Patent Publication Number: US-2013252213-A1

Title: Water pipe assembly for pump training

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The technology described herein relates generally to water pipe assemblies, pump training equipment, pump testing equipment, and associated methods and procedures for pump training. More specifically, this technology relates to a fire fighter&#39;s water pipe assembly for pump training and fire pump training operations. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Firefighting equipment, such as a fire truck, or the like, is typically equipped with one or more onboard pumps capable of drawing water from a water source. The water is drawn into the pump at a high flow rate from the water source. The one or more onboard pumps are configured to pump the drawn water under high pressure through one or more fire hoses. The water source for the pumps can be a natural water source such as a pond, lake, or river, or a manmade source such as a swimming pool, or other standing body of water. Additionally, water sources can include fire hydrants, portable water tanks, and the like. 
     These onboard pumps should be tested regularly according to guidelines set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Many fire departments lack the resources to conduct adequate, regular tests of pumping equipment. The testing procedure requires a pump to be tested at various flow rates for predetermined lengths of time, which results in vast quantities of water pumped through the equipment. Fire hydrants alone are generally not capable of supplying fresh water at the high flow rates necessary for the length of time necessary to conduct the pumping tests. Such tests require a large amount of water. 
     By way of example, conventional methods of testing the pumps of a fire truck require positioning a fire truck adjacent to a large body of water with the intake hose positioned within the water for drawing significant amounts of water into the pumps. This water is typically not recirculated, wasting the water. 
     Related utility patents known in the art include the following: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,644,776, issued to Holley et al. on Jan. 12, 2012, discloses a preassembled water transfer pipe for use in a fire fighting system includes a generally hollow conduit member formed from a predetermined material and having each of a predetermined length and a predetermined cross sectional shape and a connection member equipped with a predetermined size connection for receiving a hose one of thereon and therein disposed at one end of said generally hollow conduit member. There is a pipe support assembly disposed at an opposed end of such generally hollow conduit member. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,049, issued to Schrumm on May 14, 2002, discloses a pump flow test system for accurately measuring the aggregate fluid flow from all pumps of a fire truck. The inventive device includes a reservoir structure for storing a volume of fluid, an intake manifold having a plurality of intake inlets extending into the reservoir structure, an elongate tube extending into the reservoir structure from the intake manifold, a pitot tube positioned within the elongate tube for measuring fluid flow, and a meter attached to the pitot tube for displaying the water flow through the elongate tube. The elongate tube preferably has a cap and a perforated portion for allowing even distribution of the incoming water into the reservoir structure. In use, an intake hose is positioned within the reservoir structure for drawing water into the pumps of the fire truck. A plurality of dispensing hoses is connected to the pump of the fire truck and to the intake inlets of the intake manifold for delivering the water from the pumps of the fire truck to the reservoir structure. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,827,860, issued to Weis on Nov. 9, 2010, discloses a pump testing apparatus includes a tank mounted on a mobile trailer for testing water pumps associated with firefighting equipment. Two rotatable draft tubes extend into the tank for drawing water from the lower part of the tank through suction hoses connected to the pump being tested. Two inlet manifolds receive water discharged from the pump being tested and direct the water into respective flow stations that measure the water flow rate. The water is then dispersed back into the tank. The tank has a system of baffles to prevent cavitation of the water circulating through the tank. A cooling system is provided to cool the water within the tank to maintain a desired water temperature during pump testing. The cooling system includes a supply line having a cool water inlet for connecting to a source of cool water, and cool water outlets at spaced locations throughout the tank. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 7,036,676, issued to Christensen on May 2, 2006, discloses a foldable water tank comprises a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls, the sidewalls being inclined inwardly; and a plurality of support structures connected to the sidewalls to support the sidewalls in the inclined position. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,139,033, issued to Brown on Feb. 13, 1979, discloses a portable tank having a skeleton frame with a corner mounted fitting having an outlet discharging into the tank and an inlet for connection to a tank truck. 
