Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4, 1875-1886 2024 Publisher: Learning Gate DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate * Correspondence: moufidabenmoussa@yahoo.fr Influence of torque flow, pressure on the performance of a fire pump at the gas complex level Moufida Benmoussa1*, Fouad Inel2 1Mechanical engineering Department, University of Skikda, Algeria; moufidabenmoussa@yahoo.fr (M.B.) 2Mechanical engineering Department, University of Skikda, Algeria; inelfouad@yahoo.fr (F.I.) Abstract: In recent years, motor pumps have played an increasingly important role in transferring fluids by increasing pressure, such as in power plants, hydrocarbon complexes and oil companies. Although these companies have advantages, their lack of maintenance can negatively impact their production, resulting in wasted costs and time, as well as putting human lives at risk. Restoration and modernization with improper maintenance or wrong policies can lead to critical and dangerous situations for equipment, the environment and people. And in this sense, we will be interested in the problem of protection against a fire in a gas installation; with the aim of carrying out a performance test of the electric pump which aims to evaluate the performance of the pump of the firefighting network of the gas complex. To achieve our objective according to the NFPA 20 Standard we have the following approach: • Verification of measuring instruments. • Installation of an ultrasonic flow meter. • Application of the performance test on the fire pump. • Controls flow according to pressure. • Projection of the results obtained on the manufacturer's performance curve. • The comparison between the manufacturer's performance curve and the performance curve obtained. • Analysis of the results obtained. Finally, to monitor pump performance, we recommend the immediate installation of a permanent flow meter at the pump discharge level and avoid any type of risk. Keywords: Fire network, Net height, Performance, Portable flow meter, Pressure. 1. Introduction Electric fire fighting pumps, according to the actual situation, there are fire sprinkler pump, fire hydrant pump, fire jockey pump, pressure booster pump [1]. Portable fire fighting pumps can also be divided into vertical and horizontal fire pump. Transmission liquid flow is one of the important performance data of fire fighting pump selection, carrying liquid flow directly affecting the total production capacity of the plant [1]. The fire pump performance test verifies that the pumps are capable of delivering the amount of water and pressure needed to extinguish a fire. Testing typically includes evaluating static pressure and working pressure, as well as pump flow. There are several standards and codes that govern fire pump performance testing, such as NFPA 20 and FM Global. These tests can be performed regularly to ensure that pumps are in good working order and ready for use in an emergency [2]. Firefighting networks are defined as the transport of fire extinguishing agents such as water and 1876 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate foam from water storage areas to fire risk areas. This network is characterized by the diversity of its components: cooling equipment, fire extinguishing (water consumers), large tanks, pumps, isolation valves, etc. It is also characterized by the instantaneous availability, on demand, of high flow rates and high pressures [3]. The 71PM05A electric pump is part of the complex's firefighting network. It is powered by sea water to meet fire-fighting needs in parallel with other pumps [4]. 2. Pump test 71PM05 A 2.1. Electric Pump Characteristic Drive Motor Builder ABB Model 400 RH 04VI Serial number 954357 Nominal power 630 KW Rated rotation speed 1475 tr/min Tension 5500 V Ambiente temperature 24/47 Pump 71PM05 A Builder ITT Model VIT FF SIZE 24 EHC Serial number 313812 Rated capacity 1400 m3/h Total Head AP=11.2 bar G, soit 111 M Before Starting Pump Observation Checking the opening of the valves of the sealing water circuit (Stuffing gland) RAS Make sure there is a small flow of water at each cable gland RAS Check the opening of the suction valve and ensure the positive indication of the suction pressure gauge RAS Motor Observation Checking the Motor-Pump coupling RAS Control Panel Observation Main circuit breaker switch in ON position RAS Checking the operating and absence of alarm parameters RAS In service Pump Observation Make sure there is a small flow of water at each cable gland RAS Check the temperature at the bearings and stuffing glands RAS Motor Observation Check the direction of rotation of the motor RAS Make sure the motor is running at rated speed NA manque indication Checking the power