Introductionto

Fire Pumps

Fire Pumps

The protection of life and property in publicly andprivately owned facilities is the ultimate goal, butinsurance concerns are what really drive themarket. Some properties do not qualify forinsurance without an approved fire system, andothers receive a substantial insurance discountthat makes a fire pump system a sound financialinvestment.

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The protection of life and property in publicly andprivately owned facilities is the ultimate goal, butinsurance concerns are what really drive themarket. Some properties do not qualify forinsurance without an approved fire system, andothers receive a substantial insurance discountthat makes a fire pump system a sound financialinvestment.

Fire PumpsFire pumps for industrial plants and similarlocations have a range of capacities from 500 to5,000 gallons per minute. Their principal use is tomake available large amounts of water for fireprotection. They make take suction from a publicmain to increase the pressure available from sucha source, but they are often provided with theirown reservoirs, suction tanks or wells, making theplant independent of piped water from publicsystems.

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Fire pumps for industrial plants and similarlocations have a range of capacities from 500 to5,000 gallons per minute. Their principal use is tomake available large amounts of water for fireprotection. They make take suction from a publicmain to increase the pressure available from sucha source, but they are often provided with theirown reservoirs, suction tanks or wells, making theplant independent of piped water from publicsystems.

Fire Pumps

Pumps which are used to make up pressuredeficiencies in water supplies (which otherwise areof adequate volume), are referred to as “booster”pumps. These are often installed in a by-pass sothat the city or other supply may be used directlywhen desired. Booster pumps may be of 50 to1500 gallons per minute capacity.

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Pumps which are used to make up pressuredeficiencies in water supplies (which otherwise areof adequate volume), are referred to as “booster”pumps. These are often installed in a by-pass sothat the city or other supply may be used directlywhen desired. Booster pumps may be of 50 to1500 gallons per minute capacity.

Fire PumpsThroughout the world, firepumps have savedcountless lives andproperty from destruction.

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Fire PumpsThroughout the world, firepumps have savedcountless lives andproperty from destruction.

How is aFire Pumpdifferent?Pumps that are sold as Listed andApproved Fire Pumps haveundergone testing for reliabilityand unfailing service, meeting thestringent requirements of variousgoverning bodies.

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Pumps that are sold as Listed andApproved Fire Pumps haveundergone testing for reliabilityand unfailing service, meeting thestringent requirements of variousgoverning bodies.

How is aFire Pumpdifferent?

Governing Bodies

NFPA - National Fire Protection AssociationUL - Underwriters LaboratoriesFM - Factory MutualIRI - Industrial Risk InsurersCE - European CommissionETL – Electrical Testing Laboratories

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NFPA - National Fire Protection AssociationUL - Underwriters LaboratoriesFM - Factory MutualIRI - Industrial Risk InsurersCE - European CommissionETL – Electrical Testing Laboratories

NFPAOrganized in 1896 by a group of insurancecompany representatives to address theunreliability of automatic sprinkler systemsdue to a lack of standardizationPamphlet 20 – the installation of stationarypumps for fire protection Pipe size of systems Testing of equipment Types of drivers, controllers and accessories Installation design Field testing of equipment

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Organized in 1896 by a group of insurancecompany representatives to address theunreliability of automatic sprinkler systemsdue to a lack of standardizationPamphlet 20 – the installation of stationarypumps for fire protection Pipe size of systems Testing of equipment Types of drivers, controllers and accessories Installation design Field testing of equipment

Performance CriteriaPer NFPA 20 , fire pumps shall have the following ratedcapacities in GPM, and net pressures of 40 PSI or more:

25 GPM 400 GPM 2000 GPM

50 GPM 450 GPM 2500 GPM

100 GPM 500 GPM 3000 GPM

150 GPM 750 GPM 3500 GPM

200 GPM 1000 GPM 4000 GPM

250 GPM 1250 GPM 4500 GPM

300 GPM 1500 GPM 5000 GPM

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Per NFPA 20 , fire pumps shall have the following ratedcapacities in GPM, and net pressures of 40 PSI or more:

