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Hydrants have different shapes and attributes to make water easily accessible for firefighting. Among these variations, double fire hydrants stand out. These hydrants offer two water outlet valves, making them suitable for high-demand fire situations. Commonly found in urban areas, double fire hydrants are critical for supporting fire trucks. They ensure effective water supply during emergencies.
Double fire hydrants come in several types, each designed to meet specific water system requirements and firefighting needs. The following are some of the most prevalent types:
Vertical double fire hydrants
In vertical double fire hydrants, the main water pipe line pressure causes the shut-off valve. With vertical hydrants, the opening and closing of the operating nut are in the vertical hydrant stems. Water then flows up into the barrel of the hydrant from the line. The barrel has a valve seat that holds the water until the valve is open; this is where the valve seat rotates.
The valve seats and other parts of these fire hydrants are made of bronze. This is to ensure service without the need of PVC glue or welding, which are known as maintenance-free hydrants. PVC glue and welding are known only at the point of service. The difference between the vertical double fire hydrant and regular vertical fire hydrants is that the operating nut at the barrel will be located in the on position instead of the off position.
Horizontal double fire hydrants
The horizontal hydrant is slightly different from the vertical one regarding the valve seat mechanism. In this type of hydrant, the water flows into the barrel from the side rather than the top. The opening and closing of the operating nut are in the horizontal double fire hydrant stems, thus residing over the valve seats situated on the line of the hydrant.
Post indicator double fire hydrants
People refer to post indicator double fire hydrants as PI hydrants for short. The main purpose of a post indicator fire hydrant is to allow for easy indication of the location and presence of an underground water supply line. Such fire hydrants have a valve mechanism similar to that of conventional fire hydrants.
PIs can be provided with two valves that let out water to allow firefighting vehicles to connect and draw off large volumes of water. But everyone has a hydrostatic bell inside the valve to prevent water from entering the valve even when the fire hydrant is not closed. PI hydrants are also designed in various colors and shapes to make them attractively functional.
Double-check fire hydrants
Double-check fire hydrants have the same function and features as the double fire hydrants in people's minds. A double-check fire hydrant is different from a standard double fire hydrant in that it contains two water outlet valves rather than just one. The double-check valve hydrant is made with two internal water outlet valve mechanisms similar to a double fire hydrant. This valve mechanism is responsible for closing the valve and preventing backflow.
Double action fire hydrants
These are fire hydrants that can also be used to pressure water and give the option to drain it at the same time. It features both inlet and outlet water passage conduits. This means that the water can be separated and dead ended with this kind of hydrant. Today, double action fire hydrants are still not widely available in the market, and many users still prefer external hypos.
To tackle urban infrastructure problems, many municipalities are committed to creating more resilient systems. This is even true for critical firefighting components like fire hydrants. Durable fire hydrants, including double fire hydrants, are pivotal in ensuring long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance. In turn, this protects property and preserves precious life.
The durability of double fire hydrants mostly depends on the materials used in their construction. Common materials include:
Ductile iron
This is one of the most widely used materials in the construction of double fire hydrants. People admire it because of its strength, ductility, and resistance to impact and corrosion. Ductile iron is much tougher than traditional cast iron. So, it doesn't easily shatter under high pressures. This makes it ideal for use in critical firefighting applications.
Brass and bronze alloys
Manufacturers use brass or bronze for constructing the internal components like nozzles, valves, and valve seats of double fire hydrants. These materials have a natural resistance to corrosion. Thus, helping reduce wear over time, especially in salt or chlorinated water environments. Bronze is stronger and more durable. Hence, it is more commonly used in higher-end double fire hydrant models.
Stainless steel
While stainless steel hydrants are less common, they are sometimes used in highly corrosive areas, such as near coastal regions or industrial sites. Stainless steel comes with long-term durability and resistance to rust and degradation. It also has superior strength compared to traditional materials.
Composite materials
Some modern hydrants are constructed with high-strength, lightweight composite materials. These materials are resistant to corrosion and UV degradation. Composite hydrants, which include double models, are especially beneficial in areas with high levels of moisture or salt exposure. This is because the composite material will ensure that there is no corrosion at all.
Ceramic and other hard metals
Ceramic seals are the most durable valve-sealing materials used today. People also combine these materials with harder metals like carbide or ceramic and ceramic composites. All these materials offer fire-fighting professionals the most resistant and durable equipment available on the market today. These valve seals can last decades without needing repair or replacement.
