Why Use Flowmeters?
Fire & Rescue Services Under Pressure - Time to go with the Flow?
This page has a selection of discussion papers for Fire & Rescue Services to consider the use of Flowmeters to produce more effective and efficient outcomes and improve Fire-fighter safety
" ...The fitting of flow meters to delivery and input sides of pumping appliances provides a cost-effective solution to water management on the fireground..."
"... The primary driver for this work was the safety of firefighters and to ease the operation of the pump ... there were also some considerable environmental benefits from developing flow into and out of the fire appliances..."
"...flow meters are helping us to reduce our carbon footprint and put out fires more efficiently..."
Go to the "Why Use Flowmeters" Page for more information
The Martin Arrowsmith papers
Fire fighter Arrowsmith has 25 years experience with Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and has published several papers on the importance of flow and having the appropriate fire fighting equipment and training when tackling fires. In recognition of his services to the National Fire Service, Martin has recently been co-opted onto a National Committee.
TSI Flowmeters Ltd are making these papers available on its web site with a view to stimulating discussion. The views expressed in these papers are entirely those of Fire Fighter Arrowsmith and are in no way expressly or implied the opinions of TSI Flowmeters Ltd.
Download the Arrowsmith papers from the followoing links:
Fireside Briefing Paper
Firefighting in High Rise Buildings Paper
Flow Rates Paper
Foam Equipment and Hand Controlled Braches
Go With The Flow Paper
High Rise and Branches Report
Hosereel Branch Report
Pump Flow Test Charts
Pump Chart 7
Pump Chart 8
Why do TSI Flowmeters use electromagnetic sensor technology in their fire service flow meters?
Electromagnetic flow meter sensors have no mechanical moving parts in the water stream, thereby making it a very robust sensing technology. There are no moving parts that can be damaged by stones, plastic or other debris in the water stream.
How often do the flow meters need to be calibrated?
Electromagnetic sensors have excellent repeatability and hold their calibration for extended periods of time. We recommend annual calibration.
How do electromagnetic flow meters work?
The water flow meter used in all TSI Flowmeters Ltd products is an electromagnetic type. Its principle of operation is as follows. Magnetic coils are placed at the top and bottom of the pipe setting up a magnetic field that is perpendicular to the direction of flow of the water. Water is conductive and the flowing water breaking the magnetic field generates a small electromotive voltage, perpendicular to the axis of the magnetic field and the flowing water. Please refer to the figure below:
If the flow velocity is V [cm/s], the magnetic flux density is B [Gauss], and the pipe diameter is D [cm] then the induced electromotive voltage, E, will be E = BVD * 10-8 [volts]. The induced voltage is directly proportional to the flow velocity as long as the pipe diameter and the magnetic flux are constant. Therefore, by measuring the electromotive voltage, we can measure the flow rate of the water.