25 GPM 400 GPM 2000 GPM

50 GPM 450 GPM 2500 GPM

100 GPM 500 GPM 3000 GPM

150 GPM 750 GPM 3500 GPM

200 GPM 1000 GPM 4000 GPM

250 GPM 1250 GPM 4500 GPM

300 GPM 1500 GPM 5000 GPM

Pump Characteristics

Each pump is tested for performance.Pump must be capable of doing 150% ofrated flow while maintaining at least 65%of rated head.Pump must have curve with rising pressuretoward shutoff which shall not exceed140% of total rated head.

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Each pump is tested for performance.Pump must be capable of doing 150% ofrated flow while maintaining at least 65%of rated head.Pump must have curve with rising pressuretoward shutoff which shall not exceed140% of total rated head.

Typical Centrifugal Fire Pump Curve

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Pump Characteristics

Shutoff headShutoff head Design pointDesign point(rated head)(rated head) Secondary pointSecondary point

((6565% @% @ 150150%)%)

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Pump CharacteristicsA fire pump must maintain this performancewith a 15 foot lift condition Including allowance for velocity and friction loss

through all suction pipe and fittings, the size of thesuction shall be such that the total equivalentoperating suction lift will not exceed 15 feet. A long suction pipe introduces excessive friction

loss. An uneven grade may leave high spots where an

air pocket may break suction.

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A fire pump must maintain this performancewith a 15 foot lift condition Including allowance for velocity and friction loss

through all suction pipe and fittings, the size of thesuction shall be such that the total equivalentoperating suction lift will not exceed 15 feet. A long suction pipe introduces excessive friction

loss. An uneven grade may leave high spots where an

air pocket may break suction.

Pump CharacteristicsPerformance Parameters

UL 448 (§28.1.a) refers to Hydraulic InstituteStandard 2000 (§1.6.5.3) For up to 500’ TDH (216 PSI) acceptance tolerance is

+5%, -0% For above 500’ TDH (216 PSI) acceptable tolerance is

+3%, -0%This is because the Factory Certified Curve is basedon a test with a calibrated motor. Since conditionsin the field may vary performance, this is acharacteristic curve. As driver RPM varies, the TDH will change to the square of

the ratio of the RPM change

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UL 448 (§28.1.a) refers to Hydraulic InstituteStandard 2000 (§1.6.5.3) For up to 500’ TDH (216 PSI) acceptance tolerance is

+5%, -0% For above 500’ TDH (216 PSI) acceptable tolerance is

+3%, -0%This is because the Factory Certified Curve is basedon a test with a calibrated motor. Since conditionsin the field may vary performance, this is acharacteristic curve. As driver RPM varies, the TDH will change to the square of

the ratio of the RPM change

Pump CharacteristicsPacked stuffing boxes with bronze split packingglandsEach pump has a Certified Performance Testwith eight data points from Shutoff to beyondthe secondary duty condition: Capacity Pressure Horsepower

A Hydrostatic Test for five minutes at 150% ofthe sum of pump’s shutoff head + maximumallowable suction head, but in no case lessthan 250 PSI

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Packed stuffing boxes with bronze split packingglandsEach pump has a Certified Performance Testwith eight data points from Shutoff to beyondthe secondary duty condition: Capacity Pressure Horsepower

A Hydrostatic Test for five minutes at 150% ofthe sum of pump’s shutoff head + maximumallowable suction head, but in no case lessthan 250 PSI

Types of UL/FM Fire Pumps

Horizontal Split CaseVertical Split CaseVertical In-LineVertical TurbinePositive Displacement(foam concentrate or water mist applications)

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Horizontal Split CaseVertical Split CaseVertical In-LineVertical TurbinePositive Displacement(foam concentrate or water mist applications)

