ASME PT-9 Blower Test?

[sjohns4]

Has anyone ever required the ASME PT-9 power test for PD blowers? I'm wanting to ensure we're actually getting the performance the manufacturer says we will. They said they'd have to take exception to a PT-9 test requirement in the specs however. I'm not sure if they can't backup their claims or is this not a test that is ever required? The single stage centrifigual guys dont seem to have a problem in providing certified ASME PT-10 power test results, so it's got me wondering what's going on with the PD guys here.

Thanks

Mike

 

[bimr]

Certification of performance is a good practice. However, some do not want to pay for the testing. Smaller less technically qualified manufacturer's also would not have the resources to do such a test. It is also not cost effective to do the testing on motors less than 10 HP.

Here is a typical specification for the test.

1.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE
A. Equipment Testing: The CONTRACTOR shall be responsible for the coordination of the following tests of each blower, compressor, and vacuum pump, drive, and motor:
1. General: Tests shall be performed in accordance with the ANSI/ASME PTC 9 and 10 Performance Test Codes. Tests shall be performed on the actual assembled unit from surge condition to 25 percent above the required design capacity. Prototype model tests will not be acceptable. Equipment shall be factory witness-tested, as defined herein.
2. Factory Tests of Blowers and Compressors: All blowers, compressors and motors of sizes 10 to 125 hp (inclusive) shall be factory-tested in accordance with the above specifications. Seven sets of Certified test data shall be submitted to the ENGINEER.
3. Factory Tests of Motors: All motors of size 10 hp and larger, shall be assembled, tested, and certified at the factory and the working clearances checked to insure that all parts are properly fitted. The tests shall be in
accordance with ANSI/IEEE 112 and ANSI/IEEE 115 standards, including heat run and efficiency tests. All computations shall be recorded and 7 certified and dated copies of the test results shall be furnished to the ENGINEER.
4. Factory Witnessed Tests: All blowers and compressors, variable speed drives, and motors, 150 hp and larger, shall be factory-tested as complete, assembled units, as specified above, and witnessed by the ENGINEER. The CONTRACTOR shall give the ENGINEER a minimum of 2 weeks notification prior to the test. All costs for CITY and ENGINEER representative expenses shall be borne by the CONTRACTOR and included in the bid price. Such costs shall include travel and subsistence for 2 persons but shall exclude any salaries. Test results in triplicate shall be submitted to the ENGINEER and no equipment shall be shipped until the test data have been approved by the ENGINEER.
5. Acceptance: In the event of failure of any blower or compressor to meet any of the above requirements or efficiencies, the CONTRACTOR shall make all necessary modifications, repairs, or replacements to conform to the
requirements of the Contract Documents and the equipment shall be retested at no additional compensation, until found satisfactory.
B. Field Tests: All units shall be field tested after installation, in accordance with the
Contract Documents, to demonstrate satisfactory operation, without causing excessive noise, vibration, and overheating of the bearings. The field testing shall be performed by the CONTRACTOR in the presence of a factory-trained,
experienced field representative of the manufacturer, who shall supervise the following tasks and shall certify in writing that the equipment and controls have been properly installed, aligned, lubricated, adjusted, and readied for operation:
1. Start-up, check, and operate the equipment over the entire speed range. The vibration shall be within acceptable limits.
2. Equipment performance shall be documented by obtaining concurrent readings, showing motor voltage, amperage, and discharge head. Each power lead to the motor shall be checked for proper current balance.
3. Bearing temperatures shall be determined by a contact-type thermometer. A running time of at least 20 minutes shall be maintained for this test.
4. Electrical and instrumentation testing shall conform to applicable sections of these Specifications.
5. The field testing shall be witnessed by the CITY or its representative. In the event any of the equipment fails to meet the above test requirements, it shall be modified and retested in accordance with the requirements of these
Specifications. The CONTRACTOR shall then certify in writing that the equipment has been satisfactorily tested, and that all final adjustments thereto have been made. Certification shall include date of final acceptancetest, as well as a listing of all persons present during tests, and resulting test data. The costs of all work performed in this Subsection by factory-trained representatives shall be borne by the CONTRACTOR. The CITY will pay for power costs. When available, the CITY's operating personnel will provide assistance in the field testing.

http://eng.lacity.org/techdocs/master_specs/DIV11/11370.pdf