Course Outline

Water Supply Analysis

Need for Fire Pumps
Types of Pumps & Drivers
Pump Placement & Sizing
Piping & Appurtenances
Inspection, Testing & Maintenance

Reference Standards

NFPA 20 - Fire Pumps

NFPA 22 - Water Storage Tanks

NFPA 24 - Fire Service Mains
NFPA 25 - Inspection, Testing and
Maintenance of Water Based Fire Protection
Systems

Basic Hydraulics

Flow
Volume of water moving through a system
(or past a point) in a given period of time
measured in gpm or L/min

Pressure
The energy available to do work (move
water)
Measured in psi or bar

Basic Hydraulics

Head
Another way of expressing energy based on
the equivalent height of a fluid column
measured in feet or meters

Pressure/Head
Relationship for Water
P = .433H
P = Pressure in psi
H = Height of elevation of water in feet

Water
Level

Tank

150 ft

Laminar & Turbulent Flow

Laminar Flow

Turbulent Flow

Water Supply Analysis

Perform flow tests
Adjust for realistic worst case

Time of day
Time of year

Take into account future growth

Sprinkler System Underground

Flow Hydrant

Pressure or Test
Hydrant
Pressure Gauge

FLOW
WATER MAIN

EXAMPLE
Static Pressure ..................... 80 psi
Residual Pressure ................ 47 psi
Pitot Reading ....................... 14
Hydrant Coefficient .............. .90
Butt Opening ........................ 2.5 inches
Flow = ?

Flow Formula
Flow (in gpm) = Q = 29.83 x (D)2 x CH x (PT)1/2
Q = 29.83 x (2.5)2 x 0.9 x (14)1/2
Q = 29.83 x 6.25 x 0.9 x 3.74
Q = 627 gpm

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

100

200

300

400

500

FLOW - GPM

600

700

800

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

100

200

300

400

500

FLOW - GPM

600

700

800

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Water
Su

100

200

300

400

500

FLOW - GPM

pply

600

700

800

Determining Pressure at Any Given Flow

Use graph of water supply data
Use Formula: P = (PR - PS)(Q/QR)1.85 + PS

P = Pressure at any given flow

Q = Flow at which you want to know P
PR = Residual pressure measured in test
PS = Static pressure measured in test
QR = Residual flow measured in test

Adjustments
Need to account for differences in elevation
between water supply and fire protection system
(For this Example, assume none)
Need to evaluate water supply at reasonable worst
case for daily and seasonal use
For this example

24 hour gauge showed variation in static pressure from

72 to 84 psi
Seasonal knowledge of water supply says static
pressures vary from 65 to 85 psi

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Water
Water
Suppl
Suppl
y
y - Ad
justed
for sea
sona

100

200

300

400

500

FLOW - GPM

600

l and d

700

aily us
e

800

Why Do We Need Pumps ?

When the water supply can provide
sufficient flow, but does not have the
pressure to meet the demand of the fire
protection system, pump can be used
Pumps will not increase flow

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Wa
ter

100

200

300

Sup
p

400

ly

500

FLOW - GPM

600

700

800

FLOW TEST SUMMARY SHEET

P
R
E
S
S
U
R
E

100
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0

Wa
ter
Wa
ter

100

200

300

Sup
p

400

Sup
pl

yW
ith
P

um
p

ly

500

FLOW - GPM

600

700

800

Pump Pressures

Discharge Pressure
Gage pressure measured on the discharge
flange of the pump

Suction Pressure
Gage pressure measured on the suction
flange of the pump
Energy of the water delivered to the pump
Function of water supply, not pump
Must be positive

Pump Pressures

Net Pressure
Pressure produced by the pump
Difference between Discharge Pressure and
Suction Pressure

PN = P D - P S

PD = P S + P N

Types of Pumps
Centrifugal Pumps - use centrifugal force
to increase waters energy (pressure)
Positive Displacement Pumps - push water
with pistons or rotary gears to increase
waters energy (pressure)

Centrifugal Force
An object dropped in the center of a
rotating disk will pick up energy from the
rotation
The object will move towards the outside of
the disk
If unrestrained, the object will be thrown off
when the object reaches the edge (kinetic
energy)
If restrained, the object will store the energy
as potential energy (pressure)

Centrifugal Pump Components

Impeller
Vanes
Shrouds
Eye

Impeller Shaft
Packing
Casing

Impeller Shaft
Horizontal - attached to horizontal
driver
Vertical - attached to vertical driver
Vertical - attached to horizontal driver
through right angle gear drive

