Specific pressure is maintained when the hoses are connected to the water source, or the sprinkler system is connected to the water source. It is this pressure that controls the flow of water and its volume. But if the pressures are reduced, water won’t flow at the required volume or the speed needed to extinguish the fire. This is where the fire pumps come into play,
Fire pumps are special equipment units installed to maintain the pressure in the fire extinguishing system and ensure the water is sprayed at the right volume and speed. However, the designing and installation process of the pumps is not easy, especially because certain rules and regulations need to be confirmed.
The following article explains the right design and fire pump installation process that must be followed at all costs.
Key considerations for the fire pump
Need of the fire pump
The first thing you need to check is the requirement of the fire pump system. You don’t need to connect the sprinklers with the fire pump if there are only a few sprinklers and it is the residential unit. Usually, the fire sprinklers utilize the water from the main supply system, and in residential areas, the supplied water is in huge volume than the consumption need.
But when considering the commercial areas, the supplied water pressure won’t be adequate. Furthermore, there are several other fire sprinklers on different floors. So, to maintain the water flow to each sprinkler, you need to ensure the system is connected to the fire pump. The device will easily maintain the water pressure and supply the same to all fire sprinklers.
Types of fire pumps
Two types of fire pumps are usually used in commercial areas. These systems work differently and also have different requirements. Therefore, before installing the system, you must understand which fire pump system will be suitable.
- In the positive displacement pumps, the water pressure is maintained by repeatedly allowing a certain volume of the water in the pump’s internal chamber and compressing the same before releasing it through the discharge valve.
- Centrifugal pumps use an impeller that rotates the incoming water at high speed, pushing huge water volume towards the discharge valves. As a result, the water pressure is maintained at the optimum level, and the fire can be extinguished easily.
Choosing the fire pump driver
In the centrifugal fire pumps, several drivers are used. You need to choose the right one to ensure the working of the equipment is optimized. For example, the driver using petrol and diesel is the best compared to the ones using a single type of driver. Also, you need to ensure the chosen driver can meet the requirements of the impeller and the pressure to be generated.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shared the details about the design process and fire pump installations that every company needs to follow. If the processes deviate, there might be legal complications. Plus, the fire pump won’t work in the best way, and the fire won’t be extinguished. So, ensure you follow the process from end to end and work like a pro to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading further.