Magnetic firefighting device and apparatus

Abstract

A mounting device (10) for a firefighting lance (60) (e.g. a piercing firefighting lance) is disclosed. The lance includes a first conduit terminating in a nozzle (70) and includes an outlet (72) for

Description

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a mounting device for a firefighting lance (e.g. a piercing firefighting lance), firefighting apparatus comprising a mounting device and a firefighting lance, and a method of using a firefighting lance. Background Firefighting lances have been developed to reduce the risk to firefighters when tackling a fire in an enclosed space. Should a fire break out in an enclosed space, back-draft can occur when the fire is starved of oxygen because all of the oxygen available in the confined space has been consumed by the fire. As a result of this oxygen starvation, combustion ceases but the temperature in the enclosed space remains extremely high and combustible gases remain present. When oxygen is reintroduced into the space, for example when a door is opened by a fire fighter, combustible gases present can reignite due to the extreme heat and, as they reignite, these can expand causing a sudden and explosive effect known as backdraft. Firefighting lances, which are typically hand-held, or mounted on a suitable mounting apparatus, have been developed to allow firefighters to tackle a fire without entering the room. Such lances typically comprise an elongate, generally rigid conduit having an inlet for pressurised water and an outlet through which a narrow stream of high-pressure water can be supplied to a target, e.g. an exterior wall, door, roof, floor or the like, of an enclosed space. Abrasive materials, such as small abrasive particles, for example particles or grains of garnet, sand, iron filings etc. may be injected into the stream of pressurised water, typically entering the rigid conduit just prior to the outlet. The abrasive material may be drawn into the pressurised water due to a partial vacuum created by the Venturi effect, for example, or may be otherwise injected into the high-pressure stream of water. When the high-pressure water and abrasive material exits the outlet of the lance, this combination abrades the exterior wall or door or the like of the enclosed space eventually creating a hole in it, through which a fine mist of water (and abrasive material, at least initially) continues to be sprayed to reduce the temperature inside rapidly, typically radically, whilst also starving flames of oxygen, the hole being very small, to reduce the risk of back-draft and, potentially, to extinguish the fire. One example of such a firefighting lance is described in GB2479885 BAKER. The lance comprising a vessel mounted on it for containing abrasive material and means for releasing the abrasive material into the stream of pressurised water. Thus, BAKER describes a firefighting lance capable of cutting a hole in a wall, door, or the like and firefighting by dousing and quenching fire. Similarly, GB2551012 CRISTANINI describes a firefighting lance which uses both water and an abrasive powder and provides first and second controlling levers arranged near one another to allow the operator to activate the first controlling lever and the second controlling lever with the same hand used to grasp a first handle. CN206979881U LI SEN describes a bracket to support a hand-held waterjet to perform a circular trajectory to cut an obstacle. The bracket has three widely spaced-apart leg assemblies to support the circular bracket. WO03097170 ZHENGUO describes a magnetically-absorbed foam drill for automatically quenching oil can fire. Widely spaced magnetic chucks, arranged at the corners of an isosceles triangle, provide stability for the drill. CN2532878 ZHENGUO describes a movable bracket which uses a wheel and magnetic adsorption dish to push and then hold the firefighting foam gun in position. WO2018091055 ROSENFELDT uses a telescoping pole to hoist a lance and associated clamp up to a high container. Several methods of attaching to the container are described including widely spaced permanent magnets suitable for attaching to the doors of a ship container when these are made of ferro-magnetic material. The doors of shipping containers are typically flat, having a flat, exposed surface to which widely-spaced permanent magnets may be attached. Multiple supports for attachment to the wall are provided and a fluid-driven rotating motor such as a turbine for rotating a rotating cutting element to cut an inlet are described. Firefighting lances, including piercing firefighting lances, may be hand-held or mounted on portable apparatus or fixed to a wall of an enclosed space. Fixing to a wall, particularly when the wall is corrugated, and repositioning (i.e. removing the lance and re-fixing it), both remain problematic. It is desirable if fixing, and re-fixing (removing then re-fixing) where required, can be accomplished swiftly so a person need not remain close to the lance for long periods. Problems remain with fixing and with positioning firefighting lances at other locations upon a container, such on corrugated sides or on the roof or floor, and with removal and repositioning of firefighting lances, and with accurately positioning a tip of a firefighting lance on a wall, floor or roof, of an enclosed space and so on. Furthermore, piercing lances that provide a piercing flow using a jet of abrasive particles as well as pressurised liquid, have to resist reverse pressure from the forwards motion of the piercing flow. There is a risk of damaging the mounting surface during fixing and / or re-removal and / or re-fixing. It is desirable that any holes on the mounting surface are formed in a controlled manner, preferably followed almost immediately by delivery of a firefighting liquid. The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more problems of the prior art. Statements of the Invention In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mounting device for a firefighting lance, the lance (e.g. a piercing firefighting lance) having a first conduit terminating in a nozzle, the nozzle having an outlet for dispensing a stream of pressurised liquid (e.g. water) towards a target surface (e.g. a metal target surface), the mounting device comprising: a main housing (e.g. a strong, rigid main housing capable of holding a firefighting lance); a first member (e.g. a spacer member) rigidly connected to, or part of, the main housing, and configured to locate a nozzle of a firefighting lance (e.g. at a predetermined spacing) with respect to a target surface; at least one controllably attachable (e.g. controllably deployable) magnetic clamping member comprising at least one magnet element rigidly connected (preferably at least in use) to the main housing the magnetic clamping member (30) operable to controllably attach (e.g. clamp) the main housing and the first member to a target surface. The at least one magnet element may be provided by a single magnet, or one or more magnets, or may comprise or be comprised of a magnet stack. The magnet element may comprise at least one strong, permanent magnet e.g. a rare earth magnet. The magnetic clamping member may comprise a controllable attachment mechanism operable to controllably deploy the at least one magnet with respect to a target surface. Thus, the magnetic clamping member may comprise a controllable attachment mechanism operable to controllably deploy the at least one magnet (e.g. a magnet stack) into a position and / or orientation (e.g. with respect to the mounting device) in which the magnet element can transmit (e.g. transmit more easily) magnetic force to a target surface. The magnetic clamping member, e.g. the controllable attachment mechanism where provided, may be operable to controllably reverse the controllable clamping to a target surface (e.g. reverse the deployment of the magnet). In one or more embodiments, the magnetic clamping member is controllably releasable