Do You Use A Stream Shaper On Your Smooth Bore Nozzle

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Russ Chapman on December 9, 2008 at 3:05pm

Ray
We use the stream shapers on any Elkhart shut off with a smoothbore that is greater than 1 1/2". We had the shapers on the 1 1/2" at one time, but we found that if there was an obstruction, we could not clear the nozzle as fast. One of the pros of a smoothbore is that it will spit out obstructions. This is important, especially for departments that have no hydrants and draft. The stream shaper will stop the obstruction. All the Elkhart 2 1/2" playpipes need stream shapers to put out a decent stream. I am not an engineer, but the Akron 1400 series shut offs you guys use (both 1 1/2" and 2 1/2") have a stream shaper built in. If you look at the inlet side you will see 4 cuts or splines right before the ball. I was told by an Akron rep that these act to reduce the circular turbulance at the intake side of the nozzle. Side by side comparisons with all makes that we can get a hold of,(Akron, Elkhart, POK, TFT) the Akron is the superior nozzle, and if properly pumped, (read: not over pumped) puts out a superior stream. I hope I just did not piss off any other reps, but we did the tests, and the results speak for themselves. Also we had nothing to lose as none of us work for any manufacturers!

On a side note....you going to the Rock March 19th for the High Rise symposium?
Be safe...Merry Christmas.
Russ

Permalink Reply by jay comella on December 10, 2008 at 2:40am

Hey Ray,
Oakland FD does not use stream shapers on any hand-lines. We did not want to introduce anything into the system that would increase the potential for clogging. We use Akron shut-offs. In addition to the reasons stated by Russ, we found a conventionally shaped ball valve to be superior to a splt ball valve.
Stay Low,
Jay

Permalink Reply by Bob Shovald on December 10, 2008 at 12:11pm

Ray
I have found that any nozzle appliance over 350 gpm benifits from the use of a stream shaper. We tried the "mini" shapers on our 1 3/4" hand lines (the claim by the salesman was it helps to reduce kinking with low pressure nozzles) but found no change in stream shape, distance, volume or line kinking. As mentioned by Russ the shapers will grab any debris in the line which can also be a problem when operating off of a standpipe. In short I have found them benifical only on master stream devices. Happy Holidays!

Bob

Permalink Reply by Brian Arnold on December 10, 2008 at 8:57pm

Ray,
We are currently only using the straighteners on our deck guns and portable Blitz fire when we need big water. I see a noticeable difference in reach. Since we have only recently come full circle and starting using smoothbore's again on our handlines, we have never employed the stream shapers on the 1 3/4" or 2 1/2" lines. I don't think I'd ever consider them on a line coming off a standpipe due to the possibility of debris.

Brian

Permalink Reply by Ray McCormack on December 11, 2008 at 9:16am

Bob - You found no difference in shape or distance?
Brian - I understand the issue with standpipe operations..
I think that superior penetration and reach are a benefit you get from a stream shaper.

Permalink Reply by Russ Chapman on December 11, 2008 at 1:21pm

Ray
Personally I did not find to much difference between the 2.
Were't you guys using a 4 or 6 inch long tip? How did that work out?

Permalink Reply by Bob Shovald on December 12, 2008 at 2:26pm

Ray -
No I didn't see any difference when using the "mini" stream shaper on the handlines. We use the Akron Assualt break apart with 15/16 SS on the 1 3/4" lines and 1 1/4" on our 2 1/2" lines. I have noticed a much better stream when using a full size stream shaper on master stream devices as well as the newer "personal master stream" devices like Akron's Mercury monitor. We are starting a research and development group after the new year this is one of the subjects we want to re-visit.
Bob

Permalink Reply by Bob Franklin on December 24, 2008 at 5:07pm

Hello Ray,
We looked at operating our 1-3/4 with and without a stream shaper. We found that with the shaper we had a much better reach and maintained a better stream from the tip than without the shaper. We carry one crossslay ( red hose) with a 15/16 tip and the other ( yellow hose) is an Elkhart 4000-14- 150 gpm @ 50 psi. This allows our pump operators to operate at even pdp for our attck lines. Kinda funny that everyone around us talked down the smoothbore tip when we put it on both our engines. But when we respond to another district and they pull a line from our rig, they always pull our smoothbore first! Crazy world.

See ya at FDIC,
Bob

Permalink Reply by Russ Chapman on December 24, 2008 at 9:39pm

Brothers
Just want to wish everyone a safe ane happy holiday. If you are working, take care of your folks. If not, say a small prayer for the Brothers who are. Also set aside some time for a thought of the kids serving over seas, no matter where they are stationed. Be safe
Russ Chapman

Permalink Reply by Wayne Benner Jr on February 20, 2009 at 3:57pm

Ive been assigned to look into getting solid bores fro our department as we now use the Elkhart Chief combination fog nozzle.
The nozzle i was leaning towards was the Elkhart Soldbore:

http://www.elkhartbrass.com/products/nozzles/solid-strike/brochures

I hope Im on the right track. Im new to the solidbore but an instant fan as it seemed to be more easier to use and safer to use then the fog nozzles we have for interior attack now.

Wayne

Permalink Reply by Ray McCormack on February 24, 2009 at 8:34pm

Good Luck Wayne - Let us know what you decide.

Permalink Reply by Russ Chapman on February 25, 2009 at 1:51pm

Wayne
I urge you to try the Akron 1400 series. They do not need stream shapers, if the handles break in half, both ends can still operate the nozzle unlike the Elkhart, and they are half the weight. On side by side stream comparisons, the Akrons blow the Elkharts away.
Good luck
Russ

PS I don't work for any manufacturer, just hate factory reps!

Wayne Benner Jr (Casper) said:

Ive been assigned to look into getting solid bores fro our department as we now use the Elkhart Chief combination fog nozzle.
The nozzle i was leaning towards was the Elkhart Soldbore:

http://www.elkhartbrass.com/products/nozzles/solid-strike/brochures

I hope Im on the right track. Im new to the solidbore but an instant fan as it seemed to be more easier to use and safer to use then the fog nozzles we have for interior attack now.

Wayne

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