     The foregoing patent and other information reflect the state of the art of which the inventor is aware and are tendered with a view toward discharging the inventor&#39;s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing information that may be pertinent to the patentability of the technology described herein. It is respectfully stipulated, however, that the foregoing patent and other information do not teach or render obvious, singly or when considered in combination, the inventor&#39;s claimed invention. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a fire fighter&#39;s water pipe assembly and associated systems and methods for pump training and fire pump training operations. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a water pipe assembly for pump training. The water pipe assembly includes: a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures; a first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; and a second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training, the water transfer pipe is further configured and shaped for placement over an edge of a portable water reservoir, such that the water pipe assembly is free standing, without any requirement for mounting hardware. 
     In at least one embodiment, the water transfer pipe is comprised of aluminum. 
     In at least one embodiment, the water transfer pipe further includes: a first horizontal pipe configured to receive the first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; a first vertical pipe fluidly coupled to the first horizontal pipe and extending upwardly from the first horizontal pipe; a second horizontal pipe fluidly coupled to the first vertical pipe and extending horizontally from the first vertical pipe; a second vertical pipe fluidly coupled to the second horizontal pipe and extending downwardly from the second horizontal pipe; and a third horizontal pipe fluidly coupled to the second vertical pipe and extending horizontally from the second vertical pipe. The first horizontal pipe, first vertical pipe, second horizontal pipe, second vertical pipe, third horizontal pipe are fluidly coupled by a ninety degree elbow. The first horizontal pipe, first vertical pipe, second horizontal pipe, second vertical pipe, third horizontal pipe are collectively form a shape adapted for placement over a portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training, the first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread further comprises a female national hose thread (NH) to female national pipe tapered (NPT) swivel inlet, thereby to fluidly couple fire hose into pipe. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training, the second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread further comprises a female national pipe tapered (NPT) to male national hose thread (NH) rigid outlet, thereby to fluidly couple pipe to fire nozzle. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training, the first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread further comprises a Siamese adapter such that it is configured to receive input from two fire hoses. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training. The multiple water pipe assembly system includes: a plurality of water pipe assemblies, each water pipe assembly comprising: a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures; a first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; and a second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread. 
     In at least one embodiment of the multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies is varied in size to accommodate the varying size of fire hoses used by fire departments. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training further includes: a base upon which each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training also includes: an inner bracket upon which each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir, the inner mount disposed on a side of the plurality of water pipe assemblies internal to the portable water reservoir when utilized with the portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training further includes: an outer bracket upon which each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir, the outer mount disposed on a side of the plurality of water pipe assemblies external to the portable water reservoir when utilized with the portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies further includes: a first horizontal pipe configured to receive the first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; a first vertical pipe fluidly coupled to the first horizontal pipe and extending upwardly from the first horizontal pipe; a second horizontal pipe fluidly coupled to the first vertical pipe and extending horizontally from the first vertical pipe; a second vertical pipe fluidly coupled to the second horizontal pipe and extending downwardly from the second horizontal pipe; and a third horizontal pipe fluidly coupled to the second vertical pipe and extending horizontally from the second vertical pipe. The first horizontal pipe, first vertical pipe, second horizontal pipe, second vertical pipe, third horizontal pipe are fluidly coupled by a ninety degree elbow. The first horizontal pipe, first vertical pipe, second horizontal pipe, second vertical pipe, third horizontal pipe are collectively form a shape adapted for placement over a portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies includes the first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread in each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies further comprises a female national hose thread (NH) to female national pipe tapered (NPT) swivel inlet, thereby to fluidly couple fire hose into pipe; and wherein the second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread in each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies further comprises a female national pipe tapered (NPT) to male national hose thread (NH) rigid outlet, thereby to fluidly couple pipe to fire nozzle. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly. The method includes: utilizing a water pipe assembly for pump training comprising: a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures; a first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; and a second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread; coupling the first coupling adapter to a fire hose; and coupling the second coupling adapter to a fire nozzle. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, the method further includes: utilizing a single fire truck; utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within the single fire truck; utilizing a portable water tank; pumping from the single fire truck to the water pipe assembly and subsequently the portable water tank; and drafting from the portable water tank to the single fire truck such that water is recirculated. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, the method further includes: utilizing a pair of fire trucks, a first truck being attack pumper, and a second truck being a source pumper; utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck; utilizing a portable water tank; pumping from the first fire truck to the water pipe assembly and subsequently the portable water tank; drafting from the portable water tank to the second fire truck such that water is recirculated; and supplying water from the second truck to the first truck. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, the method further includes: utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being a first attack pumper, a second truck being a second attack pumper, and a third truck being a source pumper; utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck; utilizing a portable water tank; pumping from the first fire truck and the second fire truck to the water pipe assembly and subsequently the portable water tank; drafting from the portable water tank to the third fire truck, the source pumper; pumping utilizing relay pumping; and pumping utilizing dual pumping. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, the method further includes: utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being an attack pumper, a second truck being a relay pumper, and a third truck being a source pumper; utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck; pumping from the first fire truck to the water pipe assembly and subsequently the portable water tank; drafting from the portable water tank to the third fire truck, the source pumper; pumping utilizing relay pumping; pumping from the source pumper to the relay pumper; and pumping from the relay pumper to the attack pumper. 
