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Why Does It Always Have to be Done That Way?
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Paul Shapiro
Paul Shapiro specializes in the research, development and training of large flow water delivery systems and fire stream management. His extensive research and outcomes of large diameter hose has been published frequently in fire service trade magazines. Paul has made significant contribution to fire response efficiency with his application-based research of large caliber fire streams working with handline and master stream operations.
Paul has been involved with the fire service since 1981, and is serving Las Vegas as an Engineer with the City of Las Vegas Fire & Rescue. In March of 2007 his department gave him the Engineer of the Year award for 2006. He is a certified Fire Instructor III for the State of Nevada, has served on the faculty of many Fire Academies throughout the United States, and was named Instructor of the Year, 1999, by the Colorado Fire Academy. Paul is recognized nationally as an expert in his field, and is also the author of the popular book, Layin’ the Big Lines as well as the producer of the video, Large Flow Water Delivery.
More articles from this author:
Myth 12: A low pressure nozzle used on a handline can create kinks in the hose due to the subsequent low engine pressure, which will critically restrict the flow.
Reality: Seeing is believing. Set up a series of flow tests to see what really happens. These flow tests should be conducted using a flow meter. Use your standard interior attack lines in conjunction with low pressure nozzles. Let’s use a 15/16” tip flowing 185 GPM at 50 pounds nozzle pressure. After reaching the flow, have one or two people place a rather severe kink in the line and then take another reading. You will find that the flow wasn’t restricted that much at all. I have conducted tests with this same scenario losing only about 20 GPM. Next, use the same 15/16” nozzle, but only flow 100 GPM and place the kink in the line again. The same thing should happen, not much change in the flow.
