Fire Hose Nozzles & Flow Rates Sugar Land Fire Department Driver/Operator—Pumper Academy Spring 2003

Fire Nozzles & Flow Rates The type of fire stream applied to a fire depends on the nozzle type used. Pumping apparatus driver/operators must be familiar with the different types of nozzles carried on their apparatus. Each nozzle type has its own required flow rate and discharge pressure, which affect hydraulic calculations performed by the driver/operator. There may also be cases when the driver/operator is responsible for selecting an appropriate nozzle o perform a particular evolution. Because of these nozzle characteristics, the driver/operator must understand the capabilities of each nozzle in order to make the correct choice.

Factors Influencing Fire Streams Velocity Gravity Wind Friction with the air Operating pressures Nozzle design Nozzle adjustment Condition of nozzle orifice Factors Influencing Fire Streams Velocity Gravity Wind Friction with the air Operating pressures Nozzle design Nozzle adjustment Condition of nozzle orifice

Stream Types Solid stream Fog stream Broken stream Master stream Solid stream—compact stream with little shower or spray; produced from a fixed orifice, smoothbore nozzle. Fog stream—stream broken into finely divided particles; produced from a fog nozzle Broken stream—stream created when water is forced through a series of small holes on the discharge end of the nozzle; generally consists of larger droplets of water than a fog stream; produced from a chimney or cellar nozzle Master stream—any fire stream that is too large to be controlled without mechanical aid; produced from a master stream nozzle.

Solid stream nozzles: -Are designed to produce a stream as compact as possible with little shower or spray. -has the ability to reach areas that other streams might not reach -may be used on handlines, portable or apparatus mounted master streams, or elevated master streams -are designed so that the shape of the water in the nozzle is gradually reduced until it reaches a point a short distance from the outlet where it passes through a cylindrical bore whose length is from one to one and one-half times its diameter and assumes a round shape before discharge. -smooth-finish waterway contributes to both the shape and reach of the stream -alteration or damage to the nozzle can significantly alter stream shape and performance. -stream velocity (nozzle pressure) and size of discharge opening determine nozzle flow. -should be operated at 50 psi nozzle pressure when used on handlines -should be operated at 80 psi when on a solid stream master stream device

Fog Stream Nozzles Angle of deflection determines reduction in forward velocity and stream pattern Wide-angle deflection produces a wide-angle fog, and a narrow-angle deflection produces a narrow-angle fog May be produced by deflection at the periphery or by impinging jets of water or by a combination of these Fog Stream Nozzles -Angle of deflection determines reduction in forward velocity and stream pattern -Wide-angle deflection produces a wide-angle fog, and a narrow-angle deflection produces a narrow-angle fog -May be produced by deflection at the periphery or by impinging jets of water or by a combination of these

Impinging stream fog nozzle -drives several jets of water together at a set angle to break the water into a fog stream of finely divided particles (a fog stream) -usually produced a wide-angle fog pattern, but a narrow pattern is possible. Impinging jets are also used on periphery-deflected stream nozzles.

Periphery-deflected fog nozzle -is produced by deflecting water from the periphery of an inside circular stem in a periphery-deflected fog nozzle -shape of stream determined by positions of nozzle’s deflecting stem and the exterior barrel of the nozzle

Fog Stream Nozzles The reach of the fog stream is directly dependent on the width of the stream, the size of the water droplets, and the amount of water flowing.

Water is discharged at angles to the direct line of discharge, the reaction forces largely counterbalance each other, thus reducing nozzle reaction. This balancing of forces is the reason why fog patterns are easier to handle than solid or straight stream patterns.

Periphery—The line bounding a rounded surface; the outward boundary of an object distinguished from its internal regions Deflection—A turning or state of being turned; a turning from a straight line or given course; a bending; a deviation Impinge—To strike or dash about or against; clashing with a sharp collision; to come together with force. Periphery—The line bounding a rounded surface; the outward boundary of an object distinguished from its internal regions Deflection—A turning or state of being turned; a turning from a straight line or given course; a bending; a deviation Impinge—To strike or dash about or against; clashing with a sharp collision; to come together with force.

