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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator Handbook, 2nd Edition Chapter 10 Fire Pump Theory
Learning Objectives
1. Select facts about positive displacement pumps. 2. Complete statements about the operation of positive displacement fire pumps. 3. Answer questions about centrifugal pumps.
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Learning Objectives
5. Match centrifugal pumps to their characteristics. 6. Answer questions about changeover. 7. Select facts about pump wear rings and packing rings.
Learning Objectives
9. Answer questions about intake and discharge piping. 10. Select facts about valves. 11. Distinguish between types of valve actuators.
Learning Objectives
13. Identify characteristics of various automatic pressure control devices. 14. Match pump primers to their descriptions and operating techniques. 15. Match pump panel controls and instruments to their descriptions.
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 104
Learning Objectives
16. State the primary function of an auxiliary cooler. 17. Explain the operation of marine- and immersion-type auxiliary coolers.
Types
Piston Rotary
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 107
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1010
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1011
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1013
Receives and
discharges water on each stroke of the piston
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1018
Multicylinder Pumps
Are more practical to build than one large
single-cylinder pump
Rotary Pumps
Are the simplest of all pumps in design
Were used extensively as the major pump on
older fire apparatus
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1023
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1031
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1032
Centrifugal Pumps
Are utilized by nearly all modern fire
apparatus
Centrifugal Pumps
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1035
Centrifugal Pumps
Consists of:
Impeller Transmits energy in the form of velocity to the water Casing Collects the water and confines it in order to convert the velocity to pressure Volute Is a water passage that gradually increases in cross-sectional area as it nears the pump discharge outlet (Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1036
Centrifugal Pumps
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1037
Centrifugal Pumps
The impeller in a centrifugal pump rotates
very rapidly within the casing, generally from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.
Centrifugal Pumps
Main factors that influence discharge
pressure: Amount of water being discharged Speed at which the impeller is turning Pressure of water when it enters the pump from a pressurized source (hydrant, relay, etc.)
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1041
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1043
Changeover
The process of switching between the
pressure and volume position
Changeover
Changeover
Consult the owners manual for:
The specific pump being operated to obtain information on its recommended flow rate at which the transfer should occur. The maximum pressure at which the transfer valve should be operated. In most cases, the recommended maximum pressure will not exceed 50 psi (350 kPa).
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1055
Changeover
Because there may be a slight interruption to
fireground operations when changeover occurs, coordinate with attack crews so that lines are not shut down at critical times.
Changeover
If there is any question as to the proper
operation of the transfer valve, it is better to be in parallel (volume) than in series (pressure). While the parallel (volume) position may make it difficult to attain the desired pressure, it can supply 100 percent of the rated capacity at 150 psi (1 000 kPa) at draft.
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1057
Changeover
There is a built-in safeguard on many older
pumps that makes it physically impossible to accomplish manual transfer while the pump is operating at high pressures. Newer pumps utilize a power-operated transfer valve that can be activated by electricity, air pressure, vacuum from the engine intake manifold, or water pressure itself.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1058
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Changeover
Use special care when operating poweroperated transfer valves. These valves operate at pressures as high as 200 psi (1 380 kPa). Be familiar with the manual override device installed on some transfer valves. These overrides allow the transfer to be operated should the power equipment fail.
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1059
Changeover
The clapper (check) valves are essential in a
multi-stage pump. When the transfer valve is operated, the clapper valve allows water to escape back into the intake, and it churns through the pump instead of building up pressure. If the valves should stick open or closed or get debris caught, the pump will not operate properly in the series (pressure) position. Inspect the valve often to ensure that the pump can be properly flushed.
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1060
Changeover
Packing Rings
Packing Rings
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1066
Packing Rings
The most common type of packing is a
material made of robe fibers impregnated with graphite or lead. This is pushed into a stuffing box by a packing gland driven by a packing adjustment mechanism. Some centrifugal pumps are equipped with ceramic or mechanical seals that are not adjustable. As packing rings wear, the packing gland can be tightened and the leak controlled.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1067
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Packing Rings
Where the packing rings come into contact
with the shaft, heat is developed. To overcome this, a lantern ring (spacer) is supplied to provide cooling and lubrication. A small amount of water leaks out and prevents excessive heat buildup. If the packing is too tight, water is not allowed to flow and excessive heat buildup results.
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1068
Packing Rings
If the packing is too loose, air leaks adversely
affect the pumps ability to draft.
