What device is used to find the flow pressure at a discharge opening?

The device used to find the flow pressure at a discharge opening is the Pitot tube and gauge. This instrument is specifically designed to measure the velocity of fluid flow, which is essential for determining the flow pressure in fire service applications.

When a Pitot tube is positioned in the flow of water, it captures the dynamic pressure of the fluid, which can be translated into flow pressure using the principles of fluid dynamics. The gauge connected to the Pitot tube then displays this pressure reading. This is critical in firefighting scenarios because understanding the flow pressure helps operators assess the effectiveness of the equipment being used and the range and pressure at which water is being discharged.

Other devices like a flow meter measure the actual flow rate of liquid but do not provide a direct measure of pressure. A pressure gauge measures static pressure in the system but does not account for dynamic pressure changes caused by fluid movement. Volumetric calculators may aid in calculating flow volumes but are not instruments used for measuring pressure directly at discharge openings. This specificity makes the Pitot tube and gauge the preferred choice for assessing flow pressure in firefighting operations.