FIRE PUMPS-FOREMAN

Q1. What is the type of reducer to be installed in the suction header of the fire pumps?

A1.Eccentric reducer.

Q2.What is the orientation of the reducer installed in the suction of the fire pump?

A2. Eccentric reducer should be installed with flat surface of the reducer on top to avoid any air pockets in the
system.

Q3.Identify the problem in the picture of the suction piping?

A3. The Eccentric reducer is installed with flat face down.

Q4.What is the remedial measure for the above scenario as per the photograph?

A4.The reducer should be dismantled and reinstalled with flat face on top.

Q5.What is the consequence which arises due to this wrong installation as shown in the photograph?

A5. This would lead to the formation air pockets leading to cavitation, reduced performance and ultimately leads
to the premature failure of the pump impeller.

Q6. What is the requirement of the OS&Y valve installed in the fire pump piping installation?

A6. All the valves in the fire pump room should be supervised or locked with chain and lock arrangement.

Q7. When the pump and its suction supply are on separate foundations with rigid interconnecting pipe, the pipe
shall be provided with?

A7. When the pump and its suction supply are on separate foundations with rigid interconnecting pipe, the pipe
shall be provided with strain relief.

Q8.What is the size of relief valve to be used on a 1000GPM diesel engine-driven fire pump?

A8. 4in.

Q9.What is the size of relief valve discharge to be used on a 1000GPM diesel engine-driven fire pump?

A9. 8in.

Q10.What is the size of the metering device to be used on a 1000GPM fire pump?

A10. 6in.

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Q11. What is the size of the suction piping for a 1000GPM fire pump?

A11.8in.

Q12. What is the size of the discharge piping for a 1000GPM fire pump?

A12.6in.

Q13. A shutoff valve shall not be installed in the relief valve supply or discharge piping- True or False?

A13. True.

Q14.What are the main three accessories installed along with the alarm check valve ?

A14. A retard chamber, a pressure switch and a mechanical bell.

Q15.Are isolation valves required in the upstream and downstream side of the metering device?

A15. Yes.

Q16.What is the requirement of the OS&Y valve installed in the fire pump piping installation?

A16. All the valves in the fire pump room should be supervised or locked with chain and lock arrangement.

Q17.What is the use of flexible coupling in the fire pump application?

A17. A device used to connect the shafts or other torque-transmitting components from a driver to the pump,
and that permits minor angular and parallel misalignment as restricted by both the pump and coupling
manufacturers.

Q18.What type of pressure gauge shall be installed on the suction side of the fire pumps?

A18. A compound pressure gauge showing positive and negative pressures shall be installed on the suction side of
the fire pumps.

Q19.What is the min dial size of the compound pressure gauge installed on the suction side of the fire pumps?

A19. A compound pressure gauge having a dial not less than 31/2 in. (89 mm) in diameter shall be connected to
the suction pipe near the pump.

Q20.Is a gauge valve required for the compound pressure gauge installed on the suction side of the fire pumps?

A20. Yes.

Q21.What is the size of the gauge valve required for the compound pressure gauge installed on the suction side of
the fire pumps?

A21. 1/4-in. (6.25-mm) gauge valve.

Q22.List few main accessories of the fire pump which will be supplied by the fire pump supplier?

A22. Automatic air release valves, Circulation relief valves, pressure gauges.

Q23.What is the purpose of Automatic air release valves?

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A23. The purpose is to release trapped air in the casing and to minimize pump cavitation.

Q24.Where is the Automatic air release valves installed in the fire pump?

A24. These are installed on the top of the pump(s) casing.

Q25. What is the purpose Circulation relief valves?

A25. Their function is to open at slightly above rated pressure, when there is little or no discharge, so that
sufficient water is discharged to prevent the pump from overheating.

Q26.Are Circulation relief valves needed on diesel engine–driven pumps where cooling water is taken from the
pump discharge?

A26. NO.

Q27.What should be provided to safeguard against injury to personals from rotating flexible couplings and flexible
connecting shafts in the fire pumps?

A27. Guards shall be provided for flexible couplings and flexible connecting shafts to prevent rotating elements
from causing injury to personnel.

Q28.How valves in the fire pump room will be supported?

A28. With rigid supports fabricated from Galvanised angles and channels.

