Delta fire hose tester

[ssooss]

Hi everyone

we have delta fire hose tester there is a ¼ inch valve between the pump and manifold is this valve must be open or close while the testing running.

Thank you for all

[kuh shise]

When testing fire hose or any pressure vessel, safety is critical. Since water is not (generally) compressable, the necessary pressure can be transferred from the pump to the hose through a small opening (orfice). The air must be eliminated from the hose (pressure vessel) before testing, so a relatively high flow is needed to clear the air from the hose before pressurizing to prevent potential energy from being stored in the hose. (read compressed air) The larger valve to the manifold is used to flush the air from the hose. Then close the main valve and open the small 1/4" when conducting the test. A ruptured hose won't be whipped around when the flow is restricted to what can pass through a 1/4" valve, but since with zero flow through the valve the pump pressure passes through the small opening and applies pump pressure to the hose.
For fire departments testing with an engine, Drill and tap a hydrant gate valve for 1/4 - 20 pan head screw. use the screw to block the hole when using the gate normally, but for hose testing, remove the screw. Place the gate on the outlet of the engine. Open the gate to flush the air, and close the gate when making the pressure test. The 1/4" hole will pass the pressure, but prevent the hose from whipping if it bursts.

[ssooss]

KuhShise
thank you for your perfect answer

[neiowa]

Looked at a Neidner pressure tester at FDIC. Look to be well made and finished. All SS plumbing. They have a check valve (std is aluminum for large up charge brass) on each of the 6 connections. If one line ruptures it won't receive any stored energy from the others being tested. I don't think most testers have this though perhaps another area for corrosion/something to fail.