Fire Suppression Pump Station Requirements and Standards
Water-based fire suppression systems are one of the most common options used in fire protection systems at various facilities. The popularity of this equipment is due to the fact that water is an inexpensive extinguishing agent and can effectively suppress fires. Today, almost 85-90% of fires are extinguished using water-based fire suppression systems. To maintain the operation of these systems, a fire pump station is always installed at the facility.
This type of installation ensures the required fluid pressure in the lines supplying water to automatic sprinklers. The speed of extinguishing a fire depends on the proper and efficient operation of these stations, which impacts the safety of people and the integrity of property stored on the premises. Pump-based fire suppression equipment can be used for both large flooding and sprinkler fire suppression systems. Types of Pumping Stations
Fire extinguishing stations can be built in two types: stationary and mobile. Stationary units differ in the method of water intake.
From a dedicated water supply system or from a regular city water supply network;
- From underground tanks or special wells;
- From open water.
- Stationary Pumping Unit
Stationary units are primarily used to support large flood and sprinkler fire suppression systems. Large flood systems can be used to create a wall of water in a room to prevent the spread of fire over a large area. Sprinkler systems act as sprinklers, covering the fire source with a mist of water.
Fire pumps in such systems are activated automatically upon receiving a signal from the alarm system, initiating an autonomous fire suppression system. Mobile stations are built on vehicle-based platforms and are designed to provide a continuous supply of pressurized water to firefighting sites.
Mobile Pumping Station
Design and Operating Principle
Two pumps for pumping liquid (one is the primary pump and the other is a backup pump).
A series of shut-off devices for pressure regulation.
- Pump control panel (electrical or mechanical);
- Instrumentation for monitoring the operating parameters of the unit.
- Pumping Station Design
- The pumping system operates as follows.
Pumping Station Requirements
If water is supplied to the pumping station from reservoirs, they must be located above the equipment itself; in this case, the use of a water intake system is eliminated. If the water tanks are located at the same level as the unit, there must be at least two of them, and they must be independent of each other.
Due to the short operating time of the unit, a fail-safe start-up system is required to allow the pumps to be started at any time.
- The power supply configuration requires two independent feeders (primary and backup), which can be switched automatically.
- The operating parameters of the pumping station must not only guarantee the required pressure but also provide the necessary power to deliver water to the fire source.
- Fire pumps used as part of a fire extinguishing station require the installation and assembly of a vibration extinguishing system.
- Each pumping station must undergo mandatory performance tests and have the appropriate safety certificates.
- Selection Criteria
- Fire pumping stations must be selected taking into account the following requirements:
- Plant capacity and performance (accessible facilities depend on these parameters);
Reliability and fault tolerance of the plant’s functional units and systems.
Availability of redundant components of the main unit;
- Easy installation, setup, and subsequent operation.
- Maintenance frequency and cost-effectiveness.
- Duration of exit from operating mode;
- Operating temperature.
- Rules and regulations of operation
- To place a pumping unit in the room there must be a fire pumping station. The requirements for premises of this type are determined by the fire safety standard NPB 88-2001.
- The pumping station for the fire extinguishing system should be located in a separate room in the basement or on the first floor of the basement. It can also be located in a separate building or an extension to the main building.
The requirements for a fire pumping station and its air environment are substantiated. The temperature in the premises should be in the range from +5ºС to +35ºС, and humidity – T = +25ºС and less than 80%.
The room must have primary and backup lighting, telephone communication with the fire service and an information board at the fire pumping station.
ATTENTION!
When designing a fire pumping station premises, design criteria should be adopted in accordance with SNiP 2. 04. 02-84.
The pumping station must undergo regular technical inspection to prevent unexpected breakdowns.
Conclusion
Today, the fire equipment market offers many different devices to support the functioning of autonomous fire extinguishing systems. They differ in both functions and power. When choosing an installation, it is important to take into account all the nuances discussed above. Only a properly selected pumping station can guarantee the effective operation of a water fire extinguishing system. This means that the fire will most likely be extinguished before it causes property damage.
Among the many equipment offered by various manufacturers, Grundfos fire pumping stations are very popular. The equipment of this manufacturer is characterized by high reliability, stable operating parameters and fault tolerance in difficult operating conditions. VITO GROUP company offers
buy a fire extinguishing station
, which have a long service life of fire extinguishing installations.
Requirements and standards for a fire extinguishing pump station Requirements and standards for a fire extinguishing pump station requirements and standards for a fire extinguishing pump station