Q29. What should be installed at the entrance to the suction pipe?

A29. Vortex plate.

Q30. What is the sequence of fire pump operation?

A30. Jockey Pump –First Start

Electric Pump-Second Start

Diesel Pump-Third Start

Q31. What is the type of valves installed in the fire pump room piping installations?

A31. A listed outside screw and yoke (OS&Y) gate valve shall be used.

Q32. Where should the relief valve of the diesel engine-driven fire pump is installed?

A32 The relief valve shall be located between the pump and the pump discharge check valve.

Q33.Why is the relief valve of the diesel engine-driven fire pump installed between the pump and the pump
discharge check valve?

A33. The relief valve shall be so attached that it can be readily removed for repairs without disturbing the piping.

Q34.What type of pressure relief valve of the diesel engine-driven fire pump shall be used?

A34. Pressure relief valves shall be either a listed spring-loaded or pilot-operated diaphragm type.

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Q35.When the discharge either from the metering device or from the relief valve enters from the top of the tank,
it would create problem of creating air bubbles which would lead to cavitation. How this problem could be
avoided?

A35. The above mentioned problem can be solved by extending the discharge to below the normal water level.

Q36.How would you test the flow of the fire pumps?

A36. With the aid of the flow meter.

Q37.Is it allowable to install an isolation valve between the breeching inlets and the system?

A37. Not allowable.

Q38. Do you require to install a check valve in the breeching inlet connection?

A38.Yes.

Q40. What are the mandatory accessories to be installed along with the fire pumps as per NFPA20?

A40.

1) Eccentric tapered reducer at suction inlet

(2) Hose valve manifold with hose valves

(3) Flow-measuring device

(4) Relief valve and discharge cone

(5) Pipeline strainer

Q41.Where would you install the pipe line strainer in the fire pump installation?

A41. Pipeline strainer shall be installed in the suction line with a minimum of 10 pipe diameters from the suction
flange.

Q42.Describe the construction of the pipe line strainer?

A42. The pipeline strainer shall be cast or heavy fabricated with corrosion-resistant metallic removable screens to
permit cleaning of strainer element without removing driver from pump.

Q43.How would the pump and driver on separately coupled-type pumps shall be connected?

A43. The pump and driver on separately coupled-type pumps shall be connected by a rigid coupling, flexible
coupling, or flexible connecting shaft. All coupling types shall be listed for this service.

Q44. The base plate, with pump and driver mounted on it, shall be set level on the foundation-True or False?

A44. True.

Q45. What is the min size of the automatic air release valve to be used for a vertical turbine pumps?

A45. An 11/2-in. (38.1-mm) pipe size or larger automatic air release valve shall be provided.

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Q46.What is the purpose of using automatic air release valve for a vertical turbine pumps?

A46. Automatic air release valve shall be provided to vent air from the column and the discharge head upon the
starting of the pump. This valve shall also admit air to the column to dissipate the vacuum upon stopping of the
pump.

Q47.Where would you install the automatic air release valve in a vertical turbine pumps installation?

A47. It shall be located at the highest point in the discharge line between the fire pump and the discharge check
valve.

Q48.What is the fire pump system used for water mist type fire protection system?

A48.A Positive displacement type pumps shall be used.

Q50. Where shall be the safety relief valves be piped back in case of foam concentrate pumps?

A50.For foam concentrate pumps, safety relief valves shall be piped to return the valve discharge to the
concentrate supply tank.

Q51.Valves installed on the discharge side of a safety relief valve shall be supervised open-True or False.

A51.True.

Q52. Controllers shall be located as close as is practical to the motors they control and shall be within sight of the
motors-True or False?

A52. True.

Q53. What is the practice to be followed as per NFPA If the controller is located outside of the pump room?

A53. A glazed opening should be provided in the pump room wall for observation of the motor and pump during
starting.

Q54. Current-carrying parts of controllers shall be not less than 12 in. (305 mm) above the floor level-True or
False?

A54.True.

Q55.What is the main aspect to be considered while installing a fire pump controller?

A55. All busbars and connections shall be readily accessible for maintenance work after installation of the
controller. These connections shall be arranged so that disconnection of the external circuit conductors will not
be required.

