Fire Hydrants, pressure and velocity

In summary, three fire hoses are connected to a fire hydrant. Each hose has a radius of 0.020 m. Water enters the hydrant through an underground pipe of radius 0.080 m. In this pipe the water has a speed of 3.0 m/s.
  • #1
vaxop
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Three fire hoses are connected to a fire hydrant. Each hose has a radius of 0.020 m. Water enters the hydrant through an underground pipe of radius 0.080 m. In this pipe the water has a speed of 3.0 m/s. (a) How many kilograms of water are poured onto a fire in one hour? (b) Find the water speed in each hose.

Anyone know how to do this ?

I get a strange answer and I am pretty sure its wrong.. probably because I don't know how to factor in the >3< hoses :(
 
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  • #2
vaxop said:
Three fire hoses are connected to a fire hydrant. Each hose has a radius of 0.020 m. Water enters the hydrant through an underground pipe of radius 0.080 m. In this pipe the water has a speed of 3.0 m/s. (a) How many kilograms of water are poured onto a fire in one hour? (b) Find the water speed in each hose.

Anyone know how to do this ?
Hint: you know that the volume of water coming into the hydrant has to be the volume of water leaving the hydrant.

Try Bernouilli's equation:

[tex]P_{hydrant} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_{hydrant}^2 = P_{hose} + \frac{1}{2}\rho v_{hose}^2[/tex]

and see what you get.

AM
 
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  • #3
?bernouilli's equation?

the rate of water flow = [itex] \rho v A [/itex]
use this equation for your part a and b...

ANDREW MASON said:
Try Bernouilli's equation:
and see what you get.

PS. if you try bernouilli's equation, you will get a mess.
 
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  • #4
As vincentchan implied, pressure is irrelevant. The volume of water exiting the hose, in one second, must be equal to the volume of water entering the hydrant, in one second. The weight of that water is just the volume times the density of water. The volume entering or exiting in one second is just the speed (in m/s) times the cross section area of the hose (in m2).
 
  • #5
vincentchan said:
?bernouilli's equation?

the rate of water flow = [itex] \rho v A [/itex]
use this equation for your part a and b...



PS. if you try bernouilli's equation, you will get a mess.
You get the hydrant pressure after you work out the velocity (which you get after taking my hint) - assuming it exits horizontally.

AM
 

FAQ: Fire Hydrants, pressure and velocity

What is the purpose of a fire hydrant?

A fire hydrant is a crucial component of a city's fire protection system. Its main purpose is to provide a readily available source of water for firefighters to use in case of a fire emergency.

How does a fire hydrant maintain pressure?

A fire hydrant maintains pressure through a series of valves and pipes. The main valve located underground is connected to a water main, which continuously supplies water to the hydrant. The hydrant also has a control valve that can be opened or closed to regulate the flow of water.

What factors affect the pressure and velocity of water from a fire hydrant?

The pressure and velocity of water from a fire hydrant can be affected by several factors, including the water source's distance from the hydrant, the size and length of the pipes, and the number of hydrants in the area. The elevation and topography of the area can also impact pressure and velocity.

How is the pressure and velocity of a fire hydrant measured?

The pressure and velocity of a fire hydrant can be measured using specialized equipment, such as a pitot gauge or a pressure gauge. These tools are attached to the fire hydrant and measure the force and speed of the water as it flows out of the hydrant.

What is the recommended pressure and velocity for a fire hydrant?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends a minimum pressure of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) and a minimum velocity of 500 gallons per minute (gpm) for a fire hydrant. However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the location and regulations set by local authorities.

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