Presented by

K.Subramani

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Fire Pumps

A fire pump is designed to increase water pressure. The pump intake and

discharge piping must be capable of flowing the required volume to which

the pump will add the needed pressure for fire protection. The pump can

be started manually, but is usually arranged to start automatically upon a

drop in system pressure or the activation of a fire suppression system.

“FIRE PUMP IS THE HEART OF THE FIRE

PROTECTION SYSTEM”

Introduction of Fire Pump

• NFPA 20 Installation of Stationary Pumps

• NFPA 25 Inspection, Testing & Maintenance of Water Base Fire

Protection System, Chapter 8

• UAE Fire & Life Safety Code of Practice

• FM Global (Factory Mutual)

Standards

• End Suction Pumps

• Vertical In-line

• Horizontal Split Case

• Vertical Multi Stage

• Vertical Turbine

Type of Fire Pumps

End Suction Pumps

Vertical In-line Pump

Horizontal Split Case

Vertical Multi Stage Pump

Vertical Turbine Pump

Approvals

• Driven Type : Electrical Motor / Diesel Engine

• Flow Range (GPM)

• Head pressure (ft)

• Horse power (HP)

• Revolution Per Minute (RPM)

Pump Specification

Data Plate

• Pump shaft coupling

• Automatic air release valve

• Pressure gauges

• Circulation relief valve (Electrical Driven Pump)

• Pump relief valve (Diesel Engine Driven pump)

• Alarm sensors and indicators

• Right-angle gear sets (for engine-driven vertical shaft turbine pumps)

• Jockey pump and accessories

Pump accessories

The automatic air relief valve removes the air that may become trapped

inside the pump casing. On some old installations, the air release valve

may be manually operated. An air release valve mounted on top of the

fire pump casing.

Automatic air release valve

“Air in a pressurized pipeline is a serious concern.

Obviously, its removal will result in a more

efficient, cost effective operation and potentially

avoid more serious problems.”

• The circulation relief valve is designed to open and discharge a small amount of water when the pump is running at churn. The valve should be 3/4 in. (19 mm) for pump capacities up to 2500 gpm (9462 L/min) and 1 in. (25 mm) for larger pumps. This valve prevents the pump casing from overheating and damaging the impeller, packings, and bearings during extended periods of running at churn. When the fire pump is operating while discharging water through the fire protection system, the circulation relief valve is not needed for cooling and should close. The circulation relief valve is usually spring-operated and can fail with the slightest bit of obstructing material in the valve and or corrosion enters the valve.

• The circulation relief valve should be set to open at the pump rated pressure.

• Discharge from this valve should be piped to a drain or to the outdoors, and the discharge should be observed during the weekly test of the fire pump.

Circulation relief valve

NFPA 20 is very clear that a pressure relief valve

is only needed when a diesel engine fire pump is

installed and where a total of 121 percent of the

net rated shutoff (churn) pressure plus the

maximum static suction pressure, adjusted for

elevation, exceeds the pressure for which the

system components are rated. Pressure relief

valves are also required for variable-speed drive

fire pumps. Pressure relief valves should never

be used on electric drive (constant speed) fire

pumps.

Pump Relief Valve

Jockey pump is a low-flow, high-pressure pump It is designed to maintain

a constant pressure on the system, accounting for minor pressure

fluctuations.

NFPA 20 suggests that the jockey pump be sized 1% of pump flow at 10

psi over pump rated pressure.

Jockey Pump

• Electrical Driven Pump

• Diesel Driven Pump

• Note: The pump driver shall not overload

beyond its rating (including any service factor

allowance) when delivering the necessary

brake horsepower.

Type of Driver

• Automatic and manual controllers for applying

the energy source to the driver shall be

capable of providing this operation for the

type of pump used.

Controller

Packing gland is used to seal water leakage

around shaft and when the pump is not in

operation minimum one drop of water per

second is required for gland lubrication and a

steady trickle of water is needed to keep gland in

cool condition when the pump is operating and

adjustment should also be done if required.

