With the same size hose, friction loss varies with what factor?

Friction loss in a hose is impacted significantly by the velocity of the water flowing through it. As the velocity increases, the friction loss increases as well, and the key relationship is that this loss varies with the square of the velocity. This means that if you double the velocity of the water, the friction loss doesn't just double; it increases by a factor of four because it is proportional to the square of the velocity. This principle is vital for pump operators to understand when calculating pressures and flow rates in fire suppression efforts, as it helps in optimizing the use of available resources and ensuring effective fire fighting strategies.

While flow rate can influence friction loss, the more precise relationship is with velocity, as flow rate encompasses both the volume and the speed of water. Hose length does affect friction loss in a linear manner, meaning longer hoses will have greater friction loss, but this does not account for the increase in loss due to velocity. Temperature might influence the viscosity of the water slightly, but it does not have the same direct impact on friction loss in this context. Thus, the correct understanding of how friction loss varies with the square of the velocity is crucial for effective fire service operations.