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TAKEAWAYS AS A FIRE PROTECTION ENGINEER

A Flow Test Predicament

10/17/2018

 
I've occasionally run into predicaments on projects that put me in a tough position. 

A couple weeks ago as part of a rural project in a small town outside of Memphis I was helping coordinate a flow test between a hired sprinkler contractor and the water utility.

I had initially asked both the fire and water department if they conducted tests or had interest in witnessing, asked for sprinkler contractor recommendations, and then called the nearest sprinkler outfit I could find (which happened to be an hour and a half drive away). They agreed to run a flow test for $500. I gave parameters on which hydrants I felt we needed tested and gave the go-ahead.

Results from the test were very poor. A static of 65 psi dropped to 40 at only 580 gpm, with the extrapolated curve showing a maximum capacity of around 800 gpm at 20 psi. 
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Flow test results are dependent upon quality visual readings and calibrated equipment.
Based on the intent of the project with significant storage capacity (think ESFR), we were looking at both a pump and a tank to supplement both pressure and flow.

The hiccup came when I caught word from the water department who told the general contractor (our client) that the sprinkler company used a gauge that didn't zero out and the water department suspected was not calibrated. Based on past history the water department expected better flow in the area (at least), and were surprised that the flow had been so low.

Now to the minor dilemma - we need the test re-run (especially if there's water storage tank implications) - so does that mean having the same sprinkler contractor run the test again? The water department, after talking the situation with them, wasn't a big fan. Do I find another sprinkler contractor, and have to eat the original $500? Do I play the game that many general contractors would run, and not pay the $500?
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Pressure gauges can become less calibrated over time - and the further they get from true readings
​the less reliable the resulting data becomes.
I'm not the kind of person that generally makes a phone call without some kind of directive or question in mind, but I called the contractor and just laid out what I had heard and asked how they wanted to handle it. Fortunately, the sales manager was extremely helpful and offered to re-run the test at no additional charge (despite the one-way 1.5 hour drive to the site) with a new set of gauges.

I'll get the results this week or next, and I suspect that with even slightly better flow information there could be big impacts on the sizing of water storage.

I was on the receiving end of generosity and being well-served in this case, and I am very thankful for it.

Being in business affords us the opportunity to make many decisions and serve other people. One of my favorite aspects of running a small team is having the opportunity to serve people very well and own our mistakes. Clients don't always expect perfection, but a full-fledged genuine effort to serve in a client's best interest usually results in successful projects and happy clients.

I don't expect every flow test, every installation, or every encounter to be perfect - but having people who are willing to own a mistake and take steps to correct it are the type of people I enjoy working with.

This blog began as a way to share weekly takeaways in my role as a fire protection engineer. If you know someone who might be interested in the resources and articles, send them a link or subscribe yourself here.
MOARGPM
10/17/2018 12:44:19 pm



Reminds me of a project I had a couple years ago. Our water dept. gave me flow results from a computer model they have set up for the entire city. Normally it's accurate, but something was off and results were very low. Being the project was a 4 story self storage facility, we needed all of the water we could get. I ordered an actual hydrant flow test and the results were much better. Ended up being an error from the water dept engineer. They never disclosed what the error was. My guess was

Of course, before the hydrant flow test, I informed the owners that it's possible that they'll need a fire pump and tank. This caused panic and finger pointing. I thought there was a good chance we'll get fired. After everything was settled with the flow tests, the owners were VERY relieved and happy I didn't just settle with the computer model.

Now I treat flow tests like how I used to work on systems as a fitter..."measure twice, cut once".

Vincent
10/18/2018 05:55:33 pm

It may not only be the gauge. Partially closed valve or obstruction in underground piping may also come into play.


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The views, opinions, and information found on this site represent solely the author shown and do not represent the opinions of any other party, nor does the presented material assume responsibility for its use. Fire protection and life safety systems constitute a critical component for public health and safety and you should consult with a licensed professional for proper design and code adherence. Some (not all) outbound links on this website, such as Amazon links, are affiliate-based where we receive a commission for orders placed elsewhere.
  • Blog
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    • SUBMIT AN IDEA
    • BACKFLOW DATABASE*
    • CLEAN AGENT ESTIMATOR
    • CLOUD CEILING CALCULATOR
    • DOMESTIC DEMAND
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    • FIRE PUMP DATABASE*
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    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
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