premo psd operator training version i.i, 2015. course overview course outline unit 1: introduction...

PREMO PSD OPERATOR TRAINING

Version I.I, 2015

Course OverviewCourse Overview

Course Outline

• UNIT 1: Introduction

• UNIT 2: PSD Function and Maintenance

• UNIT 3: Organization and Safety

• UNIT 4: Operations

• UNIT 5: Fuels and Fire Behavior

• UNIT 6: Ground Qualification

• UNIT 7: PSD Flight Qualification

Course OverviewCourse Overview

Logistics

• Prerequisites

• Plan of Events

• PLDO Task Sheet

• Field Requirements

• Test Requirements

UNIT 1UNIT 1INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

Unit Objectives:

• History of the PSD

• PSD vs Helitorch

• PSD Applications

History of PSDHistory of PSD

Pharmaceutical Vials

Photo: Reproduced with permission of the Canadian Forest Service,Northern Forestry Centre. All rights reserved.

History of PSDHistory of PSD

NFRC Dispenser

Photo : Reproduced with permission of the Canadian Forest Service,Northern Forestry Centre. All rights reserved.

History of PSDHistory of PSD

Pacific Forestry Research Center (Canada) MkII Dispenser (the original PSD)

History of PSDHistory of PSD

Premo MkIII Dispenser

Premo PSDPremo PSD

PSD vs HelitorchPSD vs Helitorch

Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

Advantages of PSD• Better Control

– Firing Boss onboard helicopter

– operator can assess / address problems

– operator can monitor qty of spheres remaining

• Less Complex– separate helibase not required

– spheres safer to transport and handle

• Lower Cost– lower equipment cost

– less support staff

• Fire Behavior– minimum damage to tree canopy

– possible to lay very long ignition lines

PSD vs HelitorchPSD vs Helitorch

Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

Disadvantages of PSD• Fire Behavior

– spheres burn for a shorter time

– cannot duplicate helitorch drop pattern

– fire lines take longer to form

• Safety

– possible fire in PSD

– requires constant operator attention

– Pilot cannot jettison PSD

UNIT 2UNIT 2PSD FUNCTION & MAINTENANCEPSD FUNCTION & MAINTENANCE

Unit Objectives:

• Dispenser Components and Functions

• Ignition Sphere Properties

• Assemble and Disassemble the PSD

• Cleaning and Maintenance

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Cam shaft

Slipper blocks

Inside the mainframe

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Slipper & valve block assembly

Glycol valve

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Impeller pumpImpeller pumpwater and glycol pumps are identicalwater and glycol pumps are identical

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Glycol Valve screw

Lock nut

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Feed control leversFeed control leversDown: closed & lockedDown: closed & locked

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Two chutes openTwo chutes open

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Four chutes openFour chutes open

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Speed Manual assist

Fuses / Circuit Breaker

Main control panelMain control panel

Drive on

Glycol on

Water

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD Components

Hopper control panelHopper control panel

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design Enhancements

Several design upgrades have taken place to the Premo MkIII since 2011*; minor changes and continuous improvements to current Premo PSD design are taking place with SEI R&D to improve functionality and reliability. All modifications are done so in consultation with USA Service Center and any major changes vetted through MTDC and IAIU are notified accordingly. For more information or specific details, please contact Mike Maguire @ FARS or SEI Industries Ltd directly.

*Not all enhancements may be present on all Premo machines

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design Enhancements

- New needle design

-Stainless Steel

-Precision slice into sphere vs. puncture

- Lock nut to tighten needle valve

-Stops loosening due to vibrations

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design Enhancements

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design Enhancements

- Extended Belly Strap (from 13ft to 17ft)

-Adaptable for medium aircraft

-New buckle (more secure)

- Water manifold plug

-Easier to clean out sediment

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsHopper position lock

Prevents hopper separating from chute

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsAgitator Plate

Prevents bridging

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsFlex Tubing

Replaces copper tubing• Easier to switch out pumps• Flame resistant

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsFlex Tubing

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsBleeder Button • Replaces bleeder screw

• Easier to prime the glycol

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design Enhancements

New exit chute• Aluminum • Corrosion-resistant• Extendable• Adjustable chute clamps more secure

