HALE AP, Technical Manual

Page: 33 / 177

21
DO NOT RUN THE PRIMER FOR MORE THAN 45 SECONDS IF PRIME IS NOT
ACHIEVED. IF PRIME IS NOT ACHIEVED IN 45 SECONDS, STOP AND LOOK FOR CAUS-
ES (AIR LEAKS OR BLOCKED SUCTION HOSE). RUNNING THE PRIMER FOR LONGER
PERIODS WITHOUT ACHIEVING PRIME MAY RESULT IN PRIMER AND/OR PUMP DAM-
AGE OR FAILURE.
NOTE
NFPA 1901 recommends: The time required to prime the pump if the rated capacity
is 1250 gpm or less shall not exceed 30 seconds. If the rated capacity is 1500 gpm
or more, the time to prime the pump shall not exceed 45 seconds.
D. Run primer pump and observe vacuum/compound needle as follows.
When 22 (± 2) inHg (-0.745 bar) of vacuum is obtained, stop pri- 1.
mer/vacuum pump.
Pump under test shall maintain this vacuum. 2.
a) For at least 15 seconds.
b) And NOT drop more than 2 inHg (0.07 bar) in 1 minute.
c) And NOT drop more than 10 inHg (0.33 bar) in 5 minutes.
NOTES
If pump does NOT hold at least 22 (± 2) inHg (0.745 bar) of vacuum with the blank-
ing caps in position, a leak is present in the apparatus/pump, and a pressure test
must be performed to trace the leak.
If the apparatus/pump can NOT reach a vacuum of 22 (± 2) inHg (0.745 bar) but
holds a lower vacuum, a fault in the primer pump is indicated. NOT reaching an ac-
ceptable vacuum AND NOT being able to locate a leak may indicate excessive wear in
the primer.
Even though the apparatus meets the NFPA minimum leakage requirement, a small
air leak in the wrong spot will reduce pump performance. Preferably, your perfor-
mance should exceed the minimum set by NFPA. In reality, the 10 inHg. in 5 minutes
was allotted for pump shaft packing adjustment and not for plumbing or valve leaks.
Since all Hale two stage booster pumps utilize a mechanical seal, the vacuum drop
over a 5-minute period should be insignificant.
E. If pump passes Vacuum Test.
Remove all test plates and primer. 1.
Complete maintenance log entry(ies). 2.
Return booster pump to service. 3.
F. If pump fails Vacuum Test perform Pressure Test.
(See paragraph 3.3, on page 22.)