from a target surface. By controllably attachable is meant capable of being configured to be attachable to a target surface in a controlled manner. In other words, the configuration may be controllable (e.g. the magnetic clamping member may be pre-set to be attachable) and / or the attachment to the target surface may be controllable (e.g. the degree of attachment may be varied)). Thus, in one or more embodiments, more than one form of control may be provided, optionally in a single mechanism. In some embodiments the controllably attachable magnetic clamping member may be controllably configured in one or more of the following: - into a pre-set ‘ready to attach’ configuration (e.g. suitable for hard metal in which only a contact surface of a magnet element (e.g. magnet or magnet stack) is exposed, or e.g. suitable for a soft metal surface such as a more flexible car panel in which the side walls of the magnet element are also exposed); into a ‘not ready to attach’ (e.g. retracted) configuration; into two end or terminal configurations e.g. attachable and non-attachable; - into a variety of configurations between two terminal configurations e.g. between an attachable and a non-attachable configuration. The attachable configuration may be one in which a magnet element is in an extended position with respect to a magnet housing. The non-attachable configuration may be one in which a magnet element is in a retracted position with respect to a magnet housing. In one or more embodiments, a user may pre-set the mounting device to be ready to attach to a target surface. This may involve one or more of: extending the magnet element to a ready to attach position in a controllable pre-settable manner (e.g. exposing a magnet member contact surface, and optionally its side walls, with respect to a magnet housing), and / or, priming a switchable mechanism e.g. setting a spring-loaded element (e.g. on the magnet element with respect to the magnet housing) whereby placing the magnetic clamping member on a target surface and activating the spring-loaded magnet element, causes the mounting device to attach to the target surface, and / or, setting a quick release mechanism on the magnet whereby when the magnetic clamping element is struck sharply on a target surface, the quick release mechanism is deployed, the magnet element immediately adopts a ‘ready to attach’ configuration and the mounting device attaches immediately struck on a target surface. Preferably, a contact surface of the at least one controllably attachable magnetic clamping member with a target surface is elongate and the first member is configured to hold the nozzle in line with the magnetic clamping member (thus liquid and abrasive particles, if provided, from the outlet of the nozzle of a firefighting lance will impact the target surface in line with the contact surface of the attachable magnetic clamping member, preferably within the contact surface of the first (.g.. spacing) member. Preferably, the contact surface of the attachable magnetic clamping member is substantially or generally square or rectangular having a predetermined width (W1). It may be other shapes, such as oval or circular. Preferably, the predetermined width is <100mm, or <90mm, or <80mm, or <70mm, or <60mm. Other sizes are possible. Preferably, the first member is configured to hold the nozzle tip along a centreline of the releasable clamping member. Other arrangements, such as to one side of the centreline, are possible. Preferably, the at least one magnetic clamping member is switchable such that at least one magnet element in the magnetic clamping member is movable from a first position in which transmission of the magnetic force from the magnet element (36) to a target surface is interrupted such that the mounting device (10) is not attachable (e.g. not configured to fasten) to the target surface (12) to a second position in which the magnet element transmits magnetic force from the magnet element to a target surface to fasten the device to the target surface (and / or vice versa). Preferably, the magnet element is movable within the magnetic clamping member in a controllable manner between a first position and a second position and / or vice versa. Preferably, the controllably attachable magnetic clamping member comprises at least one magnet element (e.g. a magnet or magnet stack) and a magnet housing sized and shaped to receive the magnet element in a reciprocating manner. Preferably in a non-rotatable manner. Preferably, the at least one magnet element is configured to reciprocate to-and-fro within magnet housing in a controllable manner. The magnet element may be configured to adopt a variety of positions e.g. across a continuous range. The magnet element may be spring loaded within the magnet housing and configured to be moved from a retracted (non-attaching position) to an extended (attaching) configuration when the magnet spring is triggered (e.g. by a push button and / or banging the magnet housing on a target surface). Preferably, the magnet housing comprises at least one of a co-operating screw thread member and a threaded hole and the magnet element comprises the other of the screw thread member and the threaded bore whereby when the co-operating screw thread member and the threaded hole are rotated with respect to one another, the magnet element travels within the magnet housing. Preferably in a reciprocating and non-rotatable manner. This may be the same or similar to the type of arrangement used in bench vice clamps. Preferably the magnet element is a permanent magnet such as a rare earth magnet. Preferably the magnet is capable of operating at temperatures >200°C, or >300°C, or >350°C, or >400°C. Preferably the Curie temperature of the magnet element is >700°C, or >800°C, or >900°C, or >1000°C. Preferably the remanence (residual induction or magnetic strength Br) is >8,000, or >9,000, or >10,000Gs (where 10,000 Gs = 1T = 1000 mT. The magnet element may comprise alnico alloys and the like. Although alnico magnets are not rare earth magnets, these can be in certain embodiments made of particularly high remanence of >10,000Gs (>1000mT) and can operate at particularly high temperatures of >200°C making these useful for high temperature applications. Preferably, the magnet element is a rare earth magnet (e.g. a rare earth magnet comprising neodymium and / or neodymium alloys, samarium or samarium cobalt alloys etc.). Preferably, the at least one magnet comprises an alnico magnet. Preferably, the operating temperature of the magnet element is >200°C, or >300°C, or >400°C, or >450°C, or >500°C, and / or the Curie temperature of the magnet is >700°C, or >800°C, or>900°C, or>1000°C. Preferably, at least one of the at least one magnet element has a remanence of >8,000Gs, or >9,000Gs, or >10,000Gs (e.g. at room temperature or at a temperature measured according to an international standard of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Committee)). Preferably, only the contact surface of the magnet element is exposed at the base of the magnetic clamping member. Alternatively, preferably less than a quarter (or more preferably less than a tenth) of the height of a or the side wall (S) of the magnet element is exposed. Typically, the magnetic clamping member may have a magnet element comprising a magnet or magnet stack which is a single integral block which, therefore, has a reduced surface area to volume ratio compared to several smaller blocks of the same mass. Two magnetic clamping members may be provided, one on either side of the first member, in a line e.g. with a common centreline and / or in line with a nozzle of a lance, which is described elsewhere. Preferably, the contact surface of the magnet element is elongate. This may, for example, be rectangular or oval. Other non-elongate shapes e.g. circular are possible. Preferably, the one or all magnetic clamping members is / are located to one side of the first member (e.g. these may be opposing sides e.g. in a line). Preferably, the