Packing
Seal between the inside of the pump and
the outside of the pump where the shaft
penetrates the casing
Must be kept moist
Gland around packing designed to leak

Pump Design
Single Suction - Water only enters the eye
on one side of the impeller
Double Suction - Water enters the impeller
from both sides

Single Suction

Double Suction

Multi-Stage Centrifugal Pumps

More than one impeller inside the
casing
Parallel - water goes to all impellers
simultaneously
Series - all of the water goes to one
impeller first, then from that impeller
into the next

Two-Stage
Pump in
Parallel

Two-Stage
Pump in
Series

Types of Centrifugal Pumps

Horizontal Pump
Vertical Pump
End Suction Pump
Horizontal Split Case Pump
In-Line Pump
Vertical (Line) Shaft Turbine Pump
Can Pump

End Suction Pump

Horizontal Split Case Pump

Vertical In-Line Pump

Vertical Shaft Turbine Pump

Pump Drivers
Electric Motors
Diesel Engines
Steam Turbines
Gasoline Engines - no longer allowed

Electric Motors

Power source must be

reliable
Public Utility
Separate Service
Private Power Station
Noncombustible
Construction

Secondary Power Source

Required When:
1. Reliable power source cannot be
obtained from a public utility or a private
station.
2. The pump is protecting a high-rise
building and the needs of the fire
protection system cannot be supplied by
FD pumper.
3. Another code or ordinance requires

Generators
Type 10, Level 1, Class X (8 hrs at
100% of rated capacity)
Handle All Loads

Load Shedding Allowed

Diesel Engines
Batteries
Exhaust
Ventilation
Coolant
Noise

Pump Drivers - Power

Horsepower
Brake Horsepower
Gross Brake Horsepower
Net Brake Horsepower
Water Horsepower

WHPnet = Q x P
1714 x E

Pump Sizing and

Placement

Pump Sizing
Rated Flow (25-5000 gpm)
Rated Pressure (40-200 net psi)
Rated Speed

Permissible Performance Ranges

Allows maximum 140% rated net pressure

at churn (no flow)

Requires a minimum of 65% rated net

pressure at 150% of rated flow (max. flow)

Pump Sizing
Calculate system demand to pump discharge
flange
Calculate water supply to pump suction flange
Select pump so that the system flow demand is
less than 150% of the rated flow of the pump
(less than 140% recommended)

Pump Sizing
Using the Manufacturers Pump Curve, find the
pumps net pressure at the system demand flow
Add the suction pressure (at demand flow) to
the net pressure (at demand flow) to get the
discharge pressure (at demand flow)
If the discharge pressure is greater than the
demand, okay. If not, select new pump.

Fire Pump Sizing

Advantages of Specific Model Sizing

Know exactly how the pump will perform
Match pumps performance to system demands
Capable of predicting maximum pressure

Disadvantages to Specific Model Sizing

Not always possible to know system demand
Not always possible to know which model pump will be
used in the conceptual stages of design

Alternative Method for

Specifying Fire Pump Size
Estimate fire protection system demand at pump
discharge flange
Assume a pump with a specific rated flow and
pressure

Assume that the pressure will not increase at flows

less than the rated flow
Assume that the pump will perform to the minimum
point of 65% of rated pressure at 150% of rated flow

Perform Specific Model Analysis Later

Pressure (% of Rated Pressure)

Alternative Method for

Specifying Fire Pump Size
140

Maximum Pressure Produced by Pump

Minimum Pressures Produced by Pump

110
80
50
20
0

20

40

60
80
100
120
Flow (% of Rated Flow)

150

Pump House/Pump Room

NFPA 20 requires protection from:
Explosion and fire
Flood and earthquake
Rodents and insects
Windstorm and freezing
Vandalism
Other adverse conditions

Pump House/Pump Room

Pump House
Construction
Separation

Pump Room
Separation
Accessibility

Pump House / Pump Room

Size - fit pump, equipment, and suction
pipe
Heat - at least 40 F (more for diesel)
Ventilation
Light - artificial and emergency
Drainage - size and pitch

Suction Pipe
Straight run to suction flange
Vertical bend into suction flange
Horizontal bend into suction flange

Suction Pipe Size

The size of the suction pipe . . . shall be such

that . . . At 150% of rated capacity, the gage
pressure at the pump suction flange shall be 0
psig or higher. (Note: Pressure is allowed to
go as low as -3 psig for tanks on same level as
pump)
The size of that portion of the suction pipe
located within 10 pipe diameters upstream of
the pump suction flange shall be not less than
that specified in Table 5-25(a) or (b).

