LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM HYDRA ASSIST VALVE 45
46 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM INDIVIDUAL SKILLS HYDRA-ASSIST The Hydra-Assist valve is connected to the female fitting of the 4 hose carried on all Engines and Quints. The Hydra-assist valve is fabricated from lightweight, high strength aluminum alloy. It is 14 long, 17 wide, and 11 high and weighs approximately 30#. The valve is configured with four fittings, two (2) inlets (female fittings) and two (2) outlets (male fittings) in the following sizes: Engines and Quints with 4 coupled 4 hose:! Hydrant inlet - 4 female fitting! Outlet To pump suction - 4 male fitting! Inlet from pump discharge By-pass - 4 female fitting! Outlet To fire - 4 male fitting Engines and Quints with 3 ½ coupled 4 hose:! Hydrant inlet - 4 female fitting! Outlet To Pump Suction - 4 male fitting! Inlet from pump discharge By-pass - 3 ½ female fitting! Outlet To Fire - 3 ½ male fitting The Hydra-Assist valve can be used as both a hydrant booster and for in-line pumping during relay operations. By using the control handle located on top of the valve, the valve may be changed to the 3 different modes of operation.! Hydrant pressure only! Pump pressure (Change over)! Emergency shut off
47 Mode 1 Hydrant Pressure (See Figure 1) The 4 supply hose is pre-connected to the To Fire outlet on the Hydra-Assist valve. Under normal operating conditions the Hydrant inlet on the Hydra-Assist is connected to the 4 outlet on the hydrant. The valve is operating in the Hydrant Pressure mode when the control handle is positioned straight over the To Fire fitting. The water will enter the valve under hydrant pressure, pass through the ball valve within the cavity of the Hydra-Assist. Water pressure will close the clapper valve located on the By-pass side of the valve and exit through the To Fire outlet and into the supply hose. Note: When connecting the Hydra-Assist valve to a 2 ½ hydrant outlet, a low profile 2 ½ female to 4 male increaser, (sometimes referred to as a Wharf Hydrant fitting), shall be used. Mode 2 Pump Pressure (Change Over) (See Figure 2) If there is not enough incoming operating pressure to the main suction of the engine or quint using a supply lay, it may require another engine or quint to pump the Hydra- Assist connected at the hydrant. The suction hose from the engine or quint is connected to the male To Pump Suction fitting and the by-pass hose is connected to the female By-pass fitting of the Hydra-Assist. The valve is operating in the Pump Pressure mode when the control handle is turned counter-clockwise to the position over the By-pass fitting. This causes some of the water to by-pass to the pump suction without interrupting the supply of the water to the fire. As soon as the pressureboosted water from the discharge of the pump reaches the Hydra-Assist valve via the by-pass hose, the clapper will fully open. The entire volume of water coming from the pump is forced into the 4 supply line to the fire. The open clapper seats inside the valve, which directs all available hydrant water to pump suction. Note: When supplying pump suction from a second outlet on a hydrant, the outlet supplying the Hydra-Assist valve will need to be closed when the pump pressure exceeds hydrant pressure. If this operation is not completed, there is a risk of pressurizing the hydrant and causing damage to the water system. Note: At no time shall Class A or Class B foam be pumped through a Hydra-Assist valve, possible contamination of the water system may occur. (Refer to Volume 10, Section 2, Subject 22)
48 Mode 3 Emergency Shutoff (See Figure 3) A special lever mechanism located at the control handle makes it possible to use the Hydra-Assist valve as an emergency shut-off valve. To shutoff the valve, depress the lever mechanism against the return spring in the direction of the knob until the stop rib is deactivated. Turn the control handle clockwise until it is in position over the To Pump Suction fitting of the Hydra-Assist. Note: The Emergency Shutoff mode is not part of normal fireground operations and is designed to be used in emergencies only. Closing the Hydra-Assist valve under heavy flows will result in excessive water hammer, which may cause damage to water systems and pumps.
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52 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM HYDRA ASSIST VALVE NAME EMP# DATE WORK LOCATION BN STATION SHIFT OBJECTIVE: 1. To answer general information questions about the Hydra Assist Valve. 2. To demonstrate the valve handle positions according to the desired use. EQUIPMENT: Hydra Assist Valve, Hydrant with 4" outlet, Hydrant wrench and Personal Safety Equipment. DESCRIPTION OF EVOLUTION: Given: Wearing Personal Safety Equipment. Hydra Assist valve pre-connected to the 4" outlet of the hydrant. Hydrant wrench on stem with hydrant shut off. 1. Answer general questions about the Hydra Assist valve including maintenance. 2. Demonstrate the ability to position the valve control handle according to the desired use of the valve. INDIVIDUALS NOT MEETING THE INDIVIDUAL SKILLS STANDARD WILL REQUIRE ADDITIONAL TRAINING IN THAT SKILL. INDIVIDUAL HAS MET THE STANDARD: YES NO COMMENTS: ASSESSMENT AREAS: 1. Answers questions about the Hydra Assist valve. 2. Demonstrate valve in the "Hydrant Pressure" position. 3. Demonstrate valve in the "Pump Pressure" (change over) position. 4. Demonstrate valve in the "emergency shut-off" position. RATER
53 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT CONTEXT TRAINING PROGRAM RATERS ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS HYDRA-ASSIST VALVE 1. What are the dimensions of the Hydra-Assist valve? A. 14 long, 17 wide and 11 high. 2. What is the weight of the Hydra-Assist valve? A. Approximately 30# 3. What are the three modes of operations of the Hydra-Assist valve? A. Hydrant pressure Pump pressure Emergency shut off 4. When connecting the Hydra-Assist valve to a 2 ½ hydrant outlet, it is recommended that a be used. A. Low profile 2 ½ female to 4 male increaser 5. The Hydra-Assist valve is operating in the mode when the control handle is turned to the position over the To Fire fitting. A. Hydrant Pressure mode 6. The Hydra-Assist valve is operating in the mode when the control handle is turned to the position over the By-Pass fitting. A. Pump Pressure mode 7. The Hydra-Assist valve is operating in the mode when the control handle is turned to the position over the To Pump Suction fitting. A. Emergency Shutoff mode 8. When using the Emergency Shutoff mode, closing the valve under heavy flows will cause. A. Water hammer