Premo PSD Design EnhancementsPremo PSD Design EnhancementsOutlet Chute

Premo PSD ComponentsPremo PSD ComponentsAccessories

Bench Power Supply

Ball Bag

• Designed by Alaska fire service• Holds 2000 balls• Locking zipper for controlling ball flow• Fire retardant polyurethane coated material• Tether for locking into the seat belt• Handle

Premo PSD Electrical SpecificationsPremo PSD Electrical Specifications

Power is supplied to the dispenser from the aircraft power supply (24V DC) through a quick-disconnect fitting. A central control panel contains all the electrical components and switches to operate the different stations such as the main drive, glycol pump, slow-fast speed and the emergency water supply. The switches are series wired so that the drive motor can be operated independently of the pump but the pump will not operate unless the drive motor is turned on. This allows cycling of unprimed spheres for testing. Caution however, should always be taken, as a small amount of glycol may enter a sphere even if the glycol pump is not on. Care should be taken to dispose of these test spheres appropriately. (See Section 6 of Premo PSD manual for electrical schematics.)

Premo PSD SpecificationsPremo PSD Specifications

Power requirements 24 V DCFusing: Main fuse BUS AGC 5Hopper feed: BUS AGC 2Drive: 2 amp circuit breakerGlycol pump: 2 amp circuit breakerEmergency water: 2 amp circuit breaker

Electrical Requirements

Premo PSD SpecificationsPremo PSD Specifications

Mainframe mass: glycol tank full 27.5 kg / 61.0 lbsHopper and chutes: 10.5 kg / 23.0 lbsEmergency water tank full: 3.8 kg / 8.5 lbsHopper capacity: (450 spheres) 2.7 kg / 6.0 lbsApproximate operational weight: 44.5 kg / 98.0 lbsVolume glycol tank: 9.0 liter / 2.4 US galVolume emergency water tank: 3.2 liter / 0.8 US galDispenser dimensions: length 68.5 cm / 27.5 in.Width: 27.0 cm / 10.5 in.Height 66.0 cm / 26.0 in.Overall dimensions of crate: length 80.0 cm 31.5 in.Width: 35.5 cm / 14.0 in.Height 70.0 cm / 27.5 in.Total shipping weight 45.0 kg 98.5 lbs

Dispenser Dimensions / Weights

Premo Fireball SpecificationsPremo Fireball Specifications

Diameter 1.25 in 32mm

Potassium Permanganate 0.11 oz 3.0 g

Total Mass 0.17 oz 4.8 g

Shell Material High Impact Polystyrene

Ignition Delay 20-30s @ 50°F

Note: fire ignition sphere performance can be affected by the following factors.

• Temperature (primarily temperature of glycol but also spheres)

• Glycol volume (low injected volume can yield quicker reactions)

• 50/50 premix glycol can increase delay times significantly

• Calibration typically occurs using glycol volumes between 0.6-1.0cc

• Humidity can also impact ignition delay rates

Ethylene GlycolEthylene Glycol

Which Antifreeze?• Use Standard Vehicle Antifreeze (90 - 100% Ethylene Glycol)• Do not use Propylene Glycol Antifreeze (Non-Toxic)

Repair & MaintenanceRepair & Maintenance

• Fuses 5A, 2A, 2 amp circuit breakers (Klixon)• Needles (set of four)• Valve springs (set of four)• “O” rings for valve stems (set of four)• Pump• Drive motor• Bulbs for indicator lights• Solenoid

Recommended Spare Parts

Note: The motors used for the main drive and the hopper are identical, however, the hopper motor uses the high-speed wire for its operation. The pumps used for the glycol and the emergency water are also identical. It is therefore only necessary to carry one of each to ensure rapid replacement. It is recommended to carry a supply of EMPTY spheres for bench test procedures.

