Fire Pump System

Objectives
After completing the lesson you will able to know:
1. Definition of fire pump
2. Types of fire pump
3. Pump head, NPSH (available), NPSH (required),
Positive and Negative suction head
4. Importance of fire pump
5. Selection of fire pump
6. Characteristics of Fire pump room
7. Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Fire Pump
Fire Pump
 Definition of fire pump
• A fire pump is a part of a fire Protection system's water
supply and powered by electric, diesel or steam. The pump
intake is either connected to the public underground water
supply piping, or a static water source (e.g., tank, reservoir,
lake). (NFPA 20)

• A fire pump is an integral/complete component of a total

fire protection system. A fire protection system at a facility
may include automatic sprinkler systems, standpipes, hose
stations, and/ or fire hydrants.

• The purpose of a fire pump is to provide or enhance the

water supply pressure from public mains, suction tanks,
gravity/elevated tanks, lakes, and other bodies of water.
 Types of fire pump
Various types of fire pumps are used in fire protection
systems. Types of fire pumps include:

• Horizontal split case

• Vertical split case
• Vertical in-line
• Vertical turbine
• End suction.

Note: These fire pumps may be powered by an electric motor

or diesel engine and on rare occasion powered by a steam
turbine.
 Types of fire pump
1. Horizontal split case pumps :

Horizontal split case pumps

are the most commonly used
type of pump. This is due to
their ease of access to all
working parts, availability of
various sizes, ability to
efficiently move large
amounts of water , and their
long term dependability.
This type of pump requires a
water source that provides a
positive suction pressure.
 Types of fire pump
2. Vertical split case pump
The functionality of a Vertical
split case pump is similar to that
of a Horizontal split case pump
with the exception of the vertical
orientation of the pump and
motor. The vertical motor
placement offers the advantages
of less required floor space and
the protection of the motor against
potential flooding conditions. This
type of pump also requires a water
source that provides a positive
suction pressure.
 Types of fire pump
3. Vertical in-line
Vertical in-line pumps also have a
vertical motor orientation.
Generally these are smaller,
compact pumps requiring less
space than other pumps. They
are suited for applications with
limited space for a pump room. A
drawback to the in-line pump is
that the entire driver unit must
be removed to perform
maintenance or repairs. A
positive suction pressure is
required for this type of pump.
 Types of fire pump
4. Vertical turbine pump
Vertical turbine pump does not
require a water source that
provides a positive suction
pressure. As such, this type of
pump is able to operate without
priming. The typical supplies for
these pumps are underground
tanks . When operating, these
pumps force water up through
the column pipe to the pump
discharge.
 Types of fire pump
5. End suction pump
A type of centrifugal pump
that has a casing with the
suction coming in one end
and the discharge coming
out the top. They are almost
always single stage pumps,
that is, they have only one
impeller. End suction pumps
are the most common
configuration for centrifugal
pumps, and the least
expensive configuration in
many case.
 Jockey pump
A jockey pump is a small
device designed to keep
pressure elevated in a fire-
suppression system. It is also
called a pressure-maintenance
pump. A jockey
pump installation prevents
unnecessary starting of the
fire pump due to small leaks in
the fire suppression piping.
Jockey pumps should be sized
for 3% of the flow of the main
fire pump and to provide 10psi
more pressure than the main
fire pump
 Pump Head
In a general conversation about the performance abilities of
a pump, the term head usually refers to the maximum vertical
distance from water source to discharge point that water can be
pumped.
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH- Available)
Available pressure in pump suction port or pump suction nozzle.

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH- Required)

Required pressure in pump suction port or pump suction nozzle
which is essential to avoid pump cavitation.
 Positive and Negative Suction Head
Distance of the liquid
source above or below the
pump inlet, measured in
feet: can
be positive OR negative.
Positive suction
head occurs when the top
of the water source is
above the suction Inlet of
the pump.
Negative elevation refers
to suction lift (like from a
pond, tank lower than the
pump, etc.)
 Importance of Fire Pump

• Fire Prevention and Protection

• Ensuring Water supply through the suppression system
• Preventing life and property loses
• Fire pump is like an invisible firefighter that keeps
even signs of small fire in building in check. It has an
eye for even details which sometimes even the humans
might ignore. It is fast and effective as one does not
need to call firefighters who are probably far away
from the disaster location.
 Selection of Fire Pump

• Based on building height and hazard

• Based on number of Riser
• Based on required water flow

Horsepower:
The common unit of power; one horsepower equals 33,000
pounds/foot of work per minute—that is, the power necessary
to lift a total mass of 33,000 pounds one foot in one minute.