first member and the magnetic clamping member are configured to contact a target surface in an elongate arrangement (e.g. so that the outline of the contact surface of the mounting device on the target surface is elongate, typically of a predefined width (typically the same as that W1 of magnetic clamping member)). Preferably, the first member is a spacing member for locating an outlet of a nozzle of a firefighting lance at a predetermined distance with respect to a target surface. Preferably, the first member is a spacing member comprising one or more pointed members (e.g. spikes having terminal points) for contacting a target surface area to locate an outlet of a nozzle of a firefighting lance at a predetermined distance with respect to a target surface. Preferably, the first member comprises a deflection base plate for deflecting liquid away from the firefighting lance e.g. to the side or back towards the target surface. Preferably, at least two magnets are provided e.g. in a magnet stack which may optionally be interposed and / or terminated with non-ferromagnetic layers. At least one magnetic clamping member may be located to one side of the first member and at least one magnetic clamping member may be located on the opposite side of the first member so that the first member and the magnets are configured to contact a target’s surface in an elongate arrangement (e.g. so that the outline of the contact surface of the mounting device on the target surface is elongate, e.g. typically of predefined width (e.g. W1)). Preferably, a width of a contact surface of the mounting device on a target surface is less than its length. Preferably, a width (e.g. W1) of at least part of the overall contact surface of the mounting device on a target surface is less than a predetermined amount e.g. <100mm, or <90mm, or <80mm, or <70mm, or <60mm. Preferably, a width (e.g. W1) of at least part of the overall contact surface of the mounting device on the target surface is less than the width of the base of a corrugation of a standard shipping container e.g. <100mm, or <90mm, or <80mm, or <70mm, or <60mm. A second member rearward of the first member may be configured to hold a rearward portion of a firefighting lance nozzle with respect to a target surface. This may be a beam, typically an angled beam or dog-leg shaped beam extending between a rearward position of the first member and the main housing typically to one side of the first member. In one or more further aspects of the invention, the magnetic clamping member may be configured to be controllably attachable and / or controllably releasable with respect to a target surface. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a firefighting lance apparatus comprising: a mounting device as described herein; and a firefighting lance comprising a first conduit terminating in a nozzle having an outlet for dispensing a stream of pressurised liquid, or for dispensing pressurised liquid and abrasive particles, towards a target; and, a first inlet for receiving pressurised liquid, or for receiving pressurised liquid and abrasive particles. There may be provided a second inlet for receiving abrasive material (e.g. abrasive particles such as powder, grains or filings and the like); and means for injecting or drawing abrasive material into the stream of pressurised liquid flowing from the first inlet to the outlet. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of using a firefighting lance apparatus as described herein comprising: a) attaching the at least one controllably releasable magnetic clamping member to a target surface; b) releasing a flow of pressurised liquid, or pressurised liquid and abrasive particles. The method may comprise: c) controllably setting the magnetic clamping member (30) ready to attach the mounting device to a target surface. Typically, step (b), releasing a flow of pressurised liquid, pressurised liquid and abrasive particles, occurs after (a), attaching the at least one controllably releasable magnetic clamping member to a target surface, although a trickle of liquid may be released beforehand. Preferably, step (c), controllably setting the magnetic clamping member (30) occurs before step (a). The step of attaching may comprise pre-setting a magnet element e.g. into an attaching configuration and / or priming a release mechanism e.g. a spring-loaded magnet, ready to deploy, typically almost instantly, e.g. upon a push of a button and / or sudden impact with a target surface. Switchable magnetic clamping devices may comprise a magnet stack and a housing. Typically, the magnet stack may be movable from a one position, in which the magnet stack transmits magnetic force to a metal base (a first mode) to fasten the device to the base, and another position that interrupts transmission of the magnetic force such that the device may be taken off or adjusted (a second mode). In some embodiments, activation of the first mode can be via a spring-loaded push button, typically activated by a sharp blow, whereas activation of the second mode (in other words deactivation of the first mode) may be via a prising off crow bar that prises the push button upwards away from the base forming an air gap and releasing the magnetic force, so that a spring can pull the magnet stack back into a recessed position within the housing, such that the device is now in the second mode. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, a switchable magnetic clamping device of the type described above may be used. Whilst switchable clamping magnets of this sort are known in construction industry for holding metallic formwork into which concrete is poured, the construction environment is limited to planned activities with solid formwork structures designed to contain concrete in easy to access locations. These formwork structures are strong and robust, are easily accessed (e.g. via scaffolding), and are not easily damaged. They are designed to receive sharp blows, and the force from a crow bar, with little risk of damaging the formwork or concrete. The activities within such a construction environment are not concerned with immediate emergencies, such as firefighting, and are quite different from emergency environments, when preplanning is important, structures may be less robust, structures may be less accessible e.g. at height, and time may be critical. Indeed, these switchable clamping magnets cannot be put into a deployed configuration unless held against a structure and given a sharp blow to activate the spring-loaded deployment mechanism. Manual handling of this nature is hard to do in a firefighting situation e.g. at height on a shipping container on a rolling ship or to a car which is on fire. Further, this risks damaging the underlying structure in an uncontrolled and potentially dangerous manner, potentially allowing rapid ingress of oxygen as well as being hard to access in the first place. In other embodiments of the invention a variation of a switchable magnetic clamping device may be used in which the switchable magnetic clamping device may comprise: - a housing e.g. a magnetisable housing; - at least one magnet, or more preferably a stack of magnets e.g. strong magnets such as rare earth magnets, the at least one magnet movable (e.g. in and out of a recess) within the housing between a deployed position which transmits magnetic force to a target surface (e.g. a ferromagnetic, such as metallic, target surface) and a second (e.g. release e.g. retracted) position which interrupts transmission of the magnetic force to a target surface; and, - a controllable deployment and / or releasing mechanism for moving the magnet into (a deployed) position (e.g. attaching or ready to attach when desired) and into a released position (e.g. when desired) and, preferably, into a variety of positions, more preferably into a continuous range of positions, between the deployed position and the released position. In this way the switchable magnetic clamping device can be pre-set in a