Hydrostatic Pumps are complex equipment requiring minute and detailed work involving multiple components. Here’s a diagrammatic representation of a hydrotest system along with its labelled components.
In this blog, we shall be discussing a few of the primary components of a Hydrostatic Test Pump.
Parts of a Hydrostatic Test Pump
Power Source
Battery power, plug-in electric, and gasoline are the three major power sources for Hydrostatic Test Pump motors. The level of pressure and volume necessary determines the motor size, or horsepower.
A word of caution: When using plug-in electric or battery-powered pumps, be sure the power supply fulfils the motor's electrical needs. This includes any manufacturer-specified voltage, phase, hertz, and ampere requirements.
Before starting the testing, make sure all of the pump's parts, including the engine crankshaft, gear reduction, and gas tanks, have sufficient oil and other essential fluids.
Pressure Gauge
The pressure provided to the system is shown by a gauge on Hydrostatic Test Pumps. Please note that this is not the same as system pressure, which is monitored by a separate gauge.
The gauge on a test pump must be able to read twice the maximum pump pressure. Simply put, the gauge should be capable of reading at least 600 PSI if the pump is rated for 300 PSI. The most precise readings on the gauge are usually found near the center of the scale.
Pump
The majority of Hydrostatic Test Pumps are piston or plunger pumps that function best with pressured water supply. Starting a gravity feed—essentially, utilizing gravity as the pressure source needed to flow water into the pump—is usually adequate to establish positive flow when using them with a non-pressurized water supply.
Simply set the pump at a lower altitude than the container containing the water supply, switch it on with the priming valve open, and let gravitation take care of the rest.
The pump is frequently linked directly towards the head of the motor in modern versions, obviating the need for the shaft found in older machines. There are fewer moving components, less maintenance, and a reduced total weight as a result of this innovation.
Hoses of Pumps and Electrical Cords
Electrical connections and hoses are included with test pumps, allowing them to connect to a fire protection system during testing. Longer cable lengths, such as the 25 feet , extend across longer distances, making it simpler to connect to a parked vehicle's battery. Other electric pumps feature shorter chord lengths—usually six feet—that may be utilized with normal extension cables if necessary.
To carry water from the source of supply to the system being assessed, Hydrostatic Test Pumps use output and inlet hoses. Pumps are connected to the fire sprinkler or standpipe system by outlet hoses that are built to tolerate high pressures.
To connect the source of water to the pump, inlet or supply hoses typically employ conventional garden hose connectors. Longer supply hose lengths may collapse during suction, therefore a strong, short hose will function better than an entire garden hose. Supply hoses often flow into a suction-side strainer that prevents debris from the water supply, reducing the danger of pump breakdown or clog-induced flooding.
Pumps come with a variety of hose lengths from different manufacturers.
How do all these components function collectively?
Hydrostatic Test Pumps all do the same thing: they pump water into a pipe system at a higher-than-normal pressure to guarantee the system is leak-free and has a low risk of failure. Note that the methods below are merely suggestions; for individual pumps, the manufacturer's instructions should be followed.
Inspectors must first ensure that all lines are filled up with water and that any air is eliminated before beginning the test. Allowing air to escape is as simple as opening the inspector's test valve – or the other valve on the end opposite the water intake.
Connect the Hydro Test Pump to the system and then on to the test hose. Switch on the water supply to the pump, then the pump itself. Check for noticeable leaks and monitor system pressure by alternately watching the gauge as well as the pipes. Switch off the pump and detach the test hose after the required pressure is attained.
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