absorbed by the pump NA manque indication Checking the voltages and currents of the 03 phases of the motor 93-101 A /5500V Control Panel Observation 1877 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Checking for absence of alarm RAS Off Pump Observation Make sure there is a small flow of water at each cable gland RAS Control Panel Observation Stop the pump by pressing the STOP push button RAS Testing start & stop modes Item Fashion Result Observation 01 Local boot Concluding RAS 02 Remote start from the control room Concluding RAS 03 Start in Auto mode by drop in network pressure Not Operational To be made reliable 04 Remote shutdown of the control room Concluding RAS 05 Local manual stop (STOP push button) Concluding RAS Testing local measuring instruments Instruments Observation Pressure gauge, discharge RAS Flow meter Not installed 3. Performance Test 3.1. Checking the Valves Before Testing State of Valves Observation All valves in the test line are open RAS All By-pass valves are closed The two manual discharge valves are strapped The main valves connected to the network are closed RAS 3.2. Motor Pump Performance Test of 71PM05 A Fire pumps are usually approved by a certification body and are powered by an electric or diesel engine or sometimes a steam turbine. In a firefighting installation, one or more fire pumps can operate as service pumps (50%) and the others are emergency pumps. The fire pump routes water to the sprinklers to extinguish the fire. The number of fire pumps installed depends on the occupancy risk (high, medium or low) and the specific standard. Due to the unavailability of a flow meter at the pump discharge, the flow readings were taken by a portable ultrasonic flow meter from the brand: GE, reference: PT878. For reasons related to the operation of the ultrasonic flow meter, it was very easy to exactly set the percentage of the pump flow rate to all the values predefined in the procedure. The leakage flow rate through the two manual discharge valves which are strapped is estimated at 10%, it will be added to the measured flow rate values. For safety reasons linked to the installation, the test was stopped at approximately 72% of the nominal flow rate (presence of water leaks proportional to the discharge pressure, at the level of the pump cooling line) [5]. NB: The pump discharge valve is located upstream of the two manual discharge valves. 1878 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Figure 1. Portable ultrasonic flow meter [6]. Table 1. Flow rate readings based on pressure. Flow (%) Flow (m3/h) Flow +10% (m3/h) P.suc (Bar) P. disc (Bar) P.Diff (Bar) Height Net realized (m) Height Net constructor (m) Gap (m) % height net Realized/height nominal (111m) 0.00 0.00 NR / NR NR NR 148 NA NA 38.85(*) 544 (*) NR / NR NR NR 140 NA NA 72.85 880 1020 / 11.5 11.5 113.81 122 -8.19 102.53 79.64 975 1115 / 11 11 108.86 119 -10.14 98.07 87.14 1080 1220 / 10 10 98.97 115 -16.03 88.35 99.28 (**) 1250 1390 / 9 9 89.07 110 -20.93 80.24 107.14 1360 1500 / 8 8 79.17 108 -28.83 71.32 128.57 1660 1800 / 6.2 6.2 61.36 95 -33.64 55.28 150 NA NA / NA NA NA 78 NA NA Note:: NA : Not applicable; (*) : Min flow; NR : Unrealized; (**) : Considered nominal flow P.suc : Suction pressure; P.disc : Discharge pressure; P.Diff : pressure difference. For mechanical behavior, measurements were taken by the structure concerned following the procedure. Table 2. Thermal parameters. Flow (%) Pump temperature reading (ºC) Temperature readings of motor Observation Cable Gland Bearing DE NDE DE NDE DE NDE 0.00 NR NR NR NR NR NR 38.85(*) NR NR NR NR NR NR 72.85 NR NR NR NR NR NR 79.64 NR NA NR NR NR NR 87.14 NR NA NR NR NR NR 99.28 (**) NR NA NR NR NR NR 107.14 NR NA NR NR NR NR 128.57 NR NR NR NR NR NR 150 NA NA NA NA NA NA Note: NA : Not applicable; (*) : Min Flow; NR : Unrealized; (**) : Considered nominal flow 1879 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Table 3. Vibration parameters. Flow (%) Side Pump Motor Observation Vertical (mm/s) Horizontal (mm/s) Axial (mm/s) Vertical (mm/s) Horizontal (mm/s) Axial (mm/s) RAS 100 DE 3.23 3.17 2.81 2.69 2.15 NR NDE NA NA NA 2.36 2.51 2.54 Table 4. Electrical parameters. Flow Flow Voltage displayed (V) Current displayed (A) Observation (%) (m3/h) U12 U23 U31 I1 I2 I3 0.00 NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 38.85(*) NR NR NR NR NR NR NR 72.85 1020 5500 5500 5500 67 67 67 79.64 1115 5500 5500 5500 67 67 67 87.14 1220 5500 5500 5500 71 71 71 99.28 (**) 1390 5500 5500 5500 71 71 71 107.14 1500 5500 5500 5500 71 71 71 128.57 1800 5500 5500 5500 67 67 67 150 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA Note: NA: Not applicable; (*) : Min flow; NR : Unrealized; (**) : Considered nominal flow Table 5. Sound level. Sound level readings at 1 m in (Db) A B C D E F G H 80 81 88 87.2 88.2 88.4 87 88.5 The sound level of the noise reaches values exceeding the tolerated threshold, therefore wearing a noise protection earmuff is recommended. 