What device is used to measure the volume of water being discharged through a hose line?

A flow meter is specifically designed to measure the volume of water that is being discharged through a hose line. It operates by calculating the flow rate of water as it passes through the device, typically providing readings in gallons per minute (GPM) or liters per minute (LPM). This measurement is crucial for fire departments because knowing the flow rate allows operators to assess whether the water supply is sufficient for firefighting operations or if adjustments need to be made.

While pressure gauges are instrumental in measuring the pressure within hoses, which is important for understanding the force of water being delivered, they do not provide direct measurements of the water volume.

A Venturi meter, on the other hand, uses the principle of fluid dynamics to measure flow rates, but it is less commonly used in practical firefighting applications compared to standard flow meters.

A hydrant flow tester is a tool used to evaluate the flow available from a hydrant, but this device is typically employed in testing municipal water systems rather than providing ongoing measurements of water being discharged through a hose line during active firefighting.

Overall, the flow meter directly fulfills the need for accurate volume measurements in active fire suppression scenarios, making it the most suitable choice.