Field Service Tools & SuppliesField Service Tools & Supplies

• 1/8 and 3/16 Slot screwdrivers• No.0, No.1 and No.2 Philips Screwdrivers• No.1 Robertson screwdriver (square drive)• Set of Imperial Allen keys• Set of wrenches (5/16, 3/8, 7/16, ½, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16)• Adjustable pliers and adjustable wrench• Wire cutters and wire strippers• Soldering iron and solder

• Small smooth file for emergency touch up to the needles• Cleaner or degreaser• Small can of lubricant (Tri-Flow or Never-Seize)• Permatex No.2 form-a-gasket sealant for all pipe threads (non-hardening)• Brass wool for cleaning• Small brush for cleaning• Special rubber tool to remove light bulbs

Recommended Tools

Premo PSD CleaningPremo PSD CleaningCleaners & Lubricants• Use Citrus Based Cleaner / Degreaser• No Petroleum Based Lubricants

Daily CleaningDaily Cleaning

• Wipe down hopper

• Check linkages for wear

• Inspect glycol & water pumps and hose connections

• Clean using cloth and cleaner / degreaser as required

• Check condition of needles and sharpen as required

• Check pump(s) operation

• Clean needle block assembly area regularly

• Clean using a cloth and cleaner / degreaser

• Check for smooth operation and signs of wear

• Wipe tank surfaces with cloth to remove any glycol

• Check tanks and lines for signs of leakage

Long Term StorageLong Term Storage

Drain Tanks• Drain the glycol tank• Drain the water tank• Store PSD indoors at room temperature

Long Term StorageLong Term StoragePSD & Fireball storage• Store PSD indoors at room temperature

• Store PSD spheres in a dry location to avoid humidity

• Confirmed, specific shelf life is not currently known exactly but reducing stored spheres from exposure to humidity can extend the life of the spheres and see consistent performance over many consecutive years. Boxes should be agitated annually.

Premo PSD ManualPremo PSD Manual

www.premofire.com

www.sei-ind.com/fireignition

UNIT 3UNIT 3ORGANIZATION & SAFETYORGANIZATION & SAFETY

Unit Objectives:

• PSD Organization, Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Equipment Qualifications

• Communications

• Hazardous Materials

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationBurn Boss• Qualified as Prescribed Fire

Burn Boss (RXB1 / RXB2)• Authority for Firing Operation• Directs Firing Operation• Develops Firing Plan• Performs Initial Briefing• Details Assignments.• May be Located in Aircraft

Burn Boss

PSD Operator Pilot

Firing Boss

Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.A, A-9

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationFiring Boss• Qualified as Firing Boss (FIRB)• Reports to Burn Boss• May be Same Person as Burn Boss • Directs PSD Operator • Instructs the Pilot as to the Ignition

Plan and Firing Sequences• Keeps Pilot Informed

Burn Boss

PSD Operator Pilot

Firing Boss

Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.A, A-9

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationPSD Operator• Qualified as Plastic Sphere

Dispenser Operator (PLDO)• Reports to Burn Boss / Firing Boss.• Briefs Pilot, Identifies Safety

Requirements, and Monitors PSD Operation.

• Provides information on aerial safety procedures to be used by the burn boss / firing boss.

• Preparation, Installation, Operation, Maintenance, and Care of PSD.

• Verifies Ignition Spacing.

Ref: IAIG Ch III.VI.A, A-9

Burn Boss

PSD Operator Pilot

Firing Boss

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationPSD Operator (cont)

• Determines if a malfunction occurs and acts accordingly.

• Determines whether an onboard fire can be extinguished or the unit must be jettisoned.

• Communicates on all procedures associated with the operation and/or emergencies occurring during the operation.

• May serve as Helicopter Manager.

Burn Boss

PSD Operator Pilot

Firing Boss

Ref: IAIG Ch III.VI.A, A-9

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationPilot• Qualified for Aerial Ignition PSD

Operations.• Responsible for Aircraft Operations

and Safety.• Oversees PSD installation.• Performs Helicopter Load

Calculation.• Follows Ignition Plan under

direction Firing Boss

Burn Boss

PSD Operator Pilot

Firing Boss

Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.B, A-9

PSD OrganizationPSD OrganizationPilot (cont)• Pilot Qualification Card must be

inspected before a mission is flown

Ref: IAIG Ch II.V.B, A-9

Aircraft QualificationsAircraft Qualifications

• Inspection of Helicopter Data Card

Ref: IAIG II.V.B

CommunicationsCommunicationsInternal• All three personnel inside the helicopter must have intercoms

External• Dedicated Air / Ground Frequency• Some burns may only require one frequency.

