Control systems startup sequence

When more than one pump is installed, they should be coordinated to start in sequence, since immediate start up of all pumps may not be necessary and could cause damage to the system. Depending on the number of pumps available, they can be set to startup on sequentially decreasing fire main set points. All fire water pumps should be able to be started from remote activation switches located in manned control rooms. 

Start the fire pump to be tested and let it run for a minimum of 30 min, for stabilization of the mechanical systems. The firewater pump can be started manually from the controller, but it is typically preferred that a local fire water device is opened (i.e., fire hydrant(s)) to simulate firewater pump auto-start on low fire main pressure detection. If several fire pumps are arranged to start in sequence, the sequence startup should be verified to confirm programming logic arrangements. Adjust the driver (i.e., engine) rpm to operate the pump as close as possible to the rated rpm performance curve. 

Two kinds of startup and shutdown are commonly encountered, depending on whether foe column base is full ( wet ) or empty ( dry ) when foe colunrn is shut down. As will be seen, wet column startups and shutdowns are much faster. The same basic override system permits automatic startups regardless of whether they are wet or dry. It should be noted that no formal program or sequence control is necessary. Instead, as soon as steam and feed are available, foe column comes on line at foe maximum speed permitted by foe constraints. Depending on circumstances, a column may or may not follow foe same sequence of constraints from startup to startup. 

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