water is obtained from three sources
Static sources (lakes and streams)
Pressurized sources
Water carried to the fire scene in a tanker
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-4
The Importance of Water Supply
Water exists in all three states on earth:
liquid, gas, and solid
The property states affect the use of water in
firefighting operations
Water is the primary substance used to
extinguish fire because it turns to vapor (steam)
when it comes in contact with fire
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-5
Municipal Water Systems
Municipal water systems make clean water
available to people in populated areas
78 8%
78.8%
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-6
Municipal Water Systems
Water sources
Municipal water systems can
draw water from wells, rivers,
streams, lakes, and reservoirs
The source depends
on
p
geographic and hydrologic
features of the area
Many systems draw water from
several sources to ensure a
sufficient supply
Underground pipelines or open
canals supply some cities with
water from sources that are
many miles away
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-7
Municipal Water Systems
A water source needs to be large
enough to meet the demands of
its service area
Most systems include large
storage facilities to ensure they
will be able to meet the
community's demands if the
primary water source is
interrupted
The backup supply for some
systems can provide water for
several months or years
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-8
Municipal Water Systems
The water distribution system
The distribution system delivers water from the
treatment facility to end users and hydrants
through water mains
The distribution center also includes pumps
pumps,
storage tanks, reservoirs, and other components
to ensure that the required water can be delivered
where and when it is needed at the required
pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-9
Municipal Water Systems
Systems may rely on pumps to provide
required pressure directly or indirectly
A pure gravity-feed system has the water
source treatment plant
source,
plant, and storage
facilities located on high ground while the
end users live in lower-lying areas
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-10
Municipal Water Systems
Most systems use pumps and gravity to
deliver water
A combination pump-and-gravity-fed system
must maintain enough water in the elevated
storage
t
tanks
t k and
d reservoirs
i to
t meett
anticipated demands
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-11
Municipal Water Systems
The size of the water mains required
depends on the water needed for normal
consumption and fire protection
Water mains in a well
well-designed
designed system will
follow a grid pattern which can:
Help ensure an adequate flow of water for
firefighting
Minimize downtime
Divert water flow
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-12
Municipal Water Systems
Older distribution systems may have deadend water mains that supply water from only
one direction
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-13
Flow and Pressure
To understand the procedures for testing
hydrants, firefighters must understand the
terminology
The flow or quantity of water moving through a
pipe, hose, or nozzle is measured by the volume
Static pressure is the pressure in a system when
the water is not moving
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-14
Flow and Pressure
Normal operating pressure is the amount of
pressure in a system during a period of normal
consumption
Residual pressure is the amount of pressure in a
system when water is flowing
Knowing static pressure, flow in gallons per
minute, and residual pressure enables a
firefighter to calculate the water that can be
obtained from a hydrant or group of hydrants on
the same water main
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-15
Flow and Pressure
Gravity continues to exert its effects on flowing
water based on the stream's elevation and
altitude
Water hammer is a pressure surge or wave
caused by kinetic energy of fluid in motion when
it is forced to stop or change direction suddenly
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-16
Fire Hydrants
Hydrants are equipped
with one or more valves
to control water flow
through the hydrant
One or more outlets are
provided to connect fire
department hoses to the
hydrant
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-17
Fire Hydrants
Dry-barrel hydrants are used where
temperatures can fall below freezing
A partially opened valve means the drain is
also p
partially
y open
p and pressurized
p
water can
flow out
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-18
Inspecting and Maintaining
Fire Hydrants
Understand how to
inspect and maintain
hydrants
Check for visibility and
accessibility
ibilit
Check the hydrant
exterior for damage
Ensure that the hydrant
is working properly
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-19
Testing Fire Hydrants
The amount of water available to fight fire at
its location is crucial in planning an attack
Fire companies often are assigned to test
hydrant flow to better plan water supply for
future incidents
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-20
Testing Fire Hydrants
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-21
Testing Fire Hydrants
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-22
Rural Water Supplies
Protecting areas that are not serviced by
municipal water systems
Residents depend on
individual wells or
cisterns to supply their
water
There are no hydrants
so firefighters must
depend on water from
other sources
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-23
Rural Water Supplies
Static sources of water
Several potential static water sources can be
used for fighting fires in rural areas
Water from a static source can be used to
fight fire directly if it is close enough to the
fire scene
Static water sources must be accessible to a
fire engine or portable pump
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-24
Rural Water Supplies
Dry hydrants provide quick, reliable access to
static water sources
A dry hydrant is a pipe with a strainer on one end and a
connection for a hard suction hose on the other end
D h
Dry
hydrants
d t often
ft are iinstalled
t ll d iin llakes,
k
rivers,
i
and close to clusters of buildings where there is a
recognized need for fire protection
The portable pump is an alternative means of
obtaining water in areas that are inaccessible to
fire apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-25
Rural Water Supplies
Dry Hydrant
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-26
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of water
supplies, the chemical properties of water, and
characteristics of a municipal and rural water
supply.
pp y Describe the concepts
p of water flow and
pressure; the characteristics, operation and location
of fire hydrants; and the proper steps for
maintenance and testing of fire hydrants.
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-27
Review
The Importance of Water Supply
Municipal Water Systems
Flow and Pressure
Fire Hydrants
Inspecting and Maintaining Fire Hydrants
Testing Fire Hydrants
Rural Water Supplies
FIRE 113-PPT-2-1-28
Lesson 2-2
Hydraulic Calculations I
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations; pump discharge pressure;
friction loss; calculating friction loss; and the
different types
yp of connections.
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-1
Overview
The Importance of Hydraulic Calculations
Pump Discharge Pressure
Friction Loss
Calculating Friction Loss Using the Coefficient
Method
Estimating Friction Loss by Hose Size
Examples
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-2
The Importance of Hydraulic
Calculations
Fire service hydraulic calculations are used
to determine the required pump discharge
pressure (PDP) for fireground operations
Fire service hydraulics is the study of the
characteristics and movement of water
pertaining to calculations for fire streams
and fireground operations
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-3
The Importance of Hydraulic
Calculations
Theoretical hydraulics is the scientific or more
exact calculation
Fireground hydraulics is a less exact but more
user-friendly calculation method used on the
fireground
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-4
The Importance of Hydraulic
Calculations
Calculations will be affected by nozzles,
appliances, and hoses
Use the manufacturer's recommended nozzle
pressure specific to an actual nozzle on a hose
or appliance with the apparatus, under the
guidelines of a specific fire department
Use flow tests with department equipment to
confirm the pressures to use on the fireground
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-5
Pump Discharge Pressure
Fighting fire with water: determining the
water flow (GPM) versus heat generation
(BTU)
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-6
Pump Discharge Pressure
The critical rate of flow is the flow required to
overcome the heat generated by the fire
The proper selection of hose and nozzle is one
of the most important attack decisions after
securing the water supply to produce an
adequate flow to extinguish the fire
Strategically placed hoseline or lines using
correct tactics protect lives and confine and
extinguish the fire
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-7
Pump Discharge Pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-8
Pump Discharge Pressure
Supplying hoselines with optimal PDP
If the pressure is too great, it will cause the
stream to break up, lessening its effectiveness
Inadequate
q
p
pressure will p
produce insufficient
flow to overcome the fire, possibly
endangering the safety of the attack team
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-9
Pump Discharge Pressure
PDP: the total pressure needed to
overcome all friction, appliance, and
elevation loss while maintaining an
adequate nozzle pressure to deliver
effective fire streams
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-10
Pump Discharge Pressure
PDP FORMULA
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
NP = Nozzle Pressure
FL = Friction Loss
AL = Appliance loss
EP = Elevation Pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-11
Pump Discharge Pressure
Nozzle Pressures
Nozzle pressure is the pressure required at
the nozzle to deliver the fire stream and flow
rate for that nozzle's design
The manufacturer's specifications for
maximum water flow from an aerial device are
listed with the nozzle specifications
Broken-stream nozzles are available in fog
and smooth-bore varieties
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-12
Pump Discharge Pressure
There are three standard nozzle pressures (SNPs)
for sufficient fireground operations
100 psi NP for all fog nozzles
50 psi NP for smooth-bore handline nozzles
80 p
psi NP for smooth-bore master stream nozzles
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-13
Pump Discharge Pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-14
Pump Discharge Pressure
Determining Nozzle Flow
Flow rate is the volume of water moving through
a nozzle and measured in GPM
Flow and p
pressure differ by
y the design
g and the
purchaser's options
Fog nozzles are designed with pre-determined flow
rates based on a set NP
Smoothbore nozzles commonly are rated at 50 psi
Nozzle flow from an orifice is 29.7 x d² × √NP
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-15
Examples
Calculate the flow rate for a 1¼” smooth
bore tip used on a 2½” handline
GPM = 29.7 × d² × √NP
GPM = 29.7
29 7 × (1¼ )²
) × √50
GPM = 29.7 × (1.25)² × √50
GPM = 29.7 × 1.56 × 7.07
GPM = 327.567 GPM (Round to 300 GPM)
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-16
Examples
Calculate the flow rate for a 1½” smooth
bore master stream nozzle
GPM = 29.7 × d² × √NP
GPM = 29.7
29 7 × (1.5)
(1 5)² × √80
GPM = 29.7 × 2.25 × 8.94
GPM = 597.415 GPM (Round to 600 GPM)
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-17
Friction Loss
Friction loss is the pressure lost from turbulence
as water passes through pipes, hoses, fittings,
adapters, and appliances
Friction loss must be determined after
determining the NP
Exceeding 50 psi of FL per 100' of hose may
decrease the flow because of increased
turbulence in the hose
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-18
Calculating Friction Loss Using the
Coefficient Method
The friction loss equation:
FL = C × Q2 × L
FL = friction loss
C = th
the coefficient,
ffi i t a numerical
i l measure
constant for each specific hose diameter
Q = the quantity of water flowing (GPM ) divided
by 100
L = the length of hose in feet, divided by 100
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-19
Estimating Friction Loss By
Hose Size
This method estimates friction loss per 100 ft
of hose as follows
30 psi × 100 ft of 1¾”
60 psi × 100 ft of 1½”
1½
15 psi × 100 ft of 2½”
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-20
Examples
What is the PDP for 300’ of 2½” hose with a
11/8” smooth bore nozzle?
Smooth bore nozzle on a handline has a NP of
50 psi
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + FL + AL ± EP
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-21
Examples
Now we need to calculate FL:
For a 2½” hose the coefficient is 2 (C=2)
The nozzle has a 11/8” tip, which we know flows
250 GPM ((rounded))
We know the nozzle flow from table 4-1 or by the
formula GPM = 29.7 × d² × √NP
The flow is 250 GPM so 250/100 = 2.5 so Q =
2.5
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-22
Examples
Now we insert the values into the formulas:
FL = C × Q2 × L
FL = 2 × (2.5)² × 300/100
FL = 2 × 6.25
6 25 × 3
FL = 37.5 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-23
Examples
Now we return to the PDP formula and
insert FL
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 +37.5
+37 5 + AL ± EP
PDP = 87.5 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-24
Examples
Calculate the FL in 200’ of 1¾” hose with a
7/ ” smooth bore nozzle
8
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-25
Examples
A smooth bore handline has a NP of 50 psi, so
NP =50. A 7/8” tip flows 161 GPM, so Q = 1.6
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + FL + AL ± EP
FL = C × Q2 × L
FL = 15.5 × (1.6)² × 200/100
FL = 15.5 × 2.56 × 2
FL = 79.36 psi (Round to 80 psi)
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-26
Examples
Now we return to the PDP formula and
insert FL
PDP = NP + FL+ AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 80 + AL ± EP
PDP = 130 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-27
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations; pump discharge pressure;
friction loss; calculating friction loss; and the
different types
yp of connections.
