Chapter 12 Water Supply Flashcards
Explain the characteristics of water
Water, a hydrogen and oxygen compound (H2O), exists in a liquid state between 0°C and 100°C,
a solid state below 0°C, and converts to vapour or steam above 100°C. It is cheap, usually plentiful, and is the most common extinguishing agent. It works by cooling the fire to below the
temperature required to support combustion, by smothering the flames, and also by cooling items
not involved below their ignition temperature
Describe the City water supply system
- Intakes located in the middle of the river at the E.L. Smith and Rossdale water treatment sites
- The water distribution system in Edmonton uses the ‘Direct Pumping’ method to move all their water
- There are over 59 pumps within the system
- Also use reservoirs for storage
800 million liters (176 million Imperial gallons) of water within the system - 50 million liters (11 million Imperial gallons) allocated for fire protection
- Water Main Valves within system allows for total control of water flow
- Zone Separation Valves may experience low pressures and volume at first, System sensors will automatically open check valves to stabilize to normal
- Water distribution system’s pipe sizes –
● >400mm Primary lines
● 300-400mm Feeders
● 200-300mm Distribution
● Can go up to 1500mm
What are the alternate water supply available to the fire service
- Rivers
- Ponds
- Pools Cisterns
- Portable tanks
Describe fire hydrant and its operation.
Fire Hydrants are the main water source for fighting fires. In this cold region the cities and municipalities use a dry barrel hydrant system. When installed, the valve that controls the water flow is located below the frost line to prevent freezing in the system. The hydrant is also equipped with a drain valve at the base to prevent any water from remaining in the barrel. When the hydrant is not in use the drain valves at the base of the hydrant are in the open position to provide drainage, and when the hydrant is in use or flowing the drain valve is closed.
What are the sizes and lengths of hoses used in the EFRS
25 mm –Booster reels (tankers/ATPs/Two Stage Pumps)
38 mm – Wildland (Seasonal)
44mm – Hi-Combat Attack hose
65mm – Hi-Combat Attack hose
125mm – Hi-Volume Hose – aka supply hose
150 mm Soft Suction
Found in 15m and 7.5m (PONY) lengths for the 125mm
What types of damage a hose may be subjected
Mechanical
Thermal
Organic
Chemical
What are the care, cleaning procedure of hose (5 points)
- Ensure that all the hose is cleaned using mild soap and water.
- Hang all wet hose in the drying tower with the exception of “combat hose” and the high volume hose
- Examining hose for damage/contamination, and reporting such conditions to the Station Officer
- Rolling all dried hose, and placing in the station racks.
- Hose should not hang in the drying tower for more than 48 hrs
What are the types and parts of hose couplings
The Higbee cut & Indicator
Threaded coupling
Storz Coupling
Describe the type of hose roll used by EFRS
Straight hose roll
Describe the type of hose load used by EFRS
- Flat load- The flat load is used for the 125 mm HI VOL supply line as well as the 65mm Attack hose - both on the rear bed and the transverse beds of the units equipped with 65 mm hose.
- Scorpion Hose Load- The Scorpion hose load is an effective way of packaging the 2 lengths of 44mm Attack hose in our jump-line compartment, allowing one firefighter to easily deploy the hose without issues.
What is the SPECIFIC HEAT of any substance
The specific heat of any substance is the ratio between the amount of heat needed to raise the
temperature of a specified quantity of material and the amount of heat needed to raise the
temperature of an identical quantity of water by the same number of degrees. The specific heat of
water is 1:1.
What is Latent Heat Vaporization
Latent heat of vaporization refers to the amount of heat absorbed by any substance when it is
converted from a liquid to a vapour.
(This is important because it is the reason behind water’s
cooling effect. When 3.785 L of water at 16°C is converted to steam, it will absorb more than
2508 kJ of heat.)
What are the 4 types of pressure within the water supply system
- Static Pressure – pressure of the water when it is not moving.
- Normal Operating Pressure - pressures within the water distribution system during normal consumption demands.
- Residual Pressure - total available pressure not used to overcome friction or gravity when water is flowing through the system.
- Flow Pressure - forward velocity pressure at any discharge opening.
