What type of flow is characterized by almost no turbulence within the line at low flows?

Laminar flow is characterized by the smooth, orderly movement of fluid with layers that slide past one another with minimal interference. In this type of flow, the velocity of the fluid is consistent across any given cross-section of a flow line, resulting in very low turbulence. This can often be seen at low flow rates, where the forces acting on the fluid lead to a stable, streamlined motion rather than chaotic mixing.

In the context of firefighting, understanding flow types is crucial for managing water supply during operations. When dealing with laminar flow, firefighters can anticipate certain behavior of the water, such as predictability in its path and pressure. This contrasts significantly with turbulent flows, where disturbances and irregularities cause varying velocities and eddies, making it harder to control or predict the flow's behavior.