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-28
Review
The Importance of Hydraulic Calculations
Pump Discharge Pressure
Friction Loss
Calculating Friction Loss Using the Coefficient
Method
Estimating Friction Loss by Hose Size
Examples
FIRE 113-PPT-2-2-29
Lesson 3-1
Apparatus and Pump Panel
Overview
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
characteristics and parts of pumper apparatus.
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-1
Overview
Pumps
Types of Fire Pumps
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-2
Pumps
Fires are extinguished when the proper
amount of water (GPM rate) is applied
Water is directed through the nozzle at the
required pressure to give the fire stream enough
reach to penetrate to the seat of the fire
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-3
Pumps
The pump pressurizes the water used to attack
the fire
A fire pump is a mechanical device used to move
fluids
Firefighters want the pump to move the water from the
source to the fire through attack lines
Pumps displace the fluid, which causes the
fluid to move or flow
The resistance to flow creates the pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-4
Pumps
Pumps cannot provide high pressure and
high volume at the same time
There are two sides of all pumps: intake
and discharge
The intake side is referred to as the "supply
side" because it is where the water is supplied
to the pump
Pipes and connections for the intake are set
lower than the discharge piping and
connections
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-5
Types of Fire Pumps
Positive-displacement pumps
The pump traps a fixed amount of fluid and
forces it into a discharge stream during every
revolution of the pumping element
The pump displaces the liquid by creating a
space between the pumping elements, trapping
the liquid in space
The pumping element moves and reduces the
size of the space, forcing the fluid out of the
pump
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-6
Types of Fire Pumps
Positive-displacement pumps
Rely on tightly fitting parts to function
properly
Come in models that are self-priming
p
g but
require the proper conditions to function
properly
Can move air or water during every
revolution because the parts fit together so
closely
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-7
Types of Fire Pumps
Positive Displacement Pumps
Are ideal for use as priming pumps for
centrifugal pumps
As p
priming
gp
pumps
p are connected to the top
p
of the centrifugal pump
Are used as high-pressure auxiliary pumps
or portable pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-8
Types of Fire Pumps
There are two classifications of positivedisplacement pumps: piston pumps and
rotary pumps
Rotary pumps exhibit a circular motion
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-9
Types of Fire Pumps
Piston pumps have an up-and-down action
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-10
Types of Fire Pumps
Rotary pumps are used as priming pumps
for centrifugal pumps
Rotary pumps operate in a circular motion, the
discharge a constant flow of water with each
revolution
The pumping element rotates, expanding the
volume inside to allow the water to enter the
pump
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-11
Types of Fire Pumps
The rotary gear pump uses two gears that
are driven by a 12-volt electric motor
The rotary vane pump uses small
moveable vanes to freely move in and out
of the rotor slots to maintain a tight seal
against the pump casing
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-12
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-13
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-14
Types of Fire Pumps
The centrifugal pump
The centrifugal pump is the most common fire
pump in use today
Water flow is discharged
g based on p
pressures at
the discharge side of the pump
At higher flow rates (rpm), the pump flows less volume
but creates higher pressures
The pump spinning more slowly creates less pressure
on the discharge side but flows greater water volume
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-15
Types of Fire Pumps
The pump operates on the principle of
centrifugal force: outward force from the
center of rotation
A metal pump impeller transfers energy from the
vehicle's
vehicle
s motor to discharge incoming water
Inside the impeller are impeller vanes, which divide
the impeller
The spinning impeller accelerates the water
movement between the vanes and discharges the
fluid radially outward into the volute
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-16
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-17
Types of Fire Pumps
The centrifugal pump can pump only water or
other liquids
The pump has no valves from the intake to discharge
side
The water can move between either side of the
impeller when it is not spinning
When the impeller is spinning, the water is taken from
the intake side and flows out the discharge side
If the discharge valves are closed, the water inside the
pump will churn around inside
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-18
Types of Fire Pumps
The centrifugal pump
Relies on water movement from the intake side to
the discharge side to operate effectively
Is not self-priming
Can take advantage of the incoming pressure on
the intake side to increase the discharge pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-19
Types of Fire Pumps
Waterous Pump Training
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-20
Types of Fire Pumps
Centrifugal pumps are single stage (one
impeller) or multistage (two or more
impellers within one pump housing turning
on the same shaft)
Single-stage pumps have one impeller that takes
in and discharges water out of the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-21
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-22
Types of Fire Pumps
The two-stage pump is the most common
type of multistage pump
The transfer valve determines whether the pump
will be operated in series/pressure mode or
parallel/volume mode
p
–
Never use transfer valve when PSI is over 50 psi
When in parallel/volume mode, the water enters
each impeller from the common intake side and is
discharged into the common discharge header
When in the series/pressure mode, the water
travels through one impeller in series
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-23
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-24
Types of Fire Pumps
A fire pump is rated by and tested to
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) specifications
During annual service testing the pump must
produce at:
100 percent of rated capability at 150 psi for 20 minutes
70 percent of rated capability at 200 psi for 10 minutes
50 percent of rated capability at 250 psi for 10 minutes
No rating is provided for pressures greater than
250 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-25
Types of Fire Pumps
Special multistage pumps are built to
produce extraordinarily high pressures for
special pumping requirements
Some departments
p
want the ability
y to use
high-pressure booster lines while still having
volume pumping capabilities of 500 GPM or
more
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-26
Types of Fire Pumps
The pump capacity is increased significantly
with the development of larger pumps with
larger impellers
In the 1950s, p
pumps
p delivered flows of 500 or
750 GPM
Today, pumps can flow at 2000 GPM or larger
Pump capacity also increased because of the
increase in diesel engines' horsepower
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-27
Types of Fire Pumps
Power supplies for pumps
The driver/operator must be familiar with how
various pumps receive power
The simplest form of a power supply is available
with a portable pump
The pump is carried by two or more firefighters to a water
source to pump the water from the source
The pump has a small engine attached directly to the
pump
There are no gear boxes, clutches, shifting levers, or other
devices
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-28
Types of Fire Pumps
Some apparatus have a pump mounted on the
front bumper
Power take-off (PTO) units are commonly used
for small pumps like those on tankers or tenders
The PTO unit is mounted to the side of the
transmission, through the shaft directed to the gear
case on the pump
PTO provides a less-expensive method of developing
pump power, especially when the pump has a limited
capacity
PTO allows a pump-and-roll capability for certain
apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-29
Types of Fire Pumps
Transfer case is the most common power
system found in pumps
The gearbox is mounted to the apparatus frame
between the transmission and rear axle
The drive shaft is connected from the apparatus
transmission to the transfer case so the transfer case
can direct power to the rear axle or pump
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-30
Types of Fire Pumps
Power supplies for pumps
Placing the pump into the
pump gear in the cab
transfers power from the rear
axle to the pump
The pump speed is directly
related to transmission speed
Automatic transmissions are
made for pumping operations
that will lock into the intended
gear once the apparatus is
placed in the pumping mode
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-31
Types of Fire Pumps
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-32
Types of Fire Pumps
Electronic Pump Governors
Come in different styles made by the different
apparatus builders
Control the p
pump
pp
pressures via electronic throttle
control and a pump casing transducer
Allow pump pressure to remain at a set pressure
Can be operated in RPM or pressure mode
Will not control pressure until a discharge
pressure of 70 psi is reached
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-33
Types of Fire Pumps
When drafting with an
EPG:
It is recommended you
draft in RPM mode
After draft is successful
and water flow
established switch to
pressure mode
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-34
Types of Fire Pumps
Safety Considerations
EPGs have several safety features that can
prevent damage to the pump
EPGs have an Electronic Control Module or ECM
If the water supply is not sufficient and discharge
pressure drops below 45 psi the EPG will limit
engine speed to 1100 RPM’s
If the pressure drops below 15 psi the engine will
reset to idle
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-35
Types of Fire Pumps
Should any of the above conditions exist on an
attack engine the operator should:
Place the EPG in the
RPM mode and throttle
back up to the desired
pump pressure
Stay in RPM until all
danger to attack crews
has passed
Try to figure out the
problem after the incident
is over
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-36
Types of Priming Systems
Positive Displacement primers
The Rotary Vane Primer
Requires higher RPM
Can be powered mechanically by the pump transfer
case or by an electric motor
Consists of a rotary vane pump, primary vane and oil
reservoir
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-37
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-38
Types of Priming Systems
Positive displacement primers use an oil
supply for two reasons:
Oil helps seal the gaps between gears and the
case
Oil acts as a preservative and minimizes part
deterioration
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-39
Types of Priming Systems
Rotary Gear Primers
Have a larger capacity than a rotary vane primer
Can tolerate larger air leaks than smaller pumps
Enable priming action to take place under
adverse conditions
Consist of a pump, priming valve and oil reservoir
Can be driven by electric motor or mechanically
by the transfer case
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-40
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-41
Types of Priming Systems
Manual Controls
Some primers have the option of being operated
electronically or manually
Manual operating
p
g controls are p
placed on the
pump panel
When manual control is used:
The mechanical drive to the pump should be energized
and the pump turning before opening the priming valve
After the pump is primed, the priming valve must be
closed before the priming pump stops turning
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-42
Types of Priming Systems
Exhaust Primers (EPs)
In EPs the exhaust gases are stopped by the
exhaust gas deflector and diverted to a chamber
to create a venturi effect and a vacuum
The chamber is connected though a line and a
priming valve to the intake of the pump
An exhaust primer requires a lot of maintenance
since exhaust gases moving through the primer
leave deposits and can reduce efficiency
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-43
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-44
Types of Priming Systems
Exhaust Primers
Exhaust primers require high RPM’s
Exhaust primers are primarily used on portable
pumps
p
p
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-45
Types of Priming Systems
Vacuum Primers (VPs)
VPs are the simplest type of primer
VPs make use of the vacuum already present
in the intake manifold of anyy g
gasoline engine
g
As air enters the line from the intake side of
the pump, the pump is primed and fills with
water
Vacuum primers work best at low RPM
With the advent of diesel engines this type of
primer is seldom used
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-46
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-47
Types of Priming Systems
Operation of a Primer
In order to operate a
primer it is necessary
to follow these
generall steps:
t
Create an airtight
waterway from the
pump to the water
Set the engine RPM as
required by your
manufacturer’s
specifications
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-48
Types of Priming Systems
Operate the primer until
the pump is primed and:
The hard suction hose
drops and fills with water
There is a vacuum
reading on compound
gauge
Water discharges on the
ground from the priming
pump or exhaust ejector
Pressure is indicated on
pressure gauge
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-49
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
characteristics and parts of pumper apparatus.
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-50
Review
Pumps
Types of Fire Pumps
Types of Priming Systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-1-51
Lesson 3-2
Hydraulic Calculations II
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations for attack lines and wyed
connections.
