Fire Line issues
Fire Line issues
(OP)
We have a 12" fire line from the city. It also has another input from the city on the other side of the plant from a different city main. The city has a flow meter attached to this main that begins right before a double back flow preventer and inserts right after the preventer. This meter is showing flow at a rate that fluctuates, but is about 15000 to 50000 gallons per month. It seems to show increased flow during the winter/spring time. Since this is a closed system we should not have any flow. We have hooked our ultra sonic flow meter to this line and are unable to get any flow to appear. We also have no signs of leaks any thoughts would be helpful. It may also be helpful to note that we are located in the midwest so we see season fluctuations in our temps.





RE: Fire Line issues
If the meter reading is not estimated, then the meter is faulty. Request that the utility recalibrate the meter.
Where deposits are expected in any flowmeter, the meter should be regularly inspected and cleaned as per the experience gained during the course of time. As these deposits affect the accuracy of the measurement, Vortex meter, Magnetic flowmeter, Ultrasonic flowmeter, may show erroneous reading in the presence of deposits. In an intermittent water supply the corrosion rate of the pipe increases due to chlorine and air. The formation of incrustation and subsequent descaling affect flowmeter working especially differential pressure type, turbine meters.
RE: Fire Line issues
RE: Fire Line issues
RE: Fire Line issues
this small amount of flow could also be explained by a small leak in your fire line which could easily go undetected and virtually undiscoverable (assuming the line is underground) without calling in Sherlock Holmes.
RE: Fire Line issues
Does the utility run routine pump tests that could cause such events?
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