Constant Flow Nozzles Most use a periphery-deflected stream Most equipped with an adjustable pattern setting Discharge the same volume of water at a specific nozzle discharge regardless of pattern setting Most intended to be operated at a nozzle pressure of 100 psi

Manually Adjustable Nozzles Have a number of constant flow settings Supply the selected flow at the rated nozzle discharge pressure Actual flow may differ from that indicated at the nozzle if the driver/.operator is unable to supply the proper pressure Most designed to supply the gallonage marked on each setting Manually Adjustable Nozzles Have a number of constant flow settings Supply the selected flow at the rated nozzle discharge pressure Actual flow may differ from that indicated at the nozzle if the driver/.operator is unable to supply the proper pressure Most designed to supply the gallonage marked on each setting

Manually Adjustable Nozzles Driver/operator must know flow at which nozzle is set in order to properly supply hoseline and nozzle. Nozzles set on a low flow may not provide proper amount of water to sufficiently cool a burning fuel Driver/operator must know flow at which nozzle is set in order to properly supply hoseline and nozzle. Nozzles set on a low flow may not provide proper amount of water to sufficiently cool a burning fuel

Automatic Nozzles Are also referred to as constant pressure nozzles Are basically variable flow nozzles with pattern-change capabilities and the ability to maintain the same nozzle pressure Maintain approximately same nozzle pressure an pattern when gallonage supplied to nozzle changes Automatic Nozzles Are also referred to as constant pressure nozzles Are basically variable flow nozzles with pattern-change capabilities and the ability to maintain the same nozzle pressure Maintain approximately same nozzle pressure an pattern when gallonage supplied to nozzle changes

Automatic Nozzles Require adequate pump discharge pressure because stream may “look good”, but may not be supplying sufficient water for extinguishment or protection. Most designed for a 100 psi discharge pressure Are commonly used in high-rise fire fighting Acceptable flow varies with hoseline size, nozzle design, and incident demand Require adequate pump discharge pressure because stream may “look good”, but may not be supplying sufficient water for extinguishment or protection. Most designed for a 100 psi discharge pressure Are commonly used in high-rise fire fighting Acceptable flow varies with hoseline size, nozzle design, and incident demand

Automatic Nozzles Serve as a pressure regulator—within their flow limits—for the pumper as lines are added or shut down, allowing all available water to be used continuously if desired. Maintain a constant nozzle pressure no matter how much the pump discharge pressure is above this figure Serve as a pressure regulator—within their flow limits—for the pumper as lines are added or shut down, allowing all available water to be used continuously if desired. Maintain a constant nozzle pressure no matter how much the pump discharge pressure is above this figure

High Pressure Fog Nozzles Operate at pressure up to 800 psi Develop a fog stream with considerable forward velocity but delver a relatively low volume of water Deliver water in a very fast-moving, fine spray and may use an impinging stream Are best used for fighting wildland fires Not recommended for structural firefighting because they generally flow only about 8-15gpm High Pressure Fog Nozzles Operate at pressure up to 800 psi Develop a fog stream with considerable forward velocity but delver a relatively low volume of water Deliver water in a very fast-moving, fine spray and may use an impinging stream Are best used for fighting wildland fires Not recommended for structural firefighting because they generally flow only about 8-15gpm

Handline Nozzles Designed to be placed on mobile attack lines that can be easily maneuvered by firefighters May be of solid, fog, or broken stream type Range in size from small booster line nozzles for ¾” booster hose, to large fog or solid stream nozzles designed to be placed on 3” hoseline Generally, can flow a maximum of 350 gpm Handline Nozzles Designed to be placed on mobile attack lines that can be easily maneuvered by firefighters May be of solid, fog, or broken stream type Range in size from small booster line nozzles for ¾” booster hose, to large fog or solid stream nozzles designed to be placed on 3” hoseline Generally, can flow a maximum of 350 gpm