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-1
Overview
Hydraulic Calculations for Attack Lines
Connections and Appliances
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-2
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Using multiple hoselines of different sizes and
lengths
On the fireground, a scenario may arise where multiple
water pressures are needed from one fire pumper
Only one pressure (the highest) can be created by a
pumper
The driver/operator needs to know how to control the
water pressures on discharges requiring less pressure
–
Two identical lines
–
Operating lines of unequal size and length
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-3
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Under normal conditions, the valve should be fully
opened to prevent excess turbulence and FL
through the valve
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-4
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Calculating friction loss using the Q² method
The basic formula for this calculation is FL = Q²
The formula has a conversion factor depending on hose
diameter
For 3” hose FL = Q²
For 2½” hose FL = Q² × 2
For 4” hose FL = Q² ÷ 5
For 5” hose FL = Q² ÷ 15
For 6” hose FL = Q² ÷ 30
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-5
Examples
A pumper is supplying two attack lines. The first is 150’ of 1¾”
hose flowing 150 GPM with a fog nozzle. The second line is
200’ of 2½” hose flowing 250 GPM with a smooth bore nozzle.
Using the Coefficient method, what is the PDP?
The PDP for the FIRST line is:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 15.5 × (1.5)² × 1.5
FL = 15.5 × 2.25 × 1.5
FL = 52.3 for FIRST line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-6
Examples
Insert the FL into the PDP formula:
PDP = NP + FL+ AL ± EP
PDP = 100 + 52.3 + AL ± EP
PDP = 152.3 psi
The PDP for the SECOND line is:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 2 × (2.5)² × 2
FL = 2 × 6.25 × 2
FL = 25 for the SECOND line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-7
Examples
Insert the FL into the PDP formula
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 +25 + AL ± EP
PDP = 75 psi
The answer for this scenario is the higher pressure
which was 152 psi on the FIRST line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-8
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
The PDP for the FIRST line according to chart in SM 2-2 is
140 PSI
The PDP for the SECOND line is:
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 2.5² × 2
FL = 6.25 × 2
FL = 12.5 psi per 100 feet of hose × 2
FL = 25 psi for the SECOND line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-9
Examples
Insert the FL into the PDP formula
PDP = NP + FL+ AL ± EP
PDP = 50 +25 + AL ± EP
PDP = 75 psi
The answer for this scenario is the higher pressure
which was 140 psi on the FIRST line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-10
Examples
A pumper is supplying two hoselines. The first attack line is
300’of 2½” hose flowing 300 GPM with a smooth bore nozzle.
The second line is 200’ of 1¾” hose flowing 150 GPM with a
fog nozzle. What is the PDP?
The PDP for the first line is:
FL = C × Q²
Q ×L
FL =2 × (3)² × 3
FL = 54
Insert the FL into the PDP formula
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 54 + AL ± EP
PDP = 104
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-11
Examples
The PDP for the second line is:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 15.5 × (1.5)² × 2
FL = 69.75
Insert the FL into the PDP formula
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 100 + 69.75 + AL ± EP
PDP = 169.75
The answer for this scenario is the higher pressure which
was 169.75 psi (round to 170 psi) on the second line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-12
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
The PDP for the FIRST line is:
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 3.0² × 2
FL = 9 × 2
FL = 18 psi per 100 feet of hose × 3
FL = 54 psi for the FIRST line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-13
Examples
Insert the FL into the PDP formula
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 54 + AL ± EP
PDP = 104 psi
The PDP for the SECOND line according to chart in
SM 2-2 is 155 PSI
The answer for this scenario is the higher pressure
which was 155 psi on the second line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-14
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Elevation Pressure
Adjust the calculations for
elevation pressure, which is
the distance the nozzle is
above or below the pump
Elevation loss is the
pressure lost when the
nozzle is above the pump
Elevation gain is the
pressure gained when a
nozzle is below the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-15
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Elevation Pressure
Add or subtract the EP from the PDP after calculating
the EP
Elevation loss requires added pressure to discharge
to compensate for the loss
Elevation gain requires the subtraction of pressure
from the discharge pressure
Adjust for elevation considering grade and altitude
relative to sea level
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-16
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
There are many situations where the water has to
be discharged at an elevation that is higher or
lower than the pumper
A change in elevation affects the PDP because
water has weight that must be compensated for
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-17
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
When calculating EP, remember water exerts a
pressure of 0.434 psi per 1' of water column
When doing calculations simplify by multiplying by 0.5
per foot
To speed the calculation process further, determine the
elevation change in 10' increments and multiply by 5
psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-18
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Elevation Pressure
Use a variance of ±5 psi per floor when calculating the
elevation gain/loss on multi-story buildings
For multi-story buildings, use EP = 5 psi × (number of
stories - 1)
To calculate the EP for a grade, use EP = 0.5 H
0.5 is constant
H = height
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-19
Examples
Determine EP when the nozzle is on the eleventh
floor of a building
EP = (Number of stories -1) × 5 psi
EP = (11-1) × 5 psi
EP = 10 × 5 psi
EP = 50 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-20
Examples
Determine the EP when the nozzle is 30’ below the
pump
EP = 0.5 × height
EP = 0.5 × -30
EP = -15 PSI
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-21
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Appliance Loss
Appliances are the devices used to connect and adapt
the hoses and direct and control the water flow in
various hose layouts
Appliances include
adapters, reducers,
gated wyes, Siamese
connections, water
thieves, monitors,
manifolds, and
elevated master
stream devices
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-22
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Like any other water supply device, appliances may add
to FL
As in the fire hose, the FL in an appliance is directly
proportional to the water volume (GPM) flowing
through the system
An appliance FL is considered insignificant when the
water flows are less than 350 GPM
Assign 10 psi in AL for handlines with a flow of 350
GPM or greater
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-23
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Appliance Loss
Friction in appliances will not
be calculated in flows of less
than 350 GPM
Fire streams of 350 GPM or
greater are considered master
streams
Assign 25 psi in AL for
master streams
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-24
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
When determining friction loss in appliances:
Check the department appliances for FL at the water
flows most likely to be encountered on the fireground
Student will need the hose or appliance to be tested
and two in-line
in line pressure gauges for testing hose
Also needed are a nozzle appropriately sized for the
hose to control the water discharged, the hose to
make the connections, and the adapters and fittings
to make the connections
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-25
Hydraulic Calculations for
Attack Lines
Choose the method to use and document the results
Conduct the tests on level ground and complete the
process at various flows to see how the FL changes
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-26
Connections and Appliances
Wyed Hoselines
The wye is used to split a single line into two lines
The use of a wye requires an additional calculation to find
the final FL
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-27
Examples
A pumper is supplying 100’ of 2½” hose to a wye that has two
1¾” lines 200’ long flowing 150 GPM each through fog
nozzles. What is the PDP?
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-28
Examples
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
FL =C × Q² × L
FL for the 2½” line = 2 × (3)² × 1
FL = 18 psi
FL for the 1¾” line = 15.5 × (1.5)² × 2
FL = 15.5 × 2.25 × 2
FL = 69.75 psi (round to 70 psi)
It takes 70 psi to flow the 1¾” line, the second line is
identical, both lines experience the same FL and have
the same NP.
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-29
Examples
Insert values into the formula:
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 100 (NP) + 36 (for the 2½” line) + 70 (for the 1¾”
lines) + 10 for friction loss
PDP = 100 + 18 + 70 + 10 + EP
PDP = 198 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-30
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
The PDP for the 2½” line is:
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 3.0² × 2
FL = 9 × 2
FL = 18 psi per 100 feet of hose × 1
FL = 18 psi for the 2½” line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-31
Examples
Insert values in the formula:
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 18 + AL ± EP
PDP = 68 psi
The PDP for the 1¾” line according to chart in SM 2-2
is 155 PSI
The answer for this scenario is the higher pressure
which was 155 psi on the 1¾” line
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-32
Examples
A pumper is supplying 100’ of 3” (with 2½” couplings) to a wye
with two equal lines of 2½” hose, each 200’ flowing 250 GPM
through smooth bore nozzles. What is the PDP?
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
For the 3” line:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 0.8 × (5)² × 1
FL = 0.8 × 25
FL = 20
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-33
Examples
For the 2½” lines:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 2 × (2.5)² × 2
FL = 2 × 6.25 × 2
FL = 25
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 20 + 25 + 10 (for appliance loss)
PDP = 105 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-34
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the 3” line is
FL = Q²
FL = 5²
FL = 25
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-35
Examples
For the 2½” line
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 2.5² × 2
FL = 6.25 × 2
FL = 12.5 × 2 (for 200 feet of hose)
FL = 25
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 25 + 25 + 10 (for appliance loss)
PDP = 110 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-36
Connections and Appliances
Siamese Hoselines
A Siamese connection is a device allowing multiple
hoselines to converge into one and is often used on the
intake side of a pump, allowing multiple lines to supply
the pumper
Used by departments
that do not have a
large-diameter hose
Used to supply large
amounts of water at a
reasonable amount of
pump pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-37
Connections and Appliances
A Siamese connection
May be used on the discharge side of the pump to bring two or
three lines into one attack line, reducing the FL in long reach
Is found on fire department connections on buildings with
standpipe sprinkler systems
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-38
Connections and Appliances
There are three methods to calculate the FL in
the lines to the Siamese connection when the
lines are of equal size and length
Split flow method
C ffi i t method
Coefficient
th d
Percentage method
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-39
Examples
A pumper is supplying 1200 GPM through three 2½”
lines that are 300 ft long to a Siamese line. What is
the FL to the Siamese connection as calculated
using the Siamese coefficient?
FL = C × Q
Q² × L
C= 0.22
Q = 1200/100 = 12
L = 300’/100 = 3
FL = 0.22 × 12² × 3
FL = 95 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-40
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the 2½” line
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 4² × 2
FL = 16 × 2
FL = 32 × 3 (for 300 ft of hose)
FL = 96 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-41
Split Method Examples
A pumper is supplying 1200 GPM through three 2½”
lines that are 300’ long to a Siamese connection.
What is the FL to the Siamese connection as
calculated with the split flow method?
1200 GPM/3 hoselines = 400 GPM each
FL =C × Q² × L
C=2
Q = 400/100 = 4
L = 300’/100 = 3
FL =2 × 4² × 3
FL = 96 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-42
Split Method Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the 2½” hose
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 4² × 2
FL = 16 × 2
FL = 32 × 3 (for 3 hose lines)
FL = 96 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-43
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations for attack lines and wyed
connections.
