1. PREMO PSD
OPERATOR TRAINING
Version I.I, 2015

2. Course Overview Course Outline UNIT 1: Introduction
UNIT 2: PSD Function and Maintenance
UNIT 3: Organization and Safety
UNIT 4: Operations
UNIT 5: Fuels and Fire Behavior
UNIT 6: Ground Qualification
UNIT 7: PSD Flight Qualification

3. Course Overview Logistics Prerequisites Plan of Events PLDO Task Sheet
Field Requirements
Test Requirements

4. UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION Unit Objectives: History of the PSD
PSD vs Helitorch
PSD Applications

5. History of PSD Pharmaceutical Vials
Photo: Reproduced with permission of the Canadian Forest Service,
Northern Forestry Centre. All rights reserved.

6. History of PSD NFRC Dispenser
Photo : Reproduced with permission of the Canadian Forest Service,
Northern Forestry Centre. All rights reserved.

7. History of PSD
Pacific Forestry Research Center (Canada) MkII Dispenser (the original PSD)

8. History of PSD
Premo MkIII Dispenser

9. Premo PSD

10. PSD vs Helitorch Advantages of PSD Better Control Less Complex
Firing Boss onboard helicopter
operator can assess / address problems
operator can monitor qty of spheres remaining
Less Complex
separate helibase not required
spheres safer to transport and handle
Lower Cost
lower equipment cost
less support staff
Fire Behavior
minimum damage to tree canopy
possible to lay very long ignition lines
Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

11. PSD vs Helitorch Disadvantages of PSD Fire Behavior Safety
spheres burn for a shorter time
cannot duplicate helitorch drop pattern
fire lines take longer to form
Safety
possible fire in PSD
requires constant operator attention
Pilot cannot jettison PSD
Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

12. UNIT 2 PSD FUNCTION & MAINTENANCE
Unit Objectives:
Dispenser Components and Functions
Ignition Sphere Properties
Assemble and Disassemble the PSD
Cleaning and Maintenance

13. Premo PSD Components

14. Premo PSD Components
Inside the mainframe
Cam shaft
Slipper
blocks

15. Premo PSD Components
Slipper & valve block assembly
Glycol valve

16. water and glycol pumps are identical
Premo PSD Components
Impeller pump
water and glycol pumps are identical

17. Premo PSD Components
Glycol Valve screw
Lock nut

18. Premo PSD Components Feed control levers
Down: closed & locked

19. Premo PSD Components
Two chutes open

20. Premo PSD Components
Four chutes open

21. Premo PSD Components Main control panel Manual assist Speed Drive on
Glycol
Water
Fuses / Circuit Breaker

22. Premo PSD Components
Hopper control panel

23. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Several design upgrades have taken place to the Premo MkIII since 2011*; minor changes and continuous improvements to current Premo PSD design are taking place with SEI R&D to improve functionality and reliability. All modifications are done so in consultation with USA Service Center and any major changes vetted through MTDC and IAIU are notified accordingly. For more information or specific details, please contact Mike FARS or SEI Industries Ltd directly.
*Not all enhancements may be present on all Premo machines

24. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
New needle design
Stainless Steel
Precision slice into sphere vs. puncture
Lock nut to tighten needle valve
Stops loosening due to vibrations

25. Premo PSD Design Enhancements

26. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Extended Belly Strap (from 13ft to 17ft)
Adaptable for medium aircraft
New buckle (more secure)
Water manifold plug
Easier to clean out sediment

27. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Hopper position lock
Prevents hopper separating from chute

28. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Agitator Plate
Prevents bridging

29. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Flex Tubing
Replaces copper tubing
Easier to switch out pumps
Flame resistant

30. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Flex Tubing

31. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Bleeder Button
Replaces bleeder screw
Easier to prime the glycol

32. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
New exit chute
Aluminum
Corrosion-resistant
Extendable
Adjustable chute clamps more secure

33. Premo PSD Design Enhancements
Outlet Chute

34. Premo PSD Components Accessories Ball Bag
Designed by Alaska fire service
Holds 2000 balls
Locking zipper for controlling ball flow
Fire retardant polyurethane coated material
Tether for locking into the seat belt
Handle
Bench Power Supply

35. Premo PSD Electrical Specifications
Power is supplied to the dispenser from the aircraft power supply (24V DC) through a quick-disconnect fitting. A central control panel contains all the electrical components and switches to operate the different stations such as the main drive, glycol pump, slow-fast speed and the emergency water supply. The switches are series wired so that the drive motor can be operated independently of the pump but the pump will not operate unless the drive motor is turned on. This allows cycling of unprimed spheres for testing. Caution however, should always be taken, as a small amount of glycol may enter a sphere even if the glycol pump is not on. Care should be taken to dispose of these test spheres appropriately. (See Section 6 of Premo PSD manual for electrical schematics.)

