Effective Use of Pumpers

Effective Use of Pumpers

DEPARTMENTS

Volunteers Corner

Today, when fire departments purchase a new pumper, there is a tendency to increase the size of the pumping capacity and the water tank. Unfortunately, many departments do not change their mode of operation to make the most effective use of the new equipment.

Recommendations resulting from insurance surveys generally call for a 1,000 gpm pump, and the National Fire Protection Association’s committee on Standard 1901, Automotive Fire Apparatus, is discussing a change from a minimum of 500 gpm to a minimum of 750 gpm. These increased pump capacities will enable a greater delivery of water IF there are adequate delivery devices, discharge outlets of ample size, and hose capability matching the pump capacity. It is rare to find a pumper with an inadequate number of outlets, but many rear discharges should be of larger pipe with a reduced number of 90° elbows to carry the flow for the new large capacity nozzles. Many new pumpers are being delivered with 3 1/2or 4-inch valves to a 4-inch outlet for large diameter hose (LDH). However, there are apparatus with rear LDH connections and only 2 1/2-inch piping.

One area that many departments cut corners on is equipment. Far too many pumpers carry an insufficient number of nozzles to deliver full pump capacity. Master stream devices and a minimum of four large handline nozzles should be on every 1,000 gpm and larger unit. Don’t forget that solid bore nozzle tips are needed for master stream devices to obtain sufficient reach for large area buildings and exposure protection. Also, at least half of the large handline nozzles should be of the solid stream type.

Then there’s the hose bed. Believe it or not, some departments still purchase pumpers with a single undivided hose bed, and load the hose bed with only 2 1/2-inch hose. Perhaps it would be more cost effective to buy a pickup with a power take off (PTO) pump and fill the bed with hose. It would accomplish as much as the expensive new single hose bed pumper, but it would not look as good in parades. If 2 1/2or 3-inch hose is used, there should be at least two beds, if not three, in order to obtain a delivery anywhere near pump capacity. With LDH, the bed must still be split to provide space for large caliber handlines. The 1,500to 2,000-gpm pumps will require dual lines of 4or 5-inch hose to operate efficiently.

A major operational problem that restricfs the effectiveness of many large capacity units is laying a long, single, unsupported supply line to the fire and then reporting a poor water supply in the area. The same fire department would shudder if the water department decided to put in 4-inch mains, but it is an accepted practice to lay a 400to 800-foot 2 1/2-inch supply line to the fire. First due engines that lay a long supply line must have it supported by a second engine at the hydrant if more than a minimum flow is required.

The effectiveness of many newer pumpers is often reduced by the lack of preconnects larger than 1 3/4 inches… preconnects that can be put into operation immediately will enhance the operation.

The same low-pressure effect occurs when an engine connects to a hydrant with a 50-foot soft sleeve (suction), or even with one or two shorter sleeves of small diameter. The water has to get from the hydrant into the pump before the pumper can deliver its capacity. After all, the pumper does not manufacture water!

In areas that depend on tankers for their water supply, poor tank to pump plumbing can also account for low pressure. A large tank alone will not solve these water supply problems. It takes a combination of a large water tank, adequate piping, pump capacity, and delivery equipment.

The effectiveness of many newer pumpers is often reduced by the lack of preconnects larger than l 3/4-inches. Buildings with large open areas or considerable frame construction will need preconnected master streams or heavy attack lines. A master stream device can be simply preconnected by using a short piece of hose from an unused discharge. A “bomb line,” a lightweight movable master stream device usually kept on the back step for an attack line, can be added. Time is essential to early control and extinguishment, and preconnects that can be put into operation immediately will enhance the operation.

Some changes that improve effectiveness can be done at little or no cost. They just require some innovative thinking and adaptation. These are items like placing a baffle board in that single hose bed, adding a preconnect from a little-used discharge, or modifying the internal piping. When changing to 1 3/4or 2-inch lines, be sure to increase the nozzle size to deliver the increased flow. Fittings, adapters, and other equipment can be invaluable in allowing for new or improved operating procedures, such as a gate valve and Siamese placed on the hydrant for an improvised four-way valve. The amount of water supplied to the attack pumper can be doubled when a supporting pumper is tied into the supply line.

Versatility should be designed into apparatus. Forward, reverse, and split lays should be easily accomplished. Special operations are necessary for effective extinguishment in specific areas, including dual pumping, supplemental pumping, and the use of siamesed lines for long pumping operations.

To improve effectiveness, a fire company essentially needs to put some sound thinking into the design of new apparatus or redesign its current apparatus. Then the hardware and procedural changes that will bring about the improvement should be made. Remember, the bottom line is to provide the very best fire protection.

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