Wednesday, July 27, 2022

5 Questions to Answer Before Investing in NYC Water Booster Pumps


 

If low water pressure is a serious issue in your building, then installing an NYC Variable Booster Pump could be the right solution. Why? Because it’s designed to deliver high water pressure and ensure that other pumps in the system do not cavitate.

Water booster pumps are most commonly used in high-rise buildings that often struggle with inadequate water pressure. By connecting the water source with points of consumption like taps, faucets, and showers, NYC Variable Booster Pumps achieve adequate water pressure. They draw water from a source and then pressurize it before distributing it to the endpoints. Here are a few important questions to ask before investing in an NYC Water Booster Pump.

1.      Why do you need a Water Booster Pump?

If you want to move water through a high-rise building, you will require a high-pressure head. This is where you need a water booster pump. You may know that gravity hugely affects water pressure. Whenever water has to travel up to higher floors, gravity pulls it down. This leads to low water pressure and insufficient water supply. To move water up to several floors, you will need an NYC Variable Booster Pump.

Water booster pumps work just like any other ordinary pump. They increase water pressure by adding a pump to the fluid flow system. Generally speaking, these are centrifugal pumps that take water from a source and transfer it through a single-stage impeller or multiple-stage impeller. To achieve high pressure, you can install a booster pump along a pipeline.

2.      What are the Main Applications of Booster Pumps?

Water booster pumps come in different designs with different specifications for different applications. For instance, domestic NYC Variable Booster Pumps keep the water pressure and supply steady to ensure that you do not miss out on your daily routine due to the scarcity of water. In addition to that, you can use high-power booster pumps for irrigation sprinklers and spraying systems.

Other applications include industries that need optimal water pressure for different uses. They are essential pieces of equipment in the food and beverage industries for supplying water to clean and sanitize production areas, such as raw product intake, manufacturing, filling, and load-out. Their role is to make sure the product that leaves the facility is safe for consumption.

3.      Where to Install a Booster Pump?

Install an NYC Variable Booster Pump right where water needs to be transported from. For instance, in a household with low water pressure, it should be installed on the mainline where water enters the building. Plug the inlet in, and let the outlet connect with the back of the plumbing supply.

Also, having a bypass is always great in case of pump malfunctions. It allows isolation of the booster pump when a failure occurs, ensuring continuous water supply. Make sure you test it before connecting the pump to the house.

4.      How to Boost the Efficiency of Water Booster Pumps?

NYC Variable Booster Pumps are also energy-efficient. You can optimize the performance and efficiency of your water booster pump by using variable speed drives (VSD). This can be done by adjusting the speed of the water flow based on the different pressure head requirements. For instance, if your water pressure at the source differs, then you can adjust the performance of the booster pump.

5.      How to Choose the Right Booster Pump?

Choose something with less running costs than conventional systems. For instance, NYC Water Booster Pumps are factory-tested systems that are distributed as a package. Several factors, ranging from the condition of pipelines to the desired level of pressure heads, should be considered. Below is a list of things you ought to consider before spending money on a booster pump:

·         Types of Pumps

Educate yourself about the types of booster pumps and their uses. You can explore a variety of pumps online – from centrifugal pumps to rotary gear pumps. Centrifugal pumps are generally the best option and are driven by electric motors. They possess one or multiple impellers to easily pump water.

·         Pump Specifications

Find out the number of gallons transferred per minute. Accordingly, pick the right pump that fits your water-boosting needs. Don’t go for higher specifications if your requirement is for a lower specification pump. This can ultimately damage your water system or pipelines.

·         Pressure and Temperature Specifications

Knowing the pressure and temperature conditions of your NYC Variable Booster Pump is of prime importance. Make sure you read and understand the manufacturer’s guidelines for a clear understanding of installation and maintenance.

·         Number of Pumps Required

Some large-scale projects need more than one booster pump to ensure adequate water pressure. Thus, it is essential that you know your requirements beforehand, so you can invest your money in more than one pump. This is true for industrial applications.

·         Loss of Friction

At peak flow rates, there may be loss of friction. This matters when you have any doubt related to the size of the interconnecting pipework. Also, if the pipework is too small in size, there will be a significant drop in water pressure throughout the water system. So make sure you consider such losses.

·         Pick the Right Power Source

If your water source is located in an overhead reservoir, which is at a higher elevation, there is no need for any power source. This is because gravity flow can flush the water down. However, booster pumps can be powered using electricity or diesel. Electric motors are most commonly used to drive pumps in various settings. They are comparatively cheaper and safer than other power sources like diesel booster pumps.

