Home
Back
Power Zone Friction Loss Formula:
| From: | To: |
Power Zone Friction Loss refers to the pressure loss that occurs in fire hoses due to the friction between the water and the hose interior. This calculation is essential for firefighters to determine the correct pump pressure needed to deliver adequate water flow at the nozzle.
The calculator uses the Power Zone Friction Loss formula:
Where:
Explanation: The equation shows that friction loss increases with the square of the flow rate and is directly proportional to both the coefficient and hose length.
Details: Accurate friction loss calculation is crucial for firefighting operations to ensure proper water pressure at the nozzle, effective fire suppression, and firefighter safety.
Tips: Enter the coefficient value based on your hose type, flow rate in gpm divided by 100, and hose length in feet divided by 100. All values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What are typical coefficient values for different hoses?
A: Common coefficients are: 1¾" hose: 15.5, 2½" hose: 2.0, 3" hose: 0.8, and 4" hose: 0.2.
Q2: Why is flow rate divided by 100 in the formula?
A: Dividing by 100 simplifies the calculation and makes the numbers more manageable, as flow rates in firefighting often range in the hundreds of gallons per minute.
Q3: How does hose length affect friction loss?
A: Friction loss increases directly with hose length - double the length means double the friction loss, assuming the same flow rate.
Q4: What is considered acceptable friction loss?
A: Acceptable friction loss depends on the specific firefighting operation, but typically should not exceed 100 psi for standard attack lines to maintain effective nozzle pressure.
Q5: Does hose age affect the coefficient value?
A: Yes, older hoses may have higher coefficients due to interior wear, corrosion, or debris accumulation, which increases friction loss.