PSI :The pound per square inch or, more accurately, pound-force
per square inch is a unit of pressure.
 Selection of Fire Pump

For height consideration:

1 bar = 10.322 meter head (Pump lifting capacity in general)

Water has a specific gravity of 1. I meter head’s Pressure is

0.0981 bar.
• 1 meter head to pressure = P x H x SG
= 0.0981 x 10.322 x1
• = 1.0125882 (1.013 bar)
• Fire pump = maximum lifting capacity 8.5 meter due to
turbulences and frictions.

For Riser consideration:

• Maximum number of riser is 9.
 Selection of Fire Pump
Table 4.4.1, BNBC 2006
Fire Protection flow Requirements

Building type Sprinkler system Standpipe and Duration

(L/min) hose system
(L/min)
Light hazrd-I 1000 1000 30
Light hazard-II 1900 1900 50
Ordinary hazard-I 2650 1900 75
Ordinary hazard-II 3200 1900 75
Ordinary hazard-III 4800 1900 75
 Table 4.4.1, BNBC 2006
Fire Protection flow Requirements

Note:
Values will be for one riser serving floor area 1000m²
These durations shall be for a building up to the height of 51m. For greater height of 51-
102m and above 102 m, the duration will be 1.25 times and 1.5 times of the specified
values respectively
Light hazard-I : A1, A2,A4
Light hazard-II : A3, A6,A7,A8, B, C, D, E2,E4,E7, F1 & F2
Ordinary hazard-I : E1,E3,E5, F3,F4,F5F6,F7, G1 & G4
Ordinary hazard-II : G2 & H1
Ordinary hazard-III : G3 & H2
Extra hazard : Occupancy groups J- pressure and flow requirement for this group shall be
determined by Fire Department but shall not be less than required value for Ordinary
hazard III.
 Characteristics of Fire Pump Room

• The pump shall be housed in a readily accessible position in

a building of non combustible construction. The pump shall
be adequately protected against mechanical damage.

• There shall be provision for standby fire pump driven by a

compression ignition (diesel) engine or electric pump with
own generator. (BNBC 2006, Part-4, Chap:4)

• There shall be three types of pump- Electric driven pump,

Standby pump (Diesel driven pump) and Jockey pump.
 Characteristics of Fire Pump Room

• Pump rooms and power facilities should be as free as

possible from exposure to fire, explosion, flood, and
windstorm damage. Light, heat, ventilation, and floor
drainage should be provided for pump rooms. A dry
location is recommended. Pump rooms should be large
enough to accommodate personnel as well as all equipment
and devices for inspection, maintenance, and testing.
 Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Fire Pump

14.1.2 Hydrostatic Test.

[Link] Suction and discharge piping shall be hydrostatically
tested at not less than 13.8 bar (200 psi) pressure, or at 3.4 bar (50
psi) in excess of the maximum pressure to be maintained in the
system, whichever is greater.
[Link] The pressure required in [Link] shall be maintained for
2 hours.
(NFPA 20, chap:14)
Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Fire Pump
During Inspection and Maintenance following notes shall be subjected:
The fire fighting equipments directly fed by fire pump shall be
designed with automatic fire pump. Once the pump starts it shall
run continuously until stopped manually. The pump shall be
fully operational within 30 seconds after starting. There shall be
provision for manual starting. The pump shall be compression
ignition type or electricity driven with own generator. Where
priming is necessary, automatic priming equipment shall be
provided to ensure priming with water at all times. The fire
pump shall not be used for other purpose.
BNBC, Part-4, Chap:4
 To check the flow meter and Flow rates of the fire pump.

 Jockey Pumps effectiveness.

