Fire fighting pumps and hoses
Submitted: Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 18:56
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workhorse
Some what off topic, and hopefully it wont be too topical in the coming months.
With Spring upon us already the soaking rains we have had on the Mid North Coast of NSW are almost forgotten and we have had our first paddock fires in the area.
As many
forum readers have diverse backgrounds I'm looking for some advise on getting a portable (liftable into the back of the ute) fire pump and hose set up.
It will pump out of 1000 litre tank on ute or fixed water tanks or dams depending on need.
Questions regarding;
* petrol Vs diesel
* min hp
*min pump head
* best outlet size
Im not into heroics this is for small controllable (if they ever are) fires.
Please don't turn this into an argument over whether to stay or evacuate, but would appreciate practical on
farm machinery advice.
Thanks
Reply By: Bushranger1 - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 19:47
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 19:47
I have a Davey Pumps firefighter petrol model.
It's connected with a quick release fitting to Sprinklers on the house roof & also pressurises my house supply so I can fill buckets from my standard outlets if need be.
Make sure you do not use Ethanol fuel in it because the fuel will go off while it sits around out of season. I also use a product called STA-BIL fuel stabiliser in all the outdoor gear I own including the fire pump that way it's always fueled up ready to go.
I run 40mm pipe all the way to the inlet & up to the peak of the roof of my house to prevent any pressure drop. Bear in mind these pumps dont do to
well if they have to lift too far on the suction side. They will move the water uphill much better on the pressure side of the pump. You can download the specs from the Davey pumps website.
Hope this helps.
Cheers
Stu
AnswerID:
465598
Follow Up By: workhorse - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 19:52
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 19:52
Thanks Stu.
I hope I'm not getting technical but single Vs twin impeller? I know a twin basically does twice the work/pressure/head but any advantage (apart from cost)?
Outlet size for hand held stuff?
Michael
FollowupID:
739634
Follow Up By: Bushranger1 - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:09
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:09
G'day Mike,
Mine is the single impeller & it delivers plenty of volume & pressure for my needs.
I can create lot of "rain" over the complete area of my house & still have plenty of pressure to fill buckets as
well.
My reason for getting the single impeller was that if someone forgets to open the
gate valve on the roof sprinklers I don't want to risk bursting the pipes to my house supply. I was a bit worried the twin impeller might have done this.
FollowupID:
739637
Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:03
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:03
workhorse,
Have a look at this website to give you an idea.
aussiepumps.com.au/
Would go for petrol, because of it's portability, with a 40mm & couple of 25mm outlets on the pump. You can buy a Davey firefighter that has a twin impellor, and it will pump water over 1200 Metres, but will also supply very high pressure for a couple of hoses.
Some of these pump suppliers will sell a kit to go with the pump, but in Qld you can also get pumps & all the gear if you're a member of a rural fire brigade, at a reduced rice. Maybe NSW has the same thing?
Check out couplings called STORTZ (???) They are the ducks nuts to have on all your hoses as there is no "male to female", they have commonality with each end. Also the metal nozzles are probably more serviceable than the plastic you can buy.
Good luck, stay cool,
Bob.
AnswerID:
465600
Follow Up By: workhorse - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:09
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:09
Thanks Bob.
Been looking at the Aussie pumps Fire Chief with Honda petrol engine.
I've joined the local RFS but haven't finished final training due a leg injury and didn't even think of going through them as a supplier.
FollowupID:
739636
Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:46
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:46
Stu makes a good point about the pressure of the twin impellor, that I neglected to mention. We used to use one to run sprinklers, and fill a tank at a cattle yard, 1200M from a
dam, using 2" polypipe. Even at that distance it would blow a poly fitting, if a tap was turned off, before the pump was stopped. Maybe too good???? And that was at just above idle speed........
Bob.
FollowupID:
739643
Reply By: Robtbob NSW - Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:07
Tuesday, Sep 20, 2011 at 20:07
I've fought many fires using the petrol Davey pump. The fire brigade has been using them for years.With only 1000 litres you might be better off with 25mm rubber hose or if pumping from a creek 38mm canvas hose might be best.Good luck and think safety first.
AnswerID:
465601
Reply By: Member - blackbird1937 - Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011 at 14:34
Wednesday, Sep 21, 2011 at 14:34
Hello , I used to have a 1000L tank in a tandem trailer with a davey pump for burning off . It was the single impeller and did a great job . I put valves on all outlets . Just drive around with pump motor just above idle and spray when required . I never had a fire get away and I was on my own . Easier to prime with a good metal foot valve . Just don't stop when you are driving on burnt ground as a smouldering lump of cow dung might burn your tyre off .
AnswerID:
465658