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-44
Review
Hydraulic Calculations for Attack Lines
Connections and Appliances
FIRE 113-PPT-3-2-45
Lesson 4-1
Static Water Supply Sources and
Water Shuttle Operations
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
process of priming, pumping, maintaining a flow of
water from a draft and establishing water shuttle
and dump
p site operations.
p
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-1
Overview
Selecting a Drafting Site
Pumping from a Draft
Preparing to Operate at Draft by Priming the Pump
Drafting Operations
Producing a Flow of Water
Preventing Complications during Drafting
Operations
Water Shuttle Operations
Establishing Dump Site Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-2
Selecting a Drafting Site
Ensuring that an incident has a steady water
supply
Selecting the appropriate drafting site involves
determining the reliability of the static water source
including:
g
Accessibility
Purpose of site
Positioning of apparatus
Once the reliability is established, operational
requirements may influence the site selection
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-3
Selecting a Drafting Site
Determining the reliability of static water sources
Evaluate the reliability of a static water source before
committing to draft from it
Consider the following factors when determining the
reliability of a static water source:
Accessibility
Quantity of water available
Quality of water
Remember that failure to determine the reliability can affect
the ability to support fireground operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-4
Selecting a Drafting Site
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-5
Selecting a Drafting Site
Estimating the quantity of water available
Considering lakes or large rivers
There is no question that an adequate supply will be
available
Smaller static sources require careful evaluation
Evaluating water quality of a static source
Water from a static source should be free of aquatic
weeds, moss, algae, and other trash or debris
Clean water is preferred over muddy or murky water
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-6
Selecting a Drafting Site
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-7
Selecting a Drafting Site
Accessing the static water source
Safely position the apparatus close enough to the water
source to submerge the strainer of the hard-sided supply
hose completely in water once it is connected to the fire
pump
Check the soil near the edges of the water source to make
sure it is dry and solid enough to support the weight of the
apparatus, especially for extended wet operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-8
Selecting a Drafting Site
Identify a drafting site that is level and free of trees,
bushes, rocks, fences, and other obstructions that may
limit access to the source
Obstructions can limit one's ability to access the site
and can serve as safety concerns
Rocks and other ground debris can cause trip
hazards
Too steep of a slope can make the apparatus shift or
roll
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-9
Selecting a Drafting Site
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-10
Selecting a Drafting Site
Remember that access to static water sources can
be difficult during the winter
Snow can hide hazards
Ice covering the water presents an access problem and a
potential life safety situation
Chop a hole in the ice to gain access to the water
source if necessary
Firmly and carefully tap the ice to determine if it is
safe to walk on
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-11
Selecting a Drafting Site
Special accessibility considerations
Draft from a bridge if needed
Be sure the bridge is designed to support the weight of
the apparatus
Evaluate the height of the lift
Consider the effects of restricting or blocking traffic
Consider safety hazards for personnel and equipment
when operating near moving traffic
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-12
Selecting a Drafting Site
Identify drafting sites during preplanning rather
than waiting for a fire
Perform calculations for water availability from static and
moving sources when you are not under pressure from
an emergency
g
y incident
Identify and note problem areas before an emergency
operation and locate predetermined drafting sites
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-13
Selecting a Drafting Site
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-14
Selecting a Drafting Site
Consider placing portable pumps near static water
sources when accessibility with the fire pumper is
not possible
Portable pumps deliver water, through a hose, to a spot
with better accessibility for the apparatus
Drafting options using portable pumps are not ideal but
multiple pumps may be used to supply larger volumes of
water when needed
Consider using floating pumps with ports and
strainers that go below the water's surface and do
not draw air into the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-15
Selecting a Drafting Site
Consider placing a dam in a streambed as an option
for drafting from shallow flowing water sources
Use anything that blocks the water flow in a stream
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-16
Selecting a Drafting Site
If damming, ensure that:
The water source, once dammed, will provide an
adequate water supply
Creating the dam will not have a negative effect
downstream
The dam is strong enough to stay in place for the
duration of the operation
Once the operation is completed, releasing the water
will not have a negative effect downstream
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-17
Selecting a Drafting Site
If drafting to supply a water shuttle or to be the
source pumper in a relay operation, remember that
operational and other considerations will apply to
the site selection
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-18
Pumping from a Draft
Setting up the pump to draft
Setting up the pump to draft requires teamwork of two or
more firefighters
A hard-sided supply hose is heavy and can be awkward to
handle with fewer than two firefighters
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-19
Pumping from a Draft
Making the connection
Determine when to connect the hard suction hose to the
pump
If the location allows, place the apparatus in its final
position before making connections while ensuring an
adequate space to work around the pump panel and to
connect the hose to the pump intake valve
If space is limited, connect the hard suction hose away
from the final position and slowly move the apparatus
with firefighters carrying the hose while advancing
toward the final position
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-20
Pumping from a Draft
Before the connections are made, inspect the
gaskets for proper placement and the absence of
cracks and debris that might affect their ability to
create a vacuum and obtain draft
Using a rubber mallet to tighten connections provides a
strong seal and ensures they will not loosen when moved
during placement
A hard suction hose must be connected to the pump
intake connection
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-21
Pumping from a Draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-22
Pumping from a Draft
Once the needed length of hose is determined,
place the strainer on the end
The strainer prevents large debris and animals or fish from
entering the pump and causing pump failure or damage
The connection between the strainer and hose should be
as tight as the connection between the hard suction hose
and pump intake valve
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-23
Pumping from a Draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-24
Pumping from a Draft
Strainer Use
Barrel strainers are most commonly used for deep water
sources in which strainers will not be able to contact the
bottom of the source or large debris fields
Low-level
Low
level strainers are designed for clean
clean, shallow water
sources
The square-shaped, flat strainer has an opening
between two flat plates of aluminum
There is a 2" wide gap between 16" plates on the top
and bottom of the strainer
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-25
Pumping from a Draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-26
Pumping from a Draft
Low-level strainers are considered lower-flow
strainers because their intake openings are slightly
smaller than the hose diameter to avoid creating a
strong draft that draws in debris
Low-level strainers are used when drafting from
portable
t bl ttanks
k b
because th
the water
t iis d
debris-free
bi f
and
d
the strainer can touch the bottom without dirt or silt
entering the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-27
Pumping from a Draft
Floating strainers are designed to operate below the
surface scum, but above the weeds, dirt, or silt in a
water source
Are ideal for water sources in which the depth or bottom
quality is unknown
Can be large and will take up significant space in the
apparatus cabinets
May be made of aluminum or polyethylene
Contain large, hollow chambers, allowing them to float
Have an intake port equipped with a strainer that is placed
below the water surface and will not draw air into the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-28
Pumping from a Draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-29
Pumping from a Draft
Once all connections are made, the hard suction
hose and strainer should be placed into the water
Tie rope to the strainer to help move the hose once it is in
the water
Ensure that the strainer is completely immersed so air is
not drawn into the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-30
Pumping from a Draft
When using a barrel strainer, ensure that there is at
least 24" of water in all directions around the strainer
Remember that low-level, floating strainers are
designed to operate in shallow conditions and require
only 24" of water depth
With connections made and the strainer securely
placed, begin drafting
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-31
Preparing to Operate at Draft by
Priming the Pump
Ensure that all drains and valves including the
tank to pump valve are closed
Firmly pull the priming pump handle out until it
stops, hold it out and increase RPM’s to
manufacturers
f t
specifications
ifi ti
Observe that water and air are discharged under
the apparatus
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-32
Preparing to Operate at Draft by
Priming the Pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-33
Preparing to Operate at Draft by
Priming the Pump
Look for a vacuum reading to appear on the supply
master gauge while pulling the handle out
Priming should not take more than 45 to 60 seconds if
everything is working correctly
N t th
Note
thatt more water
t flows
fl
outt off th
the priming
i i pump
and is discharged under the apparatus when the air
is pumped out
Do not stop operating the priming pump until you
note pressure on the discharge side
Slightly advance the throttle
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-34
Preparing to Operate at Draft by
Priming the Pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-35
Drafting Operations
Before supplying water to the handlines, master
streams, or relay pumping operation, establish a
dump line
Slowly open the discharge valve for the dump line
and begin flowing water
If the valve is opened too fast, it may cause a loss of
vacuum, breaking the pump draft
Slightly increase the engine rpm to maintain the draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-36
Drafting Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-37
Drafting Operations
Discharge water from the dump line back into the
water source, away from the strainer, to avoid
introducing air into the hard suction hose
An air inflow may lead to a loss of vacuum, ending the
pump's
pump
s draft
If the dump line cannot be discharged back into the source,
discharge the water onto the ground away from the drafting
site
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-38
Drafting Operations
Once you sustain a flow of water through the dump
line, attach the hoselines that you will be supplying
The lines may differ depending on the purpose of the
drafting operation
The operation can be sped up if other crew members make
the connections while the driver/operator establishes the
draft and dump lines
Once the water is flowing from the dump line and the lines
being supplied are attached, increase the amount of water
that will flow
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-39
Producing a Flow of Water
Whether supplying attack lines or water for an
attack pumper, make sure the crews know that
water flow is ready to start before opening the
discharge valve
Slowly open the corresponding discharge valve for
the hoseline and begin flowing water
Increase the engine rpm by increasing the throttle to
maintain the draft and provide an adequate
discharge pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-40
Producing a Flow of Water
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-41
Producing a Flow of Water
Observe that the water flow into the pump usually is
slower than the discharge flow because the energy
required to create a vacuum is greater than the
energy required to discharge water
Continue to increase the throttle until the desired
discharge pressure is reached
Set the pressure relief valve to prevent spikes
Once the draft has been accomplished, do not drop
the draft until the operation is completed and either
the water supply officer or the IC gives the order to
do so
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-42
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
Continuously observe the intake gauge reading
(compound gauge) while drafting
Continuously observe the temperature gauges
Drafting operations require components to work hard;
sometimes,
ti
nott enough
h water
t flows
fl
tto kkeep th
them cooll
If you are supplying a dump line while waiting to fill the
tanker shuttle operation, your flow will be less than 100
GPM
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-43
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-44
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
Open and close the cooling lines as recommended
by the apparatus manufacturer to prevent the
engine or pump from overheating
Listen for cavitation
Cavitation occurs when attempting to flow water faster
than it is supplied to the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-45
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
Remember that cavitation affects the fire pump's
ability to deliver water and can damage the pump
The problem is easy to diagnose because it causes the
discharge pressure reading on the pump panel to fluctuate
significantly
g
y
The firefighter will hear a rattling that sounds like the pump
is pumping gravel
When the pump is cavitating, the discharge pressure does
not respond to the throttle (rpm) increase as under normal
operations
The firefighter may hear a sputtering or popping from the
nozzles on the discharge lines
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-46
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
If cavitation is suspected during drafting, notify the
IC, throttle down and reduce discharge and/or flow
Check the vacuum reading on the master supply
gauge
The reading should indicate 1 in. Hg of pressure for each
foot of lift under normal operating conditions
If the reading is significantly higher than normal, suspect
cavitation due to supply restrictions
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-47
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-48
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
If there is a higher than normal vacuum reading,
check the intake screen
If the screen is clean but the supply vacuum reading is
still high, confirm that the suction valve is fully open (if
one is being
g used))
If everything checks out but the vacuum reading is still
high, reduce the throttle slightly or gate down discharges
slightly; you probably are trying to pump water faster than
it can be supplied to the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-49
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
Remember that a pump's failure to prime is one of
the most common problems that occurs during
drafting operations
Double-check the steps required for priming the pump
