PREMO PSD OPERATOR TRAINING Version I I 2015

PREMO PSD OPERATOR TRAINING Version I. I, 2015

Course 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 Overview Logistics • Prerequisites • Plan of Events • PLDO Task Sheet • Field Requirements • Test Requirements

UNIT 1 INTRODUCTION Unit Objectives: • History of the PSD • PSD vs Helitorch • PSD Applications

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

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

History of PSD Pacific Forestry Research Center (Canada) Mk. II Dispenser (the original PSD)

History of PSD Premo Mk. III Dispenser

Premo PSD

PSD vs Helitorch 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 Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

PSD vs Helitorch 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 Ref: IAIG Ch III Table 2

UNIT 2 PSD FUNCTION & MAINTENANCE Unit Objectives: • Dispenser Components and Functions • Ignition Sphere Properties • Assemble and Disassemble the PSD • Cleaning and Maintenance

Premo PSD Components

Premo PSD Components Inside the mainframe Cam shaft Slipper blocks

Premo PSD Components Slipper & valve block assembly Glycol valve

Premo PSD Components Impeller pump water and glycol pumps are identical

Premo PSD Components Glycol Valve screw Lock nut

Premo PSD Components Feed control levers Down: closed & locked

Premo PSD Components Two chutes open

Premo PSD Components Four chutes open

Premo PSD Components Main control panel Manual assist Speed Drive on Glycol on Water Fuses / Circuit Breaker

Premo PSD Components Hopper control panel

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Several design upgrades have taken place to the Premo Mk. III 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 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 Enhancements

Premo PSD Design Enhancements - Extended Belly Strap (from 13 ft to 17 ft) -Adaptable for medium aircraft -New buckle (more secure) - Water manifold plug -Easier to clean out sediment

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Hopper position lock Prevents hopper separating from chute

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Agitator Plate Prevents bridging

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Flex Tubing Replaces copper tubing • Easier to switch out pumps • Flame resistant

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Flex Tubing

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Bleeder Button • Replaces bleeder screw • Easier to prime the glycol

Premo PSD Design Enhancements New exit chute • • Aluminum Corrosion-resistant Extendable Adjustable chute clamps more secure

Premo PSD Design Enhancements Outlet Chute

Premo PSD Components Accessories 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 Bench Power Supply

Premo PSD Electrical Specifications Power is supplied to the dispenser from the aircraft power supply (24 V 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 Specifications Electrical Requirements Power requirements 24 V DC Fusing: Main fuse BUS AGC 5 Hopper feed: BUS AGC 2 Drive: 2 amp circuit breaker Glycol pump: 2 amp circuit breaker Emergency water: 2 amp circuit breaker

Premo PSD Specifications Dispenser Dimensions / Weights Mainframe mass: glycol tank full 27. 5 kg / 61. 0 lbs Hopper and chutes: 10. 5 kg / 23. 0 lbs Emergency water tank full: 3. 8 kg / 8. 5 lbs Hopper capacity: (450 spheres) 2. 7 kg / 6. 0 lbs Approximate operational weight: 44. 5 kg / 98. 0 lbs Volume glycol tank: 9. 0 liter / 2. 4 US gal Volume emergency water tank: 3. 2 liter / 0. 8 US gal Dispenser 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

Premo Fireball Specifications Diameter Potassium Permanganate Total Mass 1. 25 in 0. 11 oz 0. 17 oz 32 mm 3. 0 g 4. 8 g Shell Material High Impact Polystyrene Ignition Delay 20 -30 s @ 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. 0 cc • Humidity can also impact ignition delay rates

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

Repair & Maintenance Recommended Spare Parts • Fuses 5 A, 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 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 & Supplies Recommended Tools • 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 (nonhardening) • Brass wool for cleaning • Small brush for cleaning • Special rubber tool to remove light bulbs

Premo PSD Cleaning Cleaners & Lubricants • Use Citrus Based Cleaner / Degreaser • No Petroleum Based Lubricants

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

Long Term Storage PSD & 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 Manual www. premofire. com www. sei-ind. com/fireignition

