SPECIAL ORDER

Series Number Originating Unit Effective Date Expiration Date

2010
Subject:

43

OFC

September 21, 2010

N/A

CVFSS NOZZLE TESTING AND CONVERSION

During the past year, the Department in cooperation with the Local 36 Safety Committee and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted a series of tests to evaluate the Departments current CVFSS nozzles and to explore various options available due to new technology. The tests revealed two issues of immediate concern. First, the figure of 30 psi/100 feet we have been using for calculating friction loss (FL) in 1 hose is incorrect. This figure was carried over from older nozzles which had a lower flow. This has meant that our fire attack has routinely been conducted with 10-15 GPM less than the intended 125 GPM. The correct friction loss figure for a 125 GPM flow through 1 is 38psi/100 feet, which can be rounded off to 40 psi/100 feet for ease of calculation. The second problem is that a number of our current nozzles flow substantially less than 125 GPM. Akron Brass Company, the manufacturer of our CVFSS nozzles, has identified the problem and has proposed a corrective procedure for these low flow nozzles. As a result of the testing process, the Department has decided to convert all current 1-1/2 and 21/2 CVFSS nozzles to operate at 75 PSI nozzle pressure. This conversion will reduce nozzle reaction, making attack lines easier to handle and will allow apparatus to operate at lower rpm when pumping without affecting the gallon per minute flow or the performance of the stream. Therefore, starting on Monday, September 27, 2010 Engine companies will report to the Training Academy for testing of all CVFSS nozzles. Engine Companies reporting for testing will bring all CVFSS nozzles in their quarters, including those on Battalion Reserve Engines, Water Supply Engines and any spare nozzles from the company storeroom. After initial testing, all existing CVFSS nozzles will be converted to operate at 75 PSI/125 GPM and will be retested. Following the conversion, each engine company will begin using 40 PSI per 100 feet when calculating friction loss in 1-1/2 hose. Friction loss calculations for 2-1/2 hose will not change. Captain Graydon Pete Dupree will be the Departments project manager for the testing and conversion. Any questions concerning this process should be directed to Captain Dupree at graydon.dupree@dc.gov. In addition, testing has shown that the stream from the 7/8 slug tip contained in the shut off portion of our 1-1/2 nozzles is far superior to the 15/16 slug tip when used with 1-1/2 hose. The 15/16 tip is designed for use with 1-3/4 hose and tries to deliver more water than can be efficiently flowed through the smaller line. During the test of CVFSS tips, all 15/16 slug tip shut offs will be identified and marked by placing orange colored tape around the bail handle. Captains of Engine Companies will prioritize the placement of 15/16 tip shut offs on the least critical lines, such as the trash line. Under no circumstances are shut offs with 15/16 tips to be used on standpipe racks or lines longer than 250 feet. Engine Company Captains will notify Captain Dupree if they cannot comply with the above limitations with the nozzles they have on hand.

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Finally, Company Officers should be reminded that a greater fire flow (140-160 GPM) can be obtained by simply removing the CVFSS nozzle tip and using the 1 nozzles with the 7/8 slug tip, without changing the pump pressure. The 7/8 slug tip will deliver an effective straight stream of 140 GPM when operated at the proper pressure. Additionally, Company officers should be reminded that use of the 7/8 slug tip is a good tactical option when fire conditions require a greater flow (140-160 GPM) without sacrificing speed and maneuverability by advancing a 2 line, such as a basement fire in a row house. This option should not be interpreted as meaning that the 7/8 slug tip is a substitute for fire conditions that require a 2 line such as a well involved or growing fire in a large undivided area in commercial or warehouse type buildings. Furthermore, removal of the CVFSS nozzle tip and use of the 7/8 slug tip is always an option as an emergency maneuver if the CVFSS nozzle tip becomes clogged or defective. The new Friction Loss and Nozzle Pressure Chart issued with General Order 14 includes figures for CVFSS pipes at 75PSI/125 GPM and nozzle pressures for the 7/8 and 15/16 tips. It should be made the subject of a house drill by all companies. CVFSS tips on small lines will continue to operate at 100 psi nozzle pressure. Further updates to the Pump Operating Procedure are forthcoming. The following information is presented for ready reference: 200 foot 1-1/2 preconnect NP 75, FL 80 350 foot 1-1/2 preconnect NP 75, FL 140 400 foot 1-1/2 preconnect NP 75, FL 160 200 foot 2-1/2 with CVFSS NP 75 FL 25 Pump Pressure 155 +/- elevation Pump Pressure 215 +/- elevation Pump Pressure 235 +/- elevation Pump Pressure 100 +/- elevation

Dennis L. Rubin Fire & EMS Chief