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!