     In at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, the method further includes: utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being an attack pumper, a second truck being a water tender, and a third truck being a source pumper; utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck; pumping from the first fire truck, the attack pumper, to the water pipe assembly and subsequently the portable water tank; drafting from the portable water tank to the third fire truck, the source pumper; pumping to a water tender; tendering water to a water dump site; and drafting from the water dump site to the first fire truck, the attach pumper; 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the technology in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the technology that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the technology in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology described herein is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technology described herein. 
     Further objects and advantages of the technology described herein will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The technology described herein is illustrated with reference to the various drawings, in which like reference numbers denote like device components and/or method steps, respectively, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a water pipe assembly for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank, illustrating, in particular, a five-pipe assembly having various varying pipe sizes and varying inlet sizes, as well as a Siamese adapter on at least one pipe, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the water pipe assembly for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank, illustrating, in particular, a five-pipe assembly having various varying pipe sizes and varying inlet sizes, as well as a Siamese adapter on at least one pipe, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of the water pipe assembly for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank, illustrating, in particular, a five-pipe assembly having various varying pipe sizes and varying inlet sizes, as well as a Siamese adapter on at least one pipe, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the water pipe assembly for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank, illustrating, in particular, a five-pipe assembly having various varying pipe sizes and varying inlet sizes, as well as a Siamese adapter on at least one pipe, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a Siamese adapter configured for use with the water pipe assembly for pump training depicted in  FIGS. 1 to 4 , according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method and procedures for use of a water pipe assembly for pump training in a one-truck system, utilizing an on-board water tank, a portable water tank, drafting operations, and having standard pumping, attack hose lays, and ground monitors or FDC, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method and procedures for use of a water pipe assembly for pump training in a two-truck system, utilizing an on-board water tank, a portable water tank, pumping from a pressurized source, relay pumping, drafting operations, and having standard pumping, attack hose lays, and ground monitors or FDC, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method and procedures for use of a water pipe assembly for pump training in a dual pumping system, utilizing an on-board water tank, a portable water tank, pumping from a pressurized source, relay pumping, drafting operations, dual pumping, and having standard pumping, attack hose lays, and ground monitors or FDC, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method and procedures for use of a water pipe assembly for pump training in a relay pumping system, utilizing an on-board water tank, a portable water tank, pumping from a pressurized source, source/relay/attack pumping, drafting operations, and having standard pumping, attack hose lays, and ground monitors or FDC, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram illustrating a method and procedures for use of a water pipe assembly for pump training in a shuttle operations system, utilizing multiple on-board water tanks, multiple portable water tanks, source/attack pumping, drafting operations, shuttle operations (including fill site, dump site, and water tenders) and having standard pumping, attack hose lays, and ground monitors or FDC, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 11  is a top planar view of a pipe nipple; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a pipe nipple; 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a single pipe assembly for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank, according to an embodiment of the technology described herein; 
         FIG. 14  is a first side view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank; 
         FIG. 15  is a second side view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank; 
         FIG. 16  is a first end view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank; 
         FIG. 17  is a second end view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank; 
         FIG. 18  is a top view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank; and 
         FIG. 19  is a bottom view of the single pipe assembly depicted in  FIG. 13  for pump training configured for utilization mounted on a portable water tank. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Before describing the disclosed embodiments of this technology in detail, it is to be understood that the technology is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown here since the technology described is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the technology described herein provides a fire fighter&#39;s water pipe assembly and associated systems and methods for pump training and fire pump training operations. The water pipe assembly is used in the fire service to collect and recirculate water during fire pump training operations. 