Packing Gland

The mechanical seal has two parts one is Rotary

and another is fixed. This is fix in the pump shaft,

acts as a check valve and a slider bearing. Its is

designed to prevent liquid under pressure from

leaking out of the pump, or from drawing air into

the pump when under vacuum conditions.

Mechanical Seal

Churn:

The pump is operating with no flow.

Rated capacity:

The pump is discharging water at the specified pressure.

Overload:

The pump is discharging water at a rate of 150 percent of

rated flow at a pressure of 65 percent of rated pressure.

The fire pump system, when started by pressure drop, should be arranged as follows (NFPA minimum Requirement):

1. The jockey pump stop point should equal the pump churn pressure plus the minimumstatic supply pressure.

2. The jockey pump start point should be at least 10 psi (0.68 bar) less than the jockey pumpstop point.

3. The fire pump start point should be 5 psi (0.34 bar) less than the jockey pump start point.Use 10 psi (0.68 bar) increments for each additional pump.

4. Where minimum run timers are provided, the pump will continue to operate after attainingthese pressures.

The final pressures should not exceed the pressure rating of the system.

Fire Pump Setting

The purpose of inspection, Testing & Maintenance

shall be to verify that the pump assembly appears

to be in operating condition and is free from

physical

Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

8.2 Inspection.

(1) P ump house conditions:(a) Heat is adequate, not less than 4.4°C (40°F) [21°C (70°F) for pump room with diesel pumps without engine heaters].(b) Ventilating louvers are free to operate.(2) P ump system conditions:(a) Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open.(b) Piping is free of leaks.(c) Suction line pressure gauge reading is normal.(d) System line pressure gauge reading is normal.(e) Suction reservoir is full.(f) Wet pit suction screens are unobstructed and in place.(3) Electrical system conditions:(a) Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.(b) Transfer switch normal pilot light is illuminated.(c) Isolating switch is closed — standby (emergency) source.(d) Reverse phase alarm pilot light is off or normal phase rotation pilot light is on.(e) Oil level in vertical motor sight glass is normal.

Weekly

(4) Diesel engine system conditions:

(a) Fuel tank is two-thirds full.

(b) Controller selector switch is in auto position.

(c) Batteries’ (2) voltage readings are normal.

(d) Batteries’ (2) charging current readings are normal.

e) Batteries’ (2) pilot lights are on or battery failure (2) pilot lights are off.

(f) All alarm pilot lights are off.

(g) Engine running time meter is reading.

(h) Oil level in right angle gear drive is normal.

(i) Crankcase oil level is normal.

(j) Cooling water level is normal.

(k) Electrolyte level in batteries is normal.

(l) Battery terminals are free from corrosion.

(m) Water-jacket heater is operating.

Weekly Inspection

8.3.1 A weekly test of fire pump assemblies shall be conducted without flowing water.

8.3.1.1 This test shall be conducted by starting the pump automatically.

8.3.1.2 The electric pump shall run a minimum of 10 minutes.(Monthly)

When a pump is started, a great deal of heat is generated from the energy needed to bring the

pump up to speed. Paragraph 8.3.1.2 requires that the electric motor be run for 10 minutes so the motor windings

can cool down after starting across the line. Another reason for the 10 minute requirement is that it allows time to

check the pump packing and bearings to determine if they are overheating or leaking excessively.

8.3.1.3 The diesel pump shall run a minimum of 30 minutes.

A diesel fire pump be operated for 30 minutes. This requirement is intended to allow the pump and driver to reach operating

temperature and will reveal any overheating problems. The 30 minute operating time is also intended to consume fuel to

prevent the fuel from stagnating and to prevent wet stacking in the exhaust system.

8.3.1.4 A valve installed to open as a safety feature shall be permitted to discharge water.

8.3.1.5 The automatic weekly test timer shall be permitted to be substituted for the starting procedure.

8.3* Testing

8.3.2 Weekly Tests.

8.3.2.1* Qualified operating personnel shall be in attendance during the weekly pump operation.

