ANNEX A 20-83

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150 A 10 ft (3.05 m) submergence is considered the minimum
Shutoff
140 Head capacity curve with acceptable level to provide proper pump operation in well

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steepest shape permissible applications. The increase of 1 ft (0.30 m) for each 1000 ft
“Flat” head capacity curve (305 m) increase in elevation is due to loss of atmospheric pres‐

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Percent of rated total head

sure that accompanies elevation. Therefore, the net positive

100 Rated total head suction head (NPSH) available must be considered in selection
of the pump. For example, to obtain the equivalent of 10 ft
(3.05 m) of NPSH available at an elevation of 1000 ft (305 m),
Rated approximately 11 ft (3.35 m) of water is required.
65 capacity
Several other design parameters need to be considered in
50 the selection of a vertical turbine pump, including the follow‐
ing:
(1) Lineshaft lubrication when the pump is installed in a well.
Bearings are required to have lubrication and are instal‐
led along the lineshaft to maintain alignment. Lubrica‐
0
0 50 100 150 200 tion fluid is usually provided by a fluid reservoir located
Percent of rated capacity aboveground, and the fluid is supplied to each bearing by
a copper tube or small pipe. This lubrication fluid should
FIGURE A.6.2 Pump Characteristics Curves. use a vegetable-based material that is approved by the
federal Clean Water Act to minimize water contamina‐
tion.
(2) Determination of the water level in the well. When a vertical
turbine pump is tested, the water level in the well needs
1 to be known so that the suction pressure can be deter‐
mined. Often the air line for determining the depth is
4 omitted, so testing of the pump for performance is not
possible. The arrangement of this device is shown in
7 9 10
6 14 17 Figure A.7.3.5.3, and its installation should be included in
8 11 13 the system design.
2
19
16
A.7.2.2.2 The velocities in the approach channel or intake
pipe should not exceed approximately 2 ft/sec (0.7 m/sec),
• •
• •
• • • • • • •
• • • •
• •

3 • 5 18 12 18 and the velocity in the wet pit should not exceed approximately
1 ft/sec (0.3 m/sec). (See Figure A.7.2.2.2.)
15
The ideal approach is a straight channel coming directly to
the pump. Turns and obstructions are detrimental because
they can cause eddy currents and tend to initiate deep-cored
1 Aboveground suction tank 9 Horizontal split-case fire pump vortices. The amount of submergence for successful operation
2 Entrance elbow and square steel 10 Automatic air release will depend greatly on the approaches of the intake and the
vortex plate with dimensions at 11 Discharge gauge size of the pump.
least twice the diameter of the 12 Reducing discharge tee
suction pipe. Distance above the 13 Discharge check valve The Hydraulic Institute Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary and
bottom of tank is one-half the 14 Relief valve (if required) Reciprocating Pumps recommends sump dimensions for flows
diameter of the suction pipe with 15 Supply pipe for fire protection
3000 gpm (11,355 L/min) and larger. The design of sumps for
minimum of 6 in. (152 mm). system
3 Suction pipe 16 Drain valve or ball drip pumps with discharge capacities less than 3000 gpm (11,355 L/
4 Frostproof casing 17 Hose valve manifold with min) should be guided by the same general principles shown
5 Flexible couplings for strain relief hose valves in the Hydraulic Institute Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary and
6 OS&Y gate valve (see 4.14.5 and 18 Pipe supports Reciprocating Pumps.
A.4.14.5) 19 Indicating gate or indicating
7 Eccentric reducer butterfly valve A.7.2.5 Where wells take their supply from consolidated forma‐
8 Suction gauge tions such as rock, the specifications for the well should be
decided upon by the authority having jurisdiction after consul‐
FIGURE A.6.3.1(a) Horizontal Split-Case Fire Pump tation with a recognized groundwater consultant in the area.
Installation with Water Supply Under a Positive Head.
A.7.2.7 Before the permanent pump is ordered, the water
from the well should be analyzed for corrosiveness, including
A.7.2.2.1.3 The acceptability of a well is determined by a 24- such items as pH, salts such as chlorides, and harmful gases
hour test that flows the well at 150 percent of the pump flow such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or hydrogen sulfide (H2S). If the
rating. This test should be reviewed by qualified personnel
water is corrosive, the pumps should be constructed of a suita‐
(usually a well drilling contractor or a person having experi‐
ble corrosion-resistant material or covered with special protec‐
ence in hydrology and geology). The adequacy and reliability
tive coatings in accordance with the manufacturers'
of the water supply are critical to the successful operation of
recommendations.
the fire pump and fire protection system.
A.7.3.1 See Figure A.7.3.1.

2016 Edition