Q56. Electrical supply conductors for pressure maintenance (jockey or make-up) pump(s) shall be connected to
the fire pump controller-True or Fasle?

A56.False.

Electrical supply conductors for pressure maintenance (jockey or make-up) pump(s) shall not be connected to the
fire pump controller.

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A fire pump controller shall not be used as a junction box to supply other equipment.

Q57. How are the switching equipment for manual use in connecting or disconnecting, or starting or stopping, the
motor shall be operable?

A57. All switching equipment for manual use in connecting or disconnecting, or starting or stopping, the motor
shall be externally operable.

Q58.What are the markings to be made available on the fire pump controllers?

A58. Each motor control device and each switch and circuit breaker shall be marked to plainly indicate the name
of the manufacturer, the designated identifying number, and the electrical rating in volts, horsepower, amperes,
frequency, phases, and so forth, as appropriate. The markings shall be so located as to be visible after installation.

Q59.What are the mechanical characteristics the circuit breaker of the fire pump controller should have?

A59.

(1) It shall be externally operable (see 7-3.6).

(2) It shall trip free of the handle.

(3) A nameplate with the legend “Circuit breaker — disconnecting means” in letters not less than 3/8 in. (10
mm) high shall be located on the outside of the controller enclosure adjacent to the means for operating the
circuit breaker.

Q60. What are the electrical characteristics the circuit breaker of the fire pump controller should have?

A60.

(1) A continuous current rating not less than 115 percent of the rated full-load current of the motor

(2) Overcurrent-sensing elements of the nonthermal type

(3) Instantaneous short-circuit overcurrent protection

(4) *An adequate interrupting rating to provide the suitability rating of the controller

(5) Capability of allowing normal and emergency starting and running of the motor without tripping

(6) An instantaneous trip setting of not more than 20 times the full-load current

Q61.How is the diesel engine connected with a Vertical Shaft Turbine-Type Pumps?

A61. Engines shall be connected to vertical shaft pumps by means of a right-angle gear drive with a listed flexible
connecting shaft that will prevent undue strain on either the engine or gear drive.

Q62.List few Instrumentation and controls mandatory for the controller of a diesel engine?

A62. Governor, Over speed Shutdown Device, Tachometer, Oil Pressure Gauge, Temperature Gauge, Instrument
Panel etc.

Q63.What is the purpose of a governor in a diesel engine?

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A63. Engines shall be provided with a governor capable of regulating engine speed within a range of 10 percent
between shutoff and maximum load condition of the pump.

Q64. The governor shall be field adjustable, and set and secured to maintain rated pump speed at maximum
pump load-True or False.

A64.True.

Q65.What is the purpose of an Over speed Shutdown Device in a diesel engine?

A65. It is required to shut down the engine at a speed approximately 20 percent above rated engine speed and to
be manually reset.

Q66. What is the purpose of tachometer in a diesel engine?

A66. A tachometer shall be provided to indicate revolutions per minute of the engine. The tachometer shall be
the totalizing type, or an hour meter shall be provided to record total time of engine operation.

Q67. What is the purpose of Oil Pressure Gauge in a diesel engine?

A67. Engines shall be provided with an oil pressure gauge to indicate lubricating oil pressure.

Q68. What is the purpose of Temperature Gauge in a diesel engine?

A68. Engines shall be provided with a temperature gauge to indicate engine coolant temperature at all times.

Q69. What is the Number and Capacity of Batteries to be used for a diesel engine fire pump?

A69. Each engine shall be provided with two storage battery units.

Q70.How many means of charging the batteries are needed for a diesel engine fire pump?

A70. Two.

Q71. List the means of charging the batteries for a diesel engine fire pump?

A71.

One shall be the generator or alternator furnished with the engine.

The other shall be an automatically controlled charger taking power from an alternating current power source.

Q72.Give a brief on the battery locations for the diesel engine fire pump?

A72. Storage batteries shall be rack-supported above the floor, secured against displacement, and located where
they will not be subject to excessive temperature, vibration, mechanical injury, or flooding with water. They shall
be readily accessible for servicing.

Q73.Give a brief on the Exhaust pipe Discharge Location?

A73. Exhaust from the engine shall be piped to a safe point outside the pump room and arranged to exclude
water. Exhaust gases shall not be discharged where they will affect persons or endanger buildings.

