Pump testing system
OwnerDale Alexanderinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention is a pump testing system that allows users to test centrifugal pumps by the use of an artificially controlled load, measure flow of the pump under controlled operating parameters, and ensure that the pump meets industry standards of operation. The specific embodiment disclosed herein concerns centrifugal pumps used in fire fighting vehicles, but is not limited to such apparatus.
Claims18
An Pump Testing System, comprising:
- a. a first two-port valve, capable of incremental movement and positioning between its fully open and fully closed positions, sized for attachment to a fire fighting apparatus pump's suction hose on a first port, capable of attachment to a tube on the second port, and opened to a position which simulates the intake work load to the apparatus pump under industry standard draft test conditions.
- b. a tube capable of connection to the two-port valve on one end of the tube, and the other end attached to a source of water, the tube also capable of carrying sufficient water flow to test the fire fighting apparatus pump.
A Pump Testing System, comprising a two-port valve, capable of incremental movement and positioning between its fully open and fully closed positions, sized for attachment to the discharge end of a fire hose on a first port, and opened to a position which simulates the backpressure that the pump would experience when the pump might be employed to extinguish a fire, a tube capable of connection to the two-port valve on one end of the tube, and the other end attached to a source of water, the tube also capable of carrying sufficient water flow to test the fire fighting apparatus pump.
A method of testing a centrifugal pump, comprising:
- a. Moving a test system near to a pump to be tested;
- b. Connecting a test system's water tank to the intake port of a pump to be tested through a suction line;
- c. Connecting a discharge line from the discharge port of the pump to a discharge port on test system water tank;
- d. Adjusting a first test system valve so it restricts water flow to the pump to simulate NFPA 1911 test conditions or other desired intake load;
- e. Adjusting a second test system valve so it restricts water flow from the pump to simulate back pressure operational conditions;
- f. Priming all aforementioned plumbing, so the test system and pump contains water;
- g. Begin test procedures as described in NFPA 1911 or other desired tests;
- h. Monitor fluid flow and temperature using flow meters in each water path, including the intake path from tank to pump, and the discharge path from pump to tank;
- i. Using communications and control software, instruct the valves to change position to reflect desired load and flow parameters during testing.
- j. Displaying the operational parameters on a monitor in real time during the test;
- and
- k. Saving the operational parameters and performance in a computer for later evaluation and maintenance record-keeping.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.