E
Ensure
th
the fi
fire pump on th
the apparatus
t primes
i
iin th
the time
ti
specified in the manufacturer’s specifications
Follow the diagnostic steps to identify the problem
and find a solution:
Note the vacuum reading on the supply master gauge after
holding the primer valve fully open for 20 to 30 seconds
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-50
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
If you cannot create a vacuum, recheck all the valves on
the pump control panel to verify they are closed
Recheck the couplings on the hard suction line to make
sure they are tight
Make sure the suction strainer is completely submerged
Try priming the pump again
If it is still not working and the booster tank is empty, add
one or two 5-gal buckets of water to the booster tank
Make sure the primer is operating within manufacturer’s
specifications
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-51
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
If you cannot create a vacuum make sure the intake
screen is clean and water is not being lifted too high
Reposition the fire pump so the lift is 10-15’
Make sure the suction valve is open (if one is being used)
Try to prime the pump again
If you are still unsuccessful and the vacuum reading is
high, remove the suction hose from the pump and check
the inlet strainer on the fire pump and the inside of the
suction hose for an obstruction
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-52
Preventing Complications during
Drafting Operations
Reconnect the hard suction hose and try to prime the
pump again
If you are still unsuccessful and the vacuum reading is
high, replace the hard suction hose with another hose
and try again
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-53
The Water Shuttle
Using a water shuttle in rural and remote areas
Elements of a water shuttle
A fill site is where tankers get their water tanks filled
A dump
p site is where the tanker offloads water
Water shuttles can become large and complex operations
A water supply officer is assigned to coordinate required
activities
If the incident is small or quickly mitigated, the water
shuttle may be simple and short
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-54
The Water Shuttle
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-55
The Water Shuttle
Establishing a fill site at a static water source
Remember the formula PDP = 35 + FL + AL ± EP
Establish a fill site from a static source following the
same procedures as discussed earlier
Choose a location after considering if it affects how
other apparatus will access the incident
Select a site that will not block egress to the scene
When the tanker is full, slowly throttle down and close
the discharge valves, keeping the dump line open
during the operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-56
The Water Shuttle
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-57
The Water Shuttle
When utilizing fill sites in inaccessible areas,
consider
Using portable pumps to get the water to the tankers if you
cannot get a pumper close to a static water source
Using portable floating pumps for obtaining water in
inaccessible areas
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-58
The Water Shuttle
Safety for water shuttle operations
Steps to improve incident safety
include:
Preplanning locations for obtaining
water
Being trained in the use and
operation of the equipment
Knowing which equipment to use
Communication between tankers and
the fill sites may require a separate
radio frequency
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-59
The Water Shuttle
Sites should be well lit and personnel should wear
high visibility PPE
Extreme caution must be emphasized while
driving tankers because they handle differently
from standard pumpers
The maneuverability is greatly reduced with tankers due
to their size and weight
Vehicles should never be operated beyond the posted
speed limit
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-60
The Water Shuttle
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-61
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Choosing and establishing a dump site location
The site should be on firm, level ground that is not
susceptible to significant changes from apparatus
movement or getting wet from water
The location must be large and strong enough to support
the weight of the water and incoming tankers
The location should provide enough room for the
movement of tankers in and out
Large parking lots and fields that are flat and smooth
make excellent dump sites
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-62
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Taking care not to obstruct the flow of additional
responding apparatus or the tanker shuttle
Consider which way a tanker will offload water
Once a good site is determined, set up the portable tanks
and create a static source for the source pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-63
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Using portable tanks
Fill the portable tanks with as much water as the
capacity of the tanker allows
When using portable tanks, an expanding operation
should be considered
The portable tanks provide water that is free from
debris and not subjected to stream currents and
unknown shore soil conditions
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-64
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Ensure portable tank is set in an area free of debris
that could puncture the tank
Initially fill the portable tank from a tanker before it
enters the water shuttle operation
When tanks are in place, the tanker positions itself to
offload water and moves to fill site
The portable tank should not overflow while being filled, so
fill the tank slowly
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-65
Establishing Dump Site Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-66
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Offloading tankers
A method of offloading a tanker when large dump valves
are not installed on apparatus is to attach medium-size
lines (2½" to 3") to the tanker pump and place the other
end of the lines into the portable tank
The hose must be held in place or a commercially
made device must be attached to the tank
The tanker driver/operator should pump water
through the hoselines at a maximum of 50 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-67
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Use of multiple portable tanks
The use of multiple portable tanks is standard practice in
rural firefighting
Jet siphon adapters use a hard suction hose as a pathway
for flowing water forced through the hose by Venturi forces
The jet siphon has a connection for a 1½" or 1¾" hose
to flow water, creating Venturi forces and drawing water
from the tank up through the hose to be discharged into
the second tank
A jet siphon is connected to one end of a loose hard
suction hose in the tank from which the water is being
removed
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-68
Establishing Dump Site Operations
A 1½" or 1¾" hose is attached to the jet siphon device
and placed into the tank once it is full
The source pumper connects a hose to the discharge
port and pumps at 100 to 125 psi
Dump
p lines should not be used to supply
pp y jjet siphons
p
You can use multiple jet siphons to move water
between the tanks depending on how many tanks are in
the operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-69
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Source pumper considerations for portable tank
operations
Keep the main portable tank full when moving water from
one tank to another
After the source pumper establishes a draft from a static
water supply, make an effort to prevent air from being
introduced into the pump
When one tank is used, the tanker operator must not
dump water on or near the strainer, creating air
turbulence
Using a blow-up ball is important in portable tank
operations because the size of the water "container" is
much smaller and whirlpools can easily be created in
shallow water
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-70
Establishing Dump Site Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-71
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Note that the main tank should not run low on
water during an operation if the tanker shuttle is
working as designed
If the main tank runs out of water, the incident loses its
water supply, putting firefighters at risk if they are in
interior positions
If the main tank keeps running low, ask the IC or water
supply officer to consider adding more tankers to the
shuttle operation to keep up with the water demands
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-72
Establishing Dump Site Operations
Traffic flow within a dump site
Ensure efficient movement of tankers to prevent
congestions
Place the portable tanks in as open an area as
possible to allow easy maneuverability around the site
Offload two tankers at the same time if both sides of
the tanks are accessible and offloading into two tanks
will not disrupt the source pumpers' drafting operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-73
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
process of priming, pumping, maintaining a flow of
water from a draft and establishing water shuttle
and dump
p site operations.
p
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-74
Review
Selecting a Drafting Site
Pumping from a Draft
Preparing to Operate at Draft by Priming the Pump
Drafting Operations
Producing a Flow of Water
Preventing Complications during Drafting
Operations
Water Shuttle Operations
Establishing Dump Site Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-1-75
Lesson 4-2
Relay Pump Operations
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
process of establishing a relay pump operation.
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-1
Overview
The Complexity of Relay Operations
Components of a Relay Pumping Operation
Personnel for Relay Pumping Operations
Preparing for a Relay Pumping Operation
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-2
Overview
Operating the Source Pumper
Operating the Attack Pumper
Operating the Relay Pumper
Joining an Existing Relay Pumping Operation
Pressure Fluctuations in a Relay Pumping
Operation
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping Operation
Safety for Relay Pumping Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-3
The Complexity of Relay Operations
The relay can be as simple as one pumper at a
source and another pumper at the scene
The relay can be as complex as multiple pumpers to
supply water over a long distance to the fire
operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-4
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
A minimum of two fire pumpers with hoselines and
personnel are needed to establish a relay
Two supply or LDH lines supply the water
The fire hose can consist of a single LDH 4” or 5” in
diameter
The fire hose can consist of multiple medium-size hoses
2½” or 3” in diameter
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-5
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-6
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
The source pumper
Is the most important pumper in a relay because it is located
at the water source and supplies water to the incident
Should be the largest fire pump assigned to a relay
operation ensuring it can provide the maximum amount of
operation,
water
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-7
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
The attack pumper
Is the first unit on the scene and its operation dictates how
much water is needed based on how many GPM are
required for the fire attack
May lay a dry supply line into the scene to be filled by the
source pumper or relay pumper if it cannot establish its own
water supply
Should have the supply line laid down from an open area to
the limited access point if positioned in an area with limited
access
Starts supplying the hoselines while operating from a water
tank on arrival at the incident
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-8
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
Can support additional hoselines only if the incoming water
supply from a relay operation will support them
Is the "workhorse," providing the water to all hoselines
attacking the fire
Relay pumpers
Are apparatus placed in the middle of the relay pumping
operation
Obtain water from the source pumper and increase the
pressure to the next pumper in the relay
Cannot increase the water volume (GPM) being pumped
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-9
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-10
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
Single lines of LDH have a low
friction loss variable
Medium size hose has significantly
higher friction loss than LDH; therefore,
if medium hoselines are used for water
supply, it will require 2+ lines to provide
the same GPM as an LDH
To avoid the issue, use LDH when
possible
Calculate the friction loss for your
part of the operation and adjust the
discharge pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-11
Components of a Relay Pumping
Operation
No matter which hose is used to supply water from
the source pumper, each pumper in a relay
operation and the attack pumper must be equipped
with an intake relief valve
The intake relief valve prevents the incoming water supply
from reaching an excessively high pressure, damaging the
pump and interrupting relay operation
Relief valves discharge excessive pressure through a port
on the valve
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-12
Personnel for Relay Pumping
Operations
It is the driver/operator's responsibility to operate
the pump and manage the intake and discharge
pressures
The second firefighter is responsible for managing
the area around the apparatus to ensure the safety
of the members by monitoring vehicle movement
and warning the driver of possible dangers
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-13
Preparing for a Relay Pumping
Operation
The length of the relay operation is determined by
the distance from a water source to the incident
The amount of water required by the attack pumper
and the size of the supply line affect whether relay
pumpers are required and how many are needed
Once the hose is in place for a relay, the need for a
relay pumper can be determined by calculating the
amount of friction loss for that length of hose lay
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-14
Preparing for a Relay Pumping
Operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-15
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
The most common type of relay uses actual flow
calculations to determine the water quantity required
The attack pumper's needs drive the relay operation
The attack pumper's driver/operator must communicate
to the source pumper's
pumper s driver/operator how much water
(GPM) is flowing now or is planned to flow
The attack pumper driver/operator determines the flow
quickly by adding the flow of each handline or master
stream that the attack pumper is discharging
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-16
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
The driver/operator of the source pumper calculates
the distance between the two pumpers in hose
lengths
To calculate the friction loss, divide the flow in GPM by the
number of hoselines used
Multiply the friction loss factor by the number of feet in
hundreds for the total friction loss
Once the friction loss is calculated, add the residual
pressure (20psi) to prevent cavitation for a total discharge
pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-17
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
In a constant pressure relay, the source pumper and
relay pumpers supply a constant pressure and flow
for the operation regardless of the flow (GPM) being
discharged by the attack pumper
Many departments have standardized supply pressures
used for constant pressure relays based on experience
The use of constant pressure relay eliminates the need for
pump calculations unless there are excessive elevation
changes
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-18
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
The pumper driver/operator sets the pump discharge
