Achieving Maximum FlowsAchieving Maximum FlowsAchieving Maximum FlowsAchieving Maximum Flows

The Water Triangle...The Water Triangle...

The The FIREFIRE Tetrahedron TetrahedronThe The FIREFIRE Tetrahedron Tetrahedron

The WATER TriangleThe WATER Triangle

Represents limits to the pumping setupRepresents limits to the pumping setupRepresents limits to the pumping setupRepresents limits to the pumping setup

Water Triangle Assumptions...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...Pumping Apparatus...

Semi-Tractor TrailerSemi-Tractor Trailer

55 MPH, 2600 RPM

55 MPH, 2600 RPM

200 PSI, 2200 RPM200 PSI, 2200 RPM

Fire PumperFire 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.

Use this investment to its

fullest advantage.

Water TriangleSUPPLY

Water TriangleSUPPLY

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 TrianglePRESSURE

Water TrianglePRESSURE

Most often reached in lower flow situations

Often due to small hose linesEasiest to improve with current

technologyFlexible limitation based on equipmentEstablished by department S.O.P.’sGreatest control based on

circumstances

Limit indicated by Master Pressure gauge

Most often reached in lower flow situations

Often due to small hose linesEasiest to improve with current

technologyFlexible limitation based on equipmentEstablished by department S.O.P.’sGreatest control based on

circumstances

Limit indicated by Master Pressure gauge

Water TrianglePOWER

Water TrianglePOWER

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 TriangleSUPPLY

Water TriangleSUPPLY

How can it be improved?

Additional hydrants usedDrop additional supply linesLarger supply lines (LDH)More portable tanks, or

additional tanker capacity (rural)

Any combination of the above

How can it be improved?

Additional hydrants usedDrop additional supply linesLarger supply lines (LDH)More portable tanks, or

additional tanker capacity (rural)

Any combination of the above

Water TrianglePRESSURE

Water TrianglePRESSURE

How can it be improved?

Simple increase of throttleUse of larger delivery (attack

lines) for lower friction lossesVolume to Pressure on two-stage

pump

How can it be improved?

Simple increase of throttleUse of larger delivery (attack

lines) for lower friction lossesVolume to Pressure on two-stage

pump

Water TrianglePOWER

Water TrianglePOWER

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 ApplicationSample Application

100 0 ft. 5 in .

300 ft. 4 in .

2 0 0 0 G PMHyd ra n t

300 ft. 3 "

1 3 /4" SB

2.5 " 300 Ft.

3" 2 00 ft. to Wye 250 ft. o f 1 -3 /4"

1 0 0 ft. o f 1 1 /2 "

Po rta b le m o n ito r

15/16 " SB

95 G PM Fo g

250 G PM Fo g

Sample w/ Automatic Nozzles &Water Triangle

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

100 0 ft. 5 in .

300 ft. 4 in .

2 0 0 0 G PMHyd ra n t

300 ft. 3 "

1 3 /4" SB

2.5 " 300 Ft.

3" 2 00 ft. to Wye 250 ft. o f 1 -3 /4"

1 0 0 ft. o f 1 1 /2 "

Po rta b le m o n ito r

15/16 " SB

95 G PM Fo g

250 G PM Fo g

Sample w/ Automatic Nozzles & Water Triangle

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!

100 0 ft. 5 in .

300 ft. 4 in .

2 0 0 0 G PMHyd ra n t

300 ft. 3 "

1 3 /4" SB

2.5 " 300 Ft.

3" 2 00 ft. to Wye 250 ft. o f 1 -3 /4"

1 0 0 ft. o f 1 1 /2 "

Po rta b le m o n ito r

15/16 " SB

95 G PM Fo g

250 G PM Fo g