Hazardous MaterialsHazardous MaterialsRegulations• Special Permit Exemption• Training Required • Documents required onboard Aircraft

– Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials

– Emergency Response Guidebook

– Hazardous Materials Manifest

Ref: DOT SP09198

Hazardous MaterialsHazardous MaterialsHandling• No Glycol in cabin during firing operations. • Glycol tank filled at least 25 feet away from the aircraft.• During transport, ethylene glycol and spheres in separate

compartments.• No Lead-Acid Batteries

Ref: IAIG Ch III.IV

Storage• Keep sphere boxes dry.• Store away from glycol and petroleum products.• Sweep up residue and spills promptly.• Unused spheres should be stored in a clean plastic bag and

the original box.

SafetySafety

Personal Protective Equipment• Harness, Tether, and Tether Attachment.• SPH-4/5 Flight Helmet.• Flight Suit / Full Nomex Clothing.• Flight or Leather Gloves.• Minimum above-the-ankle boots with leather uppers.• Fire shelter for each occupant.• Cold Weather Gear, if needed; use no flammable

insulating garments, i.e., no down jackets, nylon, etc.

Ref: IAIG Ch III.IV.G / Ch III.VI.A

SAFECOMSAFECOM

UNIT 4 OPERATIONSUNIT 4 OPERATIONS

• Pre-Operational Events

• Operational Events

• Firing Commands and Actions

• Emergency Procedures

• Post Operational Events

Note: refer to Section 2: Operations p.9-14 for PSD operating instructions, PSD calibration, preflight, hangfire test and cleaning procedures.

Pre - Operational EventsPre - Operational EventsOperational Briefing• Objectives• Organization and Personnel• Assignments• Air Operations Summary• Weather• Fire Behavior• Communications Plan• Medical Plan• Crash Rescue Plan

Pre - Operational EventsPre - Operational Events

PSD Bench Test• Confirm PSD Operation• Confirm Sphere Ignition• Calibration Procedures

Pre - Operational EventsPre - Operational Events

Heli-Base Briefing• Organization and Personnel• Communications• Landing Areas• Safety / Hazards• Operations• Administration

Photo Credit: ©Unknown, Courtesy of BLM

Operational EventsOperational Events

Ref: IAIG Ch III.VIII.A & Ch III.VIII.B

PSD Installation• Prepare PSD Outside Aircraft Safety Landing Area• Prepare Aircraft• Install PSD in Aircraft

Pre-Flight Checks• Check function of PSD

Operational EventsOperational Events

Pre-Flight Briefing• PSD Operator, Firing Boss, Pilot• Safety / Aerial Hazards• Weight and Balance• In-flight Commands• Emergency Procedures• Frequency Management• Available Flight Time• Aircrew Responsibilities• PSD Go / No Go checklist.• Equipment Installation

Operational EventsOperational Events

Pre-Burn Reconnaissance • PSD Operator, Firing Boss, Pilot • A thorough recon of the burn area and a discussion of the

burn objectives are essential to a successful firing operation.

Test Fire

• Provide information, allowing the burning organization to predict whether they will produce a positive outcome.

PSD OperationPSD Operation

Firing BossCommand

“Prepare to Fire”

PSD Operator

ActionPSD Operator

Reply

Activate Machine “Ready to Fire”

“Start Firing Speed X”Select SPEED X

Feed Gate OPEN “Firing Speed X”

“Prepare to Stop Firing” Ready Feed Gates “Ready to Stop Firing”

“Stop Firing”Feed Gate CLOSE

Check Gate Closed “Firing Stopped”

Observe last sphere drop “Machine Cleared”

“Secure Machine” Switch off machine “Machine Secured”

Ref: IAIG Ch III.XI.A

Firing Commands and Actions

PSD OperationPSD Operation

Installation & Inflight Operation of PSD• Refer to Section3: Installation, In-Flight and Malfunction of

PSD p.17-21

Troubleshooting of PSD• Refer to Section 4: Troubleshooting, pages 22-24

Maintenance of PSD• Refer to Section 5: Maintenance and Repair pages 25-30

Emergency ProcedureEmergency Procedure

Power Failure

Sphere Jam

PSD Fire

PSD Jettison

Emergency ProcedureEmergency Procedure

Power Failure• Notify the pilot of the situation.• Clear machine of any injected spheres• Investigate the cause of the power failure

Sphere Jam• Notify the pilot of the situation.• Stop feed gates• Clear machine of jammed sphere• Failure to clear may lead to fire in dispenser.