8.3.2.2 The pertinent visual observations or adjustments specified in the following checklists shall be

conducted while the pump is running:

(1) Pump system procedure:

(a) Record the system suction and discharge pressure gauge readings

(b) Check the pump packing glands for slight discharge

(c) Adjust gland nuts if necessary

(d) Check for unusual noise or vibration

(e) Check packing boxes, bearings, or pump casing for overheating

(f) Record the pump starting pressure

(2) Electrical system procedure: (Monthly)

(a) Observe the time for motor to accelerate to full speed

(b) Record the time controller is on first step (for reduced voltage or reduced current starting)

(c) Record the time pump runs after starting (for automatic stop controllers)

(3) Diesel engine system procedure:

(a) Observe the time for engine to crank

(b) Observe the time for engine to reach running speed

(c) Observe the engine oil pressure gauge, speed indicator, water, and oil temperature indicators

periodically while engine is running

(d) Record any abnormalities

(e) Check the heat exchanger for cooling water flow

8.3.3.1 An annual test of each pump assembly shall be conducted under minimum, rated, and peak flows of the fire pump by controlling the quantity of water discharged through approved test devices.8.3.3.1.1* If available suction supplies do not allow flowing of 150 percent of the rated pump capacity, the fire pump shall be permitted to operate at maximum allowable discharge.8.3.3.1.2* This test shall be conducted as described in 8.3.3.1.2.1, 8.3.3.1.2.2, or 8.3.3.1.2.3.8.3.3.1.2.1 Use of the Pump Discharge Via the Hose Streams. Pump suction and discharge pressures and the flow measurements of each hose stream shall determine the total pump output. Care shall be taken to prevent water damage by verifying there is adequate drainage for the high-pressure water discharge from hoses.8.3.3.1.2.2 Use of the Pump Discharge Via the Bypass Flowmeter to Drain or Suction the Reservoir. Pump suction and discharge pressures and the flowmeter measurements shall determine the total pump output.8.3.3.1.2.3 Use of the Pump Discharge Via the Bypass Flowmeter to Pump Suction (Closed-Loop Metering). Pump suction and discharge pressures and the flowmeter measurements shall determine the total pump output.8.3.3.1.3 Where the annual test is conducted periodically in accordance with 8.3.3.1.2.3, a test shall be conducted every 3 years in accordance with 8.3.3.1.2.1 or 8.3.3.1.2.2 in lieu of the method described in 8.3.3.1.2.3.

8.3.3 Annual Tests

8.3.3.1.4 Where 8.3.3.1.2.2 or 8.3.3.1.2.3 is used, the flow meter shall be adjusted immediately prior to conducting the test in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the test results are not consistent with the previous annual test, 8.3.3.1.2.1 shall be used. If testing in accordance with 8.3.3.1.2.1 is not possible, a flowmeter calibration shall be performed and the test shall be repeated.8.3.3.2 The pertinent visual observations, measurements, and adjustments specified in the following checklists shall be conducted annuallywhile the pump is running and flowing water under the specified output condition:(1) At no-flow condition (churn):(a) Check the circulation relief valve for operation to discharge water(b) Check the pressure relief valve (if installed) for proper operation(c) Continue the test for ½ hour(2) At each flow condition:(a) Record the electric motor voltage and current (all lines)(b) Record the pump speed in rpm(c) Record the simultaneous (approximately) readings of pump suction and discharge pressures and pump discharge flow8.3.3.3* For installations having a pressure relief valve, the operation of the relief valve shall be closely observed during each flow condition to determine if the pump discharge pressure exceeds the normal operating pressure of the system components.8.3.3.3.1 The pressure relief valve shall also be observed during each flow condition to determine if the pressure relief valve closes at the proper pressure.

8.3.3.3.2 A pressure relief valve that is open during a flow condition will affect test results.

8.3.3.3.3 The pressure relief valve shall be closed during flow conditions if necessary to achieve

minimum rated characteristics for the pump and reset to normal position at the conclusion of the

pump test.