36. Premo PSD Specifications
Electrical Requirements
Power requirements 24 V DC
Fusing: Main fuse BUS AGC 5
Hopper feed: BUS AGC 2
Drive: 2 amp circuit breaker
Glycol pump: 2 amp circuit breaker
Emergency water: 2 amp circuit breaker

37. Premo PSD Specifications
Dispenser Dimensions / Weights
Mainframe mass: glycol tank full 27.5 kg / 61.0 lbs
Hopper and chutes: 10.5 kg / 23.0 lbs
Emergency water tank full: 3.8 kg / 8.5 lbs
Hopper capacity: (450 spheres) 2.7 kg / 6.0 lbs
Approximate operational weight: 44.5 kg / 98.0 lbs
Volume glycol tank: 9.0 liter / 2.4 US gal
Volume emergency water tank: 3.2 liter / 0.8 US gal
Dispenser dimensions: length 68.5 cm / 27.5 in.
Width: 27.0 cm / 10.5 in.
Height 66.0 cm / 26.0 in.
Overall dimensions of crate: length 80.0 cm 31.5 in.
Width: 35.5 cm / 14.0 in.
Height 70.0 cm / 27.5 in.
Total shipping weight 45.0 kg 98.5 lbs

38. Premo Fireball Specifications
Diameter 1.25 in 32mm
Potassium Permanganate 0.11 oz 3.0 g
Total Mass 0.17 oz 4.8 g
Shell Material High Impact Polystyrene
Ignition Delay 50°F
Note: fire ignition sphere performance can be affected by the following factors.
Temperature (primarily temperature of glycol but also spheres)
Glycol volume (low injected volume can yield quicker reactions)
50/50 premix glycol can increase delay times significantly
Calibration typically occurs using glycol volumes between cc
Humidity can also impact ignition delay rates

39. Ethylene Glycol Which Antifreeze?
Use Standard Vehicle Antifreeze ( % Ethylene Glycol)
Do not use Propylene Glycol Antifreeze (Non-Toxic)

40. Repair & Maintenance Recommended Spare Parts
• Fuses 5A, 2A, 2 amp circuit breakers (Klixon)
• Needles (set of four)
• Valve springs (set of four)
• “O” rings for valve stems (set of four)
• Pump
• Drive motor
• Bulbs for indicator lights
• Solenoid
Note: The motors used for the main drive and the hopper are identical, however, the hopper motor uses the high-speed wire for its operation. The pumps used for the glycol and the emergency water are also identical. It is therefore only necessary to carry one of each to ensure rapid replacement. It is recommended to carry a supply of EMPTY spheres for bench test procedures.

41. Field Service Tools & Supplies
Recommended Tools
• Small smooth file for emergency touch up to the needles
• Cleaner or degreaser
• Small can of lubricant (Tri-Flow or Never-Seize)
• Permatex No.2 form-a-gasket sealant for all pipe threads (non-hardening)
• Brass wool for cleaning
• Small brush for cleaning
• Special rubber tool to remove light bulbs
• 1/8 and 3/16 Slot screwdrivers
• No.0, No.1 and No.2 Philips Screwdrivers
• No.1 Robertson screwdriver (square drive)
• Set of Imperial Allen keys
• Set of wrenches (5/16, 3/8, 7/16, ½, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16)
• Adjustable pliers and adjustable wrench
• Wire cutters and wire strippers
• Soldering iron and solder

42. Premo PSD Cleaning Cleaners & Lubricants
Use Citrus Based Cleaner / Degreaser
No Petroleum Based Lubricants

43. Daily Cleaning Wipe down hopper Check linkages for wear
Inspect glycol & water pumps and hose connections
Clean using cloth and cleaner / degreaser as required
Check condition of needles and sharpen as required
Check pump(s) operation
Clean needle block assembly area regularly
Clean using a cloth and cleaner / degreaser
Check for smooth operation and signs of wear
Wipe tank surfaces with cloth to remove any glycol
Check tanks and lines for signs of leakage

44. Long Term Storage Drain Tanks Drain the glycol tank
Drain the water tank
Store PSD indoors at room temperature

45. Long Term Storage PSD & Fireball storage
Store PSD indoors at room temperature
Store PSD spheres in a dry location to avoid humidity
Confirmed, specific shelf life is not currently known exactly but reducing stored spheres from exposure to humidity can extend the life of the spheres and see consistent performance over many consecutive years. Boxes should be agitated annually.

