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What is the point of Fire Hydrants?

Author: Arohi Patil
by Arohi Patil
Posted: Jan 06, 2020

In most cases, fire hydrants are as common place as stop signs or road reflectors. This might be why a majority of people in crowded shopping malls or fast-paced manufacturing factories fail to even register them as fire hydrants as opposed to something else. However, when the time and need arises, these ubiquitous bright-red objects can make all the difference between tragedy and triumph.

Why do we need Fire Hydrants?

Fire hydrant systems play a crucial role in emergency relief situations. Picture this: Several fire tenders with shrieking sirens pull up at a building which is nearly engulfed in smoke. The blazing fire indicates that only water (large amounts of it) can save the day. Additionally, time is of the essence here because the fire is also rapidly spreading. In such a situation, where do firefighters get the water they need to tackle the blaze? The answer is a fire hydrant. Although fire trucks do carry a certain amount of water, firefighters are able to douse a fire more effectively with water sourced from a hydrant. But fire hydrants serve as more than just vast sources of water. One of the main functionalities of a fire hydrant is that it helps to pressurize the water. A vital part of the strategy that firefighters use to quickly suppress the fire is to blast the flamed areas with pressurized water. This continuous jet of water that is shot out of the fire hose also helps cut through the brick and mortar of the enflamed building and, subsequently subdues the interior fire as well.

How does a Fire Hydrant work?

industrial piping solutions are one of those rare devices that were invented in the 1800s but still serve a purpose today. The hydrant, booster, and fire hose are just a few key components that make up a traditional fire hydrant system. In this system, the hydrant is the central feature as it is the component that is connected to the local water supply pipes below. It also comes with a valve that allows firefighters to regulate the water supply as per their needs. The presence of a booster in a fire hydrant system is pivotal as it helps to pump and pressurize excess amounts of water. While fire hydrant models may vary, the fire hose is usually supplied by firemen on the scene. Using a pentagonal wrench, they uncap the hydrant's valve cover, attach the hose, turn the valve, and commence their firefighting operation.

What are the different types of Fire Hydrants?

Fire hydrants are generally classified into Wet Barrel Hydrants and Dry Barrel Hydrants. While Wet Barrel Hydrants have multiple easy-to-access valves, they are vulnerable to frost in cold areas. In contrast, Dry Barrel Hydrants do not retain any water within the hydrant structure and thereby, mitigates the risk of freezing. But the dry type of fire hydrants usually only have one valve at the base of the structure. In addition, fire hydrant models are also segregated based on valve mechanisms and colour-codes indicating water capacity.

Looking to install a fire hydrant? To make a well-informed decision, speak to industry experts at SRJ Piping India and choose the fire hydrant that is just right for you.

You Can Reach Us at this Address :

#302, 3rd Floor, Commerce House, Cunningham Road, Bangalore – 560052

9880591727

info@srjpiping.com

About the Author

Excelr over 20 Franchise partners all over the world, ExcelR helps individuals and organisations by providing data science courses based on practical knowledge and theoretical concepts.

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Author: Arohi Patil

Arohi Patil

Member since: Jul 09, 2019
Published articles: 78

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