At Pacific Flow Control, we specialize in fire hydrant maintenance, repairs, inspections, and flow testing. Our innovative methodology allows us to perform hydrant flow tests to NFPA 291 standards while simultaneously completing hydrant flushing to NFPA 24 standards. This dual-service process is efficiently executed by using the 4.5″ pumper port or steamer port on the hydrant, instead of the smaller 2.5″ ports. This approach generates sufficient flow to achieve flushing velocities, ensuring both accurate hydrant testing and effective flushing in a single operation.
Our Commitment to Excellence
- Top-of-the-Line Equipment:
- Dechlorination: We invest in top-of-the-line equipment that dechlorinates the large volume of water produced during tests. This ensures safe disposal into vegetated areas or municipal storm systems, protecting the environment and complying with regulatory standards.
- Debris Management: Our advanced equipment minimizes debris caused by the flushing operation. It features a tee apparatus that deflects debris directly onto the ground, preventing it from shooting outward or becoming airborne. This ensures a safer and cleaner operation site.
- Comprehensive Reporting: We produce detailed reports and handover documents complete with calculations, photos, and geolocations of the test sites. Our comprehensive documentation provides clients with all the necessary information for compliance and future reference.
- Ideal for Pump Systems & High Flow Activation: Our flow tests are ideal for pump systems that require high flow and pressure drops to trigger pump activation. This makes our services invaluable for maintaining the efficiency and readiness of fire protection systems.
- Reputation for Excellence: Pacific Flow Control, our in-house Technologists and Senior Technical Staff are recognized as industry leaders in all aspects of hydrant services, including maintenance, repair, and testing. Our reputation for excellence is built on our commitment to quality, safety, and customer satisfaction.
Benefits of Our Services
- Hydrant Testing and Fire Testing: Conducting hydrant flow tests in accordance with NFPA 291 ensures accurate data for system design and fire protection planning.
- High Velocity Flushing: Achieving high velocity flushing meets NFPA 24 requirements, maintaining system integrity and operational efficiency.
- Environmental Responsibility: Our use of dechlorination and debris management equipment underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship.
- Comprehensive Data: Detailed reports and documentation provide valuable insights and records for clients, facilitating compliance and informed decision-making.
Understanding NFPA 291: Hydrant Flow Testing
Purpose:
NFPA 291 provides recommended practices for testing and determining the available water supply for fire protection systems and fire flow purposes. It also outlines the procedures for marking hydrants based on their flow capacity.
Application:
NFPA 291 applies to the flow testing and marking of both public and private fire hydrants. It is crucial for determining the available water flow and pressure for fire protection systems, including sprinklers, standpipes, and fire pumps.
Procedure Summarized:
- Water Flow Testing Purposes: Conduct water flow tests to determine the available water supply for fire protection purposes, including the flow available from a fire hydrant for firefighting or the status of the water supply distribution system.
- Rating Pressure: Base hydrant ratings on the flow available at a residual pressure of 20 psi (1.4 bar).
- Test Layout and Procedure: Select a group of test hydrants in the vicinity, considering potential interference with traffic, damage to surroundings, and flooding issues. The residual hydrant should be the one closest to the property being protected.
- Pitot Readings: Measure discharge from open hydrant butts using pitot tubes or stream straighteners to improve accuracy. Avoid pitot readings of less than 10 psi (0.7 bar).
Understanding NFPA 24-10.10.2.1: Flushing of Piping
Purpose:
Flushing piping is a critical procedure to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of fire protection systems. According to NFPA 24-10.10.2.1, this process must be carried out thoroughly to prevent any debris from obstructing the system.
Application:
- Clear the Path: All underground piping, from the water supply to the system riser and hydrants, must be completely flushed before connecting to downstream fire protection system piping. This ensures no debris remains that could potentially block the flow of water during an emergency.
- Maintain Clean Water Flow: The flushing operation should continue until the water flow is verified to be clear of debris. This step is crucial to confirm that the entire piping system is free from obstructions.
- Meet Flow Rate Standards: The minimum rate of flow during flushing must comply with the standards set in Table 10.10.2.1.3, which specifies the necessary flow rates to achieve a velocity of 10 ft/sec (3 m/sec) in pipes of various sizes. For example, a 4-inch pipe requires a flow rate of 390 gpm to ensure effective flushing.
- Handling Limitations: If the specified flow rates are unattainable, the maximum available flow should be used to dislodge debris. This flexibility ensures that the flushing process is effective even in systems with lower water supply capacities.
- Preventing Obstructions: Objects like stones, gravel, and other debris can find their way into underground piping. Without proper flushing, these items can move into the sprinkler system, potentially causing blockages that compromise the system’s functionality during a fire.
- Ensuring Safety: Provision must be made for the safe disposal of water used during flushing to minimize any water damage from the discharge. This step protects surrounding areas and ensures compliance with environmental standards.
By adhering to NFPA 24-10.10.2.1 standards, fire protection systems can be maintained at optimal performance, ensuring they function correctly when needed most. Flushing piping is not just a regulatory requirement; it is a crucial safety measure that safeguards lives and property.
Our Equipment
We use advanced equipment to ensure accurate and efficient hydrant flow testing and flushing. The equipment incorporates a patented Pitotless Nozzle® that allows debris to pass through without causing damage, ensuring accurate measurements of water flow rates from 856 to 2,759 GPM. The equipment is FM Approved and designed to handle high flow rates and pressures, making it ideal for fire flow testing of hydrants, water main flushing, and fire pump testing.
Specifications:
- GPM Range: 856 to 2,759
- PSI Range: 5 to 55
- Connection Size: 4″
- Body Material: Injection-molded, glass-filled polypropylene
- Pitotless Nozzle® Material: Precision machined aluminum
Key Benefits
- High Flow Flush: Using the 4.5″ pumper port enables high flow rates necessary for effective flushing, ensuring debris removal and improved water quality.
- Hydrant Testing and Fire Testing: Conducting hydrant flow tests in accordance with NFPA 291 ensures accurate data for system design and fire protection planning.
- High Velocity Flushing: Achieving high velocity flushing meets NFPA 24 requirements, maintaining system integrity and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Pacific Flow Control’s innovative approach to hydrant flow testing and flushing provides comprehensive solutions that meet NFPA standards. By leveraging advanced equipment and methodologies, we ensure accurate, efficient, and reliable services for fire protection systems. Our dual-service process not only saves time but also enhances the safety and performance of fire hydrants and water supply systems.
Our Locations
We operate in:
- Calgary Metropolitan Area
- Edmonton Metropolitan Area
- Metro Vancouver
- Vancouver Island
- Interior BC
