What is the typical effect of friction loss on static pressure during a flow operation?

Friction loss refers to the reduction in pressure that occurs when water flows through hoses, pipes, and fittings due to the resistance created by the surfaces of these components. During flow operations, as water moves through a system, it encounters friction, which inherently causes a drop in pressure. This drop, or loss, means that the static pressure, which is the pressure measured when water is not in motion, is reduced whenever fluid is being moved through a system.

When water is flowing, the friction against the internal surfaces of hoses or pipes consumes energy, which results in a decrease in the available pressure that can be used to propel water from a discharge point. Consequently, the overall static pressure available for use in operations such as firefighting or hydration systems will lower.

Understanding the impact of friction loss is crucial for operators to accurately calculate the pressure requirements for effective water delivery during an operation. Properly managing and accounting for friction loss will help ensure that sufficient pressure is available at the discharge point, which is vital for achieving operational goals in various water supply scenarios.