Where are butterfly valves typically located in a firefighting setup?

Butterfly valves are commonly used in firefighting setups due to their effectiveness in controlling the flow of water in large diameter piping systems. They are typically located at the larger pump intake connections because these connections require a reliable and efficient way to manage water flow to and from the pump.

The design of butterfly valves allows for quick operation, ensuring that firefighters can rapidly adjust water flow based on the needs of the situation. They provide a tight seal and are capable of handling high pressures found in firefighting contexts, making them ideal for controlling the water supply from either a static water source, like a tank, or dynamic sources, such as hydrants.

In contrast, the other locations mentioned do not typically incorporate butterfly valves. For instance, fire hose reels are designed for quick deployment of smaller hose lines and do not require the same kind of valve mechanism as the larger pump intake connections. Similarly, fire hydrants and fire station water tanks would use different types of valves that are more suited for their specific functions, such as gate valves or check valves, which do not operate in the same manner as butterfly valves.