Training Bulletin #93: Thermo-Gel Fire Blocking Gel

Question 1

The super absorbent polymers in thermo-gel liquid concentrate can absorb _ times their weight in water.

Answer 1

hundreds

Question 2

What two ingredients does the gel need to work as needed?

Answer 2

• Thermo-Gel

- Water

Question 3

Thermo-Gel provides a high level of protection from what three things?

Answer 3

1. Radiant Heat
2. Flying embers
3. Direct flame impingement

Question 4

Foaming agents such as Class “A” foam are mixed with air and water to produce air bubbles in a process known as _.

Answer 4

Aeration

Question 5

At what temperatures do air bubbles burst when exposed to heat?

Answer 5

170 degrees F

Question 6

How long does it take for foam blankets to break down following application?

Answer 6

15-30 minutes

Question 7

What is the biggest difference from Class “A” foam and thermo-gel?

Answer 7

Class “A” bubbles contain air, thermo-gel bubbles contain water.

Question 8

How long does it take for thermal gel to break down following application?

Answer 8

6-36 hours

Question 9

What is done when thermal gel dries?

Answer 9

Apply a fine mist.

Question 10

Thermal Gel is non toxic. Does thermal gel harm paint or metal surfaces?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

When the use of the thermal gel has passed how can you get rid of it off surfaces?

Answer 11

By hosing it off with an ordinary garden hose

Question 12

What exterior surfaces can thermal gel be applied?

Answer 12

All (metal, glass, stucco, and wood)

*Usually for exposure protection

Question 13

Can thermo gel be used on vegetation surrounding a structure?

Answer 13

Yes, because it increases the defensible space between fire and exposure.

Question 14

Direct fire attack should NOT be made with thermal gel. True or False?

Answer 14

TRUE. It is expensive and does not provide the reach and handling characteristics normally associated with fire department hose streams.

Question 15

How much thermal gel does one container hold?

Answer 15

1 gallon

Question 16

What equipment is used to apply thermal gel?

Answer 16

• 1 gallon container
• Spray tip
• Eductor
• Shut-off
• 1” to 1 1/2” increaser
• Plastic pick up tube with check valve metering device

Question 17

Normal day to day, how much Thermo-gel shall companies carry on their apparatus?

Answer 17

4 - 1 gallon containers (1 case)

Question 18

When the probability of brush fires increases (extreme or red flag rating) companies shall carry a total of _ of thermal gel.

Answer 18

12- 1 gallon containers (3 cases)

Question 19

What is the nozzle pressure for barricade nozzle?

Answer 19

75 psi

Question 20

What is the gpm delivered by the nozzle?

Answer 20

15 gpm (TB), 20 gpm (Hydraulic calculator)

Question 21

What is the friction loss per 100’ of 1”?

Answer 21

10 psi

Question 22

How much psi for the nozzle appliance?

Answer 22

60 psi

Question 23

Working back towards your apparatus, where do you start application on a home?

Answer 23

Start with roof and then coat the vertical surfaces.

*only coat area threatened by fire

Question 24

Coat the objective until white and with a covering thickness of _.

Answer 24

1/4”

Question 25

Thermal gel should only be dispensed from the one gallon container. True or False

Answer 25

TRUE.

*mixing thermal gel into water tank of pump with cause a thick mixture which will clog the pump.

Question 26

When coating roof areas what needs to be done?

Answer 26

Apply from a ladder and do not walk on roof when applying due to slippery state of gel.

Question 27

The 1 gallon container will cover approximately _ square feet.

Answer 27

500-700

Question 28

After use of the equipment cleaning the appliance should not be delayed more than _ hours.

Answer 28

12

* Soaking the parts of appliance in hot/warm water will assist with cleaning.

Question 29

Dried thermal gel shall be removed within _ hours before it becomes too difficult to remove.

Answer 29

24-48

* If dry reapply water to wash down, if too dry try stiff bristle brush.

Question 30

Is there a shelf life for thermal gel?

Answer 30

NO

Question 31

Before use what shall be done with the container?

Answer 31

Shake for 2 minutes and inverting the containing while shaking.

Question 32

What is the weekly with the thermal gel?

Answer 32

Shake every week

Question 33

What is the monthly with thermal gel?

Answer 33

Exchange containers on apparatus with containers in storage.

* Helps rotate the stock for “shaking while driving.”

Question 34

What needs to be done every 6 months?

Answer 34

Shake each container on apparatus and storage with the Battalion issued shaker.

Question 35

How long do you shake the container for when using Battalion issued shaker?

Answer 35

5 minutes

Question 36

Containers on apparatus or in storage should be stored how?

Answer 36

On their side

* Keeps product from settling on bottom of container.

Question 37

Thermal gel not harmful to clothing but difficult to get off. What are recommendations to get it off?

Answer 37

• Wash off much as possible with pressurized water.

- Machine wash several times

Question 38

Do not get water inside of container. One _ can react with the gel enough to potentially clog the metering valve.

Answer 38

Drop of water