Fire fighting pumps are key components of a building’s fire protection system, mostly in high-rise structures. In buildings with levels from 400-500 ft. and higher, fire fighting pumps are critical in giving out the water through sprinkler systems where water pressure from water mains and fire fighting equipment cannot reach.
Even in lower set buildings, a fire fighting pump is key to containing a fire. Fire fighting is a hazardous business, but without a professionally installed system and a well-designed pump it becomes even more dangerous, and business assets and lives are put at high risk.
A fire fighting pump is an essential part of a fire sprinkler system, as it supplies high-pressure water accessibility to the fire sprinkler system, increasing the flow rate of the water.
To know how a fire fighting pump works, it is necessary to understand what a fire pump is. A fire fighting pump is more than just its namesake. It is a pump which is a basic part of the system, but the full system is made up of the motor, driver, and the controller. As part of a fire sprinkler system, a fire fighting pump receives water from a water tank, lake, an underground water supply or reservoir, and is powered by diesel fuel or electricity. The high pressure provided by the pump distributes water through the sprinkler system and hose standpipes.
Customary types of fire fighting pumps include the vertical split case, horizontal split case, vertical in-line, and vertical turbine.
The most common type of fire fighting pump is the horizontal split case. These pumps are more economical for higher flow applications and are easily accessible for maintenance and repairs. Their long lifespan and size availability makes them more popular.
The vertical turbine is a centrifugal designed pump that is used for fire pump services where the water source is located below ground. This fire pump comes in many types such as water-lubricated open-line-shaft pumps and oil-lubricated enclosed-line-shaft. Both types of pumps are designed for installation in drilled wells, streams, lakes, open swamps, and other subsurface sources.
Vertical split case fire pumps are too similar to horizontal split case fire pumps except that they take up less space due to their vertical design that protects the pump from potential flooding damage.
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The vertical in-line pump is designed as a single-stage centrifugal pump as the name implies, for vertical installation. With delivery and suction in line with each other, it provides a smooth flow of water throughout the system and is best for small spaces. The design does require the pump to be removed for any maintenance or repairs.
A fire fighting pump is critical fire and life-safety equipment in every building. There are numerous elements and requirements to be considered prior to the installation of any unit. The building owner, engineer, architect, local fire marshal, and fire protection provider should all contribute to the discussion for the pump and system to ensure a compliant and well-planned final installation. As with the decision on what fire fighting pump and system to use, the maintenance and installation of any fire system should be handled by fire safety professionals.