Apparatus Testing Sugar Land Fire Department Driver/Operator-Pumper Academy Spring 2003

Apparatus Testing (Chapter 16) Match Types of apparatus tests to their descriptions List the criteria for: Preservice road test Preservice Pumper hydrostatic test Required pump certification tests for apparatus equipped with a 750 gpm pump or larger Define Acceptance test Frequency of service testing Types of service testing Testing site considerations Safety precautions during testing Guidelines for evaluating test results Problem solving during pump testing

Apparatus Test Preservice Test Service Test Manufacturer’s Tests Pump Certification Tests Acceptance Tests

Preservice Test Test conducted before the apparatus is placed into service; performed by the apparatus manufacturer

Service Test Tests conducted on at least a yearly basis while the apparatus is in service; Often performed by the driver/operator or a mechanic assisted by the driver/operator Examples: Engine speed tests, vacuum tests, pumping tests, pressure control tests

Manufacture’s tests Preservice tests required in the bid specifications, Usually based on NFPA 1901 Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus and NFPA 1906 Standard for Wildland Fire Apparatus Examples: Road Test, Hydrostatic Test

Pump Certification test Tests performed to make sure that the fire pump system operates in the manner for which it was designed after the pump components are installed on the apparatus chassis; Generally conducted by an independent testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL)

Acceptance Test Tests conducted to assure the purchaser that the apparatus meets bid specifications; Most often performed with a manufacturer’s representative present after the apparatus is delivered to the purchaser Examples: Types of tests vary but should include another pump test and any other manufacturer’s tests in the bid specification

Preservice Road Test Must be fully loaded in the same manner it would be in service, including full foam and water tanks and onboard hose and equipment Must accelerate to 35 mph from a standing start within 25 seconds Must achieve a minimum top speed of 50 mph Must come to a complete stop from 20 mph within 35’ Apparatus parking brake must conform to the specifications listed by the parking brake system manufacturer

Preservice Hydrostatic Test Pumps must be tested hydrostatically at 250 psi for 3 minutes Tank fill line, tank-to-pump line, and by-pass line valves must be closed during this test. Discharge valves must be open and capped during this test Intake valves must be closed and/or capped during this test. Test pressure must be maintained on the system for a minimum of 3 minutes without the failure of any component of the system

Required Pump Certification Test Pumping test Pumping engine overload test Pressure control system test Priming device test Vacuum test Water tank-to-pump flow test

Acceptance Test Acceptance testing is conducted to assure the purchaser that the apparatus meets bid specifications. The purchaser should reject the apparatus if it fails to perform according to the requirements detailed in the bid specifications.

Pumper Service Tests Frequency pumper should be tested Minimum types of service tests Testing site considerations Calculating Corrected net discharge pressure Safety precautions Evaluating test results Problem solving

Service Testing Frequency A pumper should be tested at least once a year or whenever it has undergone extensive pump or power train repair.

Six Minimum Types of Service Tests Engine speed test Vacuum test Pumping test Pressure control test Gauge and flow meter test Tank-to-pump flow rate test

Site Considerations Pumper service testing can use either a hydrant or a static body of water: When testing at a static source— The water must be at least 4’ deep The strainer must be submerged at least 2’ Surface of the water may be no more than 10’ below the centerline of the pump intake 20’ of hard intake hose should be used for drafting during testing.

Site Considerations Conditions during testing Air temperature should be between 0 F and 100 F Water being used should be between 35 F and 90 F Barometric pressure should be at least 29” Hg corrected to sea level

Site Consideration Hose Conditions The driver/operator must lay out a sufficient number of hoses and nozzles to pump the rated capacity. No hose smaller than 2 ½” may be used, but larger hose may be used if available. Hose must be tested to ensure that it is capable of withstanding the discharge pressure

Calculate Corrected Net Pump Discharge Pressure Page 386 in D/O—P handbook. Table 16.3 Lift (Ft) + Intake Hose Friction Loss 2.3

Safety Precautions Equip all personnel with protective headgear and hearing protection Prevent water hammer Do not stand over or straddle hoses Tie down test nozzles and devices securely Cover all open manholes at the test pit. Be aware of the location of all personnel in the test area in relation to hoselines

Guidelines for Evaluating Test Results At no time during the tests should the pumping system or pumping engine show sings of overheating, power loss, or any other mechanical problems. If the fire pump tests less than 90% of its capabilities when it was new and underwent certification, two options are available: Take the pump out of service and restore it to its designed capabilities. Give the pump a lower rating based on the test results of its actual performance

Problems That May Occur Transmission in wrong gear Nonfunctioning high gear lockup Slipping clutch Overheating engine Clogged muffler Inaccurate Tachometer Malfunctioning engine governor Too small intake hose Incorrectly submerged intake strainer Clogged intake screen Wrong strainer for hose type Too high lift Clogged intake hose or collapsed inner lining Clogged pump impellers Partially primed pump or intake hose

Problems That May Occur Malfunctioning relief valve or pressure governor Transfer valve in wrong position Inaccurate gauges Partially clogged pitot tube Too large nozzle Seized turbocharger

Foam Portioning Equipment Tests Read Book!