Fires are one of the most difficult disasters for all living things to cope with.
In order to be protected from the losses caused by fires, some precautions must be taken.
Since there are various types of fires, the systems used in fire extinguishing may vary.
The fire pump is an equipment that transmits water from the source to the fire extinguishing installation with a predetermined pressure.
The fire extinguishing pump, which tries to prevent the spread of fires that are especially difficult to control, is used in the initial stage of the fire.
What Does a Fire Pump Do?
The main function of the fire pump is to ensure the transmission of water used in extinguishing mechanisms at a constant flow rate and pressure.
Fire pump systems include sprinkler extinguishing methods, fire hose installation and can supply fire hydrant mechanisms with uninterrupted water.
The following should be considered when creating a fire pump room:
- The distances between pumps should be wide enough to be easily reached during any maintenance.
- The internal temperature inside the fire pump room should be designed to be at least 5 degrees.
- The panels of the diesel fire pump, electric fire pump and jockey pump must be separate from each other.
What is the Working Principle of Fire Pumps?
There is a control panel that controls the fire extinguishing pumps.
Fire pumps, which can operate with diesel or electric engines, consist of a backup pump and jockey pump in addition to the main pump to ensure complete safety.
During any problem that may occur in the main pump, the backup pump with the same capacity is activated and intervenes in the fire.
Generally, electric fire pumps are preferred for the main pump, while diesel fire pumps are selected for the backup pump as a precaution against power outages.
If there is a generator with the capacity to supply the electric fire pump in the area where the fire pump will be installed, the backup fire pump can also be selected as an electric pump.
NFPA 20 Fire Pump
The National Fire Protection Assosication (NFPA) was established in the United States to fight fires.
NFPA 20 is a standard adopted to define the features that must be present in fire pump systems used for fire control.
The considerations of this standard include fire pump selection, fire pump installation and operation.
NFPA 20 fire pump types can be:
- In-Line
- End Suction
- Horizontal/Vertical Split Body
- Horizontal Multistage
- Vertical Turbine Type
- Positive Displacement Pump
What Does a Booster Do?
A booster is the pressurization of water.
Boosters are usually powered by electricity and increase the pressure of the water flowing from the tap.
The difference between the fire booster, which can be connected directly to the mains water, and the pump is that the booster covers a whole system.
This system consists of the pump and the control equipment of the pump.
In short, the fire booster is a control system that ensures the long life of the pump.
What is a Fire Pump?
Fire pump, just like fire cabinets, hydrant system and Water Mist-Water Fog extinguishing systems It is one of the elements used in the fight against fires such as fire.
They are the equipment that ensures the pressurization of predetermined water nozzles during any fire.
How to Calculate Fire Pump Head Height?
The calculations of electric and diesel fire pumps operating under the influence of pressure should be made carefully.
Multiple calculation methods can be used.
When calculating the head of the fire pump, features such as flow rate, fluid density, engine efficiency and hydraulic efficiency are taken into consideration.
Considering the fire pump connection diagram, in places where there is no sprinkler system, the height of the fire extinguishing pump can be found by the sum of the following:
- Pressure level required at the top of the system (mSS)
- Height from the pump to the hose valve at the top (m)
- Friction loss between the pump and the hose valve at the top.
What Does a Fire Plumbing Jockey Pump Do?
The jockey pump plays an effective role especially in sudden pressure drops caused by losses in standard fire pump systems.
Jokey pumps, which are activated before the main pump, prevent unnecessary operation of the fire pump.
How to Choose a Fire Pump?
Considering the fire pump group, the following should be taken into account when choosing a pump:
- Mechanical structure in the fire extinguishing system
- Area to be used
- Location of the water source
- Flow rate and density of water
If the source that delivers water to the pump is below the suction point, vertical turbine type pumps are used, while horizontal suction pumps are used in other conditions.
After calculating the flow rate and head, any pump including varieties such as diesel fire pumps can be selected.
After the flow calculations are made, the appropriate fire pump can also be selected.
The fire pumps used must operate at 150% of the nominal flows.
How to Calculate Fire Pump?
When designing the fire pump connection scheme, the water source must have the power to meet the flow.
According to the calculations made, the flow and pressure values of the fire pumps are determined.
What is a Centrifugal Pump?
One of the frequently used pumps in the fire pump group is centrifugal pumps.
These pumps are single-stage horizontal separable casing pumps with double suction.
The working principle of centrifugal fire pumps is basically the conversion of kinetic energy in the rotating liquid into hydrodynamic energy.
Thus, the liquid is pressurized.
How Many Types of Fire Pumps Are There?
There are basically three different types of standard fire pumps.
These include:
- End suction fire pumps
- Split case fire pumps
- Double Suction Centrifugal Fire Pumps with Detachable Casing
- Line Type Fire Pumps
What are the Auxiliary Elements of the Fire Pump?
The main auxiliary elements that must be present in fire pumps are automatic air discharge valve and circulation relief valve.
In addition, the control panel of each pump must be independent.
Where Are Fire Pumps Used?
Fire pumps can be used in all residential and factory areas where there is a risk of fire.
These pumps are also used in villas, housing estates and apartment buildings.
They are also frequently used in industrial facilities, hospitals, schools and hotels, which are under particularly high threat.
How to Maintain Fire Pumps?
Fire pumps should be maintained at regular intervals.
Daily, monthly and annual routine checks can extend the life of fire booster systems.
During maintenance, the following are checked:
- Oil level
- Condition of the shaft and other equipment
- Pump operating status
- Auxiliary staff
- Coupling alignment
- Cleanliness of the board
What is UL and FM Approval for Fire Pumps?
Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) scientifically evaluates and controls building materials, energy, fire systems, lighting and water system components against electrical, fire and injury risks.
UL 448 standards specify the design and testing of pumps in fire suppression systems.
Factory Mutual Insurance Company (FM) ensures that products and services are manufactured to high quality and performance standards for use in commercial and industrial facilities.
The FM 1319 standard defines the approval requirements for horizontal end suction centrifugal fire pumps.