TESTING FIREWATER SYSTEMS

Firewater supply sources can be the city public water main, a dedicated storage tank and pumps, or the most convenient lake, river or if an offshore installation the open sea. Brackish or salt water supplies can be used if suitable corrosion protection measures are applied to the entire firewater system if it is planned to be used for an extended life (i.e., grater than five years). If a short life span of the facility is expected, short corrosion resistant materials may be used (i.e., carbon steel, galvanized steel, etc.), provided periodic testing indicates their integrity is still adequate and scale or corrosion particles do not affect operational efficiency. 

Typically a network of firewater systems mains is provided in a facility that form loops. These can be segregated into sections or legs and the performance of each can be determined by flow test. Flow tests release quantities of water that are measured and graphed. Performing an initial acceptance baseline test and recording the results from year to year can portray the performance of the firewater system and projections of the useful life of the system can be determined. 

Testing of firewater distribution systems is accomplished to determine if the condition of system is adequate to support a WCCE need for firewater. The condition of piping, leaks, existence of closed valves or sediment, operability of valves and monitors, etc., should be determined annually. 

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. 

The firewater distribution system should be pressure tested regularly (at least... 

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