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Project: Water System Performance Study
Client: Seton Hall University
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Recent annual fire pump certifications performed for Seton Hall University
produced unfavorable results prompting the University to retain GSE to
evaluate and confirm the results of the subject tests and to identify
potential causes of same. GSE first performed various cursory field investigations
along the University’s water distribution system to establish system
behavior under various flow conditions and to better assess the validity
of the subject test results obtained days earlier. In addition, GSE reviewed
past Annual Test Report results to confirm pump performance at each facility.
The results of the initial investigations generally indicated significant
reductions in available system pressures in specific areas under rather
modest flow conditions. In addition, a review of past Annual Reports called
into question past fire pump performance data and the conclusions reached
as a result. As a result, GSE went on to perform targeted field tests
along the University’s water distribution system in order to better
identify the possible causes of the limited fire flows being produced.
These tests included water main coefficient testing to assess the internal
condition of the representative sections of the University’s water
distribution system and fire pump tests to confirm that the pumps in question
are performing in accordance with their certified pump curves while meeting
the minimum NJDEP and NFPA operating requirements. The results of the
subject testing resulted in the identification of specific water distribution
system improvements required to bring the existing fire protection systems
to operate within acceptable parameters. The improvements included water
distribution main cleaning and cement mortar lining, water main looping
and improvements to piping configurations to existing fire booster pumping
facilities.
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