ready to deploy (attach) configuration, preferably suitable for the desired application (e.g. soft metal of a car or hard metal of a shipping container) in which the at least one magnet element is in a deployed position (e.g. within the housing), before being positioned on the target surface. It will therefore attach immediately to the target surface, thereby also attaching the housing to the target surface e.g. rigidly, typically, without any further action required. This avoids risk of damaging the target surface. To remove, the controllable deployment and releasing mechanism is reversed, e.g. to prise the at least one magnet away from the target surface, and typically into a recessed position with in the housing. Typically, the at least one magnet element is a close fit within the housing and reciprocates to-and-fro within the housing between the first deployed and the second (e.g. retracted) position. The magnet may be mounted on a threaded spindle which passes into a threaded bore. The spindle may be a nut, or other threaded structure with an operating means, such as a handle, at one end for the rotation thereof, to deploy or retract the magnet to-and-fro in a controlled manner within the housing. The magnet may be spring loaded into a ready to deploy position within the housing such that e.g. a push button or impact may trigger the deployment. Several embodiments of the invention are described and any one or more features of any one or more embodiments may be used in any one or more aspects of the invention as described above. Brief Description of the Invention The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, in which the reference numerals refer to like reference features. Figure 1 is a side view of a front portion (e.g. a head) of a firefighting apparatus comprising a nozzle portion of a firefighting lance and a mounting device, shown positioned on a roof of an enclosed space. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the firefighting apparatus, particularly the mounting device, of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a side, perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 1 attached to a flat vertical surface. Figure 4 is a side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 on a vertical, corrugated surface. Figure 5 is a schematic, cross-sectional view along AA’ of apparatus similar to that seen in Figure 1 and Figure 4, with the magnetic clamping member housing 30 slightly recessed within the main housing 20 relative to the spacer member 40 and its locating tips 43. Figure 6 is an end view in the direction of arrow 100 seen in Figure 2 of the mounting device housing 20. Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the firefighting apparatus of Figure 4 on a vertical, corrugated surface. Figure 8 is a perspective view from above of the firefighting apparatus of Figure 4 on a vertical, corrugated surface. Figure 9 is a schematic, cross-sectional view along AA’ of a part of the mounting device seen in Figure 1 and Figure 4, showing a controllable magnet mounting mechanism (e.g. a controllable deployment and releasing mechanism). Figure 10 is a schematic, cross-sectional view along CC’ of the mounting device of Figure 9. Detailed Description of the Invention It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions, structures and relative orientations such as lower and higher, above and below, and any directions, such as vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, axial, radial, longitudinal, tangential, base and roof, lateral and longitudinal, etc., referred to in this application are within expected use(s) and / or expected structural tolerances and / or expected limits for the technical field and the apparatus and methods described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind. The Figures show the nozzle portion 60 of a firefighting lance (such as that seen in GB2479885 BAKER) and a mounting device 10 for the firefighting lance, together forming firefighting apparatus. The firefighting apparatus (the lance is omitted for clarity, only its nozzle portion is shown) is attached to a surface 12, 12A of a target element e.g. of a wall which is to be penetrated for ejecting a firefighting liquid into a space behind the wall. Thus, the wall is typically of limited thickness and comprises a target surface 12, 12A behind which is a space into which firefighting liquid, typically water, is to be sprayed to fight a fire. The firefighting liquid may be foam and / or water or the like, and / or may be a combination of liquid and abrasive particles. A target surface should be interpreted as the surface of any target element, typically having appropriate flat regions, and optionally defining a space behind it into which liquid e.g. water is to be sprayed to fight a fire. Thus, target element includes side walls, doors, roofs, floors etc. The target surface and / or the target element may be vertical, horizontal or inclined. For ease of reference the term ‘wall’ may be used in the following description for target element. The target surface may be flat or have flat portions e.g. it may be corrugated in one or more directions. It may be curved, and may have a radius of curvature sufficiently large to approximate as a flat surface within the appropriate dimensions of the mounting device. The target element may be deformable, e.g. of soft metal, so when a magnet is attached it deforms the target element into a suitable target surface. This may be the case with vehicle panels (e.g. car panels). For ease of reference, the firefighting liquid will, in the following description, be referred to as water, since water will typically be the actual liquid used as firefighting liquid. As will be described later (and in GB2479885 BAKER) this may be supplemented with abrasive particles for cutting into the target surface of a target element such as a wall, roof, door, floor etc. Parts of the firefighting apparatus, mounting device and firefighting lance closest to the target surface during use are designated front or forward, and parts towards the opposite end are designated rear or rearward. Correspondingly, as used herein, ‘forward’ designates a direction from the rear end towards the front end and ‘rearward’ designates the direction from the front end towards the rear end. Figure 1 shows a front portion of a magnetic firefighting apparatus comprising a mounting device 10 and a firefighting lance nozzle portion 60 on top of an enclosed space, the target surface 12 here being the exposed surface of a wall, here a roof, of the enclosure. Referring to the Figures, mounting device 10 comprises a housing 20 and a magnetic clamping member 30. Housing 20 has a main body 22 which has two spaced apart, linear, elongate side walls 22A, 22B defining a recess 24 (see Figure 2) into which the magnetic clamping member 30 is preferably, removably located. The two spaced apart side walls 22A, 22B are held rigidly a predetermined distance apart by two spaced apart upper cross bars 26. The magnetic clamping member 30 received between spaced apart side walls 22A, 22B of main body 20 and fixedly attached thereto by first nuts 32 to cross bars 26. Mounting device 10 comprises a first member 40 (e.g. rigidly attached to housing 20) for locating lance nozzle portion 60 with respect to (e.g. at a predetermined distance to) target surface 12. Typically, first member 40 is a spacing member (and will be referred to as such) having locating spikes 42 (or other locating members) which determine a distance of a main body of spacing member 40 from target surface 12. Spacing member 40 may comprise a generally planar deflecting main body terminating in angled portions e.g. spikes 42 with locating tips 43 for engaging surface 12 in a precise manner. Thus, when lance nozzle portion 60 is rigidly attached to spacing member 40, an outlet 72 of a nozzle tip 70 of lance nozzle portion 60 is at a predetermined distance from target surface 12. Typically, an arm member 50, here in the form of a