Fire pump vertical turbine

The three drivers recognized by the NFPA code on fire pumps are diesel, electric and steam. The diesel fire pump is the preference of most insurance companies. They have a long history of satisfactory service. These units tend to be more expensive especially when they are used with vertical turbine pumps. With vertical turbine pumps, they require a right-angled drive which significantly increases the cost. They are self-contained and do not depend on outside utilities. 

Types of Pumps. The two major type pumps are vertical turbine and horizontal split case. The horizontal fire pumps are designed to take suction from an above-ground reservoir or be used as booster pumps. It is important that these pumps not be used for suction under lift. Horizontal fire pumps are traditionally designed to chum at 120% of rated capacity. They will have a rated capacity for volume and pressure and they will provide 150% of the rated volume at 65% of rated pressure. Present codes now allow the chum pressure to reach 140% of rated pressure. 

Ensure calibrated pressure gauges, 0—1, 380 kPa (0—200psig), are installed on the suction and discharge of each fire pump to be tested (record calibration dates on the flow performance data sheet, with +/—3% accuracy). For pumps taking suction lift, calculate the NPSH to the level of pump discharge. Offshore installation vertical turbine lift fire pumps require a calculation of the vertical head loss to the point of pressure reading, taking into account tide levels and seawater densities. 

Fire pumps A type of centrifugal pump used for firefighting. They are generally horizontal split case, end suction, or vertical turbine. 

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