pressure depending on the size of the supply line and
maintains the pressure for the duration of the operation
Setting the pressure relief valve or pressure governor
maintains the desired pressure in the event of changes at
th attack
the
tt k pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-19
Operating the Source Pumper
The relay pumping operation starts at the source
pumper, where the largest fire pump should be
located
When setting up the source pumper at a static water
source consider the maximum water available for
source,
the operation
Establish a water source and, once water is flowing through
the dump line, connect the hoselines and notify the
receiving driver/operator that the water is ready to start
flowing
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-20
Operating the Source Pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-21
Operating the Source Pumper
Determine the flow rate by calculating the friction loss for
the supply hose based on the GPM to be supplied, the relay
length, and the hose size, plus residual pressure of 20 psi
Contact the receiving driver/operator that the supply is
ready
Open the discharge valve and slowly flow the water while
advancing the throttle as the discharge valve is opened
When the desired pressure is reached, set the pressure
relief valve or governor to prevent pump damage if the flow
is stopped or interrupted by the relay or attack pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-22
Operating the Attack Pumper
The attack pumper establishes the hoselines that
determine the flow
If the attack pumper starts and continues flowing water from
the pumper tank until the relay is set up, monitor the tank
level to ensure the interior crews do not run out of water
Getting the water from the source pumper is critical
to continued operations and firefighter safety
Once the supply lines are charged, bleed the air in the
hoseline from the bleeder valve on the pumper's intake
valve until a steady water stream comes out of the bleeder
Always bleed the supply lines to prevent the air from
entering the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-23
Operating the Attack Pumper
Pressure from the incoming
water supply increases the
discharge pressure to the
hoselines unless the throttle
rate is decreased
Close the tank-to-pump valve and
slightly open the tank fill valve
Fill the tank on the attack pumper
When full, close the tank fill valve
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-24
Operating the Attack Pumper
The source pumper should be advised how much
water is needed and indicate whether the incoming
pressure is sufficient to maintain at least 20 psi of
residual pressure
If more flow is needed
needed, contact the supply crew but do not
try to get more water than the source pumper is supplying
Until receiving the required pressure/ flow, decrease the
pressure to the handlines supported by the attack pumper
Notify the crews operating the lines so they can make
adjustments or retreat until the water supply issue is
resolved
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-25
Operating the Relay Pumper
Lay out the hose between the next pumper and your
location and supply the required pressure and volume
to the next pumper or the attack pumper
When water fills the supply hose, bleed off any air in
the hoseline from a bleeder valve on the pumper's
pumper s
intake valve until a steady stream of water comes out
of the bleeder
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-26
Operating the Relay Pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-27
Operating the Relay Pumper
Have the driver/operator of the relay pumper
monitor incoming residual pressure from the source
or other relay pumper
Once the flow is stabilized, set the pressure relief
valve or governor to prevent damage to the fire
pump if the flow is stopped or interrupted by the
supply or discharge side of the pump
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-28
Joining an Existing Relay Pumping
Operation
Most relay operations are set up all at once from the
beginning of an incident
Adding a pumper to an existing operation requires
stopping the water flow
If called to assist with the relay operation already in
progress, the driver/operator needs to hook up the pumper
to the hoselines already in use
Pumpers generally are added to an existing operation
because of an insufficient pressure or flow to meet the
demands of the attack pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-29
Pressure Fluctuations in a Relay
Pumping Operation
The needs and capacity of the attack pumper affect
all other pumpers in the relay operation
The driver/operator of the attack pumper determines the
GPM needed and notifies the driver/operators of the relay
and/or source p
pumpers
p
of their requirements
q
Mechanical failures or an increase or decrease in hoseline
flows can cause pressure fluctuations
Sometimes the driver/operator must man-ually adjust
the pump pressures
The driver/operator of the attack pumper and all relay
pumpers must decrease the pump discharge pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-30
Pressure Fluctuations in a Relay
Pumping Operation
If the attack pumper opens an additional line causing an
increased flow (GPM), all the relay pumpers need to ensure
they do not drop below 20 psi residual pressure to avoid
pump cavitation
The intake relief valve can compensate for increased intake
pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-31
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping
Operation
The order to terminate a relay pumping operation is
given by the IC or the water supply officer only after
careful consideration
Shutting down the operation is simple, but all pumpers must
be coordinated
When shutting down an operation, the attack
pumper acts first
The driver/operator of the attack pumper ensures that the
apparatus tank is full, then slowly throttles down
The hoselines continue flowing water while shutting down
the relay to prevent fluctuations in water pressure
throughout the operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-32
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping
Operation
The next pumper in the relay makes sure that its
tank is full, and slowly throttles down, while still
flowing water
The source pumper contacts the attack pumper to
begin closing the intake valve
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-33
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping
Operation
All pumpers in the relay close the intake and
discharge lines until all pumpers are no longer
flowing water, including the dump line from the
source pumper
The hoselines are disconnected and drained before
reloading or rolling up
A systematic approach prevents pump damage by
keeping the water flowing at low levels before being
shut down completely
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-34
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping
Operation
The source pumper shuts down the water source to
stop the water flow into the pump
If providing water from a static source, stop the flow through
the pump to break the vacuum and draft
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-35
Safety for Relay Pumping
Operations
Remember that communication is an integral part of
a relay pumping operation
Contact the IC for a channel to which all pump operators
can be assigned
Remember that constant communication between the pump
driver/operators helps prevent situations that might cause
safety hazards
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-36
Safety for Relay Pumping
Operations
Exercise caution when using fire hose during relay
pumping operations
Identify any defects and replace the hose section before it is
used to save time later and have a safer operation
If the defect is spotted after an operation began
began, get a
replacement hose in place and follow the shutdown
procedures used for entering an existing relay pumping
operation
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-37
Safety for Relay Pumping
Operations
Exercise caution when personnel work around relay
pumping operations
Turnout pants and boots, helmet, and gloves will protect the
driver/operator's hands, feet, and head from falling
equipment
q p
or hoseline failure
Crew members in or around the street and moving traffic
should wear reflective vests, even during daytime
operations
Know that NFPA standards are moving towards
requiring the placement of discharges on opposite
side of pump for safer pump operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-38
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, the student will describe the
process of establishing a relay pump operation.
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-39
Review
The Complexity of Relay Operations
Components of a Relay Pumping Operation
Personnel for Relay Pumping Operations
Preparing for a Relay Pumping Operation
Types of Relay Pumping Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-40
Review
Operating the Source Pumper
Operating the Attack Pumper
Operating the Relay Pumper
Joining an Existing Relay Pumping Operation
Pressure Fluctuations in a Relay Pumping
Operation
Shutting Down a Relay Pumping Operation
Safety for Relay Pumping Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-2-41
Lesson 4-3
Hydraulic Calculations III
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on a relay operation.
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-1
Overview
Hydraulic Calculations for Relay Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-2
Hydraulic Calculations for Relay
Operations
Relay Pumpers
Fire departments may have to establish a water supply with
inadequate hoselines
One solution to this problem is to insert relay pumpers
into the line to compensate for friction loss
Adding a relay pumper in the middle of the supply line
will help reduce engine pressure of the supply pumper
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-3
Examples
A supply pumper is delivering water for an attack
pumper through 1000’ of 3” hose. The attack
pumper is flowing 500 GPM through nozzle. What is
the PDP for the supply pumper?
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 0.8 × (500/100)² × (1000’/100)
FL = 0.8 × 5² × 10
FL = 0.8 × 25 × 10
FL = 200 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-4
Examples
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 50 + 200
PDP = 250 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-5
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method
would go as follows
For the 3” hoseline
FL = Q²
FL = 5²
FL = 25 × 10 (for 1000’ of hose)
FL = 250
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 50 + 250
PDP = 300 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-6
Examples
However, if a relay pumper is introduced into the
system halfway between the source pumper and the
attack pumper (500’) and flows the same 500 GPM
through 500’ of 3” hose with a fog nozzle, the PDP
is reduced.
PDP = NP + FL + AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + FL + AL ± EP
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 0.8 × (500/100)² × (500’/100)
FL = 0.8 × 5² × 5
FL = 100
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-7
Examples
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 50 + 100 + AL + EP
PDP = 150 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-8
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method
would go as follows
– For the 3” hoseline
– FL =
Q²
– FL = 5²
– FL = 25 × 5 (for 500’ of hose)
– FL = 125
– PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
– PDP = 50 + 125
– PDP = 175 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-9
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on a relay operation.
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-10
Review
Hydraulic Calculations for Relay Operations
FIRE 113-PPT-4-3-11
Lesson 6-1
Foam Equipment Systems
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of foam
systems and foam proportioning methods.
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-1
Overview
Introduction to Foam
Foam Proportioning
Foam Supplies
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-2
Introduction to Foam
Foam Creation
Foam is created through the application of four
components: water, foam concentrate, mechanical
agitation, and air
Water mixes with the foam concentrate in various ratios
to produce a foam solution
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-3
Introduction to Foam
The solution mixes with air by mechanical agitation
In firefighting, this mechanical agitation usually takes the
form of a nozzle that mixes the air and foam solution to form
the final product: finished foam
Too little foam concentrate in the water produces a lean
solution
l ti th
thatt may dissipate
di i t into
i t th
the ffuell
Too much concentrate produces a rich solution that cannot
properly expand or aspirate when mixed with air
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-4
Introduction to Foam
The expansion of the foam solution depends on
the process of introducing air into the foam
solution
Good mechanical agitation gives an effective aeration
When iinsufficient
Wh
ffi i t air
i iis iintroduced
t d
d iinto
t th
the solution
l ti
stream, the solution is poorly aerated
The foam has few bubbles, causing the foam to
break down quickly so it does not suppress vapors
effectively
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-5
Introduction to Foam
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-6
Introduction to Foam
Foam Compatibility
Mixing the different classes of concentrate may make
the concentrate gel, hindering the operation of foam
proportioning equipment
Class B foam concentrates are not compatible with
each other
Class A and Class B concentrates are not
compatible
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-7
Introduction to Foam
Make sure onboard tanks on the apparatus are properly
marked
Many apparatus carry
onboard water, Class A
foam concentrate, and
Class B foam
concentrate tanks
The concentrate can be
poured into the wrong
tank with undesirable
results
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-8
Foam Proportioning
Proportioning foam properly
Applying foams at the proper percentage depends on the
foam concentrate being mixed at the proper percentage
with water
The percentage of concentrate is introduced into the
water stream
The driver/operator must be familiar with the equipment
used in the department's foam operations
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-9
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-10
Foam Proportioning
The driver/operator has the responsibility to
produce effective foam streams
He or she must have the knowledge of all aspects of
foam operations so the foam will work as intended
Foam not mixed at the proper percentage or not used
as intended will be ineffective and could put
firefighters in danger
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-11
Foam Proportioning
To produce a finished foam,
the water, air, and foam
concentrate must be mixed at
the proper ratio
The foam concentrate must be
added to the water flowing from
the discharge line to form the
proper mixture
The mixture or percentage is
based on the foam concentrate
used, material involved in the
incident, and the equipment
used to produce the finished
foam
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-12
Foam Proportioning
Foam proportioning systems
A foam proportioner: a device that mixes the foam
concentrate into the fire stream in the proper
percentage
There are two types: eductors and injectors
The foam solution can also be produced by batch
mixing or premixing
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-13
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-14
Foam Proportioning
Batch mixing
Batch mixing is the process of
pouring a foam concentrate
directly into the apparatus tank
and mixing a large amount of
foam at once
The proper amount of the foam
concentrate is poured into the
onboard tank to produce the
desired percentage in finished
foam
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-15
Foam Proportioning
Batch mixing requires no special appliances but there are
some problems:
The foam solution is corrosive to the apparatus's pipes,
pump, and water tank
It is difficult to adjust
j
and maintain the correct
application rate, especially if additional water is supplied
