When a fire happens, it needs to be put out fast. That’s where the fire fighting water pump comes in. They are designed to pump high amounts of water at great pressures. It’s important to know what type of fire pump you need so you can get the best one for your job.
In order to make sure your fire pump is sized correctly, you must have a full system analysis done by a certified fire protection engineer. It will determine the amount of flow and pressure your building’s system requires, along with the government standards it must meet to be code compliant. The sizing will take into account all of the elements of your fire system, including hydrant flow tests, sprinkler head demand and pipe friction loss.
Once you have all of this information you can begin to find the right fire fighting water pump for your building, tunnel, station, ship or historical monument. The fire pump must be able to provide enough pressure to supplement the incoming water supply, as well as meeting all other requirements of the fire system. The system designer will also take into consideration the maximum suction and discharge pressures the pump can produce, based on the nozzles it will be using, and the maximum head height it can achieve.
Another factor that must be taken into account when choosing a fire pump is the amount of elevation it has to climb to get to its discharge point. This is important because the higher the elevation, the more friction there will be in the pipes. This can result in lower discharge pressures. To compensate for this, you can use a friction loss calculator to help calculate the number of psi needed for your system.
Lastly, the designer must take into account the power required to operate the fire fighting water pump. There are three different drivers, outlined in NFPA 20, that can be used in fire pumps. The most common type of driver is the electrical motor. This takes electricity provided by the utility connection, a generator or another approved power source and spins the shaft that provides water to the system.
The other two types of fire pumps are the diesel engine and steam turbine systems. These are more costly than the electrical motors but can be much more powerful. They also require more maintenance and upkeep than the electrical fire fighting water pump.
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing the right fire fighting water pump. Taking the time to plan ahead will ensure that your fire fighting water pump is ready for the next disaster. It can also save you money and make your business more sustainable by reducing the energy consumption and environmental impact of your fire protection system. If you have any questions about choosing the right fire fighting water pump for your application, feel free to contact one of our experts. They’ll be happy to help!