Split Case Fire Pumps

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Horizontal Split CaseFlows from 200 – 5000 GPMPressures from 40 – 646 PSIElectric or diesel driverNeeds positive suction supplyUL Listed and FM Approved / NFPA-20 design

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Flows from 200 – 5000 GPMPressures from 40 – 646 PSIElectric or diesel driverNeeds positive suction supplyUL Listed and FM Approved / NFPA-20 design

Horizontal Split Case Benefits

Ease of Installation and MaintenanceLongevity and DurabilityServiceabilityReliability

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Ease of Installation and MaintenanceLongevity and DurabilityServiceabilityReliability

Horizontal Split Case ApplicationsWarehouseManufacturing PlantHospitalUniversity or large schoolDiesel – remote locations that do nothave electricityDiesel – Hospital (100% back-up)

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WarehouseManufacturing PlantHospitalUniversity or large schoolDiesel – remote locations that do nothave electricityDiesel – Hospital (100% back-up)

Vertical Split CaseSpace saving designIn-line piping arrangementRegister fit to preventmisalignmentProtects against potential floodingif pump room is in a low areaGood for retrofitsFlows from 250 to 2500 GPMPressures from 40 to 260 PSIUL Listed and FM approved /NFPA-20 design

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Space saving designIn-line piping arrangementRegister fit to preventmisalignmentProtects against potential floodingif pump room is in a low areaGood for retrofitsFlows from 250 to 2500 GPMPressures from 40 to 260 PSIUL Listed and FM approved /NFPA-20 design

Vertical Turbine

Flows from 250 to 5000 GPMPressures from 40 to 519 PSINo primingAdaptability to water levelCompact “footprint”No alignment necessaryMinimal maintenanceElectric or Diesel drivenUL and FM approved / NFPA-20 design

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Flows from 250 to 5000 GPMPressures from 40 to 519 PSINo primingAdaptability to water levelCompact “footprint”No alignment necessaryMinimal maintenanceElectric or Diesel drivenUL and FM approved / NFPA-20 design

Vertical Turbine Applications

Where city water is not availablePonds and lakes to utilize water supplyOnly pump approved for suction liftconditions

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Where city water is not availablePonds and lakes to utilize water supplyOnly pump approved for suction liftconditions

Pressure Maintenance (Jockey) PumpsVertical Multistage Flows from 2.5 to 50 GPM Pressures from 45 to 330 PSI

Regenerative Turbine Flows from 2.5 to 45 GPM Pressures from 45 to 215 PSI

Jockey pumps are normally sized for1% flow and a 10 – 20 PSI higherpressure of the fire pumpMaintains system pressure to preventthe main fire pump from startingwhen small leaks occur in the system.

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Vertical Multistage Flows from 2.5 to 50 GPM Pressures from 45 to 330 PSI

Regenerative Turbine Flows from 2.5 to 45 GPM Pressures from 45 to 215 PSI

Jockey pumps are normally sized for1% flow and a 10 – 20 PSI higherpressure of the fire pumpMaintains system pressure to preventthe main fire pump from startingwhen small leaks occur in the system.

Diesel Engine CharacteristicsListed rating is for 77oF at 300 feet above sea levelDerate HP 3% for every 1000 feet above 300 feetDerate HP 1% for every 10oF above 77oFHorsepower ratings are for given RPMs: 1460, 1750,1900, 2100, 2300, 2600, 2800, 3000

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Diesel EnginesMust be specifically labeled for fire pump serviceMust have at least a 10% reserve in HPMust be derated for altitude and temperature 3% derate for every 1000’ altitude above 300’ 1% derate for every 10oF above 77oF ambient

temperatureTwo methods for recharging the storagebatteries: Engine alternator Battery chargers in the controller

