Measuring Water Flow in Fire Hose: Challenges and Solutions

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and potential methods for measuring water flow in a fire hose, specifically through the concept of measuring the magnetic flux generated by the water flow. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications of such measurement techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, Warrick, proposes measuring the flux generated by water moving through a fire hose, questioning the feasibility and practicality of this method.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the proposed method and suggests using a flow meter instead, questioning the rationale behind Warrick's approach.
  • A third participant notes the expense and circuit interruption issues associated with flow meters, emphasizing that the discussion is more about the feasibility of Warrick's idea rather than finding the best solution.
  • A fourth participant acknowledges their lack of expertise in the area and suggests that specialists in fluid dynamics and instrumentation may provide better insights.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the feasibility of measuring water flow through magnetic flux, and there are competing views regarding the practicality of using flow meters versus exploring Warrick's proposed method.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the generation of magnetic fields by flowing water and the practicality of measuring such fields. There is also a lack of clarity on the specific conditions under which Warrick's idea could be implemented.

WarrickF
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Hi All,

A friend and I were recently considering the idea of measuring water flow in a fire hose, buy measuring the flux generated by the water moving through the hose. Neither of us are scientific by any means, but I've been trying to research the idea and have not gotten very far.

I understand that water is a diamagnetic substance and that it can be effected by an external magnetic field, but what I don't fully understand is if \ how any flux is generated when the water flows through something like a hose.

If there is such a field generated, how practical is it to measure it?

Thanks
Warrick
 
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I'm not sure about how, or even if, what you have in mind is possible. Is there any particular reason for not just inserting a flow meter into the circuit?
 
Flow meters are pretty expensive and require you to break the circuit if it's not pre-connected. This is more about, can it be done than a, is it the best solution question.
 
Ah... gotcha. Out of my league. There are specialists in fluid dynamics, instrumentation, and electronics who will be able to help you out. Sorry that I can't.
 

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