Hale Q Series Muscle - Manual (Page 64)

 Basic Operation
64 MUSCLE (Midship) Pumps Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
p/n: 029-0020-63-0
4.5 TANDEM (SERIES) PUMPING
Tandem pumping operations is used when higher pressures are required than a sin-
gle engine is capable of supplying. This can occur when the pumper is attempting to
supply high-rise sprinkler or standpipe systems or long hose layouts.
Note: Two 1,000 GPM (3,785 LPM) pumpers in a series from a hydrant can produce
500 GPM (1,893 LPM) at 500 PSI (3,447 kPa) if the relief valve systems allow 500 PSI
(3,447 kPa).
CAUTION!
WHEN SUPPLYING HOSE LINES IN A TANDEM PUMPING OPERATION IT IS POSSIBLE
TO SUPPLY GREATER PRESSURE THAN THE HOSE CAN WITHSTAND. PRESSURE
SUPPLIED TO THE HOSE SHOULD NOT EXCEED THE PRESSURE AT WHICH THE
HOSE IS ANNUALLY TESTED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
CONSULT NFPA 1962, “STANDARD FOR THE CARE, USE AND SERVICE TESTING OF
FIRE HOSE INCLUDING COUPLINGS AND NOZZLES,” FOR THE TEST PRESSURES
RECOMMENDED FOR THE TYPE OF FIRE HOSE USED BY YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT.
In tandem pumping, the pumper directly attached to the water supply source pumps
water through its discharge outlet(s) into the intake(s) of the second engine. This
enables the second engine to discharge water at a much higher pressure than a sin-
gle engine could have supplied. The higher pressure results from the pumps acting in
series.
Tandem Procedures
1. Using the large intake hose, connect the first pumper to the hydrant steamer.
Open the hydrant until the pump is primed.
2. Position the second pumper “discharge-to-intake” with the first pumper.
3. Open a discharge to flow water.
4. Adjust the throttle on the first pumper until the intake gauge reads approximately
5 PSI (34 kPa).
5. Connect the second pumper to the unused streamer intake of the first pumper,
using a large intake hose (approximately 2-1/2” / 65 mm).
6. Both pumpers pump water to the fire. Also see heading “Pumping From a
Hydrant, General Operation” on page 54.