Suction Pressure
Must be positive
Evaluate at maximum flow of pump
(150% of rated flow)
Take into account friction loss of all pipe
and components between water supply
and pump
Take into account elevation between
water supply and pump

Suction Pressure Calculation

Find the residual pressure of the water supply at

the maximum flow for the pump (150% of rated
flow). Call this PR.
Calculate all pressure losses (friction and
elevation) between the water supply and the pump
suction flange at maximum flow for the pump.
Call this PL.
The Suction Pressure will be the residual pressure
from the water supply minus the pressure losses.
P S = PR - P L

Suction Pressure Calculation

Example
1500 gpm pump

Suction Pressure Calculation

Suction Pressure Calculation

Analysis at 2250 gpm (150% of 1500)

Residual Pressure = 24 psi (from graph)
Friction loss through underground = 2.4 psi
Friction loss in pump room piping = 1.2 psi
Friction loss through backflow = 8.0 psi
Elevation loss = 0.0 psi
PS = 24 - 2.4 - 1.2 - 8.0 - 0.0 = 12.4 psi

Design / Installation of
Suction Pipe
NFPA 24
Air Pockets
Air Leaks
Eccentric Reducers
Protection from Freezing
Hydrostatic Testing
Screens (Open Water Source)

Reducers

Devices in Suction Pipe

Control Valves
Check Valves
Vortex Plates
Low Pressure Cut-off Devices
Low Pressure Throttling Devices
By-Pass Piping
Backflow Preventers

Discharge Piping
Steel - Rated for Maximum Working
Pressure
Maximum Working Pressure = Static
Pressure + (Net) Churn Pressure

Devices in Discharge Piping

Control Valve
Check Valve
Pressure Relief Valve - only required if
discharge pressure exceeds components
ratings (evaluate at component)
Circulating Relief Valve

Required for electric driven pumps

Required for diesel driven pumps with radiator
cooling

Discharge Pipe and Components

Fire Pump Pressure

Relief Valves

Pressure Relief
Valve

Fire Pump Circulation

Relief Valves
Circulation
relief valve

Testing Arrangements
Test Header to Open
Flow to Reservoir
Closed Loop Metering

Test Headers
Listed
Outlets (Table 2-20)
Location
Shut-off Valve (if needed)
Drain
Pipe Size (Table 2-20)

Determining Flow

Pitot Gage

Flow Meter
Listed
175% of Rated Flow
Size (Table 2-20)

Pitot Gage

Converting Pitot to Flow

Q=29.83 c d2 P
Q = flow in gpm
c = 0.97
d = nozzle diameter in inches
P = Pitot pressure in psi

Sensing Lines
Connected between discharge check
valve and control valve
Separate for each pump
Minimum 1/2 corrosion resistant pipe
Check valves/Ground Face Unions

Pressure Sensing Line Connections

Valve Supervision
Control Valves
Suction, Discharge, By-Pass, Test Outlet
1. Central station, proprietary, or remote
signaling service.
2. Local signaling service providing an
audible signal at constantly attended
location.
3. Locking valves open.
4. Sealing of valves in a fenced enclosure

NFPA 25
Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
of Water Based Fire Protection
Systems

Weekly Inspection
of
Pump Components

Pump House
Adequate Heat
Ventilating Louvers Operational

Hydraulic Systems
Suction & Discharge Valves Open
Suction Pressure Gage Normal
System Pressure Gage Normal
Reservoir Full

Electrical Systems
Controller Power on
Transfer Switch normal
Isolating Switch Closed
Reverse Phase Light off
or
Normal Phase Light on

Diesel Engines
Fuel Tank 2/3 Full
Controller in Auto position
Battery Voltage Normal
Charger Readings Normal
Battery Pilot Lights on
or
Failure Lights off
Alarm Lights off

Engine Run Time Meter Reading

Oil Level Normal
Crank Case Oil Level Normal
Cooling Water Level Normal
Electrolyte level (batteries) Normal
No Corrosion on Battery Terminals
Water-jacket Heater Operating

Weekly Tests (No Flow)

Automatic Start
Electric Pumps - 10 minutes
Diesel Drivers - 30 minutes

Record During Test

Suction & Discharge Pressures
Slight Discharge from Packing
Gland
No Unusual Noise or Vibrations
No Overheating
Pump Starting Pressure
Time to Achieve Full Speed
Time Controller on First Step

