Apparatus P-3 Basic pumping operations

Question 1

Transfer Valve - located at the outlet of the first stage. The purpose of this valve is to enable the pumper to operate in either the ________ position or the ______ position.
Fill in the blanks

Answer 1

1.5
Transfer Valve - located at the outlet of the first stage. The purpose of this valve is to enable the pumper to operate in either the pressure position or the volume position.
All FDNY pumpers are to be maintained in the volume position unless, upon arrival at the scene of an operation, head pressures must be overcome. In this situation, the transfer valve should be immediately changed to the pressure position before lines are charged.

Question 2

When the pumps are in the Volume position, the 2 pumps are operating in what fashion?

Answer 2

1.5 A)
Volume Position - (Parallel) The water enters each stage simultaneously from a common intake and leaves through a common pump discharge. The Volume position is to be utilized as a standard operating procedure.

Question 3

When the pumps are in the Pressure position, the 2 pumps are operating in what fashion?

Answer 3

1.5 B)
Pressure Position - (Series) The first stage pumps its full volume and pressure directly to the second stage, which then pumps this same volume of water to the pump discharge, but at twice the first stage pressure.
Note: Utilize the Pressure position before any operation where head pressures must be overcome, e.g., standpipe operations. This should not be confused with the Pro – Pressure Governors Pressure Mode

Question 4

Pump Idle Pressure - The pressure the pump pressure gauge will read when the apparatus is at its lowest RPMs. Pump idle pressure always equals the pressure the pumps provide at its lowest RPMs plus what?

Answer 4

1.7
Pump idle pressure always equals the pressure the pumps provide at its lowest RPMs (around 55 psi in volume or around 110 psi in pressure) plus the water intake pressure received from a water source (e.g., hydrant pressure 50 psi plus pump pressure in volume 55 psi will equal a pump idle pressure of 105 psi).

Question 5

Pro – Pressure Governor (PPG)

General Information

Answer 5

1.8
Pro – Pressure Governor (PPG) – A computer that controls the discharge pressure of the pump by controlling engine RPMs. It is used in conjunction with individual discharge gates to regulate pressure. For multiple handline operations, when the PPG is set and working and a handline is shut down at the nozzle, the computer adjusts the engine RPMs to maintain the indicated pump pressure so that other handlines do not receive excess pressure. The PPG can operate either in the pressure mode or the RPM mode.

Question 6

PPG Pressure Mode – In the Pressure mode the PPG will automatically maintain the discharge pressure set in the LED display. This should not be confused with the Pumps Pressure Position. A setting in the LED display of the Pro-Pressure Governor that is lower than the pump Idle Pressure will result in the Pro-Governor being what?

Answer 6

1.8 A
A setting in the LED display of the Pro-Pressure Governor that is lower than the pump Idle Pressure will result in the Pro-Governor being inactive to that point. The pressure governor will engage when the ACTUAL engine pressure begins to fall below the pressure indicated in the LED display.

Question 7

PPG RPM Mode – In the RPM mode, the PPG will maintain engine RPMs set in the LED display. In this mode, it will not automatically compensate for any changes in discharge pressure (functions as a manual throttle). For this reason the FDNY uses the PPG in the pressure mode only.
Note: In emergency situations this mode is used as a back-up in the event the pressure mode malfunctions. If this should occur, any hoselines in operation should do what?

Answer 7

1.8 B

Any hoselines in operation should not advance and should back out to an area of safe refuge.

Question 8

What is static pressure on the intake pressure gauge?

Answer 8

1.10
Static Pressure - The pressure indicated on the intake pressure gauge when water is not flowing: e.g., a pumper connects to a hydrant, opens the hydrant and supplies water to the pumps. The intake pressure gauge reads 60 psi with no water being discharged from the pumps. The 60 psi is “Static Pressure.”

Question 9

What is residual pressure on the intake pressure gauge?

