I read with interest the article in September 2015 of Fire Apparatus entitled "Dump Valve and Intake Options for Tankers and Pumper-Tankers" by Alan M. Petrillo. The subtitle is "The trend toward carrying as much water as possible on a fire apparatus means there must be efficient methods of filling water tanks and getting the water out of them." I totally agree.
The article goes on to say rightfully how fire service has addressed the dumping of water by realizing it is more efficient to dump into a portable tank verses pumping off (implied). It provides examples of manufacturers using...
Lupton, MI had been using a vacuum unit as a tanker before they replaced it in 1987 with a Firovac.
They were able to get water from a creek they previously could not use.
In 2003 they up-graded the compartments and added 3 air operated valves.
The unit continues to provide reliable superior service.
In 1984 when New Pittsburg, Ohio fire department retro fit their 1971 International Loadstar chassis with a vacuum unit it was "not so much for the water it provides but for the personnel it saves". The unit has just been retired after almost 30 years of work horse service because of the inability to get parts for the chassis brake system. The doors from the original unit were incorperated into the body and although there were not a lot of "bells and whistles" the unit served them well over these many years with very little maintenance required. This is the first Firovac unit returned...
Morrisvale, WV's water supply is small mountain streams ar even ditches. On 11-18-14 loading with a Firovac High Volume strainer with pan allows the strainer to set on the bottom of the stream to capture as much water as possible with NO cavitation or loading debris.
The water is loaded through 6" quick couple hose in the Firovac tanker.
The water is then pressure unloaded into the portable tank. No driving is neccessary, a very quick, efficient & safe way to supply water to a fire. They call it "pump & dump".
Plenty of water was...
"Once firefighters understand & know how a vacuum tanker works, they will buy one." Quote from a fireman at the '86 West Virginia State Fireman's Convention.
Because of it's versatility, Firovac may seem complicated but it isn't. In reality it is easy to operate.
1. Operating from the cab, arrive at the "dump site" and open the air operated water tank valve.
2. Set vacuum/pressure pump to "Pressure".
3. Engage pump, setting RPM's to desired rate. (Water discharge rate corresponds to amount of pressure)
4. When unloaded, close...
Morrisvale, WV used a whiteboard to design a truck specific to their needs.
First it needed to be a vacuum apparatus to continue the efficient tanker operations required by a small rural department with limited resources.
They also needed to be able to tap into the many shallow mountain streams without driving long distances on small winding roads.
Second, a rear mounted fire pump panel provided a shorter unit, perfect for their tight roads and driveways.
Third, "pump & roll" capabilites with a front bumper...
Replacement of a 1998 stainless steel water tank that had been repaired several times but continued to seep due to MIC (microbiological induced corrosion). There is no crack but the seepage occurs in the weld areas and re-welding often does not stop it. Fire pump system was unchanged.
Polished aluminum vacuum tank replaced a 1998 stainless steel tank. Along with a vacuum system, 3 air operated rear water valves and a Firovac power swing down portable tank bracket with 2 portable tanks were added.
Firovac Invented this Strainer (pictured to the right) to Accomodate the Large Volume of Water it Produces both in Transfer and Draft Rates. This NEW Strainer DOES NOT MOVE from the Floor of a Portable Tank when Drafting!Even with High Volumes of Water, this Strainer Stays in Place!
** Initial Test Results Show: 1,600 GPM+ when Drafting with a 1,500 GPM Pumper and 1,500 GPM with a Jet Siphon Transfer through a Single Line.
So, Why Fight to Keep your Strainer from Rising in the Portable Tank when Trying to Draft? Especially, when...
2014 Demonstrator:
Vacuum pump, 460 cfm continuous duty, 8 vanes, 5 year warranty, tanper proof oiler, oil catch muffler, flush valve, fan cooled and shroulded. It has a positive primary and secondary shut off system, clutch shift PTO, belt driven from the PTO for pump protection, electric actuated, over speed protection.
Water tank is 3000 gallon polished aluminum with a 1/2" bottom and 5/16" heads with proprietary interior coating with two 9# anode bars, lighted water level indicators, patent designed internal vent specifically for fire service, patent designed baffles with no flat...
