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AMERICAN Flow Control

  • Municipal and Industrial
The AMERICAN Flow Control® product offering includes the iconic American-Darling® and Waterous® brands of fire hydrants for municipal and industrial fire protection applications, gate valves 2”- 66” in diameter, check valves, indicator posts, tapping sleeves, hydrant security, remote pressure monitoring technology and more.

AMERICAN FLOW CONTROL

Municipal and Industrial Products

Firefighting systems were first organized in ancient times, but modern municipal fire departments in the United States represent a relatively recent development. Small “mutual” fire societies were formed in colonial America along with volunteer fire companies – the first of which was established by Benjamin Franklin in 1736 in Philadelphia.

Over time, professional fire departments evolved and became the preferred means of protection in urban areas. But it wasn’t until 1853 that Cincinnati became the first city in the United States with a fully paid fire department. The model for today’s municipal fire department – skilled, highly trained professionals – was established in urban areas by the late 1800s. Today, there are approximately 300,000 professional firefighters in the United States, most of whom serve in larger cities. Approximately 800,000 volunteer firefighters serve populations of less than 25,000.

AMERICAN has a notable role in the fire protection industry. Waterous Company, an AMERICAN subsidiary founded in 1886, manufactured the first gasoline-engine pumpers in 1898. Waterous now supplies fire pumps and suppression equipment to fire departments around the world. Waterous also manufactures the Pacer and Trend fire hydrants, as well as assortment of waterworks and fire protection valves, including the AFC Series 2500 gate valve through 30-inches in diameter. The AMERICAN Valve and Hydrant subsidiary manufactures the American-Darling B-84-B, B-62-B and Mark 73 brand of fire hydrants, indicator posts, check valves, tapping sleeves, as well as the AFC Series 2500 gate valve through 66-inches in diameter.  The history of AMERICAN Valve and Hydrant dates back to the Darling Pump & Manufacturing Company, which was founded in 1888.  Both AMERICAN subsidiaries produce UL Listed and FM Approved product in applicable configurations.  

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