What is a fire pump? Fire pumps are perhaps the most critical part of the firefighting equipment installed in a complex. Fire pumps have different types and sizes. In the event that the public water supply pressure is too low to activate the sprinklers or the public water branch is not provided, the use of fire pumps becomes necessary. In the first case, a fire booster pump is installed to boost the public water pressure and activate the sprinklers. In the latter case, the fire pumps will be connected to a dedicated water tank (storage tank, bay, river, or…) to provide the water pressure required for firefighting purposes. Most fire pumps have diesel or electric drives, although some made before 1974 are powered by gasoline engines or steam engines (although this is rare). Fire booster pumps are usually electric, while the use of diesel pumps for dedicated water tanks is more common. Pumps range in capacity from 25 gpm to 5000 gpm and more and their pressure ranges from 50 psi to 125 psi and more. Types of fire pumps Fire pumps have many models and types, we can describe some of the main types of fire pumps as follows:
Linear vertical fire pump or the same (Vertical In Line Fire Pump)
Turbine vertical fire pump or (Vertical Turbine Fire Pump)
Horizontal centrifugal fire pump or (End Suction Pump)
Double suction fire pump or (Split Case Pump)
Features of the fire pump As you know, firefighting pumps are usually used when the water source is usually not suitable for supplying the amount of water with the right pressure for the water supply system, one of the most important parts of the building safety system, especially if you are in the building If you live in tall buildings with high floors, you definitely know the importance of a fire pump in the fire safety system. Johnnie is one of the important components of the fire extinguishing system. One of the features of the fire pump is that it increases the flow of water in the fire extinguishing system. The specifications of the fire pump are such that they usually consist of normal vertical pumps that have a diesel engine that is responsible for supplying electricity. Characteristics of fire pumps Because of the special importance of fire pumps, NFPA has established standards for both materials and pump performance curves. A fire pump must comply with NFPA 20. It seems that the characteristics and performance curve of fire pumps are different from other samples. In other words, the pumps of other industries are selected according to the maximum efficiency and economic issues, but in fire pumps, this issue is not of primary importance. Fire pumps are designed for reliable performance throughout their lifetime. Maximum safety and total output pressure criteria are of great importance in these pumps. The basis of fire pumps Some of the basic principles are: 1- It is expected that these pumps will create a pressure equal to 120-140% of their nominal (in the condition of zero flow rate). 2- The nominal point of the pump creates a pressure and flow equal to 100% of the nominal pressure and flow. 3- The maximum flow rate expected from a fire pump is a flow rate equal to 150% of the nominal flow rate at a pressure equal to 65% of the nominal pressure. The characteristics of these three points help define the pump characteristic curve for a particular fire pump.