What is water hammer
Water hammer is the term used to describe the destructive forces, evident in pounding noises and
vibrations, which develop in a piping system when a column of non-compressible liquid flowing
through a pipe line at a given pressure and velocity is stopped abruptly.
what is the difference in the pressure exerted by flowing water against a closed system versus the static pressure (during water hammer)
seven times or more than the
static pressure. However, you can open and close a 44mm line as fast as you want and it will
have little effect on the hose or couplings.
How do you prevent water hammer
Water hammer can be prevented by opening and closing valves and nozzles slowly.
Water hammer can occur in hydrants as well, open and close slowly and completely.
It is important to remember what about operating a fire hydrant
the hydrant must be either fully open or fully closed.
What direction do you need to turn the key to pen or close the hydrant
- Open hydrants by turning key in a counter-clockwise direction
- Close hydrants by turning key in a clockwise direction
Water flow capabilities of a hydrant is indicated by the color of the
dome and caps What are the colors and flows for each
● Blue / Black / Silver - Greater than 5700 LPM
● Green - 3800 – 5700 LPM
● Yellow Orange - 1900- 3800 LPM
● Red - Less than 1900 LPM
There are four different
colours of hydrant rings, each with its
respective meaning. What are they?
- Orange - Out of Service (non-operational)
- Blue - Hydrant in Use (with permission)
- White - Fire department Use Only
- Green - Under Construction (do not use – no water)
What are The three basic elements of a water shuttle operation
- Dump site – the attack apparatus at the fire scene, or a secondary pump that is relaying water to the attack pump, drafting from the portable tank or when a Rural Hitch is set up.
- Fill site – the fill apparatus at the water supply
- Shuttle – the mobile water apparatus that hauls the water from the fill site to the dump site.
What are the capacities of the tankers
– Smaller Smeal Tanker holds 4500L while the Smeal Supertanker carries 13,500L.
What is the On Board Water capacity of the EFRS units
Pumps → 1817 Litres (1890 Litres - New Two Stage Pumps)
Ladders → 1134 Litres
Tankers → 4500 Litres
Super Tankers → 13,500 Litres
New Super Tankers → 11, 376 Litres
ATP → 1442 Litres
Mule trailer → 250 Litres
There are four categories of hazards to fire hoses:
Mechanical
Thermal
Organic
Chemical.
On Board Water capacity of the Pumps
1817 Litres (1890 Litres - New Two Stage Pumps)
On Board Water capacity of the Ladders
1134 Litres
On Board Water capacity of the Tankers
4500 Litres
On Board Water capacity of the Super tankers
13,500 Litres
New Super tankers have 11, 376 Litres
On Board Water capacity of the ATP
1442 Litres
On Board Water capacity of the Mule trailer
250 Litres
What is the difference between the Red and green 65mm hose
65mm RED Fire Hose is Found on the new Two-Stage Pumpers that can handle the increased required pressure. ➣ Rated Max Pressure 3500 kPa
Define Attack line
Is a hose line and nozzle used primarily to apply water directly onto a fire and operated by a sufficient number of personnel so that it can be maneuvered safely, and effectively. (44mm or 65mm)
Define Jump Line
2 lengths of 15m (100 feet) equipped with a nozzle - used primarily on minor fires (dumpster, some car fires, and to clean up neutralized spills). (44mm (front of unit))
Define Booster line
Is a hose found on the booster reel of either a Tanker, ATP and New Two-Stage Pumps. The reel is equipped with 60m (200 ft) of high pressure hose with an accompanying nozzle. (25mm)
What is 150mm suction hose sued for
For use when drafting from a reservoir or portable tank only
Where can 125mm Supply Line (HIGH VOLUME HOSE) be found
The 125 mm hose line is found stored as a flat lay in the top hose bed of the Pump (16 lengths),
Tanker (15 lengths), Ladder (8 lengths)
What type of hose is carried on the pump
25mm
BOOSTER (only on Two-stage)
38mm
Wildland (seasonally)
44mm
ATTACK
65mm
ATTACK
125mm
SUPPLY
150mm
SUCTION
What type of hose is carried on the Ladder
44mm
ATTACK
65mm
ATTACK
125mm
SUPPLY
What type of hose is available on the tanker and super tanker
25mm
BOOSTER
38mm
Wildland (seasonal)
44mm
ATTACK
65mm
ATTACK
125mm
SUPPLY
150mm
SUCTION
what type of hose is available on the ATP
25mm
BOOSTER
38mm
Wildland (seasonal)
65mm
ATTACK
What are the Hose testing procedures
- Hose that is in service with the EFRS shall be service-tested at least annually.
o This meets NFPA 1962 - Care, Use, and Service Testing of Fire Hose Including Couplings and Nozzles - 2003 Edition. - Annual testing ensures the safety of fire personnel.