8.3.3.4 For installations having an automatic transfer switch, the following test shall be performed to

ensure that the overcurrent protective devices (i.e., fuses or circuit breakers) do not open:

(1) Simulate a power failure condition while the pump is operating at peak load

(2) Verify that the transfer switch transfers power to the alternate power source

(3) Verify that the pump continues to perform at peak load

(4) Remove the power failure condition and verify that after a time delay, the pump is reconnected to

the normal power source

8.3.5.5 Current and voltage readings whose product does not exceed the product of the rated voltage

and rated full-load current multiplied by the permitted motor service factor shall be considered

acceptable. Voltage readings at the motor within 5 percent below or 10 percent above threated (i.e.,

nameplate) voltage shall be considered acceptable.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

400

0 750 1125

NE

T P

RE

SS

UR

E (

PS

I)

FLOW (GPM)

PERFORMANCE CURVE

Actual Pressure

Rated Pressure

Characteristic Curve

A copy of the manufacturer’s certified pump

test characteristic curve shall be available

for comparison of the results of the field

acceptance test. [NFPA 20-10: 14.2.4.1]

The fire pump as installed shall equal the

performance as indicated on the

manufacturer’s certified shop test

characteristic curve within the accuracy

limits of the test equipment. [NFPA 20-10:

14.2.4.2]

The fire pump shall perform at minimum,

rated, and peak loads without objectionable

overheating of any component. [NFPA 20-

10: 14.2.5.2.1]

8.4 Reports.

8.4.1 Any abnormality observed during inspection or testing shall be reported promptly to the person responsible for correcting the abnormality.

8.4.2* Test results shall be recorded and retained for comparison purposes in accordance with Section 4.3.

8.4.2.1 All time delay intervals associated with the pump’s starting, stopping, and energy source transfer shall be recorded.

8.5 Maintenance.

8.5.1* A preventive maintenance program shall be established on all components of the pump assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s

recommendations.

8.5.2 Records shall be maintained on all work performed on the pump, driver, controller, and auxiliary equipment.

8.5.3 In the absence of manufacturer’s recommendations for preventive maintenance,

All rotating machines, pumps included, vibrate to some extent due to various reasons, the most

common of which are typically the following:

• Improper installation at site

• Improper balancing of pump rotor

• Excessively turbulent fluid flow

• Pressure fluctuations

• Cavitation or internal recirculation in pumps

• Normal pump wear after prolonged operation.

Pump Vibration

Pump Vibration Level

Misalignment will affect the Pump performance and damage the pump.

ACCEPTABLE PUMP ALIGNMENT TOLERANCES

RPM 1800 RPM 3600 RPM

Parallel alignment 0.002“ 0.004"

Angular 0.004“ 0.006"

Alignment

• Cooling System filled with premixed water and coolant conditioner.

• Batteries serviced and charged 24 hours connected to the engine

• Only distilled water shall be used.

• Electrolyte shall be added to the batteries a minimum of 24 hours prior to the time the engine has to be started.

• Battery plates shall be kept submerged at all times.

• The fuel storage tanks shall be kept as full as practical at all times, but never below 66% of tank capacity. A fuel level indicator shall be provided to activate at the 2/3rds tank level.

• The fire pump shall be started and brought up to rated speed without interruption within 20 seconds.

• Rain cap on outlet if necessary; tight connections.

• Fire diesel engine pump exhaust system need to fix gravity louvers to avoid any damages as there is chance of water entry to engine through exhaust system and also any hard particle may go through.

• Engines shall be regulated to have no more the 10% speed difference between shutoff and maximum load.

• Engines shall be provided with an overspeed shutdown at 20% above rated engine speed with a manual reset. (Only overspeed shutdown or a signal from the diesel controller will shut down an engine.)

Diesel Engine Observation

Questions and Answer

KEEP REMEMBER

“FIRE PUMP IS THE HEART OF THE FIRE

PROTECTION SYSTEM”

Thank you