Why Use Fire Hydrant Systems
A fire hydrant is a type of sprinkler system that provides water to extinguish the fire by using either water steam or air. A common misconception is that a fire hydrant is an open pipe with a nozzle on top where the water flows down into the fire department. This is not true. A fire hydrant is actually a very simple mechanism which includes; water storage, a nozzle, a water supply line and valves/ Springs. All of these parts work together to provide the controlled flow of water to the fire. A water supply for a fire hydrant system may be derived from an existing reliable source such as; road mains, electrical static electric water supply like a big tank or dam or a domestic supply like a house water heater.
Fire hydrants are constructed in a variety of ways to provide efficient water flow through them. It is vitally important to have a good understanding and have proper training in how to construct and install a fire hydrant system. Water supply lines and fittings and valves must be carefully constructed and properly installed. Proper training and supervision are necessary to ensure that water flow is smooth and effective throughout the fire hydrant system. There are various types of water storage tanks and fitting which are widely used throughout a fire fighting operation.
There are several types of fire hydrants including; submersible, surface, forced air and excavated. The type of discharge needed and the location of the valve(s) will determine the pressure and flow rate needed to extinguish fire. A submersible hydrant is strategically located to prevent water from overflowing out when it is needed. Surface fire hydrants are normally found in the middle of the fire hydrant system. An excavated hydrant is strategically located deep inside the underground structure.
Hydraulic analysis determines how well a fire hydrant system functions, if it is properly maintained and serviced. It is also used to test the fire fighting equipment such as fire bird and fire trucks. Testing is conducted to ensure that the equipment is working correctly and safely.
Water supply lines are normally located where they are accessible by water mains or street-side pipes. Commonly these lines are found at the street-side or in the ground near septic tanks. There are valves which can control the water supply to individual outlets. There are emergency controls which can be found on the emergency panel. These valves and controls are used to manually open the lines to prevent the water from overflowing.
Hydraulic hose reels are used to channel the water supply to individual outlets. The reels are fitted with individual valves which are controlled by a single switch or key which is usually located near the outlet or control. Water hoses are usually made up of flexible rubber to reduce the chances of damage due to freezing. There are different types of hoses which are suited for different purposes. These are classified according to the weight and the length of the pipes. The different classes include:
