A hose coupling is defined as the connector between two hoses. The coupling is a connector attached to one end of the hose allowing it to connect with another hose or any hose appliance or with the tap. Fire fighters prefer fire hose coupling so that they can easily connect to several hoses together to reach out to the inaccessible areas of a high-rise where a fire has broken. It makes the job of a fire fighter easy as they can pump out water to unreachable heights and prevent further damage.
There are a few testing procedures to be carried out in order to ensure that the hose is working fine and the couplings do not give way to breakage or damage at the nick hour. The following discussion gives you details about the guidelines to be followed for general operation of coupling fire hose.
The Testing Procedures for Coupling Fire Hose
- The hose to be tested should not be less than 300 feet in length. When testing the hose, it should be laid down in a linear way to ensure and check every part of it. There should be a comprehensive testing process of pre-connects, hose rolls and bundles, supply beds and so on. It is important to pre-inspect the hoses before testing. Besides, it should be verified if the couplings do not have any type of damages or slipping. Also, the gaskets should be thoroughly checked for damages or to check is any parts are missing. Also, the outer jacket will be inspected for any type of damage. However, if any damages are found; the hose will be rejected and will be marked out of service.
- When the hoses are service-tested, each one of them will be scrutinized elaborately and will be checked before the testing session. In case of any kind of damages, the testing machine that is being used will not be used any further unless the damages are rectified.
- Most importantly, a pressure leak test will be conducted so as to determine any kind of pressurized outlet and related components in the machine. This helps to verify any kind of leaks. The outlet connections should be kept closed or capped. Besides, an integral pump should be used to create pressure through the machine that proves to be 10% higher than maximum service test pressure required for the hose to be tested.
- It is important to check if the test gauge applied for reading the test pressure should be calibrated within the last year. Once the hose layout is filled with water, all the air occupying the inside of each hose should be exhausted by keeping the discharge end raised above the highest point. Once the test cap valve is closed the outlet water valve is also closed.
- When the hose is at 45 PSI, it will be thoroughly checked for any kind of leakage at the end of every coupling and if the couplings are properly tightened with a spanner wrench. Once the test is conducted, each hose will be verified and marked at the end of every coupling, once the hose is drained out. The idea is to check if there is any slipping.
- During the manufacturing process, each hose is assigned an identification number. A tester finds out if the numbering is in position and if the numbers are used accordingly. In case, there is assignment of number, then a specific number will be assigned to each length of hose. Further testing methods are followed, thereafter. Once, the hoses are inspected and given an identification number they are packed and sent to the hose department.
The testing process is elaborate out of which a glimpse of the testing methods have been provided as above. Moreover, if you want to know more about the general operation of coupling fire hose then visit here.
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