Master Stream Nozzles Are powerful and generate a considerable amount of nozzle reaction force May be either solid or fog streams Are usually operated at 80 psi for solid streams Are usually operated at 100 psi for fog streams Are used when handlines would be ineffective, conditions are unsafe, or when manpower is limited Master Stream Nozzles Are powerful and generate a considerable amount of nozzle reaction force May be either solid or fog streams Are usually operated at 80 psi for solid streams Are usually operated at 100 psi for fog streams Are used when handlines would be ineffective, conditions are unsafe, or when manpower is limited

Master Stream Nozzles Deliver large volumes of water and have a greater reach than handheld streams Are used from fixed positions, so most of them have some means for moving the stream in either a vertical or horizontal plane or both. Deliver large volumes of water and have a greater reach than handheld streams Are used from fixed positions, so most of them have some means for moving the stream in either a vertical or horizontal plane or both.

Master Stream Devices Monitor Often incorrectly referred to as deluge sets, but unlike deluge sets, the stream direction and angle can be changed while water is being discharged. May be one of three basic types: Fixed—Permanently mounted on apparatus Combination—May be mounted on apparatus and used as a turret or removed and used as a portable unit Portable—Can be carried to the location where it is needed Monitor Often incorrectly referred to as deluge sets, but unlike deluge sets, the stream direction and angle can be changed while water is being discharged. May be one of three basic types: Fixed—Permanently mounted on apparatus Combination—May be mounted on apparatus and used as a turret or removed and used as a portable unit Portable—Can be carried to the location where it is needed

Master Stream Devices Turret Pipe Deluge set Consists of a turret pipe mounted on a fire apparatus deck and connected directly to the pump by permanent pipe. Sometimes called a deck gun or deck pip Deluge set Consists of a short length of large diameter hose with a large nozzle or large playpipe supported at the discharge end by a tripod Turret Pipe Consists of a turret pipe mounted on a fire apparatus deck and connected directly to the pump by permanent pipe. Sometimes called a deck gun or deck pip Deluge set Consists of a short length of large diameter hose with a large nozzle or large playpipe supported at the discharge end by a tripod

Master Stream Devices Aerial Elevated Master Streams Has a siamese connection at the supply end Cannot change the direction or angle of the stream while the deluge set is discharging water Aerial Elevated Master Streams Ladder Pipe—a master stream device used in conjunction with master streams Detachable ladder pipes most common on light-duty aerial ladders Are attached to the rungs of an aerial ladder and are supplied by fire hose Has a siamese connection at the supply end Cannot change the direction or angle of the stream while the deluge set is discharging water Aerial Elevated Master Streams Ladder Pipe—a master stream device used in conjunction with master streams Detachable ladder pipes most common on light-duty aerial ladders Are attached to the rungs of an aerial ladder and are supplied by fire hose

Master Stream Devices Must be operated manually by a firefighter at the tip of the ladder or by using a rope from the ground Are limited to vertical up and down motions May be permanently attached to elevating platforms and prepiped aerial ladders Prepiped waterway—permanent piping used instead of hose Generally have the ladder pipe attached to end of the waterway, which is on the bottom of ladder May be operated from the top, either manually or by a power control switch located there Must be operated manually by a firefighter at the tip of the ladder or by using a rope from the ground Are limited to vertical up and down motions May be permanently attached to elevating platforms and prepiped aerial ladders Prepiped waterway—permanent piping used instead of hose Generally have the ladder pipe attached to end of the waterway, which is on the bottom of ladder May be operated from the top, either manually or by a power control switch located there

Master Stream Devices Elevating Platform Master Streams Usually can also be operated from the turntable or pump panel area by remote power controls May operate master stream by electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power system Elevating Platform Master Streams Are basically similar to those with prepiped aerial ladders Are located on aerial platform and can be more easily maneuvered by firefighters at tip of aerial device than can aerial master streams Some equipped with two master streams on one platform Usually can also be operated from the turntable or pump panel area by remote power controls May operate master stream by electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic power system Elevating Platform Master Streams Are basically similar to those with prepiped aerial ladders Are located on aerial platform and can be more easily maneuvered by firefighters at tip of aerial device than can aerial master streams Some equipped with two master streams on one platform

