Fire Engines Photos

Reputedly now in service in over 100 countries, the Dutch Hytrans system has the advantage that its hydraulic pump is floated on the surface of any open water supply, just like a fireboat, and does not need to be primed - nor does it suffer any significant friction loss.
The only issue is accessibility. But here again, it is much easier to position than it is to maneuver a pumper and suction hoses into place. It does not need to get near enough for the typical suction hose lengths to be able to be submerged. It can for example be operated from a bridge which is ten metres above the water's surface!

They have not been very common in the US, because of large water mains, high volume hydrants and many high pressure delivery systems (as well as fireboats in most communities with rivers).

But FDNY has recently acquired a few Hytrans pumps.

To access the numerous waterways in and around the five boroughs, including sections where the rather large city fireboats can't go, these are mounted on trailers for maximum maneuverability and flexibility.

Although the system can indeed move 8, 000 LPM, this is at only 2AT, and is a floodwater dispersal mode. The capacity at 15AT is around 3, 500 LPM - still enough to feed two or even three pumpers at a distant fireground, as friction losses in the 150mm hoses are minimal.

Added by Rob Johnson on 18 October 2023.

The capacities quoted above are for the Hydrosub 150, which is the most common unit carried on this type of combination container, also containing a hose supply of two kilometers of 150 mm hose. A number of versions with higher capacity are also available, but they are larger. The firm claims that the pump can be up to no less than 60 metres away from the hydraulic generator, combining both horizontal and vertical distance! They also point out that any open water supply with a depth of more than 30 centimetres can be utilized - another advantage compared to the suction hose alternative.

I have seen smaller hydraulic surface pumps in operation in the Netherlands (where open water is very often the chosen supply source), which are carried on regular pumpers, and powered by their portable hydraulic generators - but have not found any information about them. Clearly, pumpers with these do not need to carry traditional suction hoses.

Added by Rob Johnson on 19 October 2023.

I think recently the UK’s HVPs are used more for flooding events than major fires. When they came into service 20 years ago, it was stated that they had the equivalent pumping capacity as 10 standard UK pumping appliances. There’s a two module unit (2x Prime Movers, HVP and hosebox, and double hosebox) based 8 miles away from me. I’ve seen them, along with their supporting Welfare Unit, respond past me several times... It’s quite a sight... and sound.

Added by Yelp Bullhorn on 25 October 2023.

Yes, I believe the original Hytrans prototype was indeed developed for flood control, which is of course a major issue in the Netherlands, as much of the country is below sea level! It did not take long for the manufacturers to realize the value of the system adapted to a high pressure, (relatively) low volume role to deliver water for firefighting, as fire services in the Netherlands have already been accustomed to setting in to open water for decades, and in fact they often do so even when a hydrant is nearby.

Added by Rob Johnson on 25 October 2023.

The two transporter unit Yelp described is the “ big brother” of the single transporter version shown above, and indeed has a low pressure capacity of 20,000 LPM for flood water dispersal.

Added by Rob Johnson on 25 October 2023.

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