from an external source
Adding the foam solution causes the gauges to be
inaccurate and overflows the water tank with foam when
the pump re-circulates the mixture
When the water tank is empty, there is no foam available; a
new batch must be mixed
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-16
Foam Proportioning
Premixing: a technique reserved for portable fire
extinguishers
Foam eductors
Induction involves the use of an eductor to introduce the
appropriate
i t amountt off foam
f
concentrate
t t into
i t a water
t
stream flowing from the discharge
An eductor is an appliance that uses the Venturi
principle to induce a foam concentrate into a water
stream
Eductors can be built into the plumbing of the engine or
a portable eductor can be inserted in the attack hoseline
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-17
Foam Proportioning
The foam eductor is designed to work at a predetermined
pressure and flow rate
A foam eductor has a small pick-up tube submerged in
the foam concentrate
Water traveling
g through
g the in-line eductor draws the
foam concentrate into the water at the desired
percentage using the Venturi principle
– Suction is created at the narrow inlet to the eductor
– The foam concentrate is introduced into the eductor
using a metering valve, which lets the
driver/operator adjust the foam concentrate
percentage educted into the water stream
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-18
Foam Proportioning
There are two types of eductors in the fire service:
inline and bypass
In-line eductors
Have long been used to proportion foam
Are simple to operate and found in many
departments
May be mounted permanently on the apparatus or
can be portable and connected anywhere along the
hose lay
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-19
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-20
Foam Proportioning
In-line eductors
Are used only for applying foam
Mounted permanently to the fire pump are dedicated
to one foam discharge
Bypass eductors are appliances that can be used for
water or foam application, depending on incident
requirements
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-21
Foam Proportioning
Most eductors are calibrated to flow a rated
capacity at a specified inlet pressure
Eductors deliver various flow rates
The nozzle used must match the flow rating of the
eductor
The manufacturer's recommendations must be
followed when selecting nozzles
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-22
Foam Proportioning
Metering valve
The metering valve will be adjusted to control the amount
of foam concentrate introduced into the water stream
Metering valves have adjustable settings: 0 (closed) to 6
percent
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-23
Foam Proportioning
The percentage on the metering valve is achieved
only if the inlet pressure at the eductor matches the
manufacturer's recommended inlet pressure
If the eductor is operated at less than the
recommended inlet pressure, a lower flow of water
goes through the eductor
If the inlet pressure to the eductor exceeds the
pressure recommended by the manufacturer, this
causes the foam solution to have a lower
percentage of concentrate, thus affecting the
company's ability to handle the situation
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-24
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-25
Foam Proportioning
The around-the-pump proportioning system
The around-the-pump proportioning (AP) system operates
on the same principle as an in-line or bypass eductor
system
An around-the-pump
around the pump proportioning system diverts part
of a water pump's output from the discharge side
through the eductor
A vacuum is created at the eductor's foam concentrate
inlet, which draws the foam concentrate through the
metering valve and into the eductor
The foam solution is sent to the suction side of the
water pump, where it mixes with the incoming water and
is distributed throughout the discharge piping
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-26
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-27
Foam Proportioning
The AP system has several advantages over other
foam-creation methods:
The variable flow discharge rate allows for the adjustment
of foam depending on the application
Variable pressure operations are possible,
possible usually within
125 psi to 250 psi
There are no backpressure restrictions because the system
is not affected by the hose length or elevation loss
There are no nozzle restrictions because the system
operates with any size or type of fixed-gallon nozzle
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-28
Foam Proportioning
AP systems have certain limitations
The maximum inlet pressure to the water pump cannot
be more than 10 psi
Anything greater affects the eductor's operation
Some systems are designed to operate with an inlet
pressure as much as 40 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-29
Foam Proportioning
AP systems operate properly when the water is
supplied from the onboard tank or draft
A pressurized source affects the system operation
Most apparatus with AP systems have a direct tank fill
that does not go through the pump
Flush all discharges after the foam operation has
ended, even if not all of the foam was used
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-30
Foam Proportioning
Balanced-pressure proportioning system
The balanced-pressure proportioning system is a versatile
and accurate means to deliver foam and water
The foam concentrate pump is a separate pump that
supplies the foam concentrate to the pressure control
valve and ratio controller
Many balanced-pressure systems are equipped with a
foam heat exchanger
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-31
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-32
Foam Proportioning
Injection systems
Injection systems use an electrically operated,
variable-speed foam concentrate pump to directly
inject the foam concentrate into the discharge side of
the pump manifold
Injection systems are unaffected by changes in
suction and discharge pressure
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-33
Foam Proportioning
The compressed-air foam system (CAFS)
Combines compressed air and foam solution to create a
finished foam
Is designed for quick and effective fire attack and exposure
protection
Generates a Class A
foam: a high-quality
finished foam that
clings to vertical
surfaces
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-34
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-35
Foam Proportioning
Master stream foam nozzles
Master stream foam nozzles let operators deal with large
incidents where handline nozzles cannot handle the
demands for foam suppression
Master stream nozzles are supplied from the apparatus's
apparatus s
onboard systems or can have an eductor
A pick-up tube draws foam into the master stream nozzle
Master stream foam nozzles can be mounted permanently
on the apparatus, can be removable for use as a portable
unit, or can be portable devices
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-36
Foam Proportioning
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-37
Foam Proportioning
Air-aspirating foam nozzles
Are designed to mix air with a foam solution while being
discharged
Are designed to aspirate the foam solution to produce a
good-quality
good
quality finished foam
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-38
Foam Proportioning
Smooth-bore nozzles
The aeration of foam solution occurs in the piping and
hose, so the finished foam is discharged at the nozzle
The application is the major concern at the discharge of the
nozzle using CAFS
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-39
Foam Proportioning
Fog nozzles
The problem with fog nozzles is
that they do not provide the best
aeration of the foam solution
For an incident involving polar
solvent fuels, the fog nozzles
may not deliver foam able to
extinguish the fire
Foam aeration tubes are
available to clamp onto the fog
nozzle to aerate the foam
solution more efficiently
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-40
Foam Supplies
Foam concentrate is stored in containers from 5gallon pails to 55-gallon drums
The shelf life varies depending on the type of
concentrate
The environmental impact when using foam has
been a concern
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-41
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of foam
systems and foam proportioning methods.
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-42
Review
Introduction to Foam
Foam Proportioning
Foam Supplies
FIRE 113-PPT-6-1-43
Lesson 6-2
Hydraulic Calculations IV
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on master streams.
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-1
Overview
Hydraulic Calculations for Master Streams
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-2
Hydraulic Calculations for
Master Streams
Master streams
A pre-piped elevated master stream is an aerial fire
apparatus (ladder truck) with a fixed waterway attached
to the underside of the ladder with a water inlet at the
base supplying the master stream device at the end
Figure 4-11 shows that the master stream device has a
locking mechanism that places the nozzle on the bed
section for rescue or on a fly section for water tower
operations
No single FL amount can adequately encompass all
prepiped elevated master stream devices
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-3
Hydraulic Calculations for
Master Streams
The Rule of 8’s
Is a method to calculate the flow through a master stream
smooth bore nozzle
Convert the fraction part of the tip size into 8ths
Take the top number of the fraction and add 2
The result is the FL in 100’s of GPM
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-4
Hydraulic Calculations for
Master Streams
Example: A master stream with a 1½” tip
½ converts to 4/8
4+2=6
6 × 100 = 600 GPM
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-5
Examples
A pumper supplying an elevated master stream is
on the hydrant, supplying one 5” line that is 200’
long to the inlet of the ladder truck, which has a
ladder extended 80’ vertically; it is equipped with a
1½” smooth bore master stream tip
p ((600 GPM).
)
There is 30 psi of FL in the fixed waterway of this
particular truck. Assign 25 psi FL for the master
stream appliance. What is the PDP?
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-6
Examples
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 80 + FL + AL + EP
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 0.08 × 6² × 2
FL = 5.76 (round to 6)
FL = 6 + AL
FL = 6 + 30 (specific to the waterway)
FL = 36 psi
PDP = 80 + 36 + 25 + 40
PDP = 181 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-7
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the 5” line
FL = Q² ÷ 15
FL = 6² ÷ 15
FL = 36 ÷ 15
FL = 2.4 x 2 (for 200 ft of hose)
FL = 4.8 psi (round to 5)
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-8
Examples
FL = 5 + AL
FL = 5 + 30
FL = 35
PDP = 80 + 35 + 25 + 40
PDP = 180 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-9
Examples
Determine the PDP for supplying a non-prepiped
elevated master stream that is raised 60’ and is
flowing 600 GPM to a 1½” tip rated at 80 psi through
300’ of 3” hose with 2½” couplings. The aerial and
master streams have 25 p
psi of FL each.
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 80 + FL + AL + EP
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-10
Examples
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 0.8 × (600/100)² × (300/100)
FL = 0.8 × 6² x 3
FL = 0.8 × 36 x 3
FL = 86 psi
AL = 20 psi
EP = 30 psi
PDP = NP + FL + AL + EP
PDP = 80 + 86 + 20 + 30
PDP = 216 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-11
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the 3” line
FL = Q²
FL = 6²
FL = 36
FL = 36 x 3 (for 300 ft of hose)
FL = 108
PDP = 80 + 108 + 20 + 30
PDP = 238 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-12
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on master streams.
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-13
Review
Hydraulic Calculations for Master Streams
FIRE 113-PPT-6-2-14
Lesson 7-1
Standpipe and Sprinkler
Connections
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the procedures for
connecting and flowing water through a
standpipe/sprinkler system.
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-1
Overview
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-2
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Connecting supply hoselines to standpipe and
sprinkler systems
Fire department connections on buildings are provided
so the department can pump water into the standpipe
and/or sprinkler
p
systems
y
The hoseline's function is to provide a primary or
secondary water supply for the sprinkler or standpipe
system
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-3
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-4
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Standpipe systems
Standpipe systems provide a water supply for the
attack lines that will be operated inside the building
Outlets are provided in the building where firefighters
can connect the attack lines
Firefighters in the building depend on firefighters
outside to supply the water to the fire department
connection
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-5
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-6
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Types of standpipe systems are the
Dry standpipe system: depends on the department
to provide all the water
Wet standpipe system: has a built-in water supply,
p
connection is p
provided to deliver
but the department
a higher flow or to boost pressure
If the exterior FDC connection is damaged so the
connection cannot be accomplished, hook up to the
standpipe on the building's first floor
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-7
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
After connecting the engine to the sprinkler/standpipe, the
department's SOP may specify when to supply the
standpipe
A wet system has water under pressure in the pipe at
all times
A dry system has no water in the pipe and depends on
the department to supply water
Regardless of the system present, a supply line must
be established
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-8
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Sprinkler systems
Private fire protection systems may be present in the
building due to building characteristics within a response
area as well as the height and construction materials used
in the building
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-9
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Pre-incident planning and a familiarization with the
response area help to identify buildings with sprinkler
systems and standpipes
When planning or driving through your response area,
look for fire department connections (FDCs), hydrant
l
locations,
ti
and
d sprinkler
i kl valves
l
associated
i t d with
ith th
the
building
Look for signs indicating a FDC location
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-10
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Typically free standing or wall mounted FDCs consist of
a Siamese connection with two 2½" female connections
The building's occupancy
may require multipleconnection standpipes to
be present
Local codes may
dictate the number
and the size of the
standpipes provided
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-11
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
Each female connection should have a clapper valve
inside the Siamese connection that swings closed when
the connection is not in use
This allows one side of the Siamese connection to be
charged without water discharging from the other
open intake
i t k
Depending on your department's SOP, both and/or all
connections to the FDC should be used when
supplying the standpipe
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-12
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the procedures for
connecting and flowing water through a
standpipe/sprinkler system.
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-13
Review
Standpipe/Sprinkler Connections
FIRE 113-PPT-7-1-14
Lesson 7-2
Hydraulic Calculations V
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on a standpipe system.
