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Use Test Header Butterfly for Throttling Flow?

3/1/2022

7 Comments

 
When doing an annual test today for large fire pumps with a combined test header, I was told that most inspectors throttle and send water to the pitot gauges by using the butterfly valve inside the pump room and keeping the control valves wide open outside on the test header.

I disagreed with this approach, as my mentor in the industry taught me to first charge the test header and then get your pressures by opening each outside control valve individually to get your pressures. He said this is so that you don't burn up the rubber on the inside test header (normally-closed) butterfly valve. He said it happened to him in the past and then the building owner is left with a leaking test header control valve and the danger and costliness of a test header full of water.

Is there a correct way (by code) to get your pitot reading off the hose monsters outside (what I mainly using) or is charging water one way or the other simply a matter of preference?

I hope this makes sense.

I understand some test header control valves are OS&Y but most all the outside components I come across are the test hose connections that open and close via the gate valve.

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7 Comments
Travis Mack
3/1/2022 08:08:04 am

I've done tests both ways for years. I have never come across an issue by throttling via the butterfly valve. I don't believer there is a required procedure in NFPA 20 or 25 on how it should or shall be performed.

Reply
matthew mueller
3/1/2022 08:17:19 am

I lost count of the number of butterfly valves I've had to replace over the years due to using the butterfly to throttle flow. Turbulence tears up the rubber seat that is on the vane, and it will no longer seal even after some times just one test. While there's no prohibition that I know of for doing this, it is very bad practice.

Reply
Jesse
3/1/2022 08:27:23 am

Smart mentor.

I would avoid throttling using the BFV. It will create a lot of turbulence downstream of the valve as well as undue stress on the valve itself.

Reply
Glenn Berger
3/1/2022 09:10:34 am

If you are looking to perform the test(s) at 0%, 100%, and 150% flow, the it is easier to use the throttling valve. If you are running the test with one hose valve open, two hose valves, three hose valves open, then the butterfly valve provides no assistance in this manner.

Regardless on how you perform the tests, ensure that hoses are securely connected to the hose monster and the gate valve, and stay safe.

Reply
Dan Wilder
3/1/2022 01:08:47 pm

On pump commissioning, we leave the butterfly open and throttle via the hose valves. On yearly (or 3-year if a flow meter is installed), the inspections guys I have seen will use the butterfly valve. Doesn't help that these are normally closed valves (if order correctly and not wired backwards)

The installation literature for Victaulic has some specific language on this...

" When using Victaulic Butterfly Valves for throttling service, Victaulic recommends positioning the disc no less than 30 degrees open. For best results, the disc should
be between 30 and 70 degrees open; this is dependent on the flow requirements/characteristics for the piping system. High pipeline velocities and/ or throttling with the disc less than 30 degrees open may result in noise, vibration, cavitation, severe gasket erosion/abrasion, and/or loss of control. Contact Victaulic regarding throttling services."

It also recommends installation 5 diameters from irregular flows and limiting flow velocities to 20 ft/sec (probably not an issue with a NFPA 20 sized test header)

There is a "supply side" of a butterfly valve as an installation method (the tapped port sitting below the clapper), but it's only discussed as a good practice, not a requirement.

Reply
Chris Logan link
3/1/2022 01:36:35 pm

I have tested both ways. I will use the test header supply valve to throttle most times if its an OSY (older install) as opposed to the butterfly. I haven't had any issues with butterfly valves burning up, but I can see it being an issue.

Reply
James E. Art FPE, Ca
3/2/2022 11:59:54 am

Throttling using a butterfly va. is very difficult (and can be hard on the rubber parts.)
When I do the specs, I recommend:
- Provide at least one OS&Y on the test loop, and
- Install a 2" drain on the loop, past the meter.
This allows release of some flow and pressure to drain,
which makes it much easier to regulate the flows to get good test points,
and reduces the tendency to have the water flowing in a circle around the pump to heat up.
It can also help drain the pipe if the meter is removed for service.
Note flowing just around the test loop does NOT verify or test the water source. An actual discharge test is required at least every 3 years.
James E. Art, Pleasanton, CA.

Reply



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  • Blog
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    • HANGER SPACER*
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    • OBSTRUCTIONS AGAINST WALL*
    • PLUMBING FIXTURE COUNTS
    • QUICK RESPONSE AREA REDUCTION
    • REMOTE AREA ANALYZER*
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    • SPRINKLER FLOW*
    • SYSTEM ESTIMATOR*
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    • TRAPEZE CALCULATOR
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