Fire Hydrant Flow Test

Hydrant flow tests are conducted to determine water availability in planning for firefighting activities fire sprinkler systems or domestic water demand.

Fire hydrant flow test.

The tests are also useful in determining the general condition of the water distribution system by detecting closed valves or wall deposits. In general fire flow tests are conducted on fire hydrants to determine the water availability. Are opened so that the residual pressure at the test hydrant drops to the rating pressure. 52 fire hydrant flow and pressure tests fire hydrants are tested to determine flow and pressure.

Before new lines are installed a residual fire flow is performed near the project site. Secondary psi before flowing. 4 5 care should be taken to avoid causing nuisance during and after the tests. Fire hydrant flow test analysis equation awwa 2006 p.

Referring to the figure prior to flowing hydrant 1 pressure is measured at hydrant 2. Secondary psi while flowing. The calculation offers more useful information than the test flow by itself and is used by insurance underwriters. Fire flow tests also known as hydrant flow tests can be performed for several different reasons.

Projected available hydrant flow. The main can be expected to flow about. This is the static pressure p s. Always remember to flow test and inspect fire hydrants annually to ensure the operation of the hydrants in your system.

Flow rates from all hydrants open during the flow test are recorded and totalled to give the rating fire flow. There are multiple reasons why a flow test could need to be performed below is a list of several of these reasons. The rated capacity calculation is useful in determining the total water supply at a given point in the hydrant or water main. Fire hydrant flow test determine the flow rate and pressure in any location through out a water company s or water authority s underground water distribution system.

Fire hydrants are tested regularly to ensure that they are capable of providing water at an acceptable pressure and flow rate foe public health and firefighting operations. If all hydrants in a system are tested partially closed valves and other obstructions will become known. All residual flow tests should include static residual and flow pressures as well as a 50 point inspection of each fire hydrant tested. Nfpa 291 provides guidance on fire flow tests and marking of hydrants in order to determine and indicate the relative available fire service water supply from hydrants and to identify possible deficiencies which could be corrected to ensure adequate fire flows as needed.

The information derived from this test is used by the fire service to plan for fighting fires. The hydrant capacity fire flow test evaluates the water supply available from the hydrant. Fire flows can cause damage. This test uses a single hydrant as both the residual.

Gpm from the test outlet.