Suction Pressure

Discharge Pressure

Time Pump Runs After Starting

(for Auto-Stop Controllers)
Time for Engine to Crank
Time to Reach Run Speed
Engine Oil Pressure, Speed, Water
and Oil Temperature
Water Flow in Heat Exchanger

Annual Flow Test

No Flow
Rated Flow
Peak Flow

Test Options
Test Header to Hose Streams
Flow Meter to Drain or Suction
Reservoir
Closed Loop Metering

At Churn
Check Circulation Relief Valve
Check Pressure Relief Valve
Run Test for 30 minutes

At Flow Conditions
Record Voltage & Current
Record Pump RPM
Record Suction & Discharge
Pressures
Record Flow
Observe Alarm Operations

Testing Equipment
Pressure Gages
Tachometer
Ammeter
Hose & Playpipes
Pitot Tube
Flow Meter

Converting Flow to Pitot

P
2
29.83cd

Q = flow in gpm
c = 0.97
d = nozzle diameter in inches
P = Pitot pressure in psi

Test Procedure - for Test

Header and Hoses
1. Water at test header (all air out of system)
2. Start the pump
3. General pump operation
No unusual vibrations, noises, oil or water leaks

4. Check packing gland

5. At churn (no flow into system), record:
Suction Pressure, Discharge Pressure, RPM
Amperes & Volts (if applicable)

Test Procedure - for Test Header

and Hoses (continued)
6. Open test header valves
Achieve 100% of rated flow

7. At rated flow, record:

Suction Pressure, Discharge Pressure
RPM, Pitot Gage Readings (if applicable),
Amperes & Volts (if applicable)

Test Procedure - for Test Header

and Hoses (continued)
8. Open test header valves to achieve 150% of
rated flow

9. Record data at 150% of rated flow

Test Procedure - for Test Header

and Hoses (continued)
10. Calculate pump net pressures
11. Plot flow curve
12. Compare flow curve to manufacturers
shop curve
13. Plot ampere curve (electric motor)
14. Compare ampere curve to manufacturers
curve

Test Procedure - for Flow Meters

1. Prime pump (get all air out)
2. Discharge valve closed
3. Start the pump
4. General pump operation
No unusual vibrations, noises, oil or water leaks

5. Check packing gland

Test Procedure - for Flow Meters

6. At churn (no flow in system), record:
Suction Pressure, Discharge Pressure, RPM
Amperes & Volts (if applicable)

7. Open (flow meter) to achieve 100% of

rated flow
8. At rated flow, record:
Suction Pressure, Discharge Pressure, RPM
Pitot Gage Readings (if applicable), Amperes &
Volts (if applicable)

Test Procedure - for Flow Meters

9. Open the flow meter valve to achieve
150% of rated flow
10. Record data at 150% of rated flow
11. Calculate pump net pressures
12. Plot flow curve
13. Compare flow curve to manufacturers
14. Plot ampere curve
15. Compare ampere curve to
manufacturers

Activate Suction
Throttling Valve

Simulate Power Failure

if Transfer Switch Installed

Alarm Sensors
&
Indicating Devices

Q = 29.83 X D 2 X C X V P
C = .97

Pump Test Data

Driver
Speed
Test

Churn

100%

150%

RPM

1700

1690

1675

Suction Pressure Net Nozzle

Discharge
Size
psi

16

16

16

psi

125

110

85

psi

Inches

Flows
Pito/Flow
1

N/A

60

60

35

37

Total
Flow
4

1 3/4

1 3/4

48

gpm

48

VP

Q = 29.83 X D 2 X C X
C = .97

Pump Test Data

Driver
Speed
Test

Churn

RPM

1700

Suction Pressure Net Nozzle

Discharge
Size
psi

16

psi

125

psi

Inches

109 N/A

60

100%

1690
150%

Flows
Pito/Flow

16

110

94

1 3/4

16

85

69

1 3/4

gpm

60
686

35
1675

Total
Flow

37
524

686

1372

48
48
539 614 614

2291

Adjustment Formulas
Q = Q(Rated Speed/Test Speed)
PN = PN(Rated Speed/Test Speed)2

Q = 0(1760/1700) = 0 gpm
P=109(1760/1700)2 = 117 psi
Q = 1372(1760/1690) = 1429 gpm
P = 94(1760/1690)2 = 102 psi
Q = 2291(1760/1675) = 2407 gpm
P = 69(1760/1675)2 = 76 psi

Thank You!