PROCEDURE FOR FIRE PUMP TESTING USING A FLOW METER
- Verify that the sensing tubing between the flow-sensing device and meter is free of leaks, trapped air, or kinks. Verify that the flowsensing device is installed in the correct flow direction and at the proper angle to the pipes.
- Close the fire pump discharge control valve and meter valves.
- 3Start the fire pump manually.
- Open the flow meter control
- valve and pressure-sensing line valves between the flow-sensing device and the meter.
- Bleed air from the flow meter loop piping and the pressuresensing tubes.
- Equalize (zero) the meter if an equalizing valve is provided.
- Watch the pump and piping temperatures. Bleed water from the loop or slightly open the circulation relief valve sufficiently to keep the pump’s top casing cool.
- Record suction pressure, discharge pressure, voltage, amperage, and pump rpm at shut-off (noflow).
- Open the flow meter throttle valve (downstream of the flow meter) slowly until the meter reads the desired flow point, such as in 250-gpm increments.
- Record all readings at this point, and then repeat items 9 and 10 until the meter indicates 150 percent of the rated pump capacity.
- Get a discharge flow from some point such as fire hose valve, yard hydrant, or fire pump test header to verify that the suction supply is adequate (suction control valves opened). Compare the net results (discharge pressure minus suction pressure) with the pump test curve developed during the flow meter tests.
- After the test, close the meter control and throttle valves. Drain water from the meter piping and sensing tubes
