A Fire Fighting Pump is a divergent pump and provides pressure for a water supply system which is used to extinguish huge fires. Firefighting pumps play a very crucial role in firefighting because it is the first response to a fire situation. It can save countless lives and property from destruction. The pump supplies water flow at extreme pressure. The high-pressure water will efficiently suppress the fire. A Fire Fighting Pump is part of a fire protection system’s water supply. It can also be the part of a firefighting vehicle or it can be the component of other fire safety devices like fire sprinkler system and fire hydrant system.

The Fire Fighting Pump is the source of water supply for the fire sprinkler system. The power supply for the Fire Fighting Pump can be either electric motors or a diesel engine. A Fire Fighting Pump will take water from the underground water source or lakes or water tanks. A Fire Fighting Pump is used for providing water to suppress the fire. The Fire Fighting Pump has to cover large land areas in the firefighting process so it is designed in such a way that it is easy to carry and move.

Fire Fighting Pump performs its operation on various locations such as:

• It can take account of the requirements of the domestic water supply.
• Best for industrial use.
• It is used in municipal projects.
• It is a water supply source for commercial facilities.
• Can be used in rural areas where it can quickly control the fire until the fire station crew reached the place of disaster.

(3) The network of Pipes:

It includes a network of pipes. These pipes will throw water on the fire for suppressing it.

Working of Firefighting Pump

Firefighting pumps are housed close to the fire storage facility. The height of the pump is should be at the level below the bottom of the tank, so that pump can utilize all the water from the tank. There must be an additional pump in the stand-by position so that in case of any failure of the main pump due to electric failure which is very common, the backup pump is ready to perform its operation. 

Firefighting pumps are connected to the pressure sensors. When firefighting detects a fire. The firefighter opens and then the pressure sensors detect the drop in pressure and the pump will activate and provides high pressurize water for smothering the fire.  

Types of Firefighting Pump

There are various types of fire pumps that are used for firefighting. Types of fire pumps include horizontal split case, vertical split case, vertical in-line, vertical turbine, and end suction. The power source for these fire pumps by an electric motor or diesel engine.

These types are as following:

(1) Horizontal Split Case:

The horizontal split case is most commonly seen. It is user friendly. It does not require any maintenance. They are move able and can be connected to various firefighting equipment. they are available in many sizes. It can efficiently supply a large quantity of water. They are very reliable and durable which is why most firefighters prefer them. But this type of pump needs an external source of water supply.

(2) Vertical Split Case pump:

The working of vertical split case fire pumps is similar to the horizontal split case fire pumps. Their position is vertical. It decreases the risk of motor failure. They occupy less floor space. This feature is more beneficial especially for the business that does not have huge buildings. This pump also requires an external water supply source.

(3) Vertical In-Line pump:

Vertical in-line pumps are usually small in size. They are compact pumps than any other type of pump and requires less floor space. This is the best advantage for small premises. This type of pump requires maintenance and when maintenance is required the whole unit of the system has to be removed for maintenance. The service providing company install them in a vertical position. They provide a smooth flow of water through the system.

(4)  Vertical Turbine Pump:

A vertical turbine pump does not need a water source for providing pressure so, the water source for this type of pump is a tank or underground well. Before water is drawn from the tank. Water is forced to the top and then water is discharged when it is needed.

(5) End Suction Pump:

It is similar to the horizontal pump. This pump has nozzles on the contrary side of the packaging from the stuffing box. Just like the Vertical turbine pump, the water flowing through an End suction pump makes a 90° radial turn from suction to discharge.

(6) Excel Series Pump: