Hydraulic Systems Installation Course

Lesson 1 • Properties of Water in Systems

Covers density, viscosity, compressibility, and thermal expansion of water. These properties directly govern pipe sizing and material selection throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Pressure Concepts and Measurement

Defines static, dynamic, and residual pressure and their measurement methods. Understanding pressure types is prerequisite for all pipe network calculations.

Lesson 3 • Energy in Hydraulic Systems

Presents Bernoulli's equation and head loss concepts for real fluid systems. Learners use energy balances to evaluate pump requirements and system performance.

Lesson 4 • Flow Rate and Velocity Principles

Introduces volumetric flow rate, mean velocity, and the continuity equation. Learners apply these to predict flow behaviour at junctions and diameter changes.

Lesson 1 • Gaskets, Sealants, and Jointing Materials

Reviews thread sealants, solvent cements, compression gaskets, and press-fit rings. Correct jointing material prevents leaks and ensures long-term system integrity.

Lesson 2 • Pipe Dimensions and Standards

Explains nominal pipe size, outside diameter, wall thickness, and schedule ratings. Correct dimensional knowledge prevents mismatched connections and pressure failures.

Lesson 3 • Valves and Flow Control Devices

Covers gate, ball, globe, check, and pressure-reducing valves and their operational roles. Learners select valves based on isolation, throttling, and backflow prevention needs.

Lesson 4 • Pipe Material Types and Selection

Compares copper, galvanised steel, PVC, CPVC, PEX, and stainless steel pipes. Selection criteria include pressure rating, temperature range, and fluid compatibility.

Lesson 1 • Pipe Sizing for Cold Water Distribution

Applies fixture unit method and velocity limits to size mains and branches. Accurate sizing prevents pressure deficiency and excessive noise at fixtures.

Lesson 2 • Pressure Regulation and Boosting

Addresses pressure-reducing valves and booster pump systems for tall buildings. Learners determine when boosting is required and size equipment accordingly.

Lesson 3 • Water Storage and Rooftop Tanks

Covers gravity tank sizing, overflow protection, and float valve operation. Storage systems ensure supply continuity during peak demand or service interruptions.

Lesson 4 • Water Service Entry and Metering

Covers service line sizing, meter placement, and main shutoff valve requirements. Proper entry design protects the building from supply interruptions and contamination.

Lesson 1 • Expansion, Relief, and Safety Devices

Covers thermal expansion tanks, temperature-pressure relief valves, and drain pan requirements. These devices protect the system from overpressure and water damage.

Lesson 2 • Hot Water Demand and Temperature Requirements

Quantifies hot water demand by fixture type and occupancy category. Temperature targets balance scalding prevention with Legionella control across system zones.

Lesson 3 • Hot Water Pipe Sizing and Insulation

Sizes hot water supply pipes using fixture units and velocity criteria, then specifies insulation. Insulation thickness is selected to limit heat loss and condensation.

Lesson 4 • Recirculation System Design

Designs dedicated return loops and selects recirculation pumps to eliminate long wait times. Proper loop sizing and pump control reduce energy waste and water waste.

Lesson 1 • Cleanouts and Access Provisions

Specifies cleanout locations, spacing, and access requirements for maintenance. Adequate cleanout placement reduces blockage clearance time and property damage risk.

Lesson 2 • Drainage System Components and Terminology

Defines fixture drain, trap, branch drain, stack, and building drain roles. Component identification is foundational for reading drainage plans and applying sizing tables.

Lesson 3 • Fixture Units and Pipe Sizing

Applies drainage fixture unit values and slope-based capacity tables to size drains. Correct sizing prevents blockages and ensures self-cleansing velocity in all branches.

Lesson 4 • Slope, Grade, and Self-Cleansing Velocity

Establishes minimum and maximum slope requirements for horizontal drainage pipes. Learners calculate self-cleansing velocity to prevent solids deposition and blockage.

Lesson 1 • Vent Stack and Stack Vent Sizing

Sizes vent stacks and stack vents using fixture unit loads and developed length. Correct sizing ensures adequate airflow under peak drainage demand conditions.

Lesson 2 • Circuit and Loop Venting

Applies circuit and loop vent design for battery-type fixture installations. These configurations reduce vent pipe quantity while maintaining adequate trap protection.

Lesson 3 • Purpose and Principles of Venting

Explains how venting equalises air pressure to prevent trap siphonage and back-pressure. This principle underpins every vent sizing and routing decision in the chapter.

Lesson 4 • Roof Termination and Frost Protection

Specifies vent termination height, clearance from openings, and frost closure prevention. Proper termination prevents odour infiltration and vent blockage in cold climates.

Lesson 1 • Detention, Infiltration, and Reuse Options

Introduces on-site detention tanks, infiltration trenches, and rainwater harvesting systems. These strategies reduce peak discharge and support sustainable water management goals.

Lesson 2 • Roof Drain Types and Placement

Compares flat-roof drains, scuppers, and siphonic drain systems for different roof types. Drain placement prevents ponding and structural overload from accumulated water.

Lesson 3 • Rainfall Intensity and Design Flow

Uses local rainfall intensity data and roof area to calculate design stormwater flow rates. Accurate flow calculation is the basis for all downstream component sizing.

Lesson 4 • Interior Leader and Horizontal Storm Drain

Routes interior leaders and horizontal storm drains to the building storm drain. Sizing follows slope and capacity rules similar to sanitary drainage but with stormwater loads.

Lesson 1 • Commissioning and Balancing

Adjusts PRVs, balancing valves, and pump settings to achieve design flow at all outlets. Commissioning data is recorded and compared against design targets for sign-off.

Lesson 2 • Flushing, Disinfection, and Water Quality

Sequences flushing, chlorination, and sampling to certify potable water system safety. Disinfection protocols eliminate construction contamination before occupancy.

Lesson 3 • Pressure Testing Water Supply Systems

Applies hydrostatic and pneumatic test procedures to verify supply pipe integrity. Test pressure values, hold times, and acceptance criteria are established for each pipe material.

Lesson 4 • Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Establishes inspection schedules, maintenance tasks, and diagnostic methods for common faults. Learners develop maintenance plans that extend system life and prevent costly failures.