A fire fighting pump is an essential piece of equipment used to pressurize water into an emergency sprinkler system. Feld Fire offers a complete assortment of low, medium and high volume pumps to meet the needs of any department.
There must be an independent source of power for each emergency fire pump. Ventilation arrangements must be so arranged that smoke from a machinery space fire cannot reach the pump or its power source.
Water Source
Fire fighting pumps need to be able to deliver high water pressure at high volume, but they also need to be portable and easy to use. The best way to determine what type of fire pump you need is to look at your building’s specific requirements. Typically, the size of the pump will be determined by the fire suppression system’s hydraulic design requirements (which will vary depending on the type of building) and the required water pressure to overcome any head losses from elevation differences.
If you have a fire protection engineer on hand, they will be able to provide this information, but if not, there are a few basic considerations that will help you determine what size of pump is needed. The main fire water pump should be large enough to keep the system’s total pressure above the minimum set point at the hydrant and the maximum rated flow rate of the system. This is typically specified by the fire protection engineering firm that designed the system.
You should also consider the size of the pump’s nozzles and what you’ll be using them for. Most fire fighting pumps come with a range of nozzles, so choose the ones that suit your needs. Some pumps also have trolley kits attached, making them easier to move around, so check this before you buy.
Another important factor is the type of fuel source the pump has. Some are petrol powered, while others are diesel-powered. Petrol fire fighting pumps are generally preferred over diesel models, as they’re lighter and more environmentally friendly.
Whether you’re looking for a petrol or diesel fire fighting pump, you should always ensure that the engine has a reliable ignition system. This is especially important if you’ll be using it in the field, as you might need to start it under difficult conditions. Look for a simple starting mechanism like a recoil or electric starter, or opt for a dual ignition system that provides extra reliability.
Having the right fire fighting pump at your disposal is vital, so don’t be afraid to invest in a portable model that meets your specific requirements. You’ll find that it’s a valuable piece of equipment that can be used for a variety of other purposes, too.
Pump Capacity
In an emergency situation, a fire fighting pump must be large enough to deliver sufficient water pressure and flow. Calculating the correct pump size is complex and depends on factors including the building’s hydraulic demand, the fire system layout and the available water supply. A fire department should establish a program to regularly inspect, test and maintain its portable fire fighting pumps to ensure they are ready to respond in an emergency.
Portable fire fighting pumps are centrifugal pumps driven by gasoline or diesel engines. They can be transported on fire fighting vehicles or used as standalone units to provide water supply for standpipe systems, hydrants and sprinklers. Most fire pumps are four-cycle engines, although two-cycle and newer turbine engine models can be used.
There are several different sizes of portable fire pumps, ranging from small to very large. The size of a fire pump is determined by its maximum pressure and flow capacity, as well as the space requirements for mounting it on a vehicle or as a stand-alone unit.
Large fire pumps, which are typically rated at over 56 psi, can be carried on firefighting trucks or used as stand-alone units to fill booster tanks on apparatus. These pumps can also be used to supply nozzles from a fire hose or water-based foam. Small fire pumps, which are rated at less than 56 psi, can be used to refill water tanks on firefighting vehicles or used as handlines for putting out small fires.
The pump size and type should be matched to the firefighting system in use and the available water source. For example, a high-rise building may require an automatic fire standpipe system that requires 500 gallons per minute at 100 pounds per square inch at the highest point of each standpipe. The size of the fire pump required to achieve this pressure can be calculated from the building’s water demand divided by the system’s hydraulic resistance.
The best portable fire fighting pumps are capable of delivering the required volume and pressure in a short amount of time. The most common types of fire pumps include end suction, horizontal split-case and vertical inline fire pumps. An end suction fire pump has a discharge outlet that is located directly opposite the suction inlet. These pumps are relatively easy to maintain and are offered in a wide range of rated pressure and flow capacities. They are generally more compact than horizontal split-case fire pumps, making them more suitable for installation in a limited space.
Power Source
Fire fighting pumps are a critical component in many water-based fire protection systems. These pumps increase the pressure (measured in psi and bar) of a water supply in order to deliver a consistent water flow that can tackle fires. They are connected to a water storage tank or other ground-level water source and are usually powered by an electric motor or diesel engine.
Choosing the right portable fire fighting pump is an important consideration when designing or installing a system. Depending on the size of a building and its layout, a fire pump must be selected to be able to deliver enough water pressure for the system it will be used in. To ensure this, it is essential that a fire pump installation follows the National Electrical Code standards and local codes.
If a fire pump is not properly sized it may experience excessive wear and tear or fail to achieve its design requirements in the case of an emergency. A common method for determining the appropriate size is by using the Sprinkler Area Method. This involves analysing the building’s sprinkler hazard levels to calculate the required pressure requirements and design density of the fire fighting pump.
Another method for calculating the correct size fire fighting pump is to use the Sprinkler Rate Method. This involves determining the maximum flow rate of the water spray or mist system in gallons per minute and calculating the resulting pump pressure requirement. Both of these methods can be used by design professionals to ensure that the proper size fire fighting pump is installed in a building.
Choosing the best power source for a fire fighting pump is also crucial. Typically, the fire pump will be powered by an electric motor and the fuel for the engine will be stored in a separate tank. These tanks are commonly located in the rear of a vehicle, but some pumps are designed to be a transportable unit with the pump end flanged to a motor and then mounted on a protective frame.
Alternatively, a diesel fire pump may be the preferred option for some applications. These units offer a backup power source in case electricity is unreliable or unavailable, which is often the case during bushfires. In addition, these units are ideal for use in wide open spaces like warehouses, aircraft hangars, refineries and marine vessels. Like other forms of diesel equipment, these fire fighting pumps require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they are ready for an emergency.
Weight
Firefighting pumps must be portable and easy to use while delivering high water pressure and large volumes. They need to be designed with advanced materials and meet world wide environmental regulations governing noise and exhaust emissions. Angus Fire offers many different models of self-contained portable fire fighting pumps with petrol or diesel engines to suit the needs of firefighters.
A small and compact portable fire pump, the Black Panther 4 is designed with a 2-stroke engine that provides immense pressure at great distances and elevations. The body and impellers of this model are made from anti-corrosive aluminum alloy, which reduces its overall weight. The pump is equipped with a LED panel that features indicator lights and a built in tachometer for hours/rpm.
This small and compact portable fire pump is a good choice for filling tanks that are difficult to reach or for mop up operations. Its 185cc petrol engine produces high-pressure at great distances and elevations and is easy to start with a recoil starter. This portable fire pump comes with a 2 1/2-inch discharge and 3 inch suction inlet for maximum flow and pressure.
The Smith Indian Tank fire pump is a popular back pack fire fighting pump, and is available in the original galvanized-steel and stainless steel tank models. This model weighs only 52 lbs. (with the water) when full, making it easier to carry up steep slopes than other backpack pumps. It also stores five gallons on the fire truck for rapid deployment. The Chief Heavy-Duty Dual Bag Nylon fire pump is a similar fire pump but with a flexible bladder that forms to a firefighter’s back, for comfort and ease of use in the field.
If you need a larger and more powerful portable fire fighting pump, the Mercedes BN4200-23BS is a workhorse with a 230cc 2-stroke engine that can produce high-pressure and high-volumes for long periods of time. Its frame mount is ideal for the construction of skid units and it may be permanently mounted to a vehicle for wildland applications. For a more portable and lightweight fire pump that can handle high water pressure with a minimum of effort, the SmokeChaser Collapsible Indian Fire Pump Bag with Pump is a good choice.
