The reliability of mechanical equipment is directly related to the quality and frequency of maintenance.

Rosenbauer recommends that their pump should be left dry all year long.  After draining pump run primer for 5 seconds.

How often should my department pump test?

According to NFPA 1911 3.1*Frequency; “Service testing shall be conducted at least annually and whenever major repairs or modifications to the pump or any component of the apparatus that is used in pump operations have been made.” ISO Suppression Rating Schedule table 512.B which shows maximum points given for 3 years of annual testing of 100 to zero points for 5 years between 3 most recent tests.

Will I damage my pump if I use it for hose testing?
You can safely test your hose with your pumper as long as you discharge sufficient water to keep the pump operating cool. Continuously monitor the pump discharge water to assure cool operation.

What can be the cause of my newer fire trucks plumbing deterioration?

Galvanic corrosion occurs when different conducting materials are connected and exposed to fluid. Galvanic corrosion results in corrosion of the less resistant (anodic) of the two metals, while the more resistant (cathodic) metal is protected. Utilizing the proper sacrificial (consumable) anode extends the life of the pump by corroding the anode instead of the pump. Pumps where there is a significant amount of stainless steel manifolds bolted to a cast iron pump are especially prone to galvanic corrosion. Decreasing water quality across certain regions and the popularity of stainless steel manifolds make this a more common issue in modern Fire Apparatus.

All installations, can utilize consumable anodes to extend the life of the pump.

Anodes should be installed on both the suction and the discharge manifolds.
Typically, one anode is placed in each suction tube, close to the pump and one in the discharge manifold. The trend towards stainless manifolds and valves increases the need for anodes in all pumps. Smaller cast iron pumps such as booster pumps installed with stainless steel manifold systems have a greater tendency towards galvanic corrosion. This can cause leakage in relatively short periods of time depending on local water quality. The cast iron portions of the pump near the bronze clearance rings and/or near the stainless steel connections can experience extremely accelerated wear.
Anodes are required more now than ever before.
As mentioned above stainless plumbing and poor water contribute to the need for anodes. In addition, the poly and fiberglass water tanks on trucks do not have their own anode like galvanized steel tanks did. Since there is not an anode in the tank, there should be anodes in the pump. Anodes are inexpensive preventative measures against pre-mature pump failures from galvanic corrosion
Preventing galvanic corrosion by using the proper anode can extend the life of any brand of fire pump and avoid unnecessary repairs. Anodes can be effective on all pumps, even stainless steel pumps where galvanic corrosion can also occur between brass and stainless steel parts.
Additional Galvanic corrosion information:
A measure of how dissimilar metals will corrode when placed against each other in an assembly, is shown in the chart below. Metals close to one another on the chart generally do not have a strong effect on one another, but the farther apart any two metals are separated, the stronger the corroding effect on the one higher in the table. Poor water quality can affect corrosion. Anodes help protect the pump and the ferrous plumbing components. This is the same type of anode that is used in most home water heaters to protect against corrosion over the life of the unit. This protection is also recommended for fire pumps.


*Stainless steel alloy values have been omitted from this table as they can significantly change their potential and become much more active if exposed to stagnant or poorly aerated water (i.e., pumper tanks, fire hydrants, etc., )

Information courtesy of HALE Products, Inc.

 

SAFETY NOTICE

We are currently tracking a safety issue that we feel you must be aware of.
We are seeing an alarming amount of rear axle wheel studs that are breaking allowing the tire/wheel to come off the vehicle creating a considerable safety issue for firefighters and civilians.
This issue has occurred on single and tandem axle aerial devices and the wheel studs show no indication of wear prior to failure. This failure has occurred on vehicle chassis from different manufacturers and the only common factor is the majority of these failures occur on the opposite side of the most common station departure direction of the apparatus.
We recommend replacing all inner and outer rear wheel studs at the same time you conduct a rear brake job or every 8 to 10 years.

1-800-EAM-3911
651-786-4463
email:  service@eamservice.com