Drafting Simplified

“Drafting without the use of a primer”

     For calls that require more water than what we carry in the apparatus booster tank but have no access to a hydrant system. We must rely on drafting. We have covered this topic a few times in the past. This month I would like to offer a suggestion that works very well to provide water quickly as the portable tank is set up. It allows for a simple transfer from the booster tank to the drop tank without shutting down the attack lines.

     You will need an intake strainer that is equipped with a jet siphon, a gated intake on the pump, and a short 1½” hose. Begin pumping from the booster tank on the truck. You must be careful to monitor the level of the booster tank. Don’t run it empty. This could be disastrous for the attack team. It is also difficult to draft when the booster is empty. The tank to pump valve rarely gets tested and it often leaks air. This can make it nearly impossible to gain a draft when the booster tank is empty.

     Attach the strainer to the hard-suction line that will be placed in the drop tank. Before placing it in the tank attach a short section of 1½” hose. Connect the other end of the hard-suction line to the gated intake on the pump.

     Open the drain/bleeder valve on the intake valve. Charge the 1½” hose from the truck with the booster tank. This action will create a siphon that will fill the hard suction to the intake valve. When the air stops exiting the drain/bleeder valve close it. The operator coordinates closing the tank to pump valve as another firefighter slowly opens the gated intake valve. You may experience a small fluctuation at the beginning if there are a few bubbles left in the hard-suction. Once the transfer is complete, close the tank to pump valve completely. Open the tank refill line and top off your booster tank.

     My department has been using this process with great results for several years. It does require some training so set it up and give it a try.

Training Objectives

     Upon completion, the firefighter should be able to….

     • Identify the equipment needed to do this task.

     • Complete the task of setting this system up.

     • Demonstrate the ability to perform this task.

     Scott Meinecke is a member of the Sheldon Volunteer Fire Department, an instructor for the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives, and field staff for the Fire Service Training Bureau. He can be contacted by email at smeinecke@iowarec.org

 

 

 

 

 

Blaze Publications, Inc.

Jeff Gargano - Editor
P.O. Box 122
Humboldt, IA 50548
jeff@blazepublicationsinc.com

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