46. Premo PSD Manual

47. UNIT 3 ORGANIZATION & SAFETY
Unit Objectives:
PSD Organization, Qualifications & Responsibilities
Equipment Qualifications
Communications
Hazardous Materials
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

48. PSD Organization Burn Boss
Qualified as Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB1 / RXB2)
Authority for Firing Operation
Directs Firing Operation
Develops Firing Plan
Performs Initial Briefing
Details Assignments.
May be Located in Aircraft
Burn Boss
PSD Operator
Pilot
Firing Boss
Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.A, A-9

49. PSD Organization Firing Boss Qualified as Firing Boss (FIRB)
Reports to Burn Boss
May be Same Person as Burn Boss
Directs PSD Operator
Instructs the Pilot as to the Ignition Plan and Firing Sequences
Keeps Pilot Informed
Burn Boss
PSD Operator
Pilot
Firing Boss
Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.A, A-9

50. PSD Organization PSD Operator
Qualified as Plastic Sphere Dispenser Operator (PLDO)
Reports to Burn Boss / Firing Boss.
Briefs Pilot, Identifies Safety Requirements, and Monitors PSD Operation.
Provides information on aerial safety procedures to be used by the burn boss / firing boss.
Preparation, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Care of PSD.
Verifies Ignition Spacing.
Burn Boss
PSD Operator
Pilot
Firing Boss
Ref: IAIG Ch III.VI.A, A-9

51. PSD Organization PSD Operator (cont)
Determines if a malfunction occurs and acts accordingly.
Determines whether an onboard fire can be extinguished or the unit must be jettisoned.
Communicates on all procedures associated with the operation and/or emergencies occurring during the operation.
May serve as Helicopter Manager.
Burn Boss
PSD Operator
Pilot
Firing Boss
Ref: IAIG Ch III.VI.A, A-9

52. PSD Organization Pilot Qualified for Aerial Ignition PSD Operations.
Responsible for Aircraft Operations and Safety.
Oversees PSD installation.
Performs Helicopter Load Calculation.
Follows Ignition Plan under direction Firing Boss
Burn Boss
PSD Operator
Pilot
Firing Boss
Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.B, A-9

53. PSD Organization Pilot (cont)
Pilot Qualification Card must be inspected before a mission is flown
Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.B, A-9

54. Aircraft Qualifications
Inspection of Helicopter Data Card
Ref: IAIG II.V.B

55. Communications Internal External
All three personnel inside the helicopter must have intercoms
External
Dedicated Air / Ground Frequency
Some burns may only require one frequency.

56. Hazardous Materials Regulations Special Permit Exemption
Training Required
Documents required onboard Aircraft
Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials
Emergency Response Guidebook
Hazardous Materials Manifest
Ref: DOT SP09198

57. Hazardous Materials Handling Storage
No Glycol in cabin during firing operations.
Glycol tank filled at least 25 feet away from the aircraft.
During transport, ethylene glycol and spheres in separate compartments.
No Lead-Acid Batteries
Storage
Keep sphere boxes dry.
Store away from glycol and petroleum products.
Sweep up residue and spills promptly.
Unused spheres should be stored in a clean plastic bag and the original box.
Ref: IAIG Ch III.IV

58. Safety Personal Protective Equipment
Harness, Tether, and Tether Attachment.
SPH-4/5 Flight Helmet.
Flight Suit / Full Nomex Clothing.
Flight or Leather Gloves.
Minimum above-the-ankle boots with leather uppers.
Fire shelter for each occupant.
Cold Weather Gear, if needed; use no flammable insulating garments, i.e., no down jackets, nylon, etc.
Ref: IAIG Ch III.IV.G / Ch III.VI.A

59. SAFECOM

60. Pre-Operational Events Operational Events Firing Commands and Actions
UNIT 4 OPERATIONS
Pre-Operational Events
Operational Events
Firing Commands and Actions
Emergency Procedures
Post Operational Events
Note: refer to Section 2: Operations p.9-14 for PSD operating instructions, PSD calibration, preflight, hangfire test and cleaning procedures.

61. Pre - Operational Events
Operational Briefing
Objectives
Organization and Personnel
Assignments
Air Operations Summary
Weather
Fire Behavior
Communications Plan
Medical Plan
Crash Rescue Plan

62. Pre - Operational Events
PSD Bench Test
Confirm PSD Operation
Confirm Sphere Ignition
Calibration Procedures

63. Pre - Operational Events
Heli-Base Briefing
Organization and Personnel
Communications
Landing Areas
Safety / Hazards
Operations
Administration
Photo Credit: ©Unknown, Courtesy of BLM

64. Operational Events PSD Installation Pre-Flight Checks
Prepare PSD Outside Aircraft Safety Landing Area
Prepare Aircraft
Install PSD in Aircraft
Pre-Flight Checks
Check function of PSD
Ref: IAIG Ch III.VIII.A & Ch III.VIII.B

65. Operational Events Pre-Flight Briefing
PSD Operator, Firing Boss, Pilot
Safety / Aerial Hazards
Weight and Balance
In-flight Commands
Emergency Procedures
Frequency Management
Available Flight Time
Aircrew Responsibilities
PSD Go / No Go checklist.
Equipment Installation

66. Operational Events Pre-Burn Reconnaissance Test Fire
PSD Operator, Firing Boss, Pilot
A thorough recon of the burn area and a discussion of the burn objectives are essential to a successful firing operation.
Test Fire
Provide information, allowing the burning organization to predict whether they will produce a positive outcome.

