Product Alert March 28, 2018

Transcription

1 Product Alert March 28, 2018 Type of Notification: Safety / Performance Related Concern FM Approvals has been made aware of a failure of a diesel engine fire pump flywheel adapter plate manufactured by Centa and utilized by SPP Pumps Ltd. (SPP) on a model TD20D fire pump. The FM Approved pump was being driven by an FM Approved DeMaas diesel engine equipped with anti-vibration mounts (AVM) (See Figure 1). SPP has confirmed that the combination of the AVM engine mounts and specific coupling components is susceptible to sudden failure which may result in the ejecting of coupling parts at high velocity. This sudden failure will disconnect the drive capability of the fire pump and creates a personnel safety hazard. A review of the manufacturing history has indicated that the majority of the affected pumps were sold within the European Union. The coupling assembly consists of a Centaflex A coupling, a spool piece and the flywheel adapter plate which is mounted to the engine. (See Figure 2). Although the exact root cause of failure has not been determined at this time, SPP, in consultation with Centa, has strong evidence that misalignment is the major contributor to the adapter plate failure. FM Approvals recommends the coupling be replaced for all SPP pump installations which utilize the AVM engine mounts and the aforementioned coupling assembly. (See the attached Technical Field Bulletin issued by the SPP). SPP has coupling replacement kits available which have different style couplings, thicker adaptor plates and a greater degree of acceptable misalignment which can be retrofitted to existing installations. SPP is contacting affected customers directly to arrange replacement of the coupling. For further information, contact the regional SPP representative or contact SPP directly using the contact information below. Company (As Listed in the Approval Guide): SPP Pumps Ltd. Address: 1420 Lakeview, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, England RG7 45A Contact information: Tel: +44 (0) service@spppumps.com Product Identification Model: SPP Pumps Ltd. Pump packages driven with DeMaas Diesel Engines using AVM s (See Figure 1). Date Codes Affected: SPP pump packages manufactured between June 2014 and January (See Figure 3). FM Approval Status: The pumps discussed in this Product Alert are FM Approved.

2 Hazard Involved: The adapter plate, when subjected to coupling misalignment, may result in a catastrophic failure (See Figure 4). The failure results in the loss of power transmission between the diesel engine and the fire pump. This failure will result in the loss of the water supply to the automatic sprinkler system. Additionally This failure mechanism creates a personnel safety hazard. Portions of the adapter plate may become dislodged and eject at high velocity. If you suspect you are in possession of an affected pump package please bring that to the attention of: Antonio L. Pires FM Approvals, Quality Assurance Norwood, MA USA +1 (1) antonio.pires@fmapprovals.com Figure 1. Diesel engine anti-vibration mount (AVM).

3 Diesel Engine Centaflex A Coupling Spool Piece Pump Shaft Adapter Plate Figure 2 Centaflex A pump coupling assembly. Figure 2 highlights the components discussed in this Product Alert.

4 Figure 3 Nameplate Nameplates dated June 2014 through January 2018 are affected by this Product Alert. Figure 4 Failed Flywheel Adapter Plate

5 Company update: Diesel Driven Firewater Pump failure update Background Following recent performance issues with a Horizontal Split Case, Diesel Driven Firewater pump, SPP Pumps has undertaken a number of investigations to determine the cause of a product test failure. The pump (with Torsional Vibration Damping Type Coupling) was being tested at a customer site, when it suffered a performance failure. Below we ve outlined the results of our investigations, what immediate steps should be taken, and what we re doing to ensure this doesn t happen again. Investigation results Investigations identified cracks in the coupling drive plate and confirmed the failure was caused by misalignment between the engine and the pump. Inquiries also found the following: - the foundation on the above site is failing to retain the pump set in position - records for the above site couldn t be found to show the alignment before the failure, and as a result it isn t possible to establish if the sets were aligned correctly before the failure - suspected poor alignment, the poor foundation and the fact that the engine is mounted on antivibration mounts all contributed to cause the failure Having worked closely with the customer to thoroughly check the coupling design, SPP can confirm as long as the correct alignment is maintained going forward, there should be no further problems. Immediate steps SPP is taking sufficient measures to obtain sufficient replacement parts. In the meantime, we recommend the following steps are taken by users of these systems: Check that the pump set has been maintained in line with SPP recommendations; specifically, that the coupling alignment checks have been performed and, where necessary, the appropriate adjustments are made to maintain the specified tolerances Ensure that the package holding down bolts and foundations remains in sound condition and meet the specification provided in the installation manual When running tests, make sure personnel maintain a safe distance from the system being tested If a service is due, check the alignment and record both the before and after readings SPP PUMPS LIMITED 1420 Lakeview, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, England RG7 4SA Registered in England No Registered Office: Crucible Close, Mushet Industrial Park, Coleford, Gloucestershire, England, GL16 8PS

6 Futureproofing SPP is committed to ensuring the reliability and safety of its products and has chosen to replace the couplings on pump sets fitted with Demas engines mounted on anti-vibration mounts. Engines mounted on anti-vibration mounts are more susceptible to misalignment and the replacement coupling is a more robust design capable of overcoming this issue. These are precautionary measures to ensure full user safety of SPP s products. Customers affected will be directly contacted by their local representative to arrange replacement of the coupling. Once again - we are always happy to help. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to refer to your normal SPP contact. ENDS SPP PUMPS LIMITED 1420 Lakeview, Arlington Business Park, Theale, Reading, Berkshire, England RG7 4SA Registered in England No Registered Office: Crucible Close, Mushet Industrial Park, Coleford, Gloucestershire, England, GL16 8PS