To find out if the nozzle can deliver the required foam application rate, one must divide the nozzle gpm by what?

To determine whether the nozzle can achieve the required foam application rate, one must divide the nozzle's gallons per minute (gpm) output by the square footage of the area being treated. This calculation yields the application rate, which is expressed in gallons per minute per square foot (gpm/sq ft).

Using this formula helps ensure that there is enough foam being applied to effectively suppress the fire over the entire affected area. The square footage of the fire directly correlates to how much foam must be applied to cover and manage the fire adequately. If the nozzle’s gpm is divided by the square footage, it tells the operator whether the current setup can meet the required application rate for effective fire suppression.

Understanding this relationship is crucial as it equips operators with the knowledge to make informed decisions during a fire response, ensuring that foam is applied efficiently and effectively.