Drafting

This week our segment will be just some bullet points and thoughts on drafting from static water sources. Some of the departments that are reading this have all pressurized water sources from hydrants so this does not always apply. That also means they rarely if ever draft so this is a great review. Some of the departments using the site draft constantly and shuttle water so this will seem pretty basic to all of them.

* If your community has a water supply problem try to pre-plan as many drafting sites as possible. If you are a completely urban area with all hydrants think about a major fire situation on an interstate highway. Some have hydrants and standpipe systems adjacent but not all stretches of highway have them. Pre-planning first is a major advantage.

* A very small stream that may seem inadequate might be temporarily dammed up to provide a static drafting source.

* While people often list swimming pools as sources experience has shown these are often better suited for portable pump operations rather than for drafting with a pumper.

* When preparing for draft make sure pumper is on good solid ground, positioned properly, and brake set and wheel chocks in place.

* Hard suction gaskets should be checked to be sure they are in good condition and free from cracks.

* Tighten connections as tightly as you can hand tight. (Using a mallet and other objects really may get you the draft this time, but probably over compressed the gasket so next time you will have to "beat it together" even tighter unless you constantly change hose gaskets)

* Tie a rope to the strainer end so that you can keep it off the bottom and free of debris.

* Consider resting the suction line over the top of a roof ladder that has been placed into the water from the pump panel.

* Set apparatus to the RPM recommended by the manufacturer. (1000 - 1200 is common)

* Operate primer for approximately 30 seconds. If no prime or water flow stop the operation and check for leaks.

* After pump is primed slowly throttle up and open lines and operate streams as per normal procedure.

* Always monitor for strainer blockage and excessive whirlpool that can cause air leaks or obstruct water flow.

* Consider operating a small gallonage line that remains open and flows back into the water source to insure continued water flow regardless of other lines that may be shut down.

* After drafting operation is completed, recheck all gaskets, hard suction hoses, clean all equipment used and flush pump thoroughly to remove any possible silt sand etc. that may have built up.

Have a drafting drill soon and make sure all personnel can operate from a static source.