4. Evolution of the H.M.T of the Pump 71PM05 A Depending on the Flow Rate By definition, the total manometric head (T.M.T) of the pump is the difference between the delivery head and the suction head of the pump (this can be calculated in pressure). According to the results of the test carried out, the new performance curve is as follows: 1880 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Figure 2. Pump 71PM05 A performance curve. The constructor curve. The new test curve. 4.1. Performance Judging of the Pump 71PM05 A According to the test procedure and in accordance with NFPA 20, the evaluation of the pump performance is based on three essential points [7]: 1- At 0% of the nominal flow rate (discharge valve closed), the H.M.T supplied by the pump must be within the range of 100 to 140% of the nominal head. 2- At 100% of the nominal flow rate, the H.M.T supplied by the pump must not be below the nominal head. 3- At 150% Of the nominal flow rate, the H.M.T supplied by the pump must be at least 65% of the nominal head. Table 6. Pump performance factor summaries & comparisons. Flow (%) HMT of Constructor (m) HMT Carried out (m) Gap (m) Tolerance (NFPA) (%) HMT carried out/HMT nominal (111m) Comments 0.00 % 148 NR NR The net height achieved must be in the range of NR For safety reasons linked to the installation, water 1881 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Flow (%) HMT of Constructor (m) HMT Carried out (m) Gap (m) Tolerance (NFPA) (%) HMT carried out/HMT nominal (111m) Comments 100 to 140% of the nominal height leaks proportional to the discharge pressure at the level of the pump cooling line prevented the test at 0% flow 100% 111 73 -38 The net height achieved must not be below the nominal height 80.24 Less than 100 Value of HMT realized is Inconclusive 150% 78 NR NR The net height achieved must be less 65% of the nominal height NR Pump performance limit at 128.57% of rated flow with discharge valve fully open The results obtained show that the net head developed by the pump, which represents its performance, is below the nominal net head for a flow rate of 100%, in accordance with the standard in force. The pump must be urgently made reliable in order to bring its performance within the tolerance interval [8]. 5. Recommandations • Carry out a general overhaul of the motor pump. • Clean the pump suction and clean the pool. • Make the piping and cooling lines relating to the motor pump more reliable. • Provide for the installation of a flow meter at the pump outlet. • Make the two manual discharge valves more reliable. 6. General Pump 71PM05 a Overhauls It is the set of examination actions, controls and interventions carried out with a view to ensuring the property against any major or critical failure for a period of time or for a given number of units of use. It is customary to distinguish, depending on the extent of this operation, between general overhauls and the change of parts such as: • Angular contact bearings. • The pads. • The wheels. • Wear rings (Wheel and diffusers). • Pump shafts. • Gaskets and liners. 1882 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Figure 3. Condition of the wheel very degraded [9]. Figure 4. Pump components [10]. After purifying the recommendations, a second performance test is strongly recommended for regulatory compliance of the motor pump. 7. Evolution of the Net Head Developed by the Pump as a Function of the Flow Rate By definition, the net head developed by the pump is the difference between the total head calculated 1883 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate at discharge minus the total head calculated at suction of the pump [11]. Table 7. Flow rate readings based on pressure (2nd test). Realized values Flow (%) Flow (m3/h) P. suc (Bar) P. disc (Bar) Height Net realized (bar) Height Net realized (m) Height Net constructor (m) Gap (m) % height net realized/height nominal (111m) 0.00 0 0 NR NR / / / / 57.14 800 0 12.40 12.40 124.87 128.00 -3.13 112.49 100 1400 0.00 11.10 11.10 111.78 111.00 0.78 100.70 140 1875 0.00 8.80 8.80 88.62 92.50 -3.88 79.83 150 2100 0.00 7.20 7.20 72.50 73.00 -0.50 65.32 According to the results of the test carried out the new performance curve is as follows: Figure 5. Pump 71PM05 A performance curve. The constructor curve. The new test curve. In accordance with article 6.2 “Factory and Field Performance” of NFPA 20, the evaluation of pump performance is based on two essential points: 1- At 0% of the nominal flow rate (discharge valve closed), the net head provided by the pump must be within the range of 100 to 140% of the nominal head. 2- A 150% of the nominal flow, the net head provided by the pump must be at least 65% of the nominal head. From the performance curve produced on the pump, the table below summarizes the evolution of the pump performance factor. 