When you think of a fire you immediately visualize ringing of fire alarms or fire fighting engines with their long hoses spurting water to douse the flames. Little do we realise that the fire fighting pump is the inconspicuous device that jets out water at required pressures through the fire hydrant so that they can reach high up to the flames and extinguish them. These pumps stand like good soldiers gearing to go into action when a fire emergency presents itself.
Fire fighting pumps are seen in all precincts ranging from tall skyscrapers to offshore gas and oil platforms. The gear box fitted on the pump has to be compatible and as the gear box dealers in Mumbai and inline helical gear dealers will suggest there are certain factors that have to be considered to ensure the compatibility. The water source for the fire pumps can be a reservoir, water tank or an underground water pipe. There are basically two types of pumps that are used in the fire fighting systems. Positive displacement pumps and centrifugal pumps are the two kinds that are associated with fire fighting pumps as per information disclosed by fire fighting pump dealers.
Positivedisplacement pumps include rotary and reciprocating pumps out of which rotary pumps are a common feature in the fire fighting systems. They serve as basic pumps to fill up the main pump, lines and the water hoses. Here, a certain amount of water is trapped by the pump and that is then forced out through the discharge pipe. The role of the main pump is performed by centrifugal pumps in the fire fighting system. The component that is central to the working of the centrifugal pump is the impeller which helps in the outward acceleration of water from the core of the pump housing and that too with great speed. The speed along with the discharge line and pump housing’s resistance together generate pressure on account of which water is pushed out of the pump. In addition, generation of vacuum at the input opening of the impeller enables water to be drawn in continuously.
The positive displacement pump and the centrifugal pump differ in one important aspect and that is the former’s capacity to pump air which is the main reason for it being employed as a primer pump. Greater efficiency and flow rate of the centrifugal pumps make it an ideal choice for use as a main pump in the fire fighting systems. The fire fighting pump is a significant component of sprinkler systems found in residential buildings. The pressure of water is greater than that provided by the regular municipal water system. Water is provided to the sprinkler systems at the required pressure and this helps in effective dousing of the fire flames. However, for getting the maximum usage out of the fire fighting pumps it is essential to choose them correctly. There are many factors like power source, design and system compatibility that go into consideration during its purchase. The fire fighting pump dealers will be the right source to give the necessary guidance in that respect.
Fire fighting pumps thus are an indispensable part of the fire fighting equipment.