HomeMy WebLinkAbout310.018 - Manual Trident Air PrimerEffective Date: November 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 310.018
Next Revision (2) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 1 of 2
300 Training and Equipment Manual
SECTION 310.018 MANUAL TRIDENT AIR PRIMER
PURPOSE
The purpose of this procedure is to provide the Fresno Fire Department (FFD or
Department) operations and information on the Manual Trident Air Primer.
APPLICATION
The Manual Trident Air Primer is equipped in 2022 and newer FFD engines. The
Manual Trident Air Primer utilizes air supplied from the chassis air brake compressor
to operate the fire pump primer. This has proven to be more efficient and reliable than
electric motor driven rotary vane primers.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
This section intentionally left blank.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
This section intentionally left blank.
PROCESS
Operation:
1. Depressing the Push-To-Prime button directs air to the primer inlet.
a. An internal valve to the fire pump is opened with air pressure from
chassis air system.
b. Vacuum for drafting/priming is created by air flow through multi-stage
internal venturi nozzles.
c. The Panel Control Valve has no water, plumbing, or electrical lines.
Fresno City Fire Department
Effective Date: November 2022 Robert J. Garcia, Engineer
Current Revision Date: 05/27/2025 Section 313.018
Next Revision (1) Date: 05/27/2027 Page 2 of 2
d. Water is drawn from the top of the fire pump and expelled onto the
ground underneath the apparatus.
i. Water on the ground is a good visual indication of a successful
prime.
ii. Pressure on the pump discharge gauge (when the pump is
engaged) appears and is another indication of a successful
prime.
For proper Drafting Operation refer to Training and Equipment Manual, Sections
313.014, and 313.014a, Drafting.
INFORMATION
Air Prime Slide Show
Air Prime Air Flow Animation Video
Air Primer Operation and Trouble Shooting Guide
The Manual Air Primer pump is operated by simply depressing the push button on the
panel to increase the engine speed to a maximum of 1000 RPM. Hold the button
down until the discharge pressure gauge begins to rise. The primer stops running
when the push button is released. The push button operates the primer regardless of
whether the fire pump is engaged or not.
The” Y” strainer is connected to the master drain on the pump panel. The master drain
should be completed weekly. The shop is to check the “Y” strainer during annual pump
testing.
DEFINITIONS
This section intentionally left blank.
CROSS-REFERENCES
This section intentionally left blank.