Unit 6Helitorch Operations/Exercises

Objectives

Understand what constitutes a suitable Helitorch Operations site

Successfully hook-up a Helitorch to the Helicopter

Demonstrate how to test Helitorch with aircraft power

Objectives

Demonstrate procedures for filling a Helitorch from mixing systems

Perform final Helitorch systems check, finalize Go / No Go checklist

Demonstrate the mixing procedures for mixing systems

Helitorch Base

Helitorch Site Locations Helitorch site large enough to safely

accommodate all necessary equipment Establish clear approach and departure

paths, over flight of personnel, vehicle traffic, and property not allowed

Maintain safety circle Close proximity to burn site desired Consider impacts from smoke/embers

Helitorch Site Locations (cont’)

Authorized personnel only Establish alternate landing area Separate Helitorch base from wildland

fire helibase Establish escape routes for personnel

& equipment in event of escaped fire Consider dust abatement needs

Helitorch

Installation

Procedures

Helitorch Installation to the Helicopter Remove pilots door Complete the helitorch check list Place helitorch in front of ship with nozzle to the

pilots side Make sure switches are in off position Layout suspension system under helicopter

between skids Assure suspension system attachment point is

configured for cargo hook, DO NOT hook up suspension system until test completed

Connect the 9 pin plug

Installation (cont’)

Install a propane bottle (if applicable) and adjust pressure (5-10 psi)

Have pilot active helicopter electrical power to helitorch

Test electrical ignition system Test pump Do a manual and electrical test of cargo hook

release Attach suspension system to helicopter cargo hook

Helicopter-Helitorch Test

Helicopter-Helitorch Test

Mixing Systems Safety Standards

Mixing Area

Mixing Area Located outside of the helicopter safety

circle During the mixing operation fire protection

will be staffed and ready Restricted to Helitorch personnel only No smoking within 50 feet of any operation

on the Helitorch base, including the vapor removal discharge hose outlets

Mixing Area (cont’)

Precautions must be taken to eliminate sources of ignition

Use approved gelling agent dispenser NO PLASTIC of any kind should be used

in the mixing operation

Bonding Sequence

Bonding Mixing Systems, Helitorch & Bulk Fuel Source

Connect bonding cable from bulk fuel nozzle to the mixing system or a common bonding point

Connect vapor removal hose Open fueling port and begin fueling When fueled remove nozzle, close port Remove bonding cable Note: The goal is to provide continuity

Bonding from the mixing system to the Helitorch drum for gel loading

Connect vapor removal hose Use a fuel transfer hose with wire

helix and a dry-break connector and connect into the Helitorch dry-break

When done disconnect dry-brake Remove vapor hose

Commercial Gelling Agent

Use only commercial gelling agents that come with an MSDS

Maintain proper mix ratio Gelling agent should be dry and free of

contaminants Break up any lumps before adding to fuel

Gelling Agent (cont’)

Gelling agent added to partially gelled fuel will not dissolve

More than 5 to 10 percent residual gel left can cause severe clumping

Add gelling agent to agitated fuel at a moderate rate

Fuel Gasoline or a gasoline (70%) / diesel (30%)

combination is preferred Use clean fuels, avoid contaminants Warmer fuels will gel more quickly Fuel additives used for formulating

oxygenated fuel have had a negative effect on maintaining gel cohesion

Mixing Systems

Mixing Systems

Mixing Systems Personnel required:

• Mixmaster • Mixing crew• Fuel truck driver

Mixing system should be as empty as possible of residual gel

Bond to bulk fuel source Hook up vapor removal hose (50 ft. minimum),

layout and post “no-smoking”signs

Mixing Systems

Fill mixing system with desired amount of fuel

Begin fuel agitating/re-circulation and check Dispense gelling agent into fuel at a moderate

rate Continue re-circulation for 2 minutes for 55

gallon drums and 5 minutes for larger quantities, then shut off system and wait

Gelling should be complete in 5-20 minutes

Mixing Systems Check for proper gel consistency with a

wooden or aluminum paddle. The gel should envelope around the paddle

when inserted into the gel (batch mixer) When removed from the gel there should be

no liquid dripping and gel should roll right off paddle and not stick to it

Filling the Helitorch Personnel required:

• Parking Tender• Mixmaster• Mixing crew member (s)

Parking Tender marshals helicopter then assures switches are turned off

Parking Tender than signals mix personnel that they can start torch filling operation

PAY ATTENTION

Filling the Helitorch Parking Tender then staffs fire extinguisher

for duration of all operations Mix Master ensures that switches are off

then hooks up vapor removal hose Hooks up fuel transfer hose and signals

pump operator to begin fuel transfer Watches through sight glass to monitor fuel

level

Filling the Helitorch Signals pump operator (give pump operator

enough notice) when full, gel to bottom of sight glass and shuts off dry brake

Unhooks vapor hose then fuel hose and replaces clay bailey 2” cam lock

Helitorch Test - First Load With helicopter not running, and switches

in off position, signal to pilot to turn on power to Helitorch

Place a bucket under the nozzle and turn on the pump switch until gel comes out, test helitorch for fuel flow, ensure nozzle valve is not leaking

Assure both switches are off

Final Helitorch Systems Check

Inspection should be done by the Helitorch Manager with the Parking Tender and Mixmaster present

During helicopter fuel cycles, re-inspect the helitorch

Inspection Items Suspension system Cam lock caps secured Visual of Drum straps Propane pressure between 5 to 10 p.s.i.

(Simplex) Dry break valve open (Isolair/Simplex) Fuel flow valve open Ignition component properly adjusted & cleaned

Launch Mix master or designee turns switches on Parking tender ensures switches are

activated and informs pilot the system is ready

Parking Tender marshals takeoff and advises pilot of any unsafe conditions