What to Look for in Your Fire Fighting Pump?

Pressure Boosting Systems

Pumps of varied kinds play a significant role in our daily lives. Pumps are used in swimming pools, aquariums, washing machines, petrol pumps, water fountains; the list is almost endless not to mention fire fighting pumps, sewage pumps, jockey pumps and so on. Besides these, there are multitudes of other chemical, process and specialty pumps found in industrial applications.

Among the whole lot, the following article enumerates the points to be considered while buying a fire fighting pump. Fire fighting pumps as the name suggests are used for dousing fires and also for farm equipment wash down, irrigation and any other tasks that require pressurized water. Considerations that have to be borne in mind refer to the pump’s physical characteristics, performance characteristics, mode of power and a few others. Performance characteristics refer to the technical specifications with regard to pressure rate, flow rate, maximum head capacity, inlet/outlet size and PSI capacity. The technical specifications will depend upon the application for which the pump is to be used.

When it comes to the physical characteristics, the first factor to be considered is its self-priming capability. A self-priming pump will have no air blockage problems and pump water smoothly in case of a fire. Next factor is the build, which has to be of sturdy metal instead of plastic. It is essential to ensure that no plastic element is contained in the componentry as that will not stand the test of time. The engine that powers your pump has to be of top quality. A Yamaha or a Honda for petrol and a Subaru or Crommelins for Diesel is something that will go on for times to come. In this context, you have to first decide whether you want a diesel powered engine or a petrol one. Diesel engines are long lasting, safer and efficient on fuel as against petrol engines. But petrol engines are cheaper and offer more variety.

Other considerations include ease in starting and mobility. Fire fighting pump dealers will explain that there are three starting options available for the pumps; electric starter, recoil or both. The ignition system should be reliable; it should also assure easy starting. If the fire fighting pump has to be mobile then the weight and mode of movement become important considerations. Some pumps are equipped with convenient handles or have trolley kits attached to them and this provides ease of movement. Some accessories which will be compatible with your fire fighting pump will also have to be purchased. These include a suction hose and filter, float and strainer, nozzles and fire fighting hoses. Fire fighting pump dealers will recommend the best options after considering your requirements.

Fire fighting pumps fall in the category of centrifugal pumps which are highly durable and tough. Just like the fire fighting pump, another type which is very useful in several industrial applications is the back pull-out pump as vouched by all Back pull-out pump dealers. All centrifugal equipment can use the VFD as a control option for its motors. VFD dealers have advocated their use as they can tackle centrifugal pump suction recirculation problems removing operating difficulties.