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Q74.List the visible indicators and common audible alarms on the engine drive controllers.

A74.

(a) Critically low oil pressure in the lubrication system. The controller shall provide means for testing the
position of the pressure switch contacts without causing trouble alarms.

(b) High engine jacket coolant temperature.

(c) Failure of engine to start automatically.

(d) Shutdown from overspeed.

(e) Battery failure. Each controller shall be provided with a separate visible indicator for each battery.

(f) Battery charger failure. Each controller shall be provided with a separate visible indicator for battery
charger failure.

Q75. List the requirements for automatic shutdown after automatic start has commenced?

A75.

(a) If the controller is set up for automatic engine shutdown, the controller shall shut down the engine only
after all starting causes have returned to normal and a 30-minute minimum run time has elapsed.

(b) When the engine emergency overspeed device operates, the controller shall remove power from the
engine running devices, prevent further cranking, energize the overspeed alarm, and lock out until manually
reset. Resetting of the overspeed circuit shall be required at the engine and by resetting the controller main
switch to the off position.

(c) The engine shall not shut down automatically on high water temperature or low oil pressure when any
starting cause exists. If no other starting cause exists during engine test, shutdown shall be permitted.

(d) The controller shall not be capable of being reset until the engine overspeed shutdown device is manually
reset.

Q76. List the items to be included in the instruction manual of the fire pumps?

A76.

(1) A detailed explanation of the operation of the component

(2) Instructions for routine maintenance

(3) Detailed instructions concerning repairs

(4) Parts list and parts identification

(5) Schematic electrical drawings of controller, transfer switch, and alarm panels

Q77.Can a butterfly valve be installed on the suction side of the fire pumps?

A77. No. A butterfly valve on the suction side of the pump can create turbulence that adversely affects the pump
performance and can increase the possibility of blockage of the pipe.

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Q78.Where should the gate valve located if the water supply is from a stored water container?

A78. The gate valve should be located at the outlet of the container.

Q80.Identify the problem in the retard chamber of the alarm check valve?

A80. Pressure switch is not provided in the retard chamber of the alarm
check valve.

Q81. Furnish the fire pump pressure settings (Cut-in, cut-off pressure settings of the fire pump sets)?

A81. The fire pump system, when started by pressure drop, should be arranged as follows.

(1) The jockey pump stop point should equal the pump churn pressure plus the minimum static supply
pressure.

(2) The jockey pump start point should be at least 10 psi (0.68-bar) less than the jockey pump stop point.

(3) The fire pump start point should be 5 psi (0.34 bar) less than the jockey pump start point. Use 10-psi
(0.68-bar) increments for each additional pump.

Q82. Identify the problem in the isolation valve?

A82. Isolation valves is installed but were not supervised.

Q83.What is the remedial measure for the above scenario?

A83. To ensure nobody can alter the settings of the pumps and they can be relied upon to operate in the event of
a fire situation they should be either supervised or locked.

Q84.List the two forms of misalignment between the pump shaft and the driver shaft?

A84.

a) Angular Misalignment. Shafts with axes concentric but not parallel.

(b) Parallel Misalignment. Shafts with axes parallel but not concentric.

Q85.List the causes if excessive vibration is present during operation of the vertical shaft fire pump?

A85.

(1) Bent pump or column shaft

(2) Impellers not properly set within the pump bowls

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(3) Pump not hanging freely in the well

(4) Strain transmitted through the discharge piping

Q86. For all pump installations, including jockey pumps, each controller shall have its own individual pressure-
sensing line-True or False?

A86. True.

Q87. What should be the size (dia) of the pressure sensing line?

A87. 1/2-in. (12.7-mm) nominal size.

Q88. How far should the check valves installed in the pressure sensing lines?

A88. The two check valves shall be installed in the pressure-sensing line at least 5 ft (1.5 m) apart.

Q89. What is the size of the hole to be drilled on to the clapper of the check valves in the pressure-sensing line?

A89. A 3/32-in. (2.4-mm) hole shall be drilled in the clapper.

Q90. What is the action to be taken when the Actual Net Head Lower than Rated net head?

A90. Check impeller diameter and number and pump model number to make sure correct head curve is being
used.

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