1884 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Table 8. Pump performance factor Flow (%) Performance constructor (m) Performance Current (m) Gap in % Tolerance (NFPA) Result. (% compared to H nominal) 0.00% 147 NN - De 100 à 140% NN 100% 111 111.78 + 0.78 ≥ 100% 100.70 Acceptable 150% 73.0 72.5 -0.5 ≥ 65% (For 150%) 65.32 Acceptable Note: NN: Not noted. At 100% of the nominal flow rate, the 71PM05 A pump preserves its performance (the net head provided by the pump is always equal to the nominal head) [11]. The results obtained showing that the net head developed by the pump, which represents its performance, is within the tolerated range, in accordance with the standard in force. To monitor pump performance, we recommend installing a permanent flow meter at the pump outlet. Figure 6. Permanent Flow meter [12]. 1885 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate Figure 7. Full flow geometric [13]. 8. Conclusion This work is considered as a starting point for several studies on fire networks by tackling different issues such as the study of danger and the estimation of the quantities of water necessary for fire extinguishing. And also, plan the installation of a permanent flow meter at the pump outlet to allow monitoring of pump performance. Fire pumps are used in industry due to the diversity of their applications, their special capacity and they are characterized by their ease of use and the frequent need for routine maintenance, and its advantages include high productivity, low costs and average efficiency in addition to energy efficiency, corrosion resistance and reliability. The performance of a pump will be a function of pressure losses in the system, with pumps producing differential flow and pressure, given inlet conditions. A pump curve is a graphical representation of the differential flow rates and pressures that can be produced by a pump. 90% of pump-related problems arise from the system in which they are installed and therefore it is important to note that pump selection is only part of the process of selecting a suitable pump for the process [14]. Copyright: © 2024 by the authors. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). References [1] http://fr.croospump.com/fire-fighting-pump.html [2]https://www.securanorthafrica.com/fr/products/testsdeperformance/#:~:text=Le%20test%20de%20performance%20des,du%2 0d%C3%A9bit%20de%20la%20pompe. [3] https://www.grundfos.com/ca/fr/learn/research-and-insights/fire-pumps [4] Debbi B, BELAIACHI S., 2019. Study and sizing of a fire prevention network in an industrial unit. University of, Kasdi Merbah, Ouargla. [5] Report of the periodic pump performance test (Fire network), 2016. Complexe GL1.K. [6] https://www.usinenouvelle.com/expo/debitmetre-a-ultrasons-portable-de-po-p25315373.html [7] The standard (NFPA 20), Last updated April 24, 2019. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA Fire Safety Testing). [8] Pump performance test procedure (Fire network), Complexe GL1.K. [9] https://www.azprocede.fr/Schema_GC/picture.php?/545/category/20 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ https://www.usinenouvelle.com/expo/debitmetre-a-ultrasons-portable-de-po-p25315373.html https://www.azprocede.fr/Schema_GC/picture.php?/545/category/20 1886 Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology ISSN: 2576-8484 Vol. 8, No. 4: 1875-1886, 2024 DOI: 10.55214/25768484.v8i4.1561 © 2024 by the authors; licensee Learning Gate [10]https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ff0958e0-3707-4d68-a50a b495cefc6c16/content [11] Report of the periodic pump performance test (Fire network), 2021. Complexe GL1.K. [12] https://www.revue-ein.com/article/choisir-un-debitmetre-electromagnetique [13] Ping H, Yajing X, Jinfeng Z, and Haiqin Song H C., the Influence of Flow Rates on Pressure Fluctuation in the Pump Mode of Pump-Turbine with Splitter Blades. National Research Center of Pumps, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China; huangping@ujs.edu.cn (P.H.) [14]https://www.northridgepumps.com/article-300_lire-une-courbe-de pompe#:~:text=Une%20courbe%20de%20rendement%20de%20pompe%20indique%20l'efficacit%C3%A9%20d,de%20 la%20courbe%20de%20performance. https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ff0958e0-3707-4d68-a50a https://www.revue-ein.com/article/choisir-un-debitmetre-electromagnetique https://www.northridgepumps.com/article-300_lire-une-courbe-de