Achieving Maximum Flows The Water Triangle...

The FIRE Tetrahedron

The WATER Triangle Represents limits to the pumping setup

Water Triangle Assumptions...  Maximum flows are desired for the current situation  The situation is dynamic and therefore must be flexible  Automatic nozzles are utilized for greatest flexibility  When non-automatic nozzles are used, the required pressures for these lines are calculated first  To get maximum flow, we will always go to one of the water system limits  Maximum flows are desired for the current situation  The situation is dynamic and therefore must be flexible  Automatic nozzles are utilized for greatest flexibility  When non-automatic nozzles are used, the required pressures for these lines are calculated first  To get maximum flow, we will always go to one of the water system limits

Pumping Apparatus... Semi-Tractor Trailer 55 MPH, 2600 RPM 200 PSI, 2200 RPM Fire Pumper Modern pumping apparatus... Capable of pumping higher pressures & higher flows. Modern pumping apparatus... Capable of pumping higher pressures & higher flows. Use this investment to its fullest advantage.

Water Triangle SUPPLY  Most often occurring limitation in major operations  Greatest effect on total available flow delivery  Takes the greatest effort!to improve Limit indicated by the Compound, Vacuum, or Suction gauge  Most often occurring limitation in major operations  Greatest effect on total available flow delivery  Takes the greatest effort!to improve Limit indicated by the Compound, Vacuum, or Suction gauge

Water Triangle PRESSURE  Most often reached in lower flow situations  Often due to small hose lines  Easiest to improve with current technology  Flexible limitation based on equipment  Established by department S.O.P.’s  Greatest control based on circumstances Limit indicated by Master Pressure gauge  Most often reached in lower flow situations  Often due to small hose lines  Easiest to improve with current technology  Flexible limitation based on equipment  Established by department S.O.P.’s  Greatest control based on circumstances Limit indicated by Master Pressure gauge

Water Triangle POWER  With modern pumps & engines, rarely a concern  Usually occurs last only in MAJOR flow operations  Can occur in poorly maintained apparatus Limit indicated by throttle all the way out Pump and/or engine at maximum output  With modern pumps & engines, rarely a concern  Usually occurs last only in MAJOR flow operations  Can occur in poorly maintained apparatus Limit indicated by throttle all the way out Pump and/or engine at maximum output

Water Triangle SUPPLY How can it be improved?  Additional hydrants used  Drop additional supply lines  Larger supply lines (LDH)  More portable tanks, or additional tanker capacity (rural)  Any combination of the above How can it be improved?  Additional hydrants used  Drop additional supply lines  Larger supply lines (LDH)  More portable tanks, or additional tanker capacity (rural)  Any combination of the above

Water Triangle PRESSURE How can it be improved?  Simple increase of throttle  Use of larger delivery (attack lines) for lower friction losses  Volume to Pressure on two-stage pump How can it be improved?  Simple increase of throttle  Use of larger delivery (attack lines) for lower friction losses  Volume to Pressure on two-stage pump

Water Triangle POWER How can it be improved?  Additional pumper to share the load  Reducing number of output lines to another pumper Long term: Changes to apparatus design having larger engines and pumps How can it be improved?  Additional pumper to share the load  Reducing number of output lines to another pumper Long term: Changes to apparatus design having larger engines and pumps

Sample Application

Sample w/ Automatic Nozzles & Water Triangle  Pumper 1- (at Hydrant) Pumps to 10 psi on compound gauge or to end of throttle  Pumper 2- (Attack & Relay) Pumps to 10 psi on compound gauge, maintaining (with gates) maximum SOP pressure on handlines, and uses gates to direct remainder to aerial and monitor  Aerial 1- (Elevated & Handline) Pumps to Supply limit from Pumper 1, maintaining (with gate) maximum SOP pressure to 2.5” line  Pumper 1- (at Hydrant) Pumps to 10 psi on compound gauge or to end of throttle  Pumper 2- (Attack & Relay) Pumps to 10 psi on compound gauge, maintaining (with gates) maximum SOP pressure on handlines, and uses gates to direct remainder to aerial and monitor  Aerial 1- (Elevated & Handline) Pumps to Supply limit from Pumper 1, maintaining (with gate) maximum SOP pressure to 2.5” line

Sample w/ Automatic Nozzles & Water Triangle  What is the flow on each line and nozzle?  Situation is dynamic and always changing as lines are opened and closed  It’s delivering the maximum water flow for THE SYSTEM as it currently exists  If more is needed, then it requires action to improve  SUPPLY, PRESSURE, or POWER!  What is the flow on each line and nozzle?  Situation is dynamic and always changing as lines are opened and closed  It’s delivering the maximum water flow for THE SYSTEM as it currently exists  If more is needed, then it requires action to improve  SUPPLY, PRESSURE, or POWER!