Closing Thoughts

NYC Variable Booster Pumps are effective in homes, hospitals, schools, offices, and industrial development sites. They are ahead of their time and can help meet the exact requirements of the end-user. If you would like more information about NYC Variable Booster Pump, contact the team at Callaghan Pump today. 

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Diesel Fire Pump: Keep Your Fire Protection System Ready for Action

 


A fire sprinkler system is an innovation that has been saving properties, assets, households, and lives for over a century. Modern sprinkler systems are more complex and effective than ever. They are commonly used in hospitals, warehouses, offices, schools, and more. However, if the water pressure running through these systems isn’t sufficient, they may become completely useless. This is where an electric or diesel fire pump can help you eliminate water pressure issues.

Let’s discover more about diesel fire pump packages!

Electric vs. Diesel Fire Pumps

Both electric and diesel fire pumps deliver the same results, but their engines operate in different ways and require different protocols for maintenance and testing. For instance, electric engines are more common, cheaper, and require less maintenance.

However, if you don’t have a backup generator, these engines may become useless when the power goes out. That said, diesel engines don’t get affected by power outages, making them more reliable for bigger applications. However, these are more expensive and require more maintenance protocols to keep them in good working condition.

The Complete Functioning of a Diesel Fire Pump

To understand how a diesel fire pump works, you need to understand what a fire pump is made of. A fire pump is made up of the motor, driver, and controller. It receives water from either a water tank, underground water supply, or a city reservoir. The pump boosts the water and supplies it through the sprinkler system and hose standpipes.

The main types of diesel fire pumps are the horizontal split-case, vertical split-case, vertical in-line, and vertical turbine. The most common one is the horizontal split-case, which is also the most economical one for higher flow applications. They have long lifespans that make them a popular choice. Another popular option is the vertical split-case, which is similar to horizontal split-case fire pumps, except they take up less space. This is because of their vertical design, which protects the pump from potential flooding damage.

Diesel Fire Pump Inspection and Testing

All fire pumps require testing and inspection, but diesel fire pumps require extra care to ensure that all the valves are in the open position. They must be no-flow or dry tested, and this should be done weekly. Both the weekly visual inspection and the dry test are performed by professionals. In the case of electric fire pumps, they generally require dry-testing only once a month. Diesel fire pumps must undergo comprehensive annual testing, which puts the whole pump through its paces. During the test, measure the water pressure and then compare the measurements to the original design specifications. The point is to make sure it’s operating effectively.

Diesel fire pumps should be serviced annually in addition to the inspections and tests. This service includes replacing fuel filters, testing batteries, fluid levels, etc. Make sure the maintenance is carried out by someone certified, not just by any regular technician. Use a fire pump sensing line to take care of the temperature effect.

Installing Diesel Fire Pumps

As with the decision on what type of diesel fire pump and system to use, the installation of the pump should be handled by fire safety professionals. There is an array of considerations as per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) that need to be followed.

Though weekly inspections can be done by any personnel on-site, annual and monthly inspections should be performed by qualified personnel, such as factory-trained and certified personnel.

What Does a Fire Pump Sensing Line Do?

A sensing line or impulse line is used to enable the location of pressure transmitters away from the process being measured. It is used to reduce the temperature effects on the transmitter’s performance. Generally speaking, each pump has its own individual controller, and each controller contains its own individual sensing line. The fire pump controller is connected to the fire protection system with the help of piping known as a sensing line. It is connected to the fire protection system between its discharge control valve pump and discharge check valve.

One end of the fire pump sensing line installation is connected to the pressure sensor within the controller and the other end to the fire pump piping between the discharge check valve and discharge control valve. This actually provides the controller the ability to sense any water pressure change occurring in the fire protection system when the fire pump is functioning. This also allows testing of the pressure settings even when the discharge control valve is off.

Keep in mind that…

·         The sensing line should be non-corrosive and its size must be a minimum of ½-inch.

·         Install two check valves in each sensing line to absorb pressure surges and avoid the controller pressure switch from getting damaged.

·         Also, these check valves should be at least five feet apart.

·         No-flow testing is required weekly for diesel fire pump packages unless there’s a risk analysis indicating a different frequency is acceptable.

·         The pump engine should be run at the rated speed for at least 30 minutes to allow all its components to warm up.

Let Us Take Care of Your Fire Pump Needs

With more than 14 years in the business, Callaghan Pump is a leader in the fire protection industry. We supply branded fire pumps that are equipped with a fire pump sensing line and jockey pump. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your fire protection system is compliant 24/7.

Let us know if you need any help!