Understanding the Capacities of the Mark III {UPDATED 1-21-24}
How this relates to the S-211 Hydraulics Calculations.
[Visit the SLOPE RATIO & The Mark 3 Cheat Sheet posts as it explains how to take advantage of methods I discuss in the PDF]
This PDF has some clarifications since its original post date.
Nearly Everyone that goes through the NWCG S-211 course at their local office, or even those in the Contract Fire world may or may not have very good instructors to convey to the new student just what the Mark 3 or similar hi-pressure pump is capable of, and how this fits in with the courses Hydraulics calculations.
As a DIRECT result of either poor instructors, a lack of adequate material, or anything else, Â many come away far more confused and thus have a grand resentment of the field of hydraulics or pumps or both altogether. This brief discussion will attempt to change this and allow you the new S-211 Portable Pump and Water use student a much better understanding of this information. The S-211 does not even cover the Pump Curve and teach people to use that curve as their guide to figuring out problems.
In just this example image here, we drew in a Green triangle. In fact, start thinking of triangles when performing hydro calcs!
Now this looks the same as our real world scenario’s doesn’t it?
Download the 12 page PDF (link on bottom) that includes the graphics and pump curves and math with explanations on how and why the math is done to gain a better understanding of the Mark III as it relates to the field.
A Cheat Sheet for calculating Mark 3 problems.
{Update 12-6-23}
A short video explaining to a co worker how to use the pump curve in the field.
Jan 2024 update. I was asked if i could redo the mark 3 document and add some clarification. That is done and the file is reduced by 3 pages.
This version should make a good compliment to a mark 3 course.
Updated post with a real explanation to a coworker in the field on an off district working fire