Municipalities and property owners value the reliability and quality of double fire hydrants to protect their investments, properties, and people from disastrous fires. Understanding the commercial value of these lifesaving devices to the general populace is necessary to appreciate the importance and role of fire codes requiring hydrant installation.
Preventing damage and minimizing loss
Double fire hydrants provide firefighting right where it's most needed. So, having reliable access to water means firefighters can quickly extinguish threats before they spread. Fires that go out of control threaten to destroy everything in their path. This includes homes, businesses, schools, cultural centers, and historical landmarks. Double fire hydrants help reduce fire damage. Hence, they safeguard properties, valuables, and local infrastructure. They are designed and built to last over the long haul, so these hydrants cost very little in maintenance or replacement.
Supporting firefighting resources
Double fire hydrants give firefighters twice the water flow. Hence, they make it easier for fire trucks to quickly connect and use the hydrant. In turn, this helps puts out fires faster and more effectively. Double fire hydrants are especially beneficial for high-rise buildings, industrial facilities, and densely populated urban areas. These are the areas where a huge quantity of water is needed to fight fire.
Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
Double fire hydrants are required by building codes and fire regulations for several properties and businesses to make them safe. People ensure they install enough working hydrants and maintain them. This keeps everyone safe and protects public health. This also avoids penalties and legal problems with the authorities.
Enhancing community resilience
Access to reliable firefighting resources like double fire hydrants makes a community safer and more able to recover from emergencies. All this contributes to a culture of prevention. This helps reduce fire risks, protects lives, and promotes public safety. Communities that invest in robust hydrant systems take care of their residents' health and well-being. They also boost economic growth by attracting businesses that value safety.
When choosing a double fire hydrant, one should think about where the hydrant is going to be placed. More importantly, what kind of water supply system pressures and flow rates it will need to withstand, as well as the prevailing environmental conditions.
Here are the factors to consider when buying double fire hydrants, especially in large quantities:
Water pressure and flow rate requirements
Different types of buildings and fire protection systems require various pressures and flow rates to operate adequately. Installers should ensure that the water pressure where the hydrant is going to be installed matches the hydrant specifications. They should also ensure that the required flow rate of the firefighters is sufficient for their firefighting needs.
Compliance with local regulations
Local fire codes and regulations usually prescribe the type and number of fire hydrants required in certain scenarios. One of these regulations is the minimum required pressure flow rates, water quality, and materials used to construct fire hydrants. People should ensure the double fire hydrant they select complies with these rules. It will help avoid potential legal problems down the road.
Safety features
Double fire hydrants have different safety features or lack them altogether. Some hydrants come with safety chains or covers to protect essential components from dirt, damage, or tampering. Other models also have colored-coded nozzles, outlet caps, and valves to indicate the mounted outlet cap valve's purpose and its valve's functionality.
Quality and durability
It is important to prioritize quality as this ensures the hydrants will last and remain effective during a firefighting emergency. This is especially when considering where the hydrant will be placed. For instance, if the hydrant is to be situated in a harsh environment such as near the coast, then materials that can withstand corrosion should be prioritized. The location of the hydrant will determine whether people should select composite, brass, or even stainless steel material.
Maintenance and ease of access
Details like what kind of maintenance the hydrant will need and how simple it will be to access for firefighters in an emergency are among the essential factors to consider. For instance, some hydrants are easier to operate and maintain than others.
The purpose of a double fire hydrant is to offer firefighters the water flow they need to attach two hoses and put out a fire. With two openings, double fire hydrants let more water through at once. This helps put out fires more quickly and safely where a lot of water is needed.
In places like cities with tall buildings or warehouses, double fire hydrants are better because they handle more water at once. Where big fires need lots of hoses and fast firefighting, two outlets are more helpful than one. That's why the rules often require double fire hydrants in busier areas.
A double-action fire hydrant is a type of fire hydrant that can both press water out and drain it at the same time. It has both inlet and outlet paths for the water to take inside. This allows the hydrant to separate the two water flows if needed. So, people can complete installation faster while still providing the good sealing and durability dual-action hydrants are known for.
Double-fire hydrants are especially useful during firefighting emergencies in crowded cities, industrial areas, or tall buildings. These places often need more fire-fighting power to get the job done quickly and safely. That's why fire codes usually require them in busier areas, where two hoses working together can put out dangerous fires much more efficiently.
