Hydrant Flow Testing · Hydrant Flow Testing Purpose, Process & Experiences James P. Cooper -...

Hydrant Flow TestingPurpose, Process & Experiences

James P. Cooper - Prof. Engineer, Cert. Operator

© Arcadis 2016

Why Should We Flow Test Hydrants?Insight gained from proper hydrant flow testing

• System Pressures and Flow Rates• Asset Condition and Operability• Water Quality Characteristics• Opportunity for Customer Interaction

2

© Arcadis 2016

Why is Hydrant Flow Testing Important?

3

Hydrant Flow Testing

Utility Management

Technical Knowledge

Operations Insight

Practical Experience

Reporting and Asset Mgmt.

Increase Value of Hydrant Testing

Hydraulic Calculations

What is a Valid Test?

Flow Testing Purpose

Sharing Lessons Learned

Using Test Data

Testing Procedures

Safety Considerations

Addressing Common Questions Testing Sequence

and Planning

© Arcadis 2016

Learning Objectives

23 February 2017 4

Explain Multiple Purposes of Hydrant Flow Testing

Apply the Procedures for Testing and Recording

Understand How To Address Unique Conditions

Apply Results for Planning and for Critical Operations

Remember This!

© Arcadis 2016

Learning Objectives

23 February 2017 5





Remember This!

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Why Should We Flow Test Hydrants?

6

Available Fire Flow Rates

System Planning Model Calibration

Maintenance Management

© Arcadis 2016 23 February 2017 7


Field Test Data($)

Planning and Modeling

($$$)

Design and Construction

($$$$$)

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Tank Actual Normal HGL Negligible difference

Actual High Flow HGL

Model High Flow HGLDetectable Difference

Model Normal HGL


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Learning Objectives

23 February 2017 9





Remember This!

© Arcadis 2016

Site Conditions Dechlorination Orifice Size

Matters

Hydrant Flow Testing Considerations

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Hydrant Flow Testing ConsiderationsPublic Impact

1. Abnormal Water Quality

2. Traffic Disruptions

3. Erosion & Landscaping

4. Damage Awareness

5. Reduced Pressure

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4. Damage Awareness

5. Reduced Pressure

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4. Damage Awareness

5. Reduced Pressure

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© Arcadis 2016





4. Damage Awareness

5. Reduced Pressure

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© Arcadis 2016





4. Damage Awareness

5. Reduced Pressure

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Hydrant Flow Testing Considerations

16

DIA

LG

AU

GES

ELEC

TRO

NIC

REC

OR

DER

S

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Hydrant Flow Testing Terms

17

Flow Hydrant• Location of open hydrant flowing

water

Pitot Pressure• Pressure measured at center of

flow stream• Utilized to calculate the flow rate

© Arcadis 2016


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Residual Hydrant• Located near Flow Hydrant• Used to measure pressure within the

distribution system

Static Pressure• Pressure during typical demands with no

hydrants flowing

Residual Pressure• Pressure measured while the flow hydrant is

open

© Arcadis 2016


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Field Test Flow Rate• Flow rate measured during the hydrant flow test• Actual flow rate of water exiting the flow hydrant

Available Fire Flow Rate• Calculated value based on the field test flow rate and the

measured residual pressure during the test• Standard for determining the fire flow rate available occurs at a

residual pressure of 20 psi.

© Arcadis 2016

Calculation of Available Fire Flow

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𝑄𝑅 = 𝑄𝐹 ×

ℎ𝑟0.54

ℎ𝑓0.54

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Calculation of Available Fire Flow

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Pressure from flowing hydrant

Field Test Flow Rate

Calculated Available Fire

Flow Rate

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Residual Hydrant• Static Pressure• Residual Pressure• Test evaluates water

available at this location Flow Hydrant• Pitot Pressure

Test Area

Hydrant Flow Test Setup

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Hydrant Flow Test Procedure

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1. Preparation• Identify flow and residual hydrants• Evaluate traffic control needs• Confirm test equipment condition and

availability • Develop Data Collection Plan

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2. Residual Hydrant• Locate hydrant and properly flush to remove

sediment• Install pressure gauge• Open hydrant, confirm no leaking, read gauge

and record as static pressure

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3. Flow Hydrant• Locate hydrant• Estimate discharge path, establish traffic

control• Install pitot pressure measurement gauge• Open hydrant, record pitot pressure

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4. Documentation• Record all measurements• Record all asset information• Determine Field Test Flow Rate

• Determine Available Fire Flow Rate

• Record Lessons Learned

© Arcadis 2016

Learning Objectives

23 February 2017 27





Remember This!

© Arcadis 2016

Published Guidelines

• National Fire Protection Association

• Hydrant testing every 5 years

• Drop in pressure of at least 25% during test

• Alternative – testing achieves desired flow rate needed for fire fighting

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© Arcadis 2016


• American Water Works Association

• Hydrant testing every 10 years

• Drop in pressure of at least 10 psi during test

• Alternative – open multiple hydrants/ports to achieve pressure reduction

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Large Diameter and High/Low Pressure MainsSimultaneously Test from Multiple Port/Hydrants

Consider Test Validity

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© Arcadis 2016

Many Lessons Learned…

37

Clear distance for flow exiting hydrant

Rain suit (even if the sun is shining)

Consider Public Impact

Retest When Necessary

Hydrant Flow Testing · Hydrant Flow Testing Purpose, Process & Experiences James P. Cooper -...

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