rigid, angled beam, provides stabilisation between a rearward portion of lance nozzle portion 60 and the housing 20 of mounting device 10. Thus, lance nozzle portion 60 is typically held rigidly, preferably in two locations, with respect to target surface 12, preferably in an orthogonal direction for the main conduit (not shown) of the lance through which pressurised liquid flows towards target surface 60. Lance nozzle portion 60 typically comprises a main conduit (not shown) and associated connector mechanism 62 and may also comprise a side conduit (not shown) and associated connector mechanism 64. Typically, the main conduit delivers water to nozzle portion 60 and, in some embodiments, may also deliver abrasive particles. In other embodiments, nozzle portion 60 may include within it a shaped inner bore which causes a low pressure upon receipt of pressurised water via main conduit 62 producing a low-pressure Venturi effect within nozzle portion 60 which draws abrasive particles into nozzle portion 60 via side conduit 64 and delivers both pressurised liquid and abrasive particles out of nozzle tip 70 via outlet 72 towards target surface 12. In either case, this is known as a piercing firefighting lance. Two threaded holes in cross bars 26 of main housing 20 are provided for attaching magnetic clamping member 30 to housing 20 using (here) two spaced apart nuts 32 through spaced apart cross bars 26. Alternative, preferably rigid, mechanism(s) can be envisaged e.g. welding. The magnetic clamping member 30 comprises a magnet housing 31 having a recess (not labelled) within which a magnet element 36, here a stack of magnets known as a magnet stack, is slidably mounted. Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a magnet stack is seen, in Figure 10 in cross section, in which two magnets are interspersed with spacers, here aluminium spacers, so that when very strong magnets are used, as is preferable here, the magnet stack is somewhat spaced from its surroundings in at least a lateral direction (e.g. general parallel to a target surface 12). For simplicity, the magnet element (here a magnet stack) 36 may be referred to as magnet 36 in the following description. Two or more magnets (e.g. magnet stacks) 36 may be provided for example side by side or more preferably end to end, in a single magnet housing 31, and / or main housing 20, or on opposite sides of spacing member 40, each in their own magnet housing 31 and / or main housing. The magnet housing 31 is preferably ferromagnetic. The magnet 36 is typically sized to match closely the internal dimensions of the magnet housing 31, at least in a lateral dimension across the housing, as seen in Figure 10. Thus the magnet is magnetically attracted to the housing 31 and so does not easily slide in and out of the internal recess of housing 31. Nevertheless, the attraction is not so strong (for example because of the use of a magnet stack with spacers, and / or the orientations of the magnets in the stack) that it cannot slide to-and-fro (in this case up and down within the recess of magnet housing 31) if a suitable force is applied. A controllable deployment, and preferably also release, mechanism is provided, for moving the magnet (or magnet stack) in a reciprocating manner within the recess of housing 31. In this example, a controllable deployment and release mechanism is provided in the form of cooperating threaded members 34, 35, for engaging the magnetic clamping member 30 and in particular its magnet 36, with target surface 12 (for example as can be seen in Figures 5, 6, 9 and 10). Other controllable deployment (and preferably also release) mechanisms can be envisaged. In this example embodiment, the controllable deployment and release mechanism, comprises cooperating (second) nut 34 and threaded hole (e.g. blind hole) 35, and cooperating surfaces between the magnet and its housing preventing rotation of the magnet within the housing. Figures 9 and 10 show a preferred arrangement in which the nut 34 passes through a hole in the roof of magnet housing 31, and through washers 38 and an intervening collar 39, into threaded hole 35 of magnet 36. These form a vice clamp type arrangement. Upon rotation of nut 34 one way, magnet 36 moves from a first position (e.g. retracted position 36-1) towards a second position (e.g. deployed position 36-2). In this second position at least the (here lowermost) surface of magnet 36 extends to or beyond the limits of the side walls of the magnet housing 31 and can engage target surface 12 straightaway upon close proximity or contact, with little of any further action needed. In this way the mounting device can be ‘pre-set’ ready for instant deployment without any further action being needed in close proximity to the target surface. The magnet cannot rotate within its housing as it is of a corresponding size and shape to the recess of the housing. In one or more embodiments it may be a bench clamp mechanism. Upon rotation of nut 34 the other way, magnet 36 moves from a second position (e.g. deployed position 36-2) towards a first position (e.g. retracted position 36-1). In this example embodiment, it can take up any of position between the two positions (36-1, 36-2). In this first position at least the surface of magnet 36 is retracted with respect to the side walls of the magnet housing (which engage the target surface) so that the exposed surface of the magnet 36 no longer extends to or beyond the limits of the side walls of the magnet housing 31 and the magnet 36 can be prised away from target surface 12. The magnetic clamping member 30 and so the magnet housing 31 and the mounting device 10 as a whole can then be removed from the target surface 12. Release nut 34 may be provided with a handle or other engagement mechanism to which a handle may be attached to facilitate the gripping and rotation of the release nut 34. Alternative forms of release mechanism can be envisaged. Of course, when the time comes to release the firefighting apparatus (the mounting device 10 and firefighting lance) from the target surface, the surface will be much colder, the firefighting lance having been used to at least quench the fire and, in some embodiments, pierce the target element first to access and deliver firefighting liquid to the space behind it. Figures 3 and 4 show a front portion of the firefighting lance apparatus comprising a mounting device 10 and a nozzle portion 60 of a firefighting lance (not shown). Firefighting lance such as those described in GB2479885 BAKER and GB2551012 CRISTANINI and WO2018091055 ROSENFELDT may be used as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. Turning to Figures 3, 4, 7, and 8, Figure 3 shows a mounting device on a flat side wall of a shipping container, here labelled target surface 12. Figure 4 shows the mounting device located in the base of a corrugation on a corrugated side wall of a shipping container, here labelled as target surface 12A. Referring to Figure 5, the magnet housing 31 can be adjusted by rotating nuts 32 in threaded bores on the roof of magnet housing 31 so that the base of the magnet housing 31 is in line with the tips 43 of spikes 42. This is, in some embodiments, in addition, or as an alternative, to the ability to move magnet 36 to-and-fro with respect to the magnet housing 31 and so with respect to a target surface 12 and so also with respect to the tips 43 of spikes 42. Referring briefly to Figures 7 and 8, stabilising arm member 50 can be seen as an angled beam having an upper portion through which nozzle portion 60 is received, either through a through bore aperture or a U-shaped recess in arm member 50. Arm member 50 also comprises a tab 54 which is clamped to cross bar 26 by (first) nut 32. Thus, nozzle portion 60 is rigidly held to mounting device 10 in two spaced apart locations. The target surface 12A in Figures 7 and 8 is a corrugated vertical wall of a container. The vertical wall of the container has corrugation of limited base width W4 and sloping walls which lead to