Packing Rings
Packing Rings
Front-Mount Pumps
Are mounted between front bumper and grill
Are driven through a gear box and a clutch
connected by a universal joint shaft to the front of the crankshaft
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Front-Mount Pumps
Front-Mount Pumps
Can obstruct the air flow through the vehicles
radiator and contribute to engine overheating
Front-Mount Pumps
Most are engaged and controlled from the
pump location itself, putting the driver/operator in a vulnerable spot at the front of the vehicle
Front-Mount Pumps
Front-Mount Pumps
Midship Pumps
Are mounted laterally across the frame
behind the engine and transmission
Are supplied power through the use of a splitshaft gear case located in the drive line between the transmission and the rear axle
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Midship Pumps
Are driven by a series of gears or a drive
chain
Midship Pumps
Should be engaged inside the cab and the road
transmission put in the proper gear Note: To be sure that the transmission is in the correct gear, observe the speedometer reading after the pump is engaged. With the engine idling and the pump engaged, most speedometers read between 10 and 15 mph (16 km/h to 24 km/h). Some newer apparatus may be designed so that the speedometer does not go above 0 mph (km/h) when the pump is engaged. (Continued)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1088
Midship Pumps
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1089
Midship Pumps
Midship Pumps
Hydrostatic Pumps
Are driven by a shaft from the front of the
vehicles engine, which turns a pump that drives a midship-mounted or rear-mounted centrifugal water pump
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Hydrostatic Pumps
Do not output acccording to speed of the
engine
Rear-Mount Pumps
Advantages
Provide more even weight distribution on the apparatus chassis Allow the apparatus to have more compartment space for tools and equipment Disadvantage May expose driver/operator to oncoming traffic
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1094
Rear-Mount Pumps
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1095
Rear-Mount Pumps
Piping Systems
Components
Intake piping Discharge piping Pump drains Valves Must be of a corrosion-resistant material; most are constructed of cast iron, brass, stainless steel, or galvanized steel
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1097
Piping Systems
May include rubber hoses in certain locations
Must be able to withstand a hydrostatic test of
500 psi (3 450 kPa) before being placed into service
Intake Piping
Piping that connects the pump and the
onboard water tank Should be sized so that pumpers with a capacity of 500 gpm (1 900 L/min) or less should be capable of flowing 250 gpm (950 L/min) from the booster tank; pumpers with capacities greater than 500 gpm (1 900 L/min) should be able to flow at least 500 gpm (1 900 L/min)
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 1099
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Intake Piping
Piping that connects the pump and the
onboard water tank (continued) May be as large as 4 inches (100 mm) in diameter All are equipped with check valves, which prevent damage to the tank if the tank-topump valve opens when water is being supplied to the pump under pressure
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10100
Intake Piping
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10101
Intake Piping
The primary intake into the fire pump is
through large-diameter piping and connections. Intake piping is round in shape at the point where the intake hose connects; it then tapers to a square shape.
Intake Piping
Intake Piping
Discharge Piping
Enough 2-inch (65 mm) or larger discharge
outlets must be provided in order to flow the rated capacity of the fire pump.
Discharge Piping
Apparatus with a rated pump capacity less
than 750 gpm (2 850 L/min) are only required to have one 2-inch (65 mm) discharge.
Discharge Piping
Is constructed of the same material as intake
piping.
Valves
Control most of the intake and discharge lines
from the pump
Ball-Type Valves
Permit full flow through the lines with a
minimum of friction loss Use one of two types of actuators Push-pull handles Quarter-turn handles
Push-Pull Handles
Use a sliding gear-tooth rack that engages a
sector gear connected to the valve stem
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Push-Pull Handles
Can be mounted in a location remote from
the pump panel
Push-Pull Handles
Quarter-Turn Handles
Have a simpler mechanical linkage Have handle mounted directly on valve stem Are opened or closed by a 90-degree
movement of the handle Lock by rotating the handle clockwise Some lock automatically when the handle is released, but majority require positive action
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10116
Quarter-Turn Handles
Drain Valves
Provide a way from the driver/operator to
relieve the pressure from the hoseline after the discharge valve and nozzle have both been closed Allow for draining and disconnecting unused lines even when the pump is still in service Remove water from the system in climates where freezing might occur
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10121
Bleeder Lines
Relief Valves
Pressure Governor
Regulates pressure on centrifugal pumps
Regulates the power output of the engine to
match pump discharge requirements
Pressure Governor
Varies with each manufacturers designs
May be attached to either a regular or an
auxiliary throttle
Pressure Governor
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Pressure Governor
Piston Assembly Governor
Fits onto the carburetor (gasoline engines) or throttle link (diesel engines) and reduces or increases the engine speed under the control of a rod connected to a piston in a water chamber
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10134
Pressure Governor
Electronic governor
Uses a pressuresensing element connected to the discharge manifold to control the action of an electronic pump amplifier that compares pump pressure to an electrical reference point
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10135
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10137
Oil-Less Primers
Are environmentally friendly
Are constrcted of space-age materials that do
not require lubrication
Do not discharge oil in the primary process May be installed on new apparatus or in
apparatus that came with conventional oillubricated primers as original equipment
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10139
Exhaust Primers
Are still found on many small skid-mounted
pumps and some older pieces of apparatus
Exhaust Primers
Are not very efficient
Require a great deal of maintenance Require that any air leaks in the pump be
kept to an absolute minimum and that the suction hose and gaskets be kept in good condition
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10141
Exhaust Primers
Vacuum Primers
Are the simplest type of primer
Were common on older, gasoline-powered
fire apparatus
Vacuum Primers
Can draw water
through pump and into intake manifold, causing damage to the engine; can be prevented with a check valve Work best at low engine rpm
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10144
device Master pump discharge pressure indicating device Weatherproof tachometer Pumping engine coolant temperature indicator Pumping engine oil pressure indicator Pump overheat indicator
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10145
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Tachometer
Records the engine speed in rpm
Is useful as a means of trouble analysis when
difficulty with the pump is encountered a gradual increase in the amount of rpm required to pump the rated capacity indicates wear in the pump and a need for repairs
Voltmeter
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Primer Control
Auxiliary Coolers
Function
To control the temperature of coolant in the apparatus engine during pumping operations
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Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10160
Auxiliary Coolers
Marine-type
Is inserted into one of the hoses used in the engine cooling system so that the engine coolant must travel through it as it circulates through the system
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10161
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Auxiliary Coolers
Immersion-type
The water being supplied by the fire pump passes through a coil or some type of tubing mounted inside the cooler so that it is immersed in the coolant.
Pumping Apparatus Driver/Operator 10162
Summary
Summary
In most cases, added pressure is provided by
a fire pump built into a piece of fire apparatus.
Discussion Questions
1. Explain how a piston pump operates. 2. Explain how a rotary pump operates. 3. Name the three parts of a centrifugal pump.
Discussion Questions
5. What is changeover? 6. Explain the operation of auxiliary enginedriven pumps and PTO driven pumps. 7. Name the two types of actuators used in ball-type valves.