Fire pump flow by reading maps from controller

[LowlySprnkLayoutTech]

Does anyone have practical experiance using amp reading to at least reasonable approximate flow from a fire pump? In a situation that metering flow with a pitot is limited for a highrise standpipe acceptance test. I have testing flow meter for top outlet with residual, but measuring flow from other standpipes is an issue. Does reading amps at the controller vs what we had from the pump acceptance test fubar to verify total flow?

 

[LCREP]

Apples and oranges.....you need to flow water as if the FD is using the standpipe connection. The amps/volts lets you know if the motor is operating properly, flow tests the pump connected to the motor. I have tested pumps where the volts and amps did not meet NFPA 20/25 but the flow did not.

 

[LittleInch]

If you have the actual test results for that pump then using power input into the motor is Ok to get you close to the flow within probably 10-15%. Make sure the power figure is the electrical power and not the pump power rating.

Can you combine that with differential pressure across the pump? That will give you a sense check to see where you are on the pump curve is similar to where the power figure is giving you.

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