an upper surface of the corrugation of width W5. Typically, the width of the base of the corrugation W4 is the same as the width of the outer surface of the corrugation W5. Magnet 36 may be a square or cuboid block (e.g. of rectangular cross-section) or indeed may be part circular in cross-section e.g. part-spherical or cylindrical. Preferably it fits snugly or neatly within the recess, a suitable shaped recess, within magnet housing 31, preferably in a non-rotating manner. The width of magnet 36 may be just less than the internal width of the recess within magnet housing 31 (as seen in Figure 10) and / or the length of the magnet may be just less than the internal length of the recess within magnet housing 31, or both may be the case. The width W1 of magnetic clamping member 30 can be seen in Figure 7 and Figure 10. Magnetic clamping member 30 may be in the form of square or cuboid block (e.g. of rectangular cross-section) that fits snugly or neatly within the recess formed by spaced apart side walls 22A and 22B. Thus, the spaced apart side walls are separated by a distance W2 which is just slightly more than the width W1. Alternatively, or in addition, their respective lengths may be such that they cannot rotate one with respect to the other. In one or more embodiments, the width W1 and / or length of magnetic clamping member 30 is the same over its entire height H1 (in a direction moving away from a target surface 12, 12A). Indeed, the width W1 of magnetic clamping member 30 may be the same over its length. In one or more embodiments, the width and / or length of the magnet 36 is the same over its entire height H2 (in a direction moving away from a target surface 12, 12A). Indeed, the width of the magnet may be the same over its length. The exposed contact surface of the magnetic clamping member (e.g. in Figure 7) is of width W1, and that of the magnet just less than this In one or more embodiments, typically, width W1 of magnetic clamping member 30 is less than or just less than or equal to the width W4 of the base of a corrugation of a corrugated surface 12A. However, as can be seen in Figure 8, the separation of points (e.g. tips) 43 of pointed members (e.g. spikes) 42 of spacer member 40 may be slightly more than W4, the width of the base of the corrugation. Preferably however, the separation \N3 of locating points 43 is less than the width W4 of the base of the corrugation of corrugated surface 12A. Preferably, the external width of the side walls 22A, 22B (width W6) is less than the width W4 of a base of the corrugation. Turning back to Figures 3 and 4, magnetic clamping member 30 is shown as a cuboid magnetic block of rectangular cross-section having an overall height of H1. Preferably, H2 the height of the magnet 36 within the magnetic clamping member 30 is 50% of the height H1 of the cuboid magnetic block; more preferably, it is >50%, or >60%, or>70%, or >80%, of the height of the magnetic clamping member 30. Only the lowermost contact surface 80-1 of the magnetic clamping member 30 may be exposed and available to be attached to a target surface 12. This reduces the risk of other items being attracted to the extremely strong magnetic clamping member 30. The magnetic clamping member 30 (and the associated magnet or magnet stack 36) can be of any suitable shape such as cuboid, square, semicylindrical, but it preferably has at least one substantially planar surface for attaching to a target surface. Two or more magnets may be provided within a single housing 20 or within two opposing housings, one on each side of spacing member 40. Where one housing is provided, this is typically used in the orientation shown in Figures 3 and 4 where the weight of the firefighting lance (not shown) and associated lance nozzle portion 60 causes a downward couple due to gravity pushing magnetic clamping member 30 towards target surface 12. Spacer member 40 is typically a plate of generally triangular or square construction, although other shapes may be considered, having corners which curve (or leg members with pointed tips) or point towards the target surface and provide pointed members 42 in the form of locating spikes with locating tips 43. An aperture 44 receives the tip of lance nozzle portion 60 in rigidly fixed relation to housing 20. The spacer member 40 may be welded to main housing 20 at joint 46. Figure 6 shows the recess 24 between the side walls 22A and 22B for receiving magnetic clamping member 30. Apertures 44 of spacer member 40 and aperture 52 of stabilising arm member 50 locate lance nozzle portion 60 rigidly with respect to mounting device 10 and so target surface 12, 12A. Contact surface 80 (see Figure 4) of the mounting device comprises contact surface 80-1 of the magnetic clamping member 30 and contact surface 80-2 of the spacing member 40, which may be the three or four locating tips 43 of the locating spikes 42. The outline of the contact surface may be rectangular or any other suitable shape but it will typically closely match the exposed planar base surface of the magnetic clamping member 30 and the arrangement of the locating points 43. Typically, the width of the contact surface 80 (80-1, 80-2) of the mounting device is primarily that of the magnetic clamping member 30 (W1) and the side walls of its housing 31, but may include the side walls 22A and 22B, if these extend sufficiently close to the target surface 12A. The width W1 of the contact surface of the magnetic clamping member 30 and / or or the width W6 of the side walls 22A, 22B and / or the width or separation W3 of the locating spikes 43 is / are preferably less than the standard width W4 of the base of a corrugation of the corrugated side wall of the standard shipping container. The magnet element (or magnet(s) within it) may be of suitably strong magnetic material and may comprise one or more rare earth magnet(s) such as neodymium magnets or samarium cobalt magnets. Where a neodymium magnet is selected this is preferably a neodymium alloy with suitable amounts of rare earth elements to provide an operating temperature of greater than or equal to 200°C and a remanence (Br) or greater than or equal to 10,000 Gs (1000 mT or 10 KTS). An example includes N38EH available from Magnet Expert Ltd, Tuxford, UK. Examples of Alnico magnets include Alnico 5 and Alnico 9 from Magnet Expert Ltd, Tuxford, UK. Samarium cobalt magnets include SMCO24 and SMCO28M (part of the 1:5 group of the samarium cobalt magnets and 2:17 group of samarium cobalt magnets respectively) available from Magnet Expert Ltd, Tuxford, UK. In use, the firefighting lance apparatus comprising a firefighting lance and mounting device 10 is attached to a target surface. The firefighting lance may be a hand-held lance which can then be used to position the firefighting lance apparatus on to the target surface. In some embodiments, the lance apparatus may be pre-set to position the magnet 36 in a ready to attach deployed position e.g. position 36-2. In some embodiments, liquid e.g. water may be released at the target surface before the mounting device is attached to the target surface to cool it a little and help reduce the risk of some demagnetisation occurring due to high temperatures. However, if the magnet is pre-set into a deployed position, and a piercing lance is used, once attached, liquid and abrasive particles can be released almost immediately to cut through the target surface (and associated wall) and release liquid into the space behind it to quench the fire. Test have shown this can be achieved in around 1 minute or less, typically around 45 seconds through s355 steel plate has been achieved in tests (from the moment of attaching to the piercing of the steel). Once attached, and the target surface pierced, the firefighting lance may be continued to operate in water-only mode. 5 It will be understood that the mounting device can be used with both non-piercing and with piercing firefighting lances which use abrasive material. Where an magnet of appropriate strength is selected, the flow of pressurised water may not be activated prior to attaching the magnet to a target surface. Indeed, if the magnet is attached to a target surface and the pressurised water started very quickly this will cause 10 a very quick temperature drop and will retain the magnet within its usual operating temperatures. By providing a pre-settable magnetic clamping member 30, the mounting device can be controllably pre-set ready to immediately attach to a target surface, avoiding the need to position, hold, and activate after positioning on a target surface, which may be difficult. 