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Must be specifically labeled for fire pump serviceMust have at least a 10% reserve in HPMust be derated for altitude and temperature 3% derate for every 1000’ altitude above 300’ 1% derate for every 10oF above 77oF ambient

temperatureTwo methods for recharging the storagebatteries: Engine alternator Battery chargers in the controller

Diesel EnginesCooling water shall be piped through a threaded rigidpipe from the discharge of the pump to the inlet of theheat exchangerOutlet for the wastewater from the heat exchanger shallbe one size larger than the inlet and discharged into avisible waste coneEngine must be protected from the elementsMinimum ambient temperature for the pump room is40oFMaximum temperature is 120oF at the air cleaner inletwith the engine running at rated load

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Cooling water shall be piped through a threaded rigidpipe from the discharge of the pump to the inlet of theheat exchangerOutlet for the wastewater from the heat exchanger shallbe one size larger than the inlet and discharged into avisible waste coneEngine must be protected from the elementsMinimum ambient temperature for the pump room is40oFMaximum temperature is 120oF at the air cleaner inletwith the engine running at rated load

Diesel EnginesFuel tank is to be sized 1 gallon per HP plus 10% 5% for expansion 5% for sump

One fuel tank per engine and shall be reservedexclusively for the fire pump diesel engineFuel tank must located above groundFuel tank outlet shall be at a level higher than theengine’s fuel transfer pumpIn zones capable of 32oF or lower, the fuel tank shall belocated in the pump roomEngine shall be started no less than once a week andrun for no less than 30 minutes

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Fuel tank is to be sized 1 gallon per HP plus 10% 5% for expansion 5% for sump

One fuel tank per engine and shall be reservedexclusively for the fire pump diesel engineFuel tank must located above groundFuel tank outlet shall be at a level higher than theengine’s fuel transfer pumpIn zones capable of 32oF or lower, the fuel tank shall belocated in the pump roomEngine shall be started no less than once a week andrun for no less than 30 minutes

Fire Pump ControllersFire pump controllers do the obvious: they detect pressuredrops in sensing lines and attempt to start the pump driver,either an electric motor or diesel engine.Controllers are also equipped with backup starting methodsin the event the controller fails to start the driver inautomatic mode. The agencies have done an excellent job of protecting the integrity

of fire pump systems. Controllers are over 99% effective as a firstresponse to a fire situation when properly installed and maintained.

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Fire pump controllers do the obvious: they detect pressuredrops in sensing lines and attempt to start the pump driver,either an electric motor or diesel engine.Controllers are also equipped with backup starting methodsin the event the controller fails to start the driver inautomatic mode. The agencies have done an excellent job of protecting the integrity

of fire pump systems. Controllers are over 99% effective as a firstresponse to a fire situation when properly installed and maintained.

Fire Pump ControllersThe starting method is the number one factor indistinguishing different control types.Each starting method requires a different amount ofamperage to start identical motors. Once a motor hasbeen started, the running amperage is the same for allcontrollers.Starting amperage is six times the running amperage,and many jobsites do not have service this largeavailable. Therefore, reduced voltage controllers arerequired.

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The starting method is the number one factor indistinguishing different control types.Each starting method requires a different amount ofamperage to start identical motors. Once a motor hasbeen started, the running amperage is the same for allcontrollers.Starting amperage is six times the running amperage,and many jobsites do not have service this largeavailable. Therefore, reduced voltage controllers arerequired.