     The water pipe assembly, and associated systems and methods, are intended for fire departments conducting practical, fire pump training with flowing water to collect discharged water from attack lines into a portable water tank. The water pipe assembly provides for the recirculation of water to minimize water usage. 
     The water pipe assembly includes coupling adapters that convert fire hose thread (NH) to pipe thread (NPT). The water pipe assembly is rated to withstand fire pump pressures. In various embodiments, the water pipe assembly is manufactured from PVC, steel, or aluminum using glue, welding, compression fittings, or threaded connections for fabrication. The water pipe assembly includes an additional coupling that converts NPT to NH so a fire department nozzle can be attached and discharged into a portable water tank to obtain accurate flow rates used by fire department. 
     Once the water has been collected by means of the water pipe assembly and utilization of a portable water tank, it can be removed by the same fire truck discharging the water (a one-truck method) or a separate fire truck (a two-truck method) using standard fire department drafting techniques. The water is then recirculated, creating a closed system where the only water usage is what water is left in the fire hose and what is unable to be drafted from the portable water tank when the training has concluded. 
     Use of a water pipe assembly with these methods and process steps is opposed to the standard fire department technique where water is not collected during fire department training and is discharged down a storm drain or into a grassy or wooded area, creating high water usage, especially when multiple personnel need to train on a particular training evolution. 
     The water pipe assembly is suitable for use with more than one water pipe, creating a “set” of pipes, some varying in size but having the same design generally, simulating the various hose sizes and layouts that fire departments use. A set of pipes will give fire departments flexibility and variables to efficiently train personnel while conducting fire pump operations. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 13 through 19 , a water pipe assembly for pump training  10  is shown. The water pipe assembly for pump training  10  includes a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures. In various embodiments, the water pipe assembly  10  is manufactured from PVC, steel, or aluminum using glue, welding, compression fittings, or threaded connections for fabrication. 
     The water pipe assembly for pump training  10  includes a first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  ( 34  to the pipe,  36  to the fire hose) fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread. 
     The water pipe assembly for pump training  10  includes a second coupling adapter  14  fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread. 
     The water transfer pipe assembly  10  is further configured and shaped for placement over an edge of a portable water reservoir, such that the water pipe assembly  10  is free standing, without any requirement for mounting hardware. 
     In at least one embodiment, the water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a first horizontal pipe  32  configured to receive the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe assembly  10  and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread. The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a first vertical pipe  28  fluidly coupled to the first horizontal pipe  32  at elbow  30  and extending upwardly from the first horizontal pipe  32 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a second horizontal pipe  24  fluidly coupled at elbow  26  to the first vertical pipe  28  and extending horizontally from the first vertical pipe  28 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a second vertical pipe  20  fluidly coupled to the second horizontal pipe  24  at elbow  22  and extending downwardly from the second horizontal pipe  24 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a third horizontal pipe  16  fluidly coupled to the second vertical pipe  20  at elbow  18  and extending horizontally from the second vertical pipe  20 . 
     The first horizontal pipe  32 , first vertical pipe  28 , second horizontal pipe  24 , second vertical pipe  20 , third horizontal pipe  16  are fluidly coupled by a ninety degree elbows  30 ,  26 ,  22 ,  18 . The first horizontal pipe  32 , first vertical pipe  28 , second horizontal pipe  24 , second vertical pipe  20 , third horizontal pipe  16  are collectively form a shape adapted for placement over a portable water reservoir. 
     The unique configuration and shape of the water pipe assembly for pump training  10  allows a pressure pushback on the device as it is placed over a rim of the portable water reservoir. This provides additional stabilization to the water pipe assembly for pump training  10 . 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training  10 , the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread further comprises a female national hose thread (NH) to female national pipe tapered (NPT) swivel inlet, thereby to fluidly couple fire hose into pipe. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training  10 , the second coupling adapter  14 ,  12  fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread  12  further comprises a female national pipe tapered (NPT) to male national hose thread (NH) rigid outlet, thereby to fluidly couple pipe to fire nozzle. 
