Chp 15

Question 1

Two categories of testing

Answer 1

Preservice (driver is not involved), mfg tests, pum cert, acceptance tests
Performance: done annually and after major repairs, driver assists

Question 2

Preperformance tests

Answer 2

Mfg tests
Cert tests
Acceptance tests

Question 3

Manufacturers tests

Answer 3

1901 requires pump cert and:
Road test: Fully weighted, dry pavement, 0-35 in 25 seconds, max 50 mph, 20-0 in 35 feet, parking brake tested
Hydrostatic test: of pump and piping (not tank fill or tank to pump) of 500 psi for 10 min

Question 4

Performance requirements

Answer 4

Written list of expected capabilities of new app made by buyer

Question 5

Pump certification test

Answer 5

Done by UL at mfg plant, results stamped on a plate on the pump panel for 750-3000 gpm
Engine speed
pumping test
pumping engine overload
Pressure control system
Priming system
Vacuum
Tank to pump
Engine speed and interlock
Gauge and flowmeter
Mfg predeliver

Question 6

Acceptance testing

Answer 6

Show buyer apparatus conforms to bid at dept

Should have pump test at if >2k elevatoin a pumping engine overload test

Question 7

Performance tests

Answer 7

NFPA 1911
Engine speed check
pump shift indicator
pump engine control interlock
Priming system
Vacuum
Pumping test
Overload test
Pressure control test
Intake relief valve
Gauge test flowmeter
Tank to pump flowrate

Question 8

Pump performance test site

Answer 8

Some prefer draft site, 4’ deep, strainer 2’ down
1500 gpm pump, 10’ max lift
2000 gpm pump, 6’ max lift
Air temp 0-110
Water temp 35-90
Pressure 29”mg (1” drop reduces lift by 1’)
Pull enough 2.5” discharge lines and mark with line, can’t move 3/8”

Question 9

Pump test PDP

Answer 9

Done at 150, 165, 200 and 250 psi

If drafting add PC

Question 10

Performance test equipment

Answer 10

Intake pressure guage to 150
Discharge guage to 400
Knife edge pitot to 160 psi
Smooth bore nozzles and rope to secure
Or flow meter and fog nozzles (more efficient) +-5%

Question 11

Safety

Answer 11

Wear head, eye, hearing and gloves (90 db)
Prevent water hammer
Tie off nozzles far away
Chock wheels
Watch CO levels

Question 12

Engine speed check

Answer 12

Fill fluids and do check with no load

If +- 50 rpm from mfg, check by mechanic

Question 13

Vacuum test

Answer 13

Test primer, pump and intake hose for leaks
Must get 22” mg or go for repair then:
Open discharge
Put strainer on hose and submerge
Connect discharge pressure test guage to pressure side of test fitting on pump panel
Flow rated pump capacity
Attach pitot

Question 14

Priming system test

Answer 14

1911 say 1,250 gmp pump have 30 sec

1,500 gpm have 45 sec

Question 15

Pumping test

Answer 15

Tests engine and fire pump
Remote pitot is good, or half distance of nozzle size
Watch engine temp and oil
Document and report vibrations or performance defects

Question 16

Pressure control test

Answer 16

Done in three part sequence

Question 17

Discharge pressure gauge and flowmeter operation test

Answer 17

Pitot flow meter. Must be within 10% or repair

Question 18

Tank to pump flow test

Answer 18

500 gpm tank flow 250 gpm from tank

>500 gpm flow at least 500 gpm from tank

Question 19

Intake relief valve test

Answer 19

Connect discharge hoseline to second pumper
Increase pressure from second pumper till valve opens
Record pressure
Compare to past results and mfg

Question 20

While testing

Answer 20

Note pump overheating, power loss or other
Check all fluids again when done
If <90% or rated use, may be placed out of service or lower rating

Question 21

Test troubleshooting

Answer 21

If pump fails check:
Tranny in wrong gear
Lockup clutch with auto tranny not working
Clutch slipping
Engine overheating
Muffler clogged
Tach wrong
Engine governor not working
Insufficient intake hose
Intake strainer placed wrong or clogged
Lift to high (10')
Air leaks from bad seals or worn clearance rings 
Impeller clogged
Bad prime
Relief valves not working
Transfer valve in wrong prosition
Wrong nozzle, bad gauges, bad pitot

Question 22

Foam proportioning test

Answer 22

Either test foam to water concentration made by system 
Or test rate concentrate is consumed
1901 requires testing before delivery but not annually
Should test periodically by:
Foam concentrate displacement method
Foam concentrate pump discharge volume 
Foam solution refractivity testing
Foam solution conductivity testing

Question 23

1-Foam concentrate displacement method

Answer 23

Checks volume of concentrate drawn through the system subbing water (will have different rate)
Draws from calibrated tank

Question 24

2-Foam concentrate pump discharge volume

Answer 24

For direct injection type proportioning system
Tests amount of solution or water discharged from the foam concentrate pump
Collect concentrate or water in a tank

Question 25

3-Foam solution refractivity testing

Answer 25

Tess quality and concentration of foam solution by measuring light
Good for protein and fluoroprotein foam
Must know proportion rate then take rate, rate +.3% and rate -.3% to create a curve

Question 26

4-Foam solution conductivity testing

Answer 26

Because synthetic is light, refractivity doesn’t test foam quality
Direct reading test: need direct reading meter, zero out and make a curve like refracting
Conductivity comparison test: meter shows microsiemes per cm (solution reading-water reading)/500
Conductivity calibration curve test: temp compensated conductivity meter, same as refractive to get a curve