fire pump is a pressure increasing component that is used in fixed
place fire suppression system. A fixed place fire suppression system
is a system that is designed to control the spread of fir e and smoke
in a certain area. This system is made up of different elements,
such as fire sprinkler s and foam systems. However, there are also
various other components involved , including the fire pump.
Table of Contents
Operating principles
Fire pumps are the backbone of most water based fire protection
system s. They are designed to increase the pressure in a fire
sprinkler system when the existing water supply is insufficient.
Fire pumps are rated t o produce between 40 and 250 psi of net
pressure. The psi figure is derived from the net pressure at the
churn. This figure is then calculated by subtracting friction loss
from the water supply.
There are several types of fire pumps, but the most popular are the
horizontal split case and vertical inline. These pumps are relatively
inexpensive and can be conveniently opened for maintenance and
repair.
There are also multistage multiport fire pumps that use multiple
impellers in series to produce different pressures. These can be run
by a diesel engine or an electric mot or.
Types
Fire pumps are an important component of a fire protection system.
They help bridge the gap between the supply of water and the
demand of a fire sprinkler system. If a pump fails, it can have a
negative effect on the overall firefighting capabilities of the entire
system.
There are several different types of fire pumps. Some are electric
and others are diesel-power ed. When it comes to choosing the right
type, you need to understand the basic operating principles of each.
This will help you avoid installing a pump that will not meet your
pressure requirements.
A fire pump will turn on automatically when a drop in water
pressure occurs. It is triggered by a dedicated pressure sensing line
that is connected to the fire sprinkler system.
Drivers and applications
When a fire occurs, it requires a fire pump to provide water
pressure for fir e protection systems. Fir e pumps can be driven by
diesel engines, steam drives, and electric motors.
The industrial and residential sectors drive the global market for
fire pumps. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8%
during the forecast period of 2022-2028.
Diesel engine-driven fire pump systems are common when electrical
power is insufficient. They are reliable and efficient. Occasionally,
they are used in redundant system s. However, they are not as
easily available as other power sources.
Variable speed devices can be used on fire pumps to reduce the risk
of over pressurization. This feature can also help to cut costs. But,
implementing this type of device has the potential to result in
errors in installation and operation.
Test headers
A test header is an assembly of fire protection valves that a re
mounted on the discharge side of a stationary fire pump. It
provides a way to run a flow test to measure the pressure and
volume produced by the fir e pump.
Before you begin a flow test, you should make sure the hoses are
correctly attached and anchored. Also, make sure the discharge
control valve is shut off. During the test, you should wear safety
gear.
There are several types of valves to choose from. Some are designed
for flush installations on an exterior wall, while other s are more
visible. The type you choose depends on the type of pump you’re
testing.
When you’re testing a fire pump, it’s important to take step s to
ensure the safety of those who work on the system. For example,
you should only use hoses that have passed a service test within the
past 12 months.
Maintenance
A fire pump is a vital component of a facility’s fire suppression
system. Proper maintenance and periodic inspections are essential
to ensure the safety of the facility and its occupants.
A fire pump is most often powered by a diesel engine. However,
electric pumps are also used. For each type of pump, different
maintenance procedures are required.
For a diesel-powered fire pump, an annual tune-up is
recommended. A professional mechanic should be used t o perform
this task. It is also recommended that the pump is tested once a
month to determine if it is functioning properly.
Fire pumps are also designed to handle a high pressure of water.
This test should take about ten minutes and should be performed
on a weekly basis.
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