- Hose shall be service-tested the later of one year after its manufacture or before it is placed into service for the first time
- As per NFPA - Prior to testing, hose should be inspected for damage to the jacket and couplings as well as an inspection, and the replacement, of any worn gaskets. With respect to EFRS protocols, damaged hose shall be sent to Fleet Services for repair.
what signs to look for when assessing mechanical damage to a hose (4 points)
rips
frayed or worn areas
crushed or damaged couplings
Cracked linings.
Reduce the potential for mechanical damage by following these guidelines: (7 points)
- Avoid pulling hose over sharp objects or rough terrain.
- Avoid placing the hose tightly around sharp corners.
- Use hose ramps or bridges, or at the very least, post warning devices near the hose lines.
- Prevent water hammer by closing nozzles slowly.
- Change bends in the hose when loading.
- Use chafing blocks.
- Use appropriate pump pressures.
what signs to look for when assessing thermal damage to a hose (4 points)
Charred or melted fabric.
Cracking or splitting.
Hose drying in intense sunlight or on the dry rack for longer than necessary.
Discolouration
Reduce the potential for thermal damage by following these guidelines: (9 points)
- Keep hoses away from heat whenever possible.
- Do not dry hoses longer than necessary.
- Dry hoses with moderate heat and away from intense sunlight.
- Keep the hose jacket dry.
- Do not dry the hose on hot pavement or asphalt.
- Periodically run water through hoses
- Avoid placing a hose near vehicle exhaust systems.
- Use hose bed covers on apparatus.
- Do not leave the hose in sunlight for more than a day or two, especially with rubber hose.
what signs to look for when assessing Organic damage to a hose (2 points)
mildew
mold
Reduce the potential for organic damage by following these guidelines: (2 points)
- Replace wet hose on apparatus with clean, dry hose after an incident.
- Remove, inspect, brush, and reload unused woven jacket hose every 30 days.
what signs to look for when assessing Chemical damage to a hose (2 points)
- Any exposure to petroleum products, diesel, paints, acids, or alkalis.
- Any exposure to run-off water from a fire.
Reduce the potential for chemical damage by following these guidelines:
- Avoid laying hose in gutters or run-off troughs.
- Inspect and test hose regularly.
- Wash hose with plain water periodically
What pressure is each hose size tested at and for how long? (4x3 points)
44 mm-2100 kPa-3 Minutes
GREEN 65 mm-2100 kPa-3 Minutes
RED 65 mm-3500 kPa-3 Minutes
125 mm-1400 kPa-3 Minutes
what is a safety consideration for how long hose testing should be conducted
All service tests will be conducted for 3 minutes. Do not let the motor run longer than
5 minutes once the service test pressure is reached!
What is the amin advantage of a straight hose roll
Male thread protected from damage
What are the duties of the of the BIG GATE position in order (10 points)
- Safely dismount the apparatus wearing all PPE carrying a radio.
- Remove the hydrant gate from the rear of the apparatus compartment or tailboard..
- Wrap 125 mm hose around the hydrant.
- Stand on the hose and signal small gate when ready.
- When the apparatus is stopped or when it is safe to do so, remove steamer cap from hydrant.
- Inspect the barrel of hydrant.
- Connect Hydrant Gate
- Radio or signal driver or sector officer that you are ready to turn on the hydrant.
- Open hydrant when ordered by driver or sector officer, close drain valve.
- Gather tools, remove kinks in the hose and report to your officer for reassignment.
What are the duties of the SMALL GATE position in order (10 points)
- Safely dismount the apparatus wearing all PPE carrying a radio.