Answer 9

1.11
Residual Pressure - The remaining pressure indicated on the intake pressure gauge once water has begun flowing. Using the preceding example, the static reading was 60 psi. Once water is discharged from the pumps, the intake pressure will drop on the intake pressure gauge. This new reading is “Residual Pressure” and indicates the remaining capability the hydrant has to supply water.

Question 10

Flowmeters - The flowmeter is designed to measure the rate of flow of water in a confined space as it passes a given point at a given time. Flowmeter displays are represented in Gallons Per Minute (GPM). Flowmeters can be used by ECCs to determine problems with an operating handline. Flowmeters will register a reading only when what?

Answer 10

1.12

Flowmeters will register a reading only when water is flowing.

Question 11

An ECC supplies the correct pressure to a 1¾” handline operating at a fire. The ECC checks the flowmeter and notes that the correct flow is being achieved (approx. 180 GPM). Suddenly, the Officer is calling for more water pressure and the ECC notes the reading on the flowmeter has dropped (now reading 110 GPM). This indicates the possibility of what?

Answer 11

1.12

That there could be kinks in the hose line

Question 12

A handline with a proper flow on the flowmeter is reported to have lost pressure or lost water and the flowmeter reading has increased (now reading 230 GPM). This indicates the possibility of what?

Answer 12

1.12

That there could be a burst length.

Question 13

Pressure gauges usually indicate pressure above the surrounding atmospheric pressure that is equal to approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psi) at sea level. Pressure gauge displays are represented in Pounds Per Square Inch (psi). Vacuum expresses the amount of pressure below atmospheric pressure. Vacuum values are usually expressed as inches of _______ vacuum.
Fill in the blank

Answer 13

1.13

MERCURY

Question 14

When first to arrive on the first alarm, what 2 hydrant connection may be used?

Answer 14

4 a)
When first to arrive on the first alarm, the 10’ small hydrant connection or the 35’ soft hydrant connection may be used.

Question 15

When other than first to arrive on the first alarm, what hydrant connections shall be used?

Answer 15

4 b)
When other than first to arrive on the first alarm, the 10’ small hydrant connection, 35’ soft hydrant connection or the 10’ hard suction shall be used.

Question 16

When arriving at second or greater alarms the 10’ what hydrant connection should be used if available?

Answer 16

4 c)

When arriving at second or greater alarms the 10’ hard suction connection should be used if available.

Question 17

When drafting operations are indicated, what hydrant connection MUST be used?

Answer 17

4 d)

When drafting operations are indicated, the 10’ hard suction connection must be used.

Question 18

Because of the many variables affecting a hydrants capacity, the intake pressure gauge should be continually monitored once water is flowing (Residual Pressure) to determine if the hydrants capacity will be able to support additional lines. When residual pressure drops below ___psi on the intake pressure gauge, augmentation will be required.
Fill in the blank

Answer 18

6.4

15 psi

Question 19

After water is introduced into the pump, before increasing pump pressure and opening any discharge outlets, what MUST be done before opening the initial line at any hoseline operation?

Answer 19

8.1

The primer pump must be utilized to expel air from the pump chamber. This must be done

Question 20

General Knowledge
In 1997 the Pro – Pressure Governor (PPG) was introduced into all new engine apparatus ordered by the New York City Fire Department.

Answer 20

9.1
The PPG is a computer that controls the discharge pressure of the pump. The PPG will maintain the selected pressure setting in the LED display regardless of the number of discharges that are opened or closed as long as the water supply is capable of supplying the amount of water required. It is used in conjunction with individual discharge gates to regulate pressure. For multiple handline
operations, when the PPG is set and working and a handline is shut down at the nozzle, the computer adjusts the engine RPMs to maintain the indicated pump pressure so that other handlines do not receive excess pressure.

Question 21

As of 2004 all engine companies are now equipped with the PPG. The PPG is engineered with ease of operation in mind and eliminates certain mechanical steps (ROSS RELIEF VALVE) that make it easier for the ECC to operate and maintain hoselines at operations. What shall be done when the PPG is malfunctioning?