     In at least one embodiment of the water pipe assembly for pump training  10 , the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread further includes a Siamese adapter  60  (as depicted in  FIG. 5 ) such that it is configured to receive input from two fire hoses. The Siamese adapter  60  includes a base  64  and coupling ring  62  to fluidly couple to an adapter, such as the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36 . The Siamese adapter  60  provides for the input of two fire hoses through channels  66 ,  68  to for a single flow output. The first and second fire hoses that couple to a Siamese adapter  60  are coupled with adapter rings  70 ,  72  and  74 ,  76 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 to 4 , a multiple water pipe assembly system  50  for pump training is shown. The multiple water pipe assembly system  50  includes a plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e . Each water pipe assembly  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d ,  10   e  includes: a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures; a first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; and a second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread. 
     In at least one embodiment of the multiple water pipe assembly system  50  for pump training, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  is varied in size to accommodate the varying size of fire hoses used by fire departments. By way of example, pipe diameters can include 1½″, 2½″, 3½″ and the like. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system  50  for pump training further includes a base  52 . The base  52  is a surface upon which each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system  50  for pump training also includes an inner bracket  56 . Upon the inner bracket  56  each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir. The inner mount  56  is disposed on a side of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  internal to the portable water reservoir when utilized with the portable water reservoir. 
     In at least one embodiment, the multiple water pipe assembly system for pump training further includes an outer bracket  54 . Upon the outer bracket  54  each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  is mounted, such that the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  are anchored together as an assembly, and such that the assembly forms a shape suitable to mount over an edge of a portable water reservoir. The outer mount  56  disposed on a side of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  external to the portable water reservoir when utilized with the portable water reservoir. 
     In order to secure the various water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  to the base  52 , inner bracket  56 , and/or outer bracket  54 , a bracket  58  is utilized. 
     In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  further includes: a first horizontal pipe  32  configured to receive the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe assembly  10  and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread. The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a first vertical pipe  28  fluidly coupled to the first horizontal pipe  32  at elbow  30  and extending upwardly from the first horizontal pipe  32 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a second horizontal pipe  24  fluidly coupled at elbow  26  to the first vertical pipe  28  and extending horizontally from the first vertical pipe  28 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a second vertical pipe  20  fluidly coupled to the second horizontal pipe  24  at elbow  22  and extending downwardly from the second horizontal pipe  24 . The water transfer pipe assembly  10  further includes a third horizontal pipe  16  fluidly coupled to the second vertical pipe  20  at elbow  18  and extending horizontally from the second vertical pipe  20 . 
     In at least one embodiment, each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies  10   a ,  10   b ,  10   c ,  10   d , and  10   e  includes the first coupling adapter  34 ,  36  fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread in each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies further comprises a female national hose thread (NH) to female national pipe tapered (NPT) swivel inlet, thereby to fluidly couple fire hose into pipe; and wherein the second coupling adapter  14 ,  12  fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread  12  in each of the plurality of water pipe assemblies further comprises a female national pipe tapered (NPT) to male national hose thread (NH) rigid outlet, thereby to fluidly couple pipe to fire nozzle. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the technology described herein provides a method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly  10 . The method includes: utilizing a water pipe assembly  10  for pump training comprising: a water transfer pipe rated to withstand fire pump pressures; a first coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a first end of the water transfer pipe and configured to convert fire hose thread to pipe thread; and a second coupling adapter fluidly coupled and disposed at a second end of the water transfer pipe configured to convert pipe thread to fire hose thread; coupling the first coupling adapter to a fire hose; and coupling the second coupling adapter to a fire nozzle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly  10 , a one-truck method  100  is utilized. The “one-truck” method  100  further includes utilizing a single fire truck  102 , such as a source pumper or an attack pumper, and utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within the single fire