- If riding on a new Smeal Pumper ensure the coffin doors are electrically opened – allows for free travel of hose when the vehicle is in motion, the apparatus will need to have the park break engaged.
- Retrieve hydrant kit from the driver rear compartment of apparatus.
- Place hydrant kit near the hydrant in a practical location for Big gate.
- Help Big gate with the supply line and wait for the ready signal.
- Return to your position in the apparatus and relay the ready signal to the driver and officer.
- At the scene. Safely dismount the unit and un-couple the supply line at the nearest joint.
- Attach the supply line to the appropriate apparatus at the scene. *Utilize the pony length when it is advantageous to do so
- Communicate to the driver of the apparatus that the line is ready
- Report to your officer for reassignment.
During Reverse lay procedures what is the differnce when when riding on the new SMEAL pump vs the New TWO STAGE pump
If riding on a new Smeal pump: Big gate or Small gate must ensure the coffin doors on the unit are fully opened
New Two-Stage Pumpers do not require you to open coffin doors if supply line is laid properly
What should all personnel be acutely aware of when charging a 125mm supply line
it is extremely important that all personnel, operating within the vicinity of that supply line, be acutely aware of the water’s progression through the 125mm to its intended apparatus intake. The speed & progression of the water flow can result in an unexpected reaction of that supply line and subsequently, the force generated can result in serious injury to anyone who is caught in its path.
how do you start a Flat load
Start by placing one coupling in the front corner of the hose bed.
What is a Hose advancing loop
-Allowing a small fold remaining exposed over the edge of the hose bed 1 1⁄2- 2 lengths from the nozzle will help in the deployment of the hand line at the scene of an emergency.
What is the operating pressure for 44mm nozzle and rated flow
Fog nozzle operating pressure 500 kPa
Rated flow 550 lpm
What is the operating pressure for 65mm nozzle and rated flow
Fog nozzle operating pressure 500 kPa
Rated flow 950 lpm
What is the operating pressure for piercing nozzle and rated flow
Operating pressure 500 kPa
Rated flow 475 lpm
What is a Siamese for and how much unit loss does it have
To merge two or more hose lines into one
Unit loss 70 kPa
What is a Wye for and how much unit loss does it have
To split one water stream into two
Unit loss 70 kPa
What is a Gated Wye for and how much unit loss does it have
To split one stream into two
smaller stream c/w individual
outlet shut off
Unit loss 70 kPa
What is a RURAL HITCH
Rural Hitch- is a term coined to move a large source of water to a
rural fire scene. It also reflects the term “nursing”.
Hydrant gates in EFRS are stored in the _______ position
open
What is in the hydrant kit (5 points)
- Two Storz wrenches
- One combination wrench
- One Rubber mallet
- One Adjustable Hydrant Wrench
- Roll of yellow Banner guard used to cordon off the hydrant area
What are the 3 flow settings for the 65 mm Quick Attack Monitor
950-1400-1900 LPM
What trucks are the 65 mm Quick Attack Monitor (3 points)
Ladders – pre-connected to 4 lengths of 65mm hose - transverse bed
Pumps – connected to 5 lengths of 65mm in the rear bed
Tankers – connected to 5 lengths 65 mm in the rear bed
Define Hydraulics
The study of fluids at rest and in motion
What is elevation pressure in the fire service
In the fire service, Elevation Pressure is the gain or loss of pressure in a hose line due to
a change in elevation.
The rule of thumb for calculating head pressure is:
For every meter of elevation above the pumper 10 kPa is added to the pump pressure
For every floor above the pump level 35 kPa is added to the pump pressure
● It is assumed that on average a floor or storey is approximately 3.5 meters in height – if that height varies your calculated head pressure need to be adjusted
What is the formula for calculating pump discharge pressure
PDP = NP + TPL
TPL = Appliance loss (APL) + Friction loss (FL) +/- Elevation Pressure (EP)
PDP = Discharge pressure - The required pressure to supply one or multiple hose lines of the same or different diameters
NP = Nozzle pressure - The required pressure recommended by the manufacturer
to reach the rated flow
what is the mathematical formula for calculating friction loss
FL = CQ2L
FL = Friction Loss in kilopascals (kPa)
C = Friction loss coefficient used to represent the size of the hose line
Q = is the flow rate in L/min divided by 100
L = is the number of hose lengths in 30 meter lengths (Note: Edmonton Fire uses 15 m lengths)
What are the friction loss coefficients for each Diameter of hose (44,65,125mm)
44 mm 7
65 mm 1
125 mm 0.04
What is the R.O.T for friction loss for 44mm hose
100 kPa per 15m length flowing water at 550 Lpm
What is the R.O.T for friction loss for 65mm hose
50 kPa per 15m length flowing at 950 Lpm
What is the R.O.T for friction loss for Standpipe connection
R.O.T. for standpipe connections is 1000 kPa – sufficient pressure to operate a 44mm attack line on the 5
th floor of a hi-rise/walk-up.
