HALE AP, Technical Manual

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C. Use primer to pull vacuum of at least 22 (±2) inHg.
D. Verify apparatus maintains vacuum for 5 minutes.
NOTES
A vacuum loss of up to 2 inches per minute is the maximum loss permitted.
The above stated loss should only occur when a packing type pump seal is utilized
and all Flex Series Booster pumps utilize a mechanical type pump seal that, if operat-
ing properly, produces little or no loss.
4.4.4 Annual Pump Maintenance
Perform the following as a minimum to maintain pump dependability and optimum performance.
•
Perform the yearly pump test to check performance levels. (See NFPA Standard 1911 for
more details.)
4.4.4.1 Performance Testing
The yearly standard performance test consists of checking the pump (according to the rating) at
three capacities and comparing the results to when the pump first placed in service.
4.4.4.1.1
Testing Overview
The performance test provides some measure of any performance deterioration. A pump must
be able to pump full capacity at 150 psi, 70% capacity at 200 psi and 50% capacity at 250 psi.
See Table 9.
Table 9. Example Performance Test
Example Performance Pump Rating gpm (Lpm)
CAPACITY PRESSURE
psi (bar)
250
(946)
350
(1325)
450
(1703)
500
(1893)
750
(2839)
1000
(3785)
FULL 150
(10)
250
(946)
350
(1325)
450
(1703)
500
(1893)
750
(2839)
1000
(3785)
70% 200
(13)
175
(662)
245
(927)
315
(1192)
350
(1325)
525
(1987)
700
(2650)
50% 250
(17)
125
(473)
175
(662)
225
(852)
250
(946)
375
(1419)
500
(1893)
4.4.4.1.2 Testing Equipment And Materials
Testing is appropriately accomplished with a dead weight gauge tester, which is usually available
at the local water works, otherwise accurately testing pumper performance requires: a pitot
gauge, a calibrated 0 – 400 psi pressure gauge (with 5 psi graduations), a calibrated 0 – 200 psi
pressure gauge (with 1 psi graduations marked in 5-10 psi increments), and a vacuum gauge or
manometer. Additionally, required is a revolution counter (RPM contact or non-contact type), an
accurate timer, thermometer, and a tape measure.
Use a straight stream (smooth bore) test nozzles of accurate size and capable of the pumps gpm
with the pitot gauge. The volume pumped is then determined by referring to the discharge tables
for smooth nozzles. Preferably, nozzles will be used on a Siamese deluge gun for greatest accu-
racy. A stream straightener, just upstream of the nozzle is advisable.