Emergency ProcedureEmergency Procedure

Fire in Dispenser• Notify the pilot of the situation.• Press and hold the emergency water switch until the fire is

extinguished.• If the emergency water pump fails to extinguish the fire, pour

water from the canteen into the hopper.

Fire Extinguished• Switch the RUN/STOP switch to the STOP position.• Watch the machine for 3 minutes for possible smoke before

leaving the ignition unit.• Land and perform manual and visual inspection to identify

and solve the problem.

Emergency ProcedureEmergency Procedure

Fire not Extinguished • Notify the pilot of failure to extinguish fire.• If necessary, uses additional container of water to extinguish

fire by pouring down feed chutes in hopper. If problem persists, land as soon as possible.

• Notify Pilot of problem status and take appropriate actions.

Post Operational EventsPost Operational Events

• Post Operation Debriefing• Documentation• Equipment Maintenance & Storage

UNIT 5UNIT 5FUELS & FIRE BEHAVIORFUELS & FIRE BEHAVIOR

Unit Objectives:

• Key Elements of Fire Environment

(Fire behavior)

– Weather

– Topography

– Fuels

• Burn Execution

Fire EnvironmentFire Environment

Fuel Characteristics• Fuel Type and loading• Fuel Continuity• Fuel moisture• Chemical properties

Photo:Merritt Island National Wildlife RefugeMark Toeckes, SEI Industries Ltd.

Fire EnvironmentFire Environment

Weather• Temperature• Relative Humidity• Inversions• Frontal Passages• Winds

– Direction– Speed– Duration– Local influences (water bodies,

topographical,etc.)

• Recent and Expected Precipitation

Fire EnvironmentFire Environment

Topography• Slope• Aspect• Elevation• Local Influences

– canyons– valleys– lakes– mountains– glaciers

Photo:Stillwater National Wildlife RefugeJohn Wood, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Fire BehaviorFire Behavior

Fire Types• Surface• Crown

Fire Growth• Head Fire• Backing Fire• Flanking Fire

Burn ExecutionBurn Execution

Firing Patterns• Strip - Head• Spot• Chevron• Center• Backing• Combination of all

Burn ExecutionBurn Execution

Interaction• Fuels, weather, topography and ignition pattern interact to

create fire effects.• Adjustments to firing patterns can be made to produce fire

effects that will meet burn objectives.

Photo:Merritt Island National Wildlife RefugeJeff Schardt, US Fish & Wildlife Service

UNIT 6UNIT 6GROUND QUALIFICATIONGROUND QUALIFICATION

Unit Objectives

• Perform bench test on PSD

• Simulate in-flight communications and actions

• Perform emergency procedures on PSD

• Troubleshoot PSD

UNIT 7UNIT 7PSD FLIGHT QUALIFICATIONPSD FLIGHT QUALIFICATION

Unit Objectives

• Install PSD in Helicopter

• Perform Pre-Flight Checks of PSD

• Participate in Pre-flight Briefing

• Complete PSD Go/No Go Checklist

• Demonstrate Proper In-Flight Operating Procedures

• Post-Flight Debriefing and Documentation

Photo CreditsPhoto Credits

Opal Fulton Florida Division of Forestry

Carrabelle, FL, USA

Jeff Schardt US Fish & Wildlife Service

Titusville, FL, USA

Nancy Argyle SEI Industries Ltd.Delta, BC, Canada

Mark Toeckes SEI Industries Ltd.Delta, BC, Canada

Shawn Bethel SEI Industries Ltd.Delta, BC, Canada