Starting Methods & Inrush Currents

Across The Line – Full locked rotor current (LRC)Part Winding Start – 66% of LRCPrimary Resistance – 50% of LRCWye-Delta Start – 33% of LRCAuto Transformer – 42% of LRCSoft Start – varies by starting method selected

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Across The Line – Full locked rotor current (LRC)Part Winding Start – 66% of LRCPrimary Resistance – 50% of LRCWye-Delta Start – 33% of LRCAuto Transformer – 42% of LRCSoft Start – varies by starting method selected

Fire Pump Controller Location

Controller shall be located as closeas possible to the drive unit and bewithin line of sightController shall be so located or soprotected that it will not bedamaged by water escaping fromthe pump or pump connectionsCurrent-carrying components shallbe a minimum of 12 inches abovefloor level

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Controller shall be located as closeas possible to the drive unit and bewithin line of sightController shall be so located or soprotected that it will not bedamaged by water escaping fromthe pump or pump connectionsCurrent-carrying components shallbe a minimum of 12 inches abovefloor level

Required Fire Pump AccessoriesAutomatic Air Release Valve To exhaust air from the pump casing when the

pump is startedDischarge Pressure Gauge and CompoundSuction Gauge with Snubber ValvesCirculation Relief Valve On all electric driven units to keep the pump from

overheating when operating at churnBall Drip Valve To automatically drain the header line in the pump

room to prevent freezing

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Automatic Air Release Valve To exhaust air from the pump casing when the

pump is startedDischarge Pressure Gauge and CompoundSuction Gauge with Snubber ValvesCirculation Relief Valve On all electric driven units to keep the pump from

overheating when operating at churnBall Drip Valve To automatically drain the header line in the pump

room to prevent freezing

System Accessories - ElectricControllerElectric motor & unit baseCoupling & guard

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System Accessories - DieselDiesel engine & unit base Water cooled with heat exchanger Radiator cooled

ControllerDriveshaft or coupling and guardBatteries, racks & cablesMuffler & flexible exhaust connectorFuel tank with fittings Emergency Vent Fill cap Fuel Gage Lockable valve

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Diesel engine & unit base Water cooled with heat exchanger Radiator cooled

ControllerDriveshaft or coupling and guardBatteries, racks & cablesMuffler & flexible exhaust connectorFuel tank with fittings Emergency Vent Fill cap Fuel Gage Lockable valve

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Packaged Fire Pump Systems

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Packaged Fire Pump SystemsAccommodate all styles ofFire Pumps, electric or dieselDesigned specifically to meetthe particular applicationsrequirementsAvailable with completehousing enclosuresBuilt to NFPA 20/ NECStandards

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Accommodate all styles ofFire Pumps, electric or dieselDesigned specifically to meetthe particular applicationsrequirementsAvailable with completehousing enclosuresBuilt to NFPA 20/ NECStandards

Why Packaged Fire Pump Systems?

Single source responsibility Manufacturer has full responsibility for all

aspects of design and engineering

Less time required on the job siteFixed cost

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Single source responsibility Manufacturer has full responsibility for all

aspects of design and engineering

Less time required on the job siteFixed cost

Packaged System BuildingsDesigned to meet specific environmental requirementsFinished Through Wall or Floor PenetrationElectric Heaters with built-in thermostatsAC Motor / Solenoid Operated LouversExterior High Pressure Sodium LightSingle Point Electrical ConnectionInterior Emergency LightingSprinkler System per NFPAEasy Access EntriesPE Stamp AvailableAll Steel BuildingCeiling Hatch

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Designed to meet specific environmental requirementsFinished Through Wall or Floor PenetrationElectric Heaters with built-in thermostatsAC Motor / Solenoid Operated LouversExterior High Pressure Sodium LightSingle Point Electrical ConnectionInterior Emergency LightingSprinkler System per NFPAEasy Access EntriesPE Stamp AvailableAll Steel BuildingCeiling Hatch

Inspection, Testing & MaintenanceNFPA 25 governs the inspection, testing, andmaintenance of water-based fire protectionsystems Chapter 8 provides the minimum requirements

for inspection, testing and maintenance of firepump assemblies

Key elements of this standard are:

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NFPA 25 governs the inspection, testing, andmaintenance of water-based fire protectionsystems Chapter 8 provides the minimum requirements

for inspection, testing and maintenance of firepump assemblies

Key elements of this standard are:

The EndThe End

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