Equipped Fire Hose Reel
EQUIPPED FIRE HOSE REEL
INTRODUCTION
Sometimes the simplicity of a system is not at odds with its effectiveness. Far from what it may seem, if for centuries the essence of the system has not changed; it will normally be because there is little room for improvement. A good example that describes this is the case of the Equipped hose reel since the first practical hose reel was invented in Holland in the year 1673, more than 345 years ago.
At present we can still see relics of this type. At the Fire Museum in New York, we can see a BIE from the 17th century, which consisted of 15.24 meters of leather (or canvas for candles) sewn in a single seam. Brass threads were joined at the ends to connect sections. Regarding its functionality we can see it consists of a shaft + hose + nozzle, the same today, nothing more and nothing less, four centuries later.
The current hose reel systems are essential to active fire protection together with fire extinguishers, hydrants and dry columns that are commonly used during the initial stages of a fire. They are essential to attack fires without any specialized measures, to prevent further development and greater losses.
At PEFIPRESA, we have more than 50 years’ of experience. We are aware of the requirements of a well-designed solution, installation, maintenance and inspection so that these systems achieve the objective for which they were created, more than 345 years ago.
WHAT IS A HOSE REEL
Equipped fire hydrant systems (BIE), are manual extinguishing systems included within the active fire protection systems. Each equipped fire hydrant is formed by a set of elements necessary to transport and project water from a fixed point of a water supply network to the place of fire.
The BIEs can be equipped with a flat or semi-rigid hose. In the latter case, you can also have additional 45 mm sockets to be used by the professional extinguishing services following a hydraulic calculation. Each BIE normally consists of a cabinet that contains inside the water cut-off valve, the hose, the nozzle, the support winder and fittings or connecting elements between the various components. Equipped fire hydrants are very effective, as they provide an immediate and continuous water supply.
It is essential that these systems comply with their design as well as their installation, with a series of requirements, for example the centre of the BIE must be at a maximum given distance from the ground and from the exit points of each sector of the fire. Additionally, a maximum distance of the actual path must be maintained between each BIE and the closest distance, as well as from each point of the protected area. A guaranteed free space must be maintained at all times, for it to be opened accurately, functionality and use with a set pressure and flow.
At PEFIPRESA, with our professionalism and know-how, we are rigorous on the importance of good design and installation. We pay attention to the hydraulic criteria marked, considerations regarding simultaneous interaction with other systems, and the minimum water reserve that must be guaranteed to achieve accurate autonomy whilst assuring optimal efficiency of the equipment with maximum security levels.