15 Examples of magnets including rare earth magnets that can be used in the magnet or magnet stack 36 are as follows. Grade Remanence (BR) mT (KGS) Coercive Force (Hcb) kA / m (kOe) Intrinisc Coercive Force (Hcj) kA / m (kOe) Max. Energy Product (BH)max kJ / m3 (MGOe) Max. Operating Temp TW Neodymium N38EH 1220-1250 (12.2-12.5) 899 (11.3) 2388 (30) 287-310 (36-39) 200°C Cast anisotropic Alnico 5 1100-1250 (11.0-12.5) 50 (0.65) 54 0.68 34-44 (4.2-5.5) 525°C Alnico 9 1000-1080 (10.0-10.8) 120 (1.5) 122 (1.53) 60-80 (7.5-10.0) 555°C Sm1Co5 (1:5 group of samarium cobalt magnets) SmCo24 960-1000 (9.6-10.0) 770 (9.7) 1830 (23) 175-190 (22-24) 250°C Sm2Co175 (2:17 group of samarium cobalt magnets) SmCo28M 1030-1080 (10.3-10.8) 796 (10.0) 1273 (16) 207-220 (26-28) 350°C Few rare earth magnetic materials can match the performance or magnetic stability of samarium cobalt at high temperatures and the Sm2Co17 series will maintain their performance in temperatures up to 350 degrees Celsius, while the weaker Sm1Co15 grades have a lower maximum operating temperature of 250 degrees Celsius. Samarium cobalt magnets experience less change in their magnetic performance as temperature increases from ambient, far less than neodymium and ferrite (ceramic) magnets. Although the geometry of a magnet, and the application in which it is used, also affects how a magnet behaves at high temperatures, samarium cobalt magnets typically outperform others once the temperature exceeds 150 degrees Celsius. Alnico magnets have the highest temperature coefficient of all permanent magnetic materials, and their performance deteriorates less than other permanent magnetic material per degree Celsius rise in temperature. Alnico magnets can maintain their magnetic performance up to 450 degrees Celsius, while Alnico 5 and above will maintain their performance in temperatures up to 525 degrees Celsius. There are eight different standard grades of neodymium magnets typically used in commercial applications today ranging from N35 to N52. Neodymium magnets are graded by their maximum energy product (BH)max with N52 grade neodymium providing the greatest magnetic performance and N35 being the weakest. There are 32 different high temperature grades of neodymium magnets available with maximum operating temperatures of up to 230 degrees Celsius. To give a neodymium magnet a greater resistance to being demagnetised at higher temperatures, varying levels of rare earth elements are used, typically resulting in a trade off with overall magnetic strength. The use of a magnet housing 31 mitigates this by adding strength and protecting the magnet 36. One aim of the present invention is to enable persons to fight a fire in an area located behind a metal container or wall (e.g. of an enclosed space) or any other event that is difficult or dangerous to access, safely and effectively. The present invention alleviates this by providing a controllable e.g. pre-settable attachment mechanism that is easy and quick to attach to metals walls, such as those of a container. Further, in some embodiments, the attachment mechanism can be easily and quickly released to allow removal and / or repositioning. In one or more embodiments, the lance uses a rare earth magnet housed in a metal, e.g. steel or stainless-steel, frame or housing 31. The lance attaches to the metal surface (e.g. a metal wall) beyond which is a thermal event, fire, or an explosive, toxic or harmful atmosphere. The magnet element is pre-set to an attachment configuration suitable for the target surface (e.g. with magnet element 36 further extended for a soft surface such as a car panel which may be deformed into flatness by the magnet element) or flush with side walls of housing 31 for an already flat surface e.g. the base of the corrugation of a shipping container ready to be located on the surface of the metal by the operator. Typically, the lance has a high-pressure water inlet that operates at 250 / 300 bar plus a water flow rate of 60 or 30L per minute via a suitable, e.g. male, TEMA or other suitable coupling. The water hose is connected to the coupling using a suitable, e.g. female, TEMA or other suitable coupling, preferably quick release, coupling. The water is fed to the lance through the hose from an ultra-high-pressure pump located nearby, or at a distance, to a first pipe into the lance. The water flows through a venturi device and causes a partial vacuum at a second pipe attached to the body of the lance. The second pipe feeds an abrasive material of garnet grains or iron filings etc. into the water stream (although the main conduit may deliver both from a reservoir). The combined stream of water and abrasive grains cut through the metal surface that the lance is attached to making a small hole. When the hole is made, the nozzle of the lance continues to spray a fine water mist which now passes into the volume beyond the metal surface to control or extinguish the fire. The abrasive may be fed to the lance through a pipe from a container that is located near or attached to the magnetic lance or fed in on the pump. The water supply can be shut down and restarted at any time, depending on operational need. If it is started after a first hole is cut, it will remain in the correct position relative to the existing pierced hole to use the pierced hole effectively, as the magnet prevents any slippage which could otherwise occur, e.g. with metal to metal. The magnetic lance is attached by the rare magnet to the metal surface and removed from the metal surface, when required, using a turn screw or lever cam device to break the surface contact of the magnet from the metal surface. Various modifications will be apparent from the information disclosed in the present 5 application. 10 mounting device for firefighting lance 12 target surface (e.g. wall, roof, door, floor etc.) 12A corrugated mounted surface 20 main housing 22 main body 22A, 22B side walls 24 recess 26 (upper) cross bar 30 magnetic clamping member 31 magnet element (magnet or magnet stack) housing 32 first nut 34 threaded member e.g. second nut 35 threaded hole (e.g. blind threaded hole) 36 magnet element (magnet or magnet stack, preferably very strong e.g. rare earth magnet) 36-1 magnet or magnet stack in a first position, 36-2 magnet or magnet stack in a second position 37 magnetic member (e.g. rare earth magnet) 38 washer 39 collar 40 spacing member 42 pointed member (e.g. locating spike) 43 locating point (at tip of pointed member) 44 locating aperture 46 joint (e.g. weld joint) 50 arm member (e.g. stabilising arm member) 52 locating aperture (through hole or open sided hole or recess) 54 tab of arm member 56 pin (e.g. to restrict travel of washer(s)) 60 firefighting lance nozzle portion 62 main conduit of nozzle portion (e.g. for water) 64 side conduit of nozzle portion (e.g. for abrasive particulates) 66 water inlet 68 abrasive inlet 70 nozzle tip 72 outlet of nozzle 80 contact surface of mounting device 80-1 contact surface of magnetic clamping member 30 80-2 contact surface of spacing member 40 90 prising member 92 controllable magnet W1 width of magnetic clamping member 30 W2 internal separation of side walls 22A, 22B W3 separation of locating spikes W4 width of base of corrugation W5 width of top of corrugation W6 external width of side walls 22A, 22B H1 height of cuboid magnetic clamping member H2 height of magnet (or magnet stack) 200 reciprocating direction arrow

