For fire fighting, irrigation and even washing down tough equipment, you need a high water pressure. Fire pumps for sale provide that pressure, packing much more power than a home garden hose.
Learn about different operating principles, types, driver options and applications of fire pumps and how to size them. This includes understanding the power curves to avoid cavitation and ensure consistent decreasing head with decreasing flow.
Electric-Driven Pumps
Located quietly in the basements and bottom stories of many skyscrapers, fire pumps provide the necessary pressure required to send water with sufficient volume to douse any blaze. These powerful engines use electrical motors to create high-pressure levels, and they can be fueled by gasoline or diesel fuel.
Some electric-driven pumps can be equipped with an extra-large fuel tank, reducing the need for frequent interruptions in work to refuel them. These machines are also less susceptible to damage from vibration or shock and are better suited to operating in confined spaces such as buildings.
Keeping fire pump equipment in good working condition can help ensure efficient operations and cost savings over the long term. These steps include regularly inspecting the pump and checking its connections and wiring for signs of damage or wear. In addition, following manufacturer guidelines regarding lubrication can help reduce friction and ensure a smooth operation. It is also important to monitor the pump’s temperature and keep it cooled properly to avoid overheating.
Diesel-Driven Pumps
Powered by an engine, these pumps are capable of transporting liquids at high rates. They come in a variety of sizes, power ratings and discharge pressures. Some models include an explosion proof pump suitable for use in explosive environments.
Designed to pump sea or fresh water, these units are used for pile driving, pier maintenance and emergency bilging. They are UL Listed and FM approved. They feature cast iron impeller & volute, marine grade aluminum alloy pump body & ceramic carbon mechanical seal.
These units have a self-priming mechanism, which allows the pumps to start up after an initial priming operation without being flooded. This is especially useful in cases where the pump has to work continuously. They also prevent clogging that can occur when the water level falls too low in the suction line. They are easy to maintain and service requiring no long drive shafts or hoisting equipment. They do not require a relief valve, as their discharge is constant at rated pressure.
Vertical Split-Case Pumps
Vertical split-case pumps are ideal for water supply systems, irrigation, and high-pressure industrial processes. They feature a double suction impeller that is supported between bearings and helps to increase the pump’s performance metrics such as maximum pressure head, capacity, and efficiency. They are also more durable for continuous use than end-suction fire pumps as they have additional bearings in the pump head that help to take a large amount of strain off the motor during operation.
This type of centrifugal fire pump is long-coupled, which makes it easy to maintain as you can access the pump head without removing the motor first. They are also easier to repair than end-suction pumps because there is small clearance between the motor and pump shaft that prevents damage to both components. These pumps are used in commercial buildings to handle water, wastewater, oil & gas, and other liquids. They are a reliable workhorse that will help you save energy, reduce operating costs, and provide peace of mind from day one.
Horizontal Split-Case Pumps
Unlike end suction pumps, which have the motor mounted on the same shaft as the pump impeller, horizontal split case centrifugal fire pumps have separate shafts. This feature prevents the pump from being damaged when the motor is disconnected. It also allows the rotor to be removed from the casing without disturbing the pump alignment or the suction and discharge piping.
These large-flow, high-pressure, double-suction pumps are used to move clean water or slightly contaminated fluids that are chemically and physically similar to water, where large volume and certain pressures are required. They use an between-the-bearing design that enables them to pump at very high efficiencies.
You’ll find them in many different industries, including wastewater treatment plants, industrial processes, and mining operations. They’re also an important part of firefighting systems. Since they’re capable of delivering significant volumes of water at low to medium pressures, these pumps are often the workhorses in industrial applications. They can also handle a wide range of liquids, from water to corrosive chemicals.
