Fire pumps sit silently in the bottom and basement stories of many high-rise buildings. They send water at high pressure to the fire scene, providing critical support to firefighters fighting a conflagration.
The right fire pump balances horsepower, flow rate and pressure to maximize effectiveness and limit wasted water. It should also provide sufficient pressure for hoses to deliver water.
Types
A fire pump is a crucial part of many water-based sprinkler systems. These pumps increase the pressure (measured in psi and bar) of the water source they draw from so that it can be used to distribute throughout a building in case of a fire emergency.
There are several different types of fire pumps available. Some are engine-driven, while others use electricity to power the motor. These types of fire pumps are typically used in large buildings where the pressure needed for a sprinkler system would be difficult to achieve using just the water supply.
Hale’s Qmax single-stage centrifugal fire pump delivers NFPA 1901 rated flows of up to 2250 GPM and is designed for easy operation. Its one-piece body makes it easier to access the mechanical seal and impeller for maintenance. The Mark-3 portable fire pump for sale has an interchangeable pump and quick-release clamp mechanism that reduces equipment downtime. It has an aluminum alloy pump and anodized parts for increased durability.
Installation
When installing fire pumps for standpipe and sprinkler systems, it’s important to understand how they work. These systems are used to supplement the building water supply and provide sufficient pressure and quantity for fire protection needs. They also provide a backup water supply in case of a power failure.
Fire pump piping requirements are defined by NFPA 20: Standard for Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection. There are a number of factors to consider, including piping size, pump performance (NPSH curve), and controller options.
The fire pump must have a dedicated power source with an alternate source that can be switched to in the event of a power failure (see Fig. 4). This can be accomplished through a separate feed to the electricity substation or by connecting to a generator. In the latter case, a switchboard must be provided with a transfer device that ensures the system is fed from the generator during a mains changeover.
Operation
The fire pumps you install are designed to provide the pressure (measured in psi and bar) that your sprinkler systems need when they can’t get it from your water source. They are required for buildings that have high fire safety demands like high-rises and storage warehouses, where system demand may exceed the local water supply.
Centrifugal fire pumps are popular because they are simple-designed and easy to maintain. However, it is important to perform daily, weekly, monthly and semi-annual inspections of your marine fire pump to ensure that everything is in working order.
A key indicator to check for is the elevation of your fire pump from its inlet to discharge point. This is determined by calculating the vertical rise from its lowest to highest points, and is usually measured in feet. The higher the elevation, the more friction loss you will have in your pipes and the less flow rate you will achieve. A speed increaser can be used to combat this issue.
Maintenance
Fire pumps are used to increase the pressure (measured in psi and bar) of a water source when it’s not sufficient for use in a sprinkler system. They are especially useful in high-rise buildings and systems that require a large volume of water.
Centrifugal fire pumps are a popular choice for most systems. They use the principal of centrifugal force or spinning to develop pressure by drawing water into an impeller and then delivering it through a discharge nozzle.
Vertical split case and vertical inline fire pumps are reliable options for larger commercial settings. They offer a good range of rated flows and pressures, easy maintenance because of their split case design that allows for pump access, and can be powered by either electric or diesel drivers.
We can help you select the best fire pump for your building, install it, and ensure it’s operating as designed by reviewing its NFPA 20 test results and inspecting it on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis. Our team is certified to perform these services for fire pumps of all types.fire pumps for sale