Testimonials

Mitch Ward - Confined Space Rescue Program Manager - North Tree Fire

ViCount use in Hot Fire Trainer

The machine has performed flawlessly up to this point and I purchased the machine from you at least six or seven years ago.

I have to confess I have never cleaned the orifice with the drill as you mentioned.

Actually, after the install, I have never worked on the machine again which, I am sure, is at least neglect on my part.

We originally had two smoke generators in the trainer, one fore and one aft.   The other machine (not Concepts) is quite a bit older
and it quit about two years ago but we found that the ViCount generated so much smoke we did not really need two machines.

The machine is protected from the heat of the trainer by a bulkhead with a port for the smoke to get through.

To give you an idea of the efficiency and quantity and the character of the smoke, the ceiling temperature inside the trainer as verified by two gauges reaches about 1300 degrees F. The smoke level inside the trainer is maintained quite adequately from the floor to about the
four and one half foot level but not much higher due to the temperature. We have found that it burns off at about 450 degrees F (230C).

Your smoke machine has trained hundreds of line Firefighters from all over the US including from major metropolitan Fire Departments such as Los Angeles County Fire, Pasadena Fire, San Jose Fire, Las Vegas Fire, Oakland Fire, Berkeley Fire, Sacramento Metro Fire, Cal Fire, and many federal agencies as well.

The training and experience those fire fighters receive in the intense heat and disorientingly smoky environment the ViCount helps create has without question saved lives and injuries as well as millions of dollars of property damage that may have occurred without the level of training
the ViCount helps provide.

Thank you for your help and support.

Best regards,
Mitch

Mitch Ward CIHM
NorthTree Fire
Confined Space Rescue Program Manager

BAA, UK

Feedback on the smoke oil used in the fire training rig:

"The oil produces a first class finished product, the level can be extremely dense and when managed properly can produce an extremely realistic smoke leve.  The visibility can be totally obscured and with some decent venting, it can be taken down to a whisper - it is also extremely clean".

Flagship Training, UK

We have used the machines "in anger" aboard ex Sir Galahad with the Brazillian Navy.  We have been more than impressed with the performance in both small and large spaces onboard.  As one of my team has just told me "They are really great - they do exactly what it says on the tin!".

BA Facility, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service

Observations on Concept ViCount smoke system:

Reliability - we have three ViCount generators, two of which are at least ten years old.  These are extremely reliable as is the new one, we rarely have problems with them.

Smoke & running costs - very good quality of smoke at all times providing excellent conditions within the fire house as required.

Running costs - the amount of training provided from one drum of smoke oil is very good.  Due to the quality of smoke provided, the generators do not need to be on as long now as we have three.

Sales/support - always very good.  Whenever we have required assistance or advice, there has always been somebody available to help.  When we had a problem with a blocked filter, we simply made one phone call and this was dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Fireconsult, Sweden

During nearly 20 years working with the firebrigade (Stockholm, Sweden) and as a Fire Consultant, I have never come across a better smoke machine that the Colt 4. 

The machine is light, easy to handle and it creates a tremendous good and realistic smoke!

THE COLT 4 SAVES LIVES!

Hans Christiansson                                                                                                                       

US Navy

Following the operational assessment of the Concept Colt and Spirit smoke systems on board 4 US Navy vessels and at the Fleet Mine Warfare Training Centre, justification for their use was issued, and the USN reported that:

"Responses were highly favourable regarding the performance of these smoke generators"

US Coast Guard

Following a smoke training exercise on board the USNS Regulus, a crewmember firefighter was quoted:

"That was unbelievable down there. I couldn’t see a thing. I was completely disorientated. I thought I knew where everything was located, but now I realise I only had a vague awareness"

Simulation

Following the installation of a smoke system for a UK county fire brigade, Simulation’s technical director commented:

"I would have no hesitation in recommending your company to other potential users who are interested in considering smoke systems. Your assistance and advice was invaluable, and the end result has more than met expectations"

Royal Air Force

Following the development by Concept of a sub micron smoke system running off the aircraft power supply, for the purpose of leak testing large volume aircraft.

The resulting report noted:

"With the visual aid of white smoke emitting from leakage areas, this was a quick and easy task to accomplish (< 10 minutes)."

It went onto conclude:

"Use of smoke as a means by which to detect cabin pressurization leaks has been shown to be extremely effective and is unquestionably superior to any alternative detection method used to date."

Laing

Following an urgent hire request to verify smoke extraction systems:

"Many thanks for your quick response to our last minute request for assistance – As you will be able to see (enclosed CD) the machines worked very well indeed!"

Atomic Weapons Establishment

Following technical assistance provided by Concept to AWE appertaining to in situ HEPA filter testing

"May I take this opportunity to thank you for the service provided by Concept to AWE relating to the above subject,in relation to any technical queries that we have, the guidance given has proved to be of much use to both the previous and current management"