Answer 21

9.1

When the PPG is malfunctioning, the apparatus shall be placed out of service.

Question 22

The Pressure button will change the governor operation to the pressure mode. In the Pressure mode the PPG will automatically maintain the discharge pressure set in the LED display. The RPM button will change the governor to the RPM mode. In the RPM mode, the PPG will maintain engine RPMs set in the LED display. In this mode it will not automatically compensate for any changes in discharge pressure. (Functions as a manual throttle). The FDNY SOP requires that we us the PPG in what mode?

Answer 22

9.2 4) & 5)
PRESSURE - Note: FDNY standard operating procedures requires the PPG be operated in the pressure mode. This is the default mode. This should not be confused with the Pumps Pressure Position.

Question 23

When augmenting with a hydrant after using booster water what type of inlet MUST be used?

Answer 23

10.3.4 A
You must bring hydrant water into the pump through a gated inlet when operating from booster water. Removing the cap of a non-gated inlet will cause a loss of water from the booster tank and an introduction of air into the pump resulting in a loss of prime and the company operating the line to lose water.
Note: When going into a gated inlet, open the drain to the gated inlet to expel air prior to opening the gated inlet.

Question 24

General Knowledge

ROSS RELIEF VALVE

Answer 24

11.1
The Ross Relief Valve is used whenever a line is stretched and in operation, except for booster line operations. The function of the Ross Relief Valve is to give a measure of protection to operating handlines against pressure surges, which can cause injury to members or burst hose lengths. When the water flow from the pump is stopped or reduced, the pressure produced by the pump may increase sharply. When one line is in operation, the pump’s increased pressure will build up. When the line is shut down, the excessive pressure may cause the hose to burst. If two or more lines are in operation and one line is suddenly closed, the pressure build up may be sufficient to affect the remaining hoselines. This could possibly endanger the lives of the members on the nozzle or cause the hoselines to burst. When it is properly set, the relief valve prevents the pressure in the hoseline from going above the desired setting by bypassing water from the discharge outlet. The pressure will build up and dump out to the street, protecting the handline. The pump operator should set the relief valve as soon as the required handline pressure is obtained.

Question 25

How do we set the Ross Relief Valve to the required pump pressure?

Answer 25

11.2.2
When line is stretched and desired engine pressure is reached:
A) Slowly turn valve handle OUT (counter-clockwise) until engine pressure drops as water discharges to ground.
B) Once water discharges to the ground, slowly turn the handle in (clockwise) until the original engine pressure is reached.
11.2.3 The relief valve is now set for the desired engine pressure.

Question 26

Caution must be used when turning the relief valve handle in (clockwise) so as not to set the relief valve too high. What does a small flow of water from the relief valve mean?

Answer 26

11.2.4

A small flow of water from the relief valve discharge pipe is normal.

Question 27

When a new pump pressure is required during pumping operation and the ross relief valve is in operation does it need to be reset?

Answer 27

11.2.7

It will be necessary to reset it for the new pressure.

Question 28

Follow these rules when using the Transfer valve.
1) Operate in the _______ position as a standard operating procedure.
2) Transfer to the ________ position before any operation where head pressures must be overcome, e.g., standpipe operations.
Fill in the blanks

Answer 28

• VOLUME

- PRESSURE

Question 29

After notifying the Officer, throttle the engine down before changing the position of the transfer valve. The pump pressure gauge should read no more than how many psi above the intake pressure gauge?

Answer 29

The pump pressure gauge should read no more than 50 psi above the intake pressure gauge. The flap valves will be damaged if it is more than 50 psi above.

Question 30

What size hose shall be used when connecting to standpipe or sprinkler Siamese inlets, or to the Siamese of Multiversals, Ladder pipes and Tower Ladders?

Answer 30

3 1/2” Hose