 Auto trip function.
8.2 Inspection (NFPA 25, Chap 8)
8.2.1The purpose of inspection shall be to verify that the pump
assembly appears to be in operating condition and is free from
physical damage.
8.2.2*The pertinent visual observations specified in the following
checklists shall be performed weekly:
(1) Pump house conditions as follows:
(a) Heat is adequate, not less than 40°F (4°C) for pump room with
diesel engine–driven pumps with engine heaters.
(b) Heat is adequate, not less than 70°F (21°C) for pump room with
diesel engine–driven pumps without engine heaters.
(c) Ventilating louvers are free to operate.
(2) Pump system conditions as follows:
(a) Pump suction and discharge and bypass valves are fully open.
(b) Piping is free of leaks.
(c) Suction line pressure gauge reading is within acceptable
range.
(d) System line pressure gauge reading is within acceptable range.
(e) Suction reservoir has the required water level.
(f) Wet pit suction screens are unobstructed and in place.
(g) Water flow test valves are in the closed position.
(3) Electrical system conditions as follows:
(a) Controller pilot light (power on) is illuminated.
(b) Transfer switch normal pilot light is illuminated.
(c) Isolating switch is closed — standby (emergency)source.
(d) Reverse phase alarm pilot light is off, or normal phase rotation
pilot light is on.
(e) Oil level in vertical motor sight glass is within acceptable range.
(f) Power to pressure maintenance (jockey) pump is provided.
(4) Diesel engine system conditions as follows:
(a) Fuel tank is at least two-thirds full.
(b) Controller selector switch is in auto position.
(c) Batteries’ voltage readings are within acceptable range.
(d) Batteries’ charging current readings are within acceptable
range.
(e) Batteries’ pilot lights are on or battery failure (2)pilot lights are
off.
(f) All alarm pilot lights are off.
(g) Engine running time meter is reading.
(h) Oil level is within acceptable range.
(i) Crankcase oil level is within acceptable range.
(j) Cooling water level is within acceptable range.
(k) Electrolyte level in batteries is within acceptable range.
(l) Battery terminals are free from corrosion.
(m)Water-jacket heater is operating.
Table [Link] Summary of Fire Pump Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Item Frequency

Inspection

Alignment Annually

Cable/Wire insulation Annually

Diesel pump system Weekly

Electric pump system Weekly

NFPA 25 (2019)
Engine Crankcase breather Annually

Exhaust system and drain condensate trap Annually

Flexible hoses and connections Annually

Fuel tank vents and overflow Annually

Plumbing parts- Inside and outside of panels Annually

Printed circuit board corrosion (PCBs) Annually

Pump Weekly

Pump house/room Weekly

Shaft movement endplay while running Annually

Steam Pump system Weekly

Suction screens Annually

 Table [Link] Summary of Fire Pump Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Item Frequency

Test

Automatic Transfer switch and emergency/standby generators Per NFPA110 , chap-8, 8.4.1 (monthly,
generators check for 30 minutes by start)
Diesel Engine Driven fire pump Weekly/monthly

Diesel fuel testing Annually/semiannually

NFPA 25 (2019)
Electric motor driven fire pump Weekly

Electronic control module (ECM) Annually

Fuel tank, float switch, and supervisory signal for interstitial space Quarterly

Main relief valve Annually

Power transfer switch Annually

Pump house room environmental conditions Annually

Pump operation (no flow) Annually

Pump performance (flow) Annually

Supervisory signal for high cooling water temperature Annually

 Table [Link] Summary of Fire Pump Inspection, Testing and Maintenance
Item Frequency

Maintenance

Batteries Annually

Circulating water filter Annually

Control and power wiring connections Annually

Controller Per Manufacturer

NFPA 25 (2019)
Diesel active fuel maintenance system Annually or per Manufacturer

Diesel Engine system Per Manufacturer

Electric motor and power system Per Manufacturer

Electrical connections Annually

Engine lubricating oil Annually or 50 operating hours

Engine oil filter Annually or 50 operating hours

Fuel tank- Check for water and foreign materials Annually

Measure back pressure on engine turbo Annually

Pressure gauges and sensors Annually

Pump and motor bearings and coupling Annually or as required

Sacrificial anode Annually

 Review of Objectives

1. Definition of fire pump

2. Types of fire pump
3. Pump head, NPSH (available), NPSH (required),
Positive and Negative suction head
4. Importance of fire pump
5. Selection of fire pump
6. Characteristics of Fire pump room
7. Inspection, Testing, Maintenance of Fire Pump
Your opinion to express
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