The BostonHerald.com recently published an article highlighting a critical safety issue involving fire hoses, raising serious concerns about the reliability of lightweight versions currently in use across the country.
A prominent fire safety researcher, Kathy Notarianni, an associate professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Fire Protection Engineering Department, is warning that these lighter hoses—similar to the one involved in a deadly blaze on Beacon Street—are failing at an alarming rate. “This is a problem that has just come to light. It’s like a tsunami,†she said. “We are seeing more and more burn-throughs in attack hoses nationwide. This information needs to reach firefighters so they can make better choices when purchasing equipment.â€
WPI, one of only three major fire safety research institutions in the U.S., has received $75,000 from the Last Call Foundation to investigate the issue and develop a more fire-resistant hose. The foundation was established by Kathy Crosby-Bell, the mother of firefighter Michael Kennedy, who died in a tragic fire on Beacon Street last March along with Lt. Edward Walsh Jr.
Just three weeks into the study, Notarianni already found troubling issues with the current models. “My phone and inbox were flooded as soon as people found out we were looking into this,†she explained. “I’m now worried that the problem is even worse than we initially thought. I’m really scared about what could be out there. The hoses are failing in places we didn’t expect.â€
Dennis LeGear, a well-known firefighting consultant from California, agrees that the issue is tied to the increasing use of lightweight hoses in high-rise buildings. These hoses are easier to handle, store, and cost less than their heavier counterparts. However, many departments are now using them for regular fires, which may not be safe. “Lightweight hoses were never meant for everyday use,†LeGear said. “They were designed specifically for high-rises. Once they’re introduced into a department’s fleet, it’s hard to stop them from being used elsewhere.†He added that finding a solution to this problem is a huge challenge.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is currently investigating the Beacon Street fire, with a final report expected within the next year. Meanwhile, the Boston Fire Department maintains that the lighter hoses they use meet all national safety standards.
Notarianni’s team will test various hoses available on the market, review outdated standards dating back to 1961, gather data on burn-through incidents nationwide, and explore new materials for a more durable product. The university plans to bring together manufacturers, firefighters, and officials in March to discuss solutions and improve safety protocols moving forward.
Introduction to GENT inverter heat pump
Air source heat pump is a kind of heat pump for house, hotel, school and many other places that uses heat energy in the air for heating, cooling or providing hot water. Among them, inverter heat pump is a small category under the large category of air source heat pump, specifically referring to a heat pump unit that can automatically adjust its operating frequency.
Products under the category and their similarities and differences
The products under the category of inverter heat pump include inverter Water Heater Heat Pump, inverter Air Source Heat Pump Heating unit, and inverter Heat Pumps And Air Conditioning Systems.
1. Similarities of the units
â‘ the same heating and cooling sources
All the three kinds of products use the heat energy in the air as the cooling and heating sources of the unit to achieve the purpose of the unit.
â‘¡the same heat pump and installation conditions
The most important thing when installing an ashp heat pump unit is to ensure good ventilation. Only when the ventilation is good can the operating efficiency of the unit be guaranteed.
â‘¢the same unit output
The three kinds of units are all air to water heat pump, which means the output of them are all water.
2. Unit differences
The main difference between these three units lies in their different functions.
â‘ Water heater heat pump can supply hot water and achieve indoor space heating.
â‘¡Air source heat pump heating unit can achieve indoor heating.
â‘¢Heat pumps and Air Conditioning systems can supply hot and cold water and realize indoor space heating and cooling.
Users can choose the corresponding unit according to your actual needs.
Advantages of inverter heat pump
1. Intelligent control and extended lifespan
The frequency conversion technology used by the inverter heat pump can reduce the current impact when the compressor starts (the starting current of the variable frequency heat pump is only one-sixth of that of the fixed frequency unit), and the equipment wear is small, which can extend the service life by more than 30%.
2. Quiet operation, low noise experience
The compressor of the variable frequency heat pump does not need to be started and stopped frequently. By reducing the speed of the compressor during high-load operation, the operating noise can be greatly reduced, and it is worry-free to use at night, which is especially suitable for quiet places such as residential areas or hospitals. Therefore, the more common uses of inverter heat pump are home heat pump and commercial heat pump.
Therefore, the inverter air source heat pump unit has many advantages that are worth using, and users in need can take this good heat pumps into consideration.
Heat Pump For House, Good Heat Pumps, Heat Pump And Installation, Home Heat Pump, A Heat Pump
GUANGZHOU GENT NEW ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD , https://www.gentgz.com