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Hose line simulator

We are in the process of developing some training simulators at our training facility that we do not want the fire departments using water in but would like to be able to let them practice stretching hand lines into. I'm looking to see if any one has made a lenght of hose that has the weight and feel of a charged line with out filling it with water.
Thanks in advance for your help.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jamie Morelock on August 15, 2008 at 8:09pm

What about loose sand?

Permalink Reply by Ben Stevens on August 19, 2008 at 3:23pm

Great Idea...Thanks

Permalink Reply by Brandon Roark on July 1, 2009 at 9:38pm

What about using an old nozzle that is welded or other wise "lock" in the off position, and then charging the line? Just use spanners to tighten old hose before you charge it, that should provide enough of a seal to keep water from coming out of the lines and then it is as realistic as it gets.
I suggest using old hose that is static (not going to be broken apart), before assembling them replace the o-rings with new ones and they should last you for sometime. You may also consider "sealing" the couplings with some type of caulk or sealent... this way you can stretch in dry, wet, fog, smooth bore, or blitz pressures.... Nothing is better than training with the real thing.

sure there is always the risk of line failure...but then it becomes an salvage/overhaul drill and everyone wins:)

Permalink Reply by Todd "Walt" Walton on October 10, 2009 at 7:01pm

We went to a local company that stamped our metal and had several disc punched for both 1 1/2" and 2 1/2" threads. Place the disc in the nozzle with a piece of gasket material between it and the hose then hand tighten. Once the line is charged and the air bleeds out you can tighten the connection to stop the water from leaking out. This allows us to use any line we want, including the engine taken out of service for training, without leaking water into the area but gives us realistic hose lines. There is no way water can get out the nozzle. To drain the line you open the discharge drain to bleed the pressure then break the line and reload it. The training officer is accountable for the disc to make sure the don't get loaded with the line. The person connecting the nozzle checks the nozzle to make sure the disc is out and the operator also verifies. There is the possibility of the disc remaining in place but the phobia of the potential outcomes makes sure almost everyone double checks. It has worked well for us for several years.
I would recommend taking the nozzle(s) with you when going to the metal shop.

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