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-1
Overview
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-2
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
Standpipe systems
Standpipe operations can pose a challenge since
firefighters must know the buildings, occupancy, fire
load, special hazards, and hydrant locations
Be familiar with the fire department connection (FDC)
and standpipe locations
Know whether there are pressure-regulating valves and
what types, if present
Know whether a pump is available in the building
Have an established pre-incident plan for hazard
targets
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-3
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
For buildings with standpipe supply systems, the water
supply is critical
When the FDC has two connections, advance a
hoseline to the FDC and charge it before attaching
the second hoseline
Get the water into the standpipe system as soon as
possible
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-4
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
For buildings with standpipe supply systems, the
water supply is critical
Have different pumpers supply each FDC on
buildings with multiple FDCs
– High-risk
g
buildings
g should have one p
pumper
p on
the hydrant supplying another on the standpipe
connection
– A water supply independent of the building
supply should be available
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-5
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
Standpipe systems require the greatest number of
calculations; they have very demanding pump
pressures
Calculate standpipe pump pressures from markings
on or at the FDC or as determined by depart-mental
SOPs
Predetermine pump discharge pressures for highrise structures to limit the calculations needed on
the fireground during the actual incident
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-6
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
The driver/operator controls only one pressure to the
standpipe: the highest pressure needed at any one
discharge
The operator must pump to the highest pressure
required not necessarily the highest in elevation
The operator must calculate the PDP for each line
being supplied
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-7
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
The firefighter needs to know the required operating
pressure of the attack hoselines to adequately control
the pressure from the outlet
Ensure that the attack hoseline is flowing water so
that the crew member can obtain an accurate gauge
reading
Increase the pressure to the desired pressure for the
outlet being used
Using an in-line gauge is preferred for standpipe
operations
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-8
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
The PDP for standpipe operations requires that
calculations be made for supply lines to standpipe, the
FL within a standpipe system, the FL for attack
handlines, and the pressure loss due to an increase in
elevation
If no pre-incident
i id t plan
l h
has b
been made
d and
d th
the riser
i
size
i
is unknown, add 25 psi to account for the standpipe
riser
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-9
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
Pressure-regulating valves (PRVs)
PRVs are installed on standpipe risers where static
pressures exceed 175 psi
If the pressures while flowing exceed 100 psi, NFPA 14
requires the installation of a device at the outlet to
restrict or reduce the flow pressure to a maximum of
100 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-10
Examples
You have been assigned to develop a pre-incident
plan for the use of a standpipe system for fire attack
on the top floor of a 17-story building. The attack
hose will consist of two 200’ of 2½” hose with a
smooth bore 11/8” tip
p nozzle. A third 2½” line with
1¼” tip is the backup line. The total flow is 858
GPM. The FDC is supplied with two 100’ lengths of
2½” hose. The building is equipped with a 5” riser
(the coefficient is 0.126). What is the PDP to
operate these three lines on the 10th floor?
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-11
Examples
Supply FL = C × Q² × L
Supply FL = 2 × (4.29)² × 1
Supply FL = 36.8 (round to 37 psi)
FDC = 10 psi AL when flowing 350 GPM or greater and
calculating for standpipe FL
Riser FL = C × Q² × L
Riser FL = 0.126 × (8.58)² × 0.9
Riser FL = 14.84 (round to 14 psi)
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-12
Examples
Two attack lines with 200’ of 2½” hose with 11/8”
smooth bore nozzles:
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 2 × (2.66)² × 2
FL = 28 psi
PDP = 50 + 28
PDP = 78 psi for these two lines (round to 80 psi)
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-13
Examples
One attack line with 200’ of 2½” hose with a 1¼”
smooth bore nozzle
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 2 × (3.26)² × 2
FL = 42.5 psi (round to 43 psi)
PDP = 50 + 43
PDP = 93 psi
We add elevation for 9 floors (5 psi times 9)
PDP = 93 + 45
PDP = 138
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-14
Examples
Pump to the line requiring the highest pressure (138
psi) and add it all together:
138 is highest pressure attack line
14 for the riser
10 for FDC
37 supply to the FDC
Add 45 psi for elevation loss
Total PDP = 93 + 13 + 10 + 37 + 45
Total PDP = 199 psi (round to 200 psi)
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-15
Examples
The same scenario calculated with the Q² method:
For the Supply 2½” line
Supply FL = Q² x 2
Supply FL = 4.29² x 2
Supply FL = 18.4 (round to 18) x 2
Supply FL = 36 x 1 (for 100 ft of hose)
Supply FL = 36 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-16
Examples
Two attack lines with 200’ of 2½” hose with 1½”
smooth bore nozzle
FL = Q² x 2
FL = 2.66² x 2
FL = 7.07 (round to 7) x 2
FL = 14 x 2 (for 200’ of hose)
FL = 28
PDP = NP + FL +AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 28
PDP = 78 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-17
Examples
One attack line with 200’ of 2½” hose with 1¼”
smooth bore nozzle
FL = Q² x 2
FL = 3.26² x 2
FL = 10.6 (round to 11) x 2
FL = 22 x 2 (for 200’ of hose)
FL = 44
PDP = NP + FL +AL ± EP
PDP = 50 + 44
PDP = 94 psi
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-18
Examples
Pump to the line requiring the highest pressure (94
psi) and add it all together
94 is the highest pressure attack line
14 for the riser
10 for the FDC
36 supply to the FDC
45 psi for elevation loss
Total PDP = 94 + 14 + 10 + 36 + 45
Total PDP = 199 psi (Round to 200)
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-19
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, describe the importance of
hydraulic calculations on a standpipe system.
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-20
Review
Standpipe Hydraulic Calculations
FIRE 113-PPT-7-2-21
Lesson 8-1
Hydraulic Calculations VI
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, demonstrate proficiency in
fireground hydraulic calculations and describe the
importance and use of flow meters and electronic
pump
p
p controllers.
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-1
Overview
Fireground Hydraulic Calculations
Flow Meters and Electronic Pump Controllers
Calculations for Lines of Unequal Diameter and/or
Length
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-2
Fireground Hydraulic Calculations
Charts
Charts list the most commonly used or reasonably
expected hose lays
The chart lists the common pressures for the attack hose
and nozzle combinations at different lengths
Charts may be homemade or purchased, pocket-size
or larger
When using the charts, do not allow pressures to
exceed the hose test pressures
Charts may be prepared for complex fire problems
Chart Sample
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-3
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-4
Coefficients for Friction Loss
(psi/100ft)
gpm
3/4"
1"
10
20
30
40
60
90
100
120
150
175
200
220
240
250
260
280
300
350
400
450
500
550
600
650
700
750
800
850
900
950
1000
1200
1300
1400
1500
2000
11.00
44.00
99.00
176.00
1.50
6.00
13.50
24.00
54.00
1 1/2"
0.96
2.16
3.84
8.64
19.44
24.00
34.56
54.00
73.50
96.00
116.16
138.24
1 3/4"
2"
2 1/2"
5.58
12.56
15.50
22.32
34.88
47.47
62.00
75.02
89.28
96.88
2.88
6.48
8.00
11.52
18.00
24.50
32.00
38.72
46.08
50.00
0.72
1.62
2.00
2.88
4.50
6.13
8.00
9.68
11.52
12.50
13.52
15.68
18 00
18.00
24.50
32.00
3" (2 1/2")
3"
3 1/2"
3.20
3.87
4.61
5.00
5.41
6.27
7 20
7.20
9.80
12.80
16.20
20.00
24.20
28.80
33.80
39.20
2.72
3.29
3.92
4.25
4.60
5.33
6 12
6.12
8.33
10.88
13.77
17.00
20.57
24.48
28.73
33.32
38.25
43.52
49.13
55.08
61.37
68.00
1.36
1.65
1.96
2.13
2.30
2.67
3 06
3.06
4.17
5.44
6.89
8.50
10.29
12.24
14.37
16.66
19.13
21.76
24.57
27.54
30.69
34.00
48.96
57.46
66.64
76.50
4"
5"
4.05
5.00
6.05
7.20
8.45
9.80
11.25
12.80
14.45
16.20
18.05
20.00
28.80
33.80
39.20
45.00
80.00
4.50
5.12
5.78
6.48
7.22
8.00
11.52
13.52
15.68
18.00
32.00
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-5
Fireground Hydraulic Calculations
Hydraulic calculators
Hydraulic calculators: may be manual (mechanical) or
electronic
Manual hydraulic calculators may consist of a sliding
card or slide rule
Slide rule hydraulic calculators offer fire stream
calculators (GPM) and FL calculators
Electronic calculators: may be mounted, hand held or
applications in a smart phone
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-6
Fireground Hydraulic Calculations
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-7
Flow Meters and Electronic
Pump Controllers
The sensing device on top of the meter is designed to
measure the flow (GPM) through the discharge
A flow meter can deliver the desired GPM without the operator
knowing the length of the hoselines (L), FL, or EP
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-8
Flow Meters and Electronic
Pump Controllers
The technological innovation assists the driver/operator but
raises the possibility of an electrical failure, disabling
apparatus
The threat of an electrical malfunction increased because of the
absence of manual overrides on fire apparatus with these features
The driver/operator must
have a thorough
understanding of the
apparatus and pumping
procedures should
problems occur
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-9
Calculations for Lines of Unequal
Diameter and/or Length
Parallel lines of unequal diameter
In some cases a combination of 2½” and 3” hose
may be used in parallel
In this case, the 3” line will carry about 60% and
the 2½”
2½ will carry the other 40%
Friction loss calculations are done for the 3” hose
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-10
Example
If 500 GPM are moving through parallel lines of 3”
and 2½”, 300 GPM would be carried by the 3” for
200’ of hose
FL =C × Q² × L
FL = 2 × 3² × 2
FL =2 × 9 × 2
FL = 36
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-11
Example
The same scenario using the Q² method:
FL = Q² × 2
FL = 3² × 2
FL = 9 × 2
FL = 18 (per 100’ of hose)
FL = 18 × 2 (for 200 ft of hose)
FL = 36
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-12
Calculations for Lines of Unequal
Diameter and/or Length
Parallel Lines of unequal length
When using parallel lines of the same diameter but
different lengths you average the length of all items
Example
p
Two parallel lines are supplying water, one is 1000’
long and the other 800’
Average of both lengths is 900’
Calculate FL as if they were two 900’ lines
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-13
Calculations for Lines of Unequal
Diameter and/or Length
Estimating Hydrant Capacities
An estimate of the remaining capacity of a hydrant can
be made by comparing the static pressure at the initial
connection with the residual pressure while water is
flowing
If the residual pressure is 10% less than the static
pressure only one third of available water is being
used and two thirds are still available
If the difference is 15% or less two thirds of the water
is being used
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-14
Calculations for Lines of Unequal
Diameter and/or Length
Estimating Hydrant Capacities (continued)
If the difference is 25% or less half the water is
being used
If the difference is more than 25% additional flow
would be limited to less than the amount being
used
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-15
Example
A static pressure on the compound gauge of 60 psi
was measured when the hydrant was opened.
When the first 3” line flowing 400 GPM is put in
service, residual pressure decreased to 54 psi, a
drop
p of 6 p
psi. The remaining
g available flow is:
60 (static) – 54 (residual) ÷ 60 (static)
6 ÷ 60 = 10% drop
This indicates that one third of the water is being used and
supply for two more lines (or 800 GPM) is available
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-16
Student Performance Objective
Given information from discussion, handouts, and
reading materials, demonstrate proficiency in
fireground hydraulic calculations and describe the
importance and use of flow meters and electronic
pump
p
p controllers.
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-17
Review
Fireground Hydraulic Calculations
Flow Meters and Electronic Pump Controllers
Calculations for Lines of Unequal Diameter and/or
Length
FIRE 113-PPT-8-1-18