A specialized assembly of tools and instruments employed to measure the available water volume and pressure from a fire hydrant. This setup typically includes a pitot gauge, which measures water velocity as it exits the hydrant, and static pressure gauges installed on adjacent hydrants to assess pressure drop during water discharge. The gathered data is then used to calculate the flow rate in gallons per minute (GPM). For instance, a municipal water authority might use this assembly to evaluate the capacity of the water distribution network serving a new housing development.
Accurate assessment of water supply is crucial for effective firefighting and hydraulic modeling. This evaluation ensures sufficient water is available to suppress fires effectively and supports the design of appropriate fire suppression systems in buildings. Historically, such assessments were often performed less precisely, relying on estimations and less accurate methods. Modern testing equipment, however, allows for detailed hydraulic analysis, leading to better infrastructure planning and increased public safety.