UNIT 3 ORGANIZATION & SAFETY Unit Objectives: • PSD Organization, Qualifications & Responsibilities • Equipment Qualifications • Communications • Hazardous Materials • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PSD Organization Burn Boss • Qualified as Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB 1 / RXB 2) • Authority for Firing Operation • Directs Firing Operation • Develops Firing Plan • Performs Initial Briefing • Details Assignments. • May be Located in Aircraft Ref: IAIG Ch II. V. A, A-9 Burn Boss Firing Boss PSD Operator Pilot

PSD Organization Firing 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 Firing Boss PSD Operator Ref: IAIG Ch II. V. A, A-9 Pilot

PSD Organization PSD 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 Firing Boss PSD Operator Pilot

PSD Organization PSD 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. Ref: IAIG Ch III. VI. A, A-9 Burn Boss Firing Boss PSD Operator Pilot

PSD Organization Pilot • 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 Ref: IAIG Ch II. V. B, A-9 Burn Boss Firing Boss PSD Operator Pilot

PSD Organization Pilot (cont) • Pilot Qualification Card must be inspected before a mission is flown Ref: IAIG Ch II. V. B, A-9

Aircraft Qualifications • Inspection of Helicopter Data Card Ref: IAIG II. V. B

Communications Internal • All three personnel inside the helicopter must have intercoms External • Dedicated Air / Ground Frequency • Some burns may only require one frequency.

Hazardous Materials Regulations • Special Permit Exemption • Training Required • Documents required onboard Aircraft – Interagency Aviation Transport of Hazardous Materials – Emergency Response Guidebook – Hazardous Materials Manifest Ref: DOT SP 09198

Hazardous Materials Handling • 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 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. Ref: IAIG Ch III. IV

Safety 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

SAFECOM

UNIT 4 OPERATIONS • Pre-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 Events Operational Briefing • • • Objectives Organization and Personnel Assignments Air Operations Summary Weather Fire Behavior Communications Plan Medical Plan Crash Rescue Plan

Pre - Operational Events PSD Bench Test • Confirm PSD Operation • Confirm Sphere Ignition • Calibration Procedures

Pre - Operational Events Heli-Base Briefing • • • Organization and Personnel Communications Landing Areas Safety / Hazards Operations Administration Photo Credit: ©Unknown, Courtesy of BLM

Operational Events PSD Installation • Prepare PSD Outside Aircraft Safety Landing Area • Prepare Aircraft • Install PSD in Aircraft Pre-Flight Checks • Check function of PSD Ref: IAIG Ch III. VIII. A & Ch III. VIII. B

Operational 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 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 Operation Firing Commands and Actions Firing Boss Command PSD Operator Action PSD Operator Reply “Prepare to Fire” 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 “Secure Machine” Ref: IAIG Ch III. XI. A Switch off machine “Machine Cleared” “Machine Secured”

PSD Operation Installation & Inflight Operation of PSD • Refer to Section 3: 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 Procedure Power Failure Sphere Jam PSD Fire PSD Jettison

Emergency 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 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 perform manual and visual inspection to identify and solve the problem.

Emergency 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 Events • Post Operation Debriefing • Documentation • Equipment Maintenance & Storage

UNIT 5 FUELS & FIRE BEHAVIOR Unit Objectives: • Key Elements of Fire Environment (Fire behavior) – Weather – Topography – Fuels • Burn Execution

Fire Environment Fuel Characteristics • • Fuel Type and loading Fuel Continuity Fuel moisture Chemical properties Photo: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Mark Toeckes, SEI Industries Ltd.

Fire Environment Weather • • • Temperature Relative Humidity Inversions Frontal Passages Winds – – Direction Speed Duration Local influences (water bodies, topographical, etc. ) • Recent and Expected Precipitation

Fire Environment Topography • • Slope Aspect Elevation Local Influences – canyons – valleys – lakes – mountains – glaciers Photo: Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge John Wood, US Fish & Wildlife Service

Fire Behavior Fire Types • Surface • Crown Fire Growth • Head Fire • Backing Fire • Flanking Fire

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

Burn 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 Refuge Jeff Schardt, US Fish & Wildlife Service

UNIT 6 GROUND QUALIFICATION Unit Objectives • Perform bench test on PSD • Simulate in-flight communications and actions • Perform emergency procedures on PSD • Troubleshoot PSD

UNIT 7 PSD 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 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