KNOW YOUR NOZZLES
If we are going to maximize the equipment we have... we have to understand its design and limits.
If we are going to function smoothly, with efficiency on the fire ground... we have to know our equipment.
If we are going to do our part to ensure every member goes home... we have to know our equipment.
This is going to be a rather lengthy section where we address the basic components when it comes to pumping, starting with our nozzles, the three main hose diameters we utilize, and then finally talking about the importance of knowing your pre-connects.
NOZZLES:
The Fire Service utilizes a variety of nozzles - Automatic Fog, Constant Gallonage, Smooth Bore, etc. The key here is knowing THREE pieces of information for each nozzle:
The type of nozzle (example: Automatic Fog vs. Smooth Bore)
The operating pressure (psi) of that nozzle
The volume capacity of that nozzle
A quick word about volume capacity and a simple way to organize this in your head while on the fire ground - We can simplify and group nozzles into three basic volume capacities:
Low/Handlines = 150 - 300 gpm
Medium/MS = 500 - 600 gpm
High/Large MS = 1000 - 1250 gpm
Automatic Fog Nozzles
Type - Automatic Fog Nozzles are designed to give you a consistent fire stream (this is why some refer to them as "stream shapers") over a range of flows. For example, pumping 70 gpm to a TFT Midmatic 75psi Nozzle will give you roughly the same shape and reach from your fire stream as if you were pumping 200 gpm. That's a huge volume difference while maintaining the same "effective stream." This is the beauty (and downfall) of the Automatic Nozzle. The key here is to realize that the pressure you push to the nozzle will directly impact the volume you produce from the tip.... all the while, you're stream will look unaffected by the pressure & volume change.
WATCH THIS VIDEO FROM TFT on Automatic Nozzles -https://youtu.be/xhaUjFX5Ras
Operating Pressure & Volume Capacity - Typically, Automatic Fog Nozzles are designed with an operating pressure of 75 psi or 100 psi and will flow a range of gallons per minute.
TFT Mid Matic 75 psi | 70 - 200 gpm
TFT HANDLINE 100 psi | 50 - 350 gpm (old crosslay nozzle)
TFT Ultimatic 100 psi | 10 - 125 gpm
TFT Masterstream 1250 100 psi (Deck Gun) | 150 - 1250 gpm
TFT MaxForce Dual Pressure55/100 psi (Blitz Fire) 100 - 500 gpm
Constant/Fixed Gallonage Nozzles
Type - Constant Gallonage Nozzles deliver a constant gallonage from straight stream to full fog. If the operating pressure is not met, you will notice a reduction in the stream's reach and shape. These nozzles provide the nozzleman with direct feedback on what is being pumped to their line.
Operating Pressure & Volume Capacity - Typically you will find Constant Gallonage Nozzles operating between 50-100 psi and with volumes between 125 - 300 gpm. In Dallas Fire-Rescue we utilize a single Constant Gallonage Nozzle:
Chief XD Mid Range Nozzle 75 psi | 175 gpm
A quick word before we move on...
** You must understand the difference between Automatic and Fixed Nozzles.
Automatic = These are constant pressure with variable flow rates. The nozzle adapts and can overcome some level of ignorance from the pump operator if the line is under/overcharged. It emphasizes FF safety by maintaining an effective reach/stream for the nozzleman if their supply is reduced (kinks, minor bursts, under-pumped, etc). The downside is that it eliminates critical feedback elements to the nozzleman if problems such as supply interruptions (examples above) occur, placing a much higher level of responsibility on the Pump Operator to be competent and aware if these were to happen.
Constant/Fixed Gallonage = Constant flow rate (gpm) at set pressures. This nozzle will not maintain your stream. If you under pump, you will see a reduction in stream reach. Fixed nozzles are less forgiving for the Pump Operator in terms of making up for errors that can be made on the Fire Ground. The advantage is a higher level of feedback to the Nozzleman and simpler mechanisms that could fail
Smooth Bore Nozzles
Smooth Bore Handlines
Type - Smooth Bore Nozzles typically provide a simple ball-valve "shut-off" with an attached tip - usually a 7/8", 15/16", or 1 1/8".
Operating Pressure & Volume Capacity - Smooth Bore Handlines are designed to be pumped at a range of 40-60 psi, with 50 psi being the optimal standard.
7/8" @ 50 psi = 160 gpm
15/16" @ 50 psi = 185 gpm
1 1/8" @ 50 psi = 265 gpm
CLICK HERE For a great resource showing smooth bore flow rates
Something to consider is the range smooth bore handlines can be pumped at (40-60 psi). This is what Chief Combs and the Apparatus Committee did when they designed the new Elkhart Nozzle Package in DFD on every new Pierce Engine that is put into service - which includes as 175@75 Fixed Fog, 7/8", and 15/16" Smooth Bore options. You have the option to pump the same PDP regardless of the tip chosen (to keep things simple), but in the process are running the 7/8" tip a bit "hot" (60 psi) when doing this.
Smooth Bore Master Streams
Type - Smooth Bore Master Stream nozzles are typically of the "stacked tip" variety. This allows the user to increase/decrease the tip size to meet the volume needs.
Operating Pressure & Volume Capacity - Smooth Bore Master Streams are designed to be pumped at 80 psi.
1 3/8" @ 80 psi = ~500 gpm
2" @ 80 psi = ~1000 gpm
Note that there are two other tip sizes in between the 1 3/8" and 2"; however, for simplicity's sake, we rarely utilize these additional tips.
🚨 DISCLAIMER: Dallas Fire-Rescue does not endorse or promote these videos. The information herein is my best understanding of the material covered and the subsequent views expressed are my own and not necessarily those DFR. These videos are strictly for educational purposes only. It is critical that you follow your department's MOP/SOP, and talk with your Station Officer (and crew) before implementing anything you see here on The Roll Steady.
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PUMP SCHOOL W/ RICK BREWER
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