Cellar nozzles -also called distributors -are often used on basement and attic fires -can be lowered through holes cut in the floor or pushed through holes cut in the ceiling -may not be equipped with shutoffs, so an in-line shutoff valve should be placed at a convenient location back from the nozzle

Water Curtain Nozzles Produce a fan-shaped stream designed to act as a water barrier between a fire and a combustible material May be used to protect firefighters from heat but must cover a wide area and be reasonably heavy to be effective Absorb only convected heat from a fire; radiant heat is transmitted through the water curtain. Water Curtain Nozzles Produce a fan-shaped stream designed to act as a water barrier between a fire and a combustible material May be used to protect firefighters from heat but must cover a wide area and be reasonably heavy to be effective Absorb only convected heat from a fire; radiant heat is transmitted through the water curtain.

Piercing nozzle -are commonly used to apply water to areas that are otherwise inaccessible to water streams -may be sued to deliver aqueous film forming foam to a confined space -generally consist of a 3 to 6 foot hollow steel rod 1 ½” in diameter with a hardened steel point on the discharge end suitable for driving through concrete block or other types of wall or partition assemblies -have discharge point equipped with an impinging jet nozzle, which is generally capable of delivering about 100 gpm -driving end of nozzle driven with a sledgehammer to force discharge point through an obstruction.

Chimney nozzles -developed to attack chimney flue fires -designed to be placed on the end of a booster hose -consist of a solid piece of brass or steel with numerous, very small impinging holes Generally produce only 1.5-3 gpm of water in a very fine, misty fog cone at a nozzle pressure of 100 psi. -used by lowering hose and nozzle down entire length of chimney and then quickly pulling it back out. -immediately turns nozzle mist to steam and chokes the flue fire as well as loosens the soot on the inside of the chimney -converts to steam so quickly and uses so little water that the flue liner is not damaged by sudden cooling -should use an old section of hose on the end of the regular section of hose because process may damage booster hose.

Nozzle Pressure & Reaction Nozzle Reaction—force counter to the velocity of water being discharged from a nozzle; directed against the person or device holding the nozzle Newton’s Third Law of Motion—For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction The greater the nozzle discharge pressure, the greater the resulting nozzle reaction. Nozzle Pressure & Reaction Nozzle Reaction—force counter to the velocity of water being discharged from a nozzle; directed against the person or device holding the nozzle Newton’s Third Law of Motion—For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction The greater the nozzle discharge pressure, the greater the resulting nozzle reaction.

Nozzle Pressure & Reaction Nozzle reaction to a given pressure limits the amount of nozzle pressure that can be supplied to an attack line. Practical working limits for velocity of fire streams are within 60 to 120 feet per second These limiting velocities are produced by nozzle pressures that range from 25 to 100 psi Because of a greater amount of nozzle reaction, lower nozzle pressures must be used with solid stream nozzles. Nozzle reaction to a given pressure limits the amount of nozzle pressure that can be supplied to an attack line. Practical working limits for velocity of fire streams are within 60 to 120 feet per second These limiting velocities are produced by nozzle pressures that range from 25 to 100 psi Because of a greater amount of nozzle reaction, lower nozzle pressures must be used with solid stream nozzles.

Nozzle Pressure & Reaction As a rule, use 50 psi with solid stream handlines, and no more than 65 psi if greater reach and volume are needed Portable master stream devices equipped with solid stream nozzles should not be operated above 80 psi Fixed master stream devices with solid stream nozzles may be operated at higher pressures as required Solid stream nozzles used on aerial devices should be limited to a discharge pressure of 80 psi As a rule, use 50 psi with solid stream handlines, and no more than 65 psi if greater reach and volume are needed Portable master stream devices equipped with solid stream nozzles should not be operated above 80 psi Fixed master stream devices with solid stream nozzles may be operated at higher pressures as required Solid stream nozzles used on aerial devices should be limited to a discharge pressure of 80 psi