What is Fire pump?

Fire pumps generally refer to pressurized elements that supply water to fixed fire suppression systems such as sprinklers, risers, foam systems, etc.Fire pumps are also key components integrated into fire trucks and fire boats, and serve a similar purpose, augmenting the water supply for fire hose operations.

Describe

Fire pumps are used to increase the pressure of water from municipal underground water networks or static water supplies (eg, tanks, reservoirs, lakes).A fire pump is a centrifugal or positive displacement pump that has been tested and certified by a third party testing and certification agency, such as UL or FM Global, specifically for use in the fire service.The primary standard governing fixed installations of fire pumps in North America is the National Fire Protection Association's NFPA 20 Standard for Fire Protection Stationary Fire Pump Installations.Fire pumps are usually powered by electric motors or diesel engines, and sometimes steam turbines.Fire pumps using electric motors may use an emergency generator when connected via a listed transfer switch if the governing model building code requires backup power independent of the local grid.Fire pumps installed on fire trucks and fire boats are powered by the engine of the vehicle/vessel.Utilizing a control panel with a pressure sensor, the fire pump is automatically activated when the pressure in the fire sprinkler system falls below a pre-specified threshold.Due to the incompressibility of water, when one or more outlets are opened, there will be a significant and rapid drop in suppression system pressure.Examples include fused (open) fire sprinklers, fire hose valves connected to risers, or automatic control valves that are opened by a release panel.

Fire pumps are used when hydraulic calculations determine that the existing water supply cannot provide sufficient pressure to meet the hydraulic design requirements of the fire suppression system.This usually occurs where the building is very tall, such as in high-rise buildings (to overcome head loss due to height differences), in systems that require a relatively high terminal pressure at the fire extinguishing outlet (to provide sufficient droplet penetration) fire plumes), or in systems requiring extensive drainage (such as storage warehouses).A fire pump is also required if the fire water supply is provided by a static water source that provides little or no pressure. Some situations can be complicated by all these factors, requiring large water supplies and powerful fire pumps.Common types of fire pumps used in fire service include: horizontal split case,vertical split case, vertical inline, vertical turbine and end suction.