truck  102 . The one-truck method  100  utilizes a portable water tank  106 . The “one-truck” method  100  further includes pumping from the single fire truck  102  to the water pipe assembly  50 , through a multiplicity of attack hoses  108 , and subsequently the portable water tank  106 . The “one-truck” method  100  further includes drafting from the portable water tank  106  to the single fire truck  102  such that water is recirculated. The drafting occurs through a hard suction hose  104 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , in at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly  10 , a two-truck method is utilized. The “two-truck” method  200  includes utilizing a pair of fire trucks, a first truck being attack pumper  202 , and a second truck being a source pumper  204  and utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck  202 ,  204 . The “two-truck” method  200  includes utilizing a portable water tank  206 . The “two-truck” method  200  includes pumping from the first fire truck, the attack pumper  202 , to the water pipe assembly  50 , through a multiplicity of attack hoses  208 , and subsequently the portable water tank  206 . The “two-truck” method  200  includes drafting from the portable water tank  206 , through hard suction hose  210 , to the second fire truck, the source pumper  204 , such that water is recirculated. The “two-truck” method  200  includes supplying water from the second truck, the source pumper  204 , to the first truck, the attack pumper  202 , through a supply hose  212 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly, a dual-pumping method  300  is utilized. The “dual pumping” method  300  includes utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being a first attack pumper  306 , a second truck being a second attack pumper  304 , and a third truck being a source pumper  302  and utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck  306 ,  304 ,  302 . The “dual pumping” method  300  includes utilizing a portable water tank  312 . The “dual pumping” method  300  includes pumping from the first fire truck  306  and the second fire truck  304  to the water pipe assembly  50 , through a multiplicity of attack hoses  308 , and subsequently to the portable water tank  312 . A soft-suction hose can be utilized between the first fire truck  306  and the second fire truck  304 . The “dual pumping” method  300  includes drafting from the portable water tank  312  to the third fire truck, the source pumper  302 , through hard suction hose  310 . The “dual pumping” method  300  includes pumping utilizing relay pumping and pumping utilizing dual pumping. A supply hose  314  is utilized between the third fire truck, the source pumper  302  and the first truck, first attack pumper  306 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , in at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly  10 , a relay pumping method  400  is shown. The “relay-pumping” method further includes utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being an attack pumper  404 , a second truck being a relay pumper  402 , and a third truck being a source pumper  406  and utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck,  404 ,  402 ,  406 . The “relay-pumping” method further includes pumping from the first fire truck, the attack pumper  404 , to the water pipe assembly  50 , through a multiplicity of attack hoses  408 , and subsequently to the portable water tank  410 . The “relay-pumping” method further includes drafting from the portable water tank  410  to the third fire truck, the source pumper  406  through hard suction hose  412 . The “relay-pumping” method further includes pumping utilizing relay pumping. The “relay-pumping” method further includes pumping from the source pumper  406  to the relay pumper  402 , through supply/relay hose  414 . The “relay-pumping” method further includes pumping from the relay pumper  402  to the attack pumper  404  through supply/relay hose  416 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in at least one embodiment of the method for pump training utilizing a water pipe assembly  10  utilizing, a shuttle operations method  500  is shown. The “shuttle operations” method further includes utilizing a trio of fire trucks, a first truck being an attack pumper  504 , a second truck being a water tender  502 , and a third truck being a source pumper  506  and utilizing an on-board water tank disposed within each fire truck  504 ,  502 ,  506 . The “shuttle operations” method also includes pumping from the first fire truck, the attack pumper  504 , to the water pipe assembly  50  and subsequently the portable water tank  510  through a multiplicity of attack hoses  508 . The “shuttle operations” method further includes drafting from the portable water tank  510 , through hard suction hose  512 , to the third fire truck, the source pumper  506 . The “shuttle operations” method further includes pumping to a water tender  502 , from the source pumper  506  through quick connect lines  514 . The “shuttle operations” method further includes tendering water to a water dump site  518 . The “shuttle operations” method further includes drafting from the water dump site  518 , through hard suction hose  520 , to the first fire truck, the attach pumper  504 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11 and 12 , a pipe nipple  80  is shown. The pipe nipple  80  provides for coupling. Area  84 , which is not threaded, couples first thread area  82  to second thread area  86 . As shown, pipe nipple  80  is NPT male. 
     Although this technology has been illustrated and described herein with reference to preferred embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the invention and are intended to be covered by the following claims.