This section discusses the layout of hydraulic tests of water systems. It recommends testing during normal and peak usage periods to obtain accurate pressure measurements. It also notes that high pressure tests can cause damage, so pressure relief measures may be needed. The section describes selecting a group of nearby hydrants for the test, including one "residual hydrant" to measure baseline and residual pressures, and others to discharge water. Diagrams show positioning the residual hydrant between the flowing hydrants and main water sources.
This section discusses the layout of hydraulic tests of water systems. It recommends testing during normal and peak usage periods to obtain accurate pressure measurements. It also notes that high pressure tests can cause damage, so pressure relief measures may be needed. The section describes selecting a group of nearby hydrants for the test, including one "residual hydrant" to measure baseline and residual pressures, and others to discharge water. Diagrams show positioning the residual hydrant between the flowing hydrants and main water sources.
This section discusses the layout of hydraulic tests of water systems. It recommends testing during normal and peak usage periods to obtain accurate pressure measurements. It also notes that high pressure tests can cause damage, so pressure relief measures may be needed. The section describes selecting a group of nearby hydrants for the test, including one "residual hydrant" to measure baseline and residual pressures, and others to discharge water. Diagrams show positioning the residual hydrant between the flowing hydrants and main water sources.
This section discusses the layout of hydraulic tests of water systems. It recommends testing during normal and peak usage periods to obtain accurate pressure measurements. It also notes that high pressure tests can cause damage, so pressure relief measures may be needed. The section describes selecting a group of nearby hydrants for the test, including one "residual hydrant" to measure baseline and residual pressures, and others to discharge water. Diagrams show positioning the residual hydrant between the flowing hydrants and main water sources.
“A period of ordinary demand” should include testing during normal business hours and dur- ing seasons of high usage or low storage levels, such as summertime. Note that water supply test data obtained at times of high use and used to size a fire pump can result in overpressure problems. During periods of low demand, the available pressure can be considerably higher than at periods of high demand. If pressures fluctuate such that excessively high pressures (i.e., pressures that exceed the rated working pressure system components) risk causing system damage, measures must be taken to control these high pressures. Possible options for control- ling excessive pressure include use of a break tank or variable speed fire pump. Chapter 4 of NFPA 20 addresses the proper applications of these options (see Part II of this handbook). NFPA 20 does allow the use of the fire pump main relief valve as a means of addressing excess fire pump suction pressure.
4.2.2 The procedure consists of discharging water at a measured rate of flow from the sys- tem at a given location and observing the corresponding pressure drop in the mains.
4.3 Layout of Test
4.3.1 After the location where the test is to be run has been determined, a group of test hydrants in the vicinity is selected. 4.3.2 Once selected, due consideration should be given to potential interference with traffic flow patterns, damage to surroundings (e.g., roadways, sidewalks, landscapes, vehicles, and pedestrians), and potential flooding problems both local and remote from the test site.
In addition to the considerations specified in 4.3.2, the local environmental authority may need to be consulted regarding the disposal of chlorinated or non-potable test water.
4.3.3 One hydrant, designated the residual hydrant, is chosen to be the hydrant where the normal static pressure will be observed with the other hydrants in the group closed, and where the residual pressure will be observed with the other hydrants flowing.
The exact effective point of the flow test will be located where the nonflowing water in the pip- ing supplying the hydrant at which the residual pressures are being measured meets the flow- ing water in the underground piping. In all cases, as shown in Figure 4.3.4, this effective point is where the supply piping of the residual pressure hydrant, “R,” meets the underground main.
4.3.4 This hydrant is chosen so it will be located between the hydrant to be flowed and the large mains that constitute the immediate sources of water supply in the area. In Figure 4.3.4, test layouts are indicated showing the residual hydrant designated with the letter R and hydrants to be flowed with the letter F.
The residual hydrant should also be the hydrant closest to the property to be protected. This simplifies the hydraulic calculations needed to “move” the water test effective point from the location of the test to the base of the sprinkler or standpipe riser in the protected property.
4.3.5 The number of hydrants to be used in any test depends upon the strength of the distri- bution system in the vicinity of the test location. 4.3.6 To obtain satisfactory test results of theoretical calculation of expected flows or rated capacities, sufficient discharge should be achieved to cause a drop in pressure at the residual hydrant of at least 25 percent, or to flow the total demand necessary for fire-fighting purposes.
Hydraulic Tables; The Elements Of Gagings And The Friction Of Water Flowing In Pipes, Aqueducts, Sewers, Etc., As Determined By The Hazen And Williams Formula And The Flow Of Water Over The Sharp-Edged And Irregular Weirs, And The Quantity Discharged