67. PSD Operation Firing Commands and Actions Firing Boss Command
PSD Operator
Action
PSD Operator
Reply
“Prepare to Fire”
Activate Machine
“Ready to Fire”
Select SPEED X
Feed Gate OPEN
“Start Firing Speed X”
“Firing Speed X”
“Prepare to Stop Firing”
Ready Feed Gates
“Ready to Stop Firing”
Feed Gate CLOSE
Check Gate Closed
“Stop Firing”
“Firing Stopped”
Observe last sphere drop
“Machine Cleared”
“Secure Machine”
Switch off machine
“Machine Secured”
Ref: IAIG Ch III.XI.A

68. PSD Operation Installation & Inflight Operation of PSD
Refer to Section3: Installation, In-Flight and Malfunction of PSD p.17-21
Troubleshooting of PSD
Refer to Section 4: Troubleshooting, pages 22-24
Maintenance of PSD
Refer to Section 5: Maintenance and Repair pages 25-30

69. Emergency Procedure
Power Failure
Sphere Jam
PSD Fire
PSD Jettison

70. Emergency Procedure Power Failure Sphere Jam
Notify the pilot of the situation.
Clear machine of any injected spheres
Investigate the cause of the power failure
Sphere Jam
Notify the pilot of the situation.
Stop feed gates
Clear machine of jammed sphere
Failure to clear may lead to fire in dispenser.

71. Emergency Procedure Fire in Dispenser Fire Extinguished
Notify the pilot of the situation.
Press and hold the emergency water switch until the fire is extinguished.
If the emergency water pump fails to extinguish the fire, pour water from the canteen into the hopper.
Fire Extinguished
Switch the RUN/STOP switch to the STOP position.
Watch the machine for 3 minutes for possible smoke before leaving the ignition unit.
Land and perform manual and visual inspection to identify and solve the problem.

72. Emergency Procedure Fire not Extinguished
Notify the pilot of failure to extinguish fire.
If necessary, uses additional container of water to extinguish fire by pouring down feed chutes in hopper. If problem persists, land as soon as possible.
Notify Pilot of problem status and take appropriate actions.

73. Post Operational Events
Post Operation Debriefing
Documentation
Equipment Maintenance & Storage

74. UNIT 5 FUELS & FIRE BEHAVIOR
Unit Objectives:
Key Elements of Fire Environment
(Fire behavior)
Weather
Topography
Fuels
Burn Execution

75. Fire Environment Fuel Characteristics Fuel Type and loading
Fuel Continuity
Fuel moisture
Chemical properties
Photo: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Mark Toeckes, SEI Industries Ltd.

76. Fire Environment Weather Temperature Relative Humidity Inversions
Frontal Passages
Winds
Direction
Speed
Duration
Local influences (water bodies, topographical,etc.)
Recent and Expected Precipitation

77. Fire Environment Topography Slope Aspect Elevation Local Influences
canyons
valleys
lakes
mountains
glaciers
Photo: Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge
John Wood, US Fish & Wildlife Service

78. Fire Behavior Fire Types Fire Growth Surface Crown Head Fire
Backing Fire
Flanking Fire

79. Burn Execution Firing Patterns Strip - Head Spot Chevron Center
Backing
Combination of all

80. Burn Execution Interaction
Fuels, weather, topography and ignition pattern interact to create fire effects.
Adjustments to firing patterns can be made to produce fire effects that will meet burn objectives.
Photo: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Jeff Schardt, US Fish & Wildlife Service

81. UNIT 6 GROUND QUALIFICATION
Unit Objectives
Perform bench test on PSD
Simulate in-flight communications and actions
Perform emergency procedures on PSD
Troubleshoot PSD

82. UNIT 7 PSD FLIGHT QUALIFICATION
Unit Objectives
Install PSD in Helicopter
Perform Pre-Flight Checks of PSD
Participate in Pre-flight Briefing
Complete PSD Go/No Go Checklist
Demonstrate Proper In-Flight Operating Procedures
Post-Flight Debriefing and Documentation

83. Photo Credits Opal Fulton Florida Division of Forestry
Carrabelle, FL, USA
Jeff Schardt US Fish & Wildlife Service
Titusville, FL, USA
Nancy Argyle SEI Industries Ltd.
Delta, BC, Canada
Mark Toeckes SEI Industries Ltd.
Shawn Bethel SEI Industries Ltd.