At what temperature will water be transformed from its liquid state to a solid state?
Temperature < than 0 Celsius
Water is transformed to a vapour at a ratio of ____________ to __________
1 to 1700
List the disadvantages of water when used as an extinguishing agent. (6 points)
● Water has high surface tension. High surface tension reduces the rate of heat absorption.
● Water reacts with certain materials.
● Water has low opacity and low reflectivity therefore does not prevent the passage of radiant heat well.
● Water has low viscosity. This means it will not adhere well to vertical surfaces.
● Water conducts electricity.
● Steam from water can cause serious injuries.
How is the water distributed in the City of Edmonton?
Direct pumping into a grid system
Describe the difference between a dead end hydrant and circulating loop hydrant.
o A dead end hydrant receives water from only one direction
o An hydrant on a loop receives water from 2 direction
What is residual pressure in a water distribution system?
The pressure not needed to overcome friction or head pressure
Briefly describe the operation and uses of dry barrel hydrants.
A dry barrel hydrant is used in cold climates. The operating valve is at the base
of the barrel below the frost line. The barrel also has a drain valve system to
expel water when it is not in use. When the hydrant is in use the drain valve is
closed and when the hydrant is shut off the drain valve is open.
List sources of water
o Municipal water distribution system
o Fire department vehicles with water storage tanks, portable tank
o Wells, pools, cisterns
o Rivers, lakes, ponds, Creeks,
Describe three situations where the fire officer may decide NOT to use the fire hydrant closest to the fire.
o The closer hydrant has significantly lower flow than one more distant.
o The closer hydrant may be damaged or out of service
o The hydrant is too close to the building and exposes fire fighters and equipment to the effects of the fire.
o The hydrant is on the other side of the street.
List alternate methods to supply water at a fire scene.
o Drafting
o Relay pumping
o Water shuttle
o Tankers
List the color of hydrant caps and their respective flow rate.
o Black/Light Blue More than 5700L/Min
o Green - 3800 - 5700 L/Min
o Yellow Orange - 1900 - 3800 L/Min
o Red - Less than 1900 L/Min
What type of hose is used for drafting?
Older vulcanized rubber Hard suction and newer clear soft suction
What is the purpose of a Wye adapter connection?
To split one line into two
What are the groves on a coupling called
Higbee indicator
What do rings on the hydrant indicate?
The service status of the hydrant
List the sizes and lengths of the three main hoses used by EFRS
o 44mm 15m
o 65mm 15m
o 125mm 7.5 & 15 meter
What is a Dutchman?
A fold in a hose load that will prevent the coupling from turning or flipping
What is a forward lay?
Laying the hose from the water supply to the fire scene
What is a hydrant loop?
A wrap of hose around an hydrant to anchor the hose lay for laying a supply line
How tight should couplings be when loading a hose?
Hand tight only
List the four types of hose damage.
o Mechanical
o Chemical
o Thermal
o Organic
What is Elevation pressure?
Gain or loss of pressure in a hose-line due to a change in elevation.
What is a water hammer?
Water hammer is the term used to describe the destructive forces, evident in
pounding noises and vibrations, which develop in a piping system when a column
of non-compressible liquid flowing through a pipe line at a given pressure and
velocity is stopped abruptly
How do you prevent water hammer?
By opening and closing valves slowly.
What is the friction loss rule of thumb for a 65 mm hose flowing 950 L/min?
50 kPa
What is the formula used to calculate the basic PUMP DISCHARGE PRESSURE?
PDP = NP + TL (FL + APL + EP)