Claims

1. A mounting device (10) for a firefighting lance (60), the lance having a first conduit terminating in a nozzle (70), the nozzle having an outlet (72) for dispensing a stream of pressurised liquid towards a target surface,the mounting device (10) comprising:a main housing (20);a first member (40) rigidly connected to, or part of, the main housing, and configured to locate a nozzle (70) of a firefighting lance (60) with respect to a target surface;at least one controllably attachable magnetic clamping member (30) comprising at least one magnet element (36) rigidly connected to the main housing (20), the magnetic clamping member (30) operable to controllably clamp the main housing (20) and the first member (40) to a target surface.

2. A mounting device (10) according to claim 1 in which the magnetic clamping member (30) comprises a controllable attachment mechanism (31, 34, 35) operable to controllably deploy at least one magnet (36) with respect to a target surface.

3. A mounting device (10) according to claim 1 or 2 in which a contact surface of the at least one controllably releasable magnetic clamping member (30) with a target surface is elongate and the first member (40) is configured to hold the nozzle in line with the magnetic clamping member (30).

4. A mounting device (10) according to claim 3 in which the contact surface (80-1) of the releasable magnetic clamping member (30) is substantially or generally square, or substantially or generally rectangular, having a predetermined width (W1).

5. A mounting device (10) according to claim 4 in which the predetermined width is <100mm, or <90mm, or <80mm, or <70mm, or <60mm.

6. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the first member (40) is configured to hold the nozzle tip (70) along a centreline of the releasable clamping member (30).

7. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the at least one magnetic clamping member (30) is switchable such that at least one magnet element (36) is movable from a first position in which transmission of the magnetic force from the magnet element (36) to a target surface is interrupted such that the mounting device (10) is not attachable to the target surface (12) to a second position in which the magnet element (36) transmits magnetic force from the magnet element (36) to a target surface (12) to fasten the device (10) to the target surface (12).

8. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the magnet element (36) is movable within the magnetic clamping member (30) in a controllable manner between a first position and a second position and / or vice versa.

9. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the magnetic clamping member (30) comprises at least one magnet element (36) and a magnet housing (31) sized and shaped to receive the magnet (36) in a reciprocating manner.

10. A mounting device (10) according to claim 9 in which the at least one magnet element (36) is configured to reciprocate to-and-fro within magnet housing (31) in a controllable manner.

11. A mounting device (10) according to claim 9 or 10 in which the magnet housing (31) comprises at least one of a co-operating screw thread member (34) and a threaded hole (35) and the magnet element (36) comprises the other of the screw thread member and the threaded bore (35) whereby when the co-operating screw thread member (34) and the threaded hole (35) are rotated with respect to one another, the magnet element (36) travels within the magnet housing (31).

12. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the magnet element (36) comprises is a rare earth magnet.

13. A mounting device (10) according to any of claim 1 to 11 in which the at least one magnet element (36) comprises an alnico magnet.

14. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which the operating temperature of the magnet element is >200°C, or >300°C, or >400°C, or >450°C, or >500°C, and / or,the Curie temperature of the magnet element is >700°C, or >800°C, or >900°C, or >1000°C.

15. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which at least one of the at least one magnet element has a remanence of >8,000Gs, or >9,000Gs, or >10,000Gs16. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim in which a width of at least part of the overall contact surface of the mounting device on the target surface is less than the width of the base of a corrugation of a standard shipping container and / or <100mm, or <90mm, or <80mm, or <70mm, or <60mm.

17. A mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim comprising a second member (50) rearward of the first member configured to hold a rearward portion of a firefighting lance nozzle (60) with respect to a target surface.

18. A firefighting lance apparatus comprising:a mounting device (10) according to any preceding claim; anda firefighting lance (60) comprising a first conduit terminating in a nozzle (70) having an outlet (72) for dispensing a stream of pressurised liquid, or pressurised liquid and abrasive particles, towards a target; and, a first inlet for receiving pressurised liquid, or for receiving pressurised liquid and abrasive particles.

19. A firefighting lance apparatus according to claim 17 comprising:a second inlet for receiving abrasive particles; andmeans for injecting or drawing abrasive particles into a stream of pressurised liquid flowing from the first inlet to the outlet (72).

20. A method of using a firefighting lance apparatus according to claim 18 or 19 comprising:a) attaching the at least one controllably attachable magnetic clamping member (30) to a target surface (12);5 b) releasing a flow of pressurised liquid, or pressurised liquid and abrasiveparticles.

21. A method of using a firefighting lance apparatus according to claim 19 or 20 comprising:10 c) controllably setting the magnetic clamping member (30) ready to clamp themounting device (10) to a target surface (12).

22. A method of using a firefighting lance apparatus according to claim 21 in which step (c) controllably setting the magnetic clamping member (30) occurs before 15 step (a).

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