The Akron Brass Water Flow Test Kit, Style 9015, is a specialized instrument designed for accurately measuring water flow rates, primarily in fire department pumping apparatus and hydrant testing applications. This kit is essential for ensuring compliance with standards such as NFPA 1911 (Acceptance and Service Test of Fire Department Pumping Apparatus), NFPA 291 (Fire Flow Testing and Marking of Hydrants), and NFPA 1901 (Automotive Fire Apparatus).
Function Description:
The core function of the Water Flow Test Kit is to measure the pitot pressure of a water stream, which can then be correlated to a flow rate (GPM or LPM) using a provided discharge table. This measurement is crucial for evaluating the performance of fire pumps, determining the available water supply from hydrants, and ensuring that fire suppression systems meet required specifications. The kit achieves this by directing a water stream through a nozzle tip of a specific diameter and then using a pitot blade to measure the dynamic pressure within that stream.
Important Technical Specifications:
The kit includes a range of interchangeable nozzle tips, allowing for testing across various flow rates and pressure conditions. The available tip diameters (in both imperial and metric units) are:
- 3/4" / 19mm
- 15/16" / 23.8mm (not part of standard unit, U.L. Classified)
- 1" / 25mm (not part of standard unit, U.L. Classified)
- 1 1/8" / 28.5mm
- 1 1/4" / 31.8mm (not part of standard unit, U.L. Classified)
- 1 1/2" / 38.1mm
- 1 3/4" / 44.5mm
- 1 7/8" / 47.6mm (not part of standard unit, U.L. Classified)
- 2" / 50.8mm
- 2 1/4" / 57.2mm
The main body of the kit (Part Number 110283) connects to a 2 1/2" Inlet Swivel (NH) (Part Number 101420), which is designed to attach to hydrants or other fixed 2 1/2" discharge devices. For optimal results, a minimum 3-foot long straight, open 2 1/2" waterway should precede the test kit.
Pressure measurement is performed by a Pressure Gauge (PSI/kPa) (Part Number 7-18-183), connected via a Quick Connect - 1/4" Socket (Part Number 7-07-169) and Plug (Part Number 7-07-170). The pitot blade (Part Number 110087) is adjustable and can be rotated into and out of the stream position.
The kit is supplied with a carry case with liner (Part Number 7-07-311) and a laminated discharge table (Part Number 7-07-328) for quick reference of flow rates based on tip size and pressure readings.
Usage Features:
The operation of the Water Flow Test Kit involves several key steps:
- Criteria Determination: Users must first determine the testing criteria based on relevant NFPA or ISO publications.
- Connection: The kit's swivel inlet is connected to a hydrant or other 2 1/2" discharge device.
- Pitot Blade Positioning: The pitot blade is initially loosened and rotated out of the stream path.
- Tip Selection and Installation: A suitable nozzle tip is selected from the Discharge Table based on the expected flow. The tip is installed by unscrewing the lock ring, inserting the tip until the retaining ring is snug, and then screwing the lock ring clockwise until tight. A critical caution is provided: failure to replace the lock ring may allow the tip to blow out, causing damage or injury.
- Flow Measurement (Hydrant/Pumper):
- Hydrant: The hydrant is opened and flushed. The pitot blade is then rotated into the center of the stream, tightened, and the pressure reading is recorded.
- Pumper: After warm-up, the pump is brought to the desired speed, and throttling valves are adjusted to set the discharge pressure. The pitot blade is then rotated into the stream center, tightened, and the pressure reading is recorded.
- Intermittent Readings: For endurance tests or situations requiring continuous operation, the pitot blade can be rotated out of the stream between readings to minimize wear and damage.
- Flow Calculation: The flow rate is read directly from the laminated Discharge Table at the intersection of the tip size and the recorded pressure. The manual explicitly states not to apply additional hydrant coefficients, as the nozzle tip replaces the hydrant outlet as the orifice.
- Post-Use Drainage: After use, the bleeder valve is opened to drain any water from the pitot air chamber, which is particularly important in freezing conditions.
Precautions:
- Always mount the test kit nozzle securely; never attempt to use it "hand-held."
- Direct the stream towards a cleared space.
- After quick connection, give the pressure gauge a "tug" to ensure proper seating before pressurizing.
- Exercise caution around high-velocity water streams and moving parts.
- Check all hose and apparatus connections before pressurization.
- Never attempt to interchange tips with the stream running or pressurize a tip without the lock ring secured.
- Pitot blades are delicate and expensive. Always flush the hydrant or pumper before inserting the blade, and avoid dropping or stepping on them. Replacement may require factory recalibration.
Maintenance Features:
Maintenance requirements are dependent on usage conditions and service amount.
- Lubrication: Seals, bearing surfaces, and the swivel should be occasionally lubricated with light machine oil or spray lubricant.
- Gauge Check: The pitot gauge should be regularly checked against a test gauge for accuracy.
Repair:
The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common problems:
- Pitot blade or tip damaged: Replace the damaged component. Instructions and an alignment fixture are provided with replacement blades.
- Leak around lock ring: Replace the tip O-Ring (Part Number 7-57-239).
- Leak through bleeder valve: Replace the bleeder valve O-Ring (Part Number 7-57-052).
- No reading on pressure gauge: Check for obstructions in the Pitot Blade waterway. Clean the coupling and gauge stem. If the problem persists, replace the gauge.
The kit's design emphasizes durability and ease of use, with a comprehensive parts list including components like ball bearings (Part Number 109041, package of 50), set screws, retaining rings, and O-rings, ensuring that individual parts can be replaced as needed. The Pitot Blade Replacement Kit (P/N 110086) includes reusable alignment fixture (P/N 7-12-269) for precise installation.
Akron Brass Company, an ISO 9001 registered company, provides a five-year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship, with repair or replacement at their discretion. They disclaim responsibility for wear and tear, improper installation, use, maintenance, storage, negligence, modifications, damage, or failure to follow instructions.
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