Analyzing the data collected by a pitot gauge can reveal heavy pipe-wall deposits and closed valves that can significantly impede a hydrant’s pressure and flow. Put simply, that means if the orifice is 2.5 inches, the blade should be about 1.25 inches out. Generally, the edge of the blade is set parallel to the direction of fluid-stream movement, at a distance about one-half the diameter of the opening in the center of the stream. After it’s inserted into an open fire hydrant’s water discharge, a narrow tube inside the blade directs water toward the gauge to create a pressure reading. But here’s a quick overview of how pitot gauges work:Ī pitot gauge consists of three components: a blade, handle, and pressure gauge. Previously, we’ve offered a detailed guide on how to use a pitot gauge for hydrant flow testing. Analyzing the data it collects can also reveal heavy pipe-wall deposits and closed valves that can significantly impede a hydrant’s pressure and flow. With so much at stake, it’s critical for hydrants to perform as expected during a fire.Ī handheld pitot gauge is the quickest, simplest method for measuring straight-tip and hydrant-flow GPM. For instance, red hydrants typically have a rated capacity of less than 500 GPM and light blue hydrants have a rated capacity of more than 1,500 GPM. Pitot gauge 101: here’s how they workįire hydrants are color-coded according to their strength of output, enabling fire departments to assess their water resource capabilities quickly when they arrive on the scene of an emergency. Firefighting operations can be seriously jeopardized if fire hydrants can’t deliver proper water flow. In the market for pitot gauges? Be sure to browse our selection of pitot gauge kits and accessories, including our best-selling Inspector’s Choice Pitot Gauge Kit, which costs a little more but delivers 1 percent full-range accuracy. Feel free to jump straight to the formula, followed by a step-by-step process and a calculator. We promise that we’ll make it so simple even your grandmother could do it accurately-especially since we’ve provided a calculator to help you make the conversion. In this blog, we will take you step-by-step through the process of converting a pitot gauge’s PSI reading to GPM. But in reality, the equation and chart can be confusing-and QRFS phones are constantly ringing with the question: How do I do this right? In theory, pitot gauges make it simple to measure the flow of fire hydrants and convert readings in pounds per square inch (PSI) to gallons per minute (GPM), enabling inspectors to quickly uncover reduced flow rates. Municipalities and other authorities insist upon regular hydrant flow testing to ensure that adequate water is available when it’s needed most-which is where pitot gauges come in. Follow these simple steps to ensure fire hydrants can deliver adequate water flow during a fireįirefighting operations can be seriously jeopardized if fire hydrants aren’t ready and able to deliver the required water flow and pressure.
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