Case Study 1

5 Yearly Hydrant Testing

Medium Rise Residential Building in Sydney, March 2014

AFT Fire performed the 5 yearly “Fire Brigade Hydrant Test” within a medium rise residential building in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Details of System and Testing

Testing – in accordance with AS1851 (2012), Table 4.4.4, items 4.2 & 4.3

Hydrant System Design:

Block plan not provided
Installation standard
Given the age of the building and system configuration we assumed:
- Ordinance 70 Spec. 10
- Required flow: 22 l/s @ 275kPa

Hydrant System Configuration:

Hydrant Boosters – Tank model booster, 0 x feed hydrants – town’s main supply
11 x internal attack hydrants
1 x electric booster pump at ground level
Most hydraulically remote hydrant – Level 9 Roof

Results from the Hydrostatic Pressure Test

Hydrostatic Pressure Test – FAILED

We attempted to pressurise the system to the required 1.5 times the working pressure – 975kPa

The test was aborted at a maximum of 650kPa. At this pressure the check valve on the booster assembly failed – water was then being pumped back into the town’s main. The stop valve onthe booster assembly also failed to close.

Results from the Booster Flow Testing

Booster Flow Test – PASSED

The system was flow tested via the booster assembly. The system achieved the required pressure and flow rates (same as the annual test) at the most hydraulically remote hydrant.

Resulting remedial works undertaken

Drafted and affixed
Hydrant System Block Plan
Pressure Gauge Schedule
Water Supply Valve List
System “Working, Test and Boost Pressure” signage
Replaced the failed check valve, stop valve and hydrant booster