PLI Home PagePrecision Lift, Inc.

Contact PLISite MapProductsOrdersNewsPLI HomeAbout PLI

Heli-Basket Transport SystemHigh-Rise RescueMarineMilitaryFighting FiresHelicopter Maintenance Platforms


Rapid Response Module

    Deconn-wash-fire suppression-de-ice module

  • Decontamination
  • Wash
  • Fire Suppression
  • De-Ice


PLI's DWFD Module is a multi-purpose system for applying liquids--to decontaminate, wash down, or de-ice aircraft, vehicles, and equipment and for fire suppression. The multi-functional design of the DWFD Module equips Civil Support Teams and other quick response units with a variety of new disaster mitigation tools--all contained within a compact logistical transport package. From fire suppression to bio-decontamination, PLI's DWFD Module delivers. The module also functions as an aircraft cleaning and deicing system (ACDS).

Overview of the DWFD System

The DWFD Module consists of a large tank with separate compartments for decon solution, rinse water, and additives, a diesel-powered centrifugal pump, generator, water heater, hoses, nozzles, and accessory equipment mounted in a HB-2000 Heli-Basket.  The DWFD Module is designed to be transported by a helicopter as an external load and used by a crew in locations that cannot be reached by a vehicle on the ground; for example, when fighting fire.  It can be customized to fit inside a Chinook helicopter for rapid transport to distant locations. It is easily moved around the tarmac on PLI's large wagon. Six multidirectional halogen lights mounted on the cage provide illumination for night operation.

Decontamination

The DFWD Module is used to decontaminate aircraft, vehicles, small areas, and personnel. Several decontamination solutions are available to military and first responder units for use against chemical and biological agents. Using the DWFD module, they are sprayed on as a liquid or applied as a foam. Foam increases the contact time for a decon solution to do its work. The Agent/Foam Mixer on the DWFD Module dispenses concentrate into the output stream at the appropriate mix ratio. With 150 feet of hose and with nozzles for straight stream, fog, or foam, the DWFD Module has a "long reach" for decontaminating aircraft and vehicles. Decontamination of personnel; for example, using a decontamination shower, requires controlling the temperature. The DFWD Module has a water heater and temperature control unit to supply decontamination solution at the correct temperature.

Degreasing, Washing and Rinsing Aircraft and Vehicles

The DFWD Module performs the multi-step functions needed for cleaning aircraft and vehicles. For tough grime, degreasing agents are applied as a foam so that they can soak in and remain in contact for several minutes. With the built-in water heater, cleaning solution, wash water, and rinse water can be applied at temperatures up to 160° F.

The fragile skin of an aircraft can be easily damaged using a high-pressure washer, where water pressure is in the range of 1000 to 5000 psi. The maximum pressure in the DWFD Module is 175 psi, well within the safe limit for servicing aircraft exteriors.

De-Icing Aircraft and Vehicles

The DWFD Module is an ACDS and thus uses propylene glycol or ethylene glycol to de-ice aircraft. The built-in water heater can heat the de-icing solution to speed removal of ice build-up. With PLI's large wagon, the DWFD Module is easily positioned near the aircraft and 150 feet of hose provides a "long reach."

Fire Suppression

The DWFD Module can also be used to suppress small wildland fires, range fires, for mop-up operations (typically lasting several days) or to protect structures. When supplied with AAAF foam, it can be used as a quick response resource for aviation-related fires.

Pump and Engine

The 23 hp diesel-powered centrifugal pump can pump 65 gallons per minute (gpm) at a pressure of 100 pounds per square inch (psi) and 25 gpm at 150 psi. As shown by the yellow handles in the photo on the left, there is a 1½" diameter discharge, a 1", discharge, and a 3/4" discharge. The engine is equipped with a 12 volt electric starter with external battery. It runs on diesel fuel and JP-8 fuel.

The electric primer for the pump is run by a 1/2 hp electric motor and generates up to 200 psi. The system includes a 6Kw, 120V AC electric generator.

Water Tank, Water Heater, and Suction Hose

The heavy duty polypropylene tank fills the lower two thirds of the Heli-Basket in the image on the right. It contains 3 separate cells: 165 gallons for rinse water, 140 gal. for decon solution, and 24 gal. for additives, such as foam concentrate or soap. Clear strips on the end show the level of liquids. There is a tank-shut-off valve on the suction side of the pump so that the pump can also suck water out of a nearby pond or a portable reservoir. Ten feet of suction hose equipped with a footvalve and sieve are included. The sieve prevents larger particles from damaging the pump. The footvalve keeps water in the suction line when the pump is shut off so that the pump will be primed when it is started again. The larger cells have a drain plug at the bottom. The top of the tank is removable providing access to each of the cells for cleanup.

The water heater is the unpainted cylindrical unit in the photo above. It is a diesel-fired, 455,000 BTU instantaneous heater that can supply 9 gpm at 150° F or 12 gpm at 100° F.  Thermostats are preset so that one discharge is 100° F and another at 160° F.

Foam/Additive Proportioner

A 25 gpm pump transfers chemical from the additive cell to the water stream at pressures up to 150 psi. The metering valve or proportioner adjusts the concentration of chemical, such as foam concentrate, soap, or degreasing agent, in the water stream from 0.01% to 5%. Foam allows decon solution and degreasing agents to remain in contact with the surface of an aircraft for several minutes. Foam is also effective in fighting fires.

Hose and Nozzles

The DWFD Module is equipped with 150 feet of industrial-grade 3/4" hose on a reel. Additional hose is in the tool box. The combination nozzle delivers straight stream or fog up to 22 pgm. There is a medium expansion foam tube. The 3 gpm straight-stream and spray nozzle can be used on a wand to spray cleaning and deicing solutions.



Control Panel

The control panel consolidates operational controls for all systems. It contains the ignition, starter and stop switches, throttle, choke, controls for the electric primer on the pump and the additive pump, pressure gauge, automatic-low-pressure-shutdown switch, heater switch, temperature gauge and AC voltage gauge. A separate re-circulation valve prevents the pump from overheating when the nozzles are closed and no water is being discharged but the pump is running. Full-flow, 12V electric ball valves provide high flow-through rates, but are controlled on the control panel.


Home Site Map Products Chemicals Mop-Up Structure Protection Contact Us Orders