A diesel fire pump is a crucial part of any facility’s fire protection system. Designed to provide high-pressure water at an accelerated rate, these pumps can quickly and effectively extinguish flames before they have a chance to spread. They are commonly used in facilities with limited access to electricity, such as warehouses and aircraft hangars.
A fire pump typically works by drawing in the water it needs from a storage tank or pond and pressurizing it to a point where it can be discharged to fight a fire. This is accomplished by using a diesel engine that runs the pump, which is then connected to a series of valves and pipes that can be adjusted to control the flow and pressure. Depending on the application, these pumps can be either centrifugal or positive displacement.
When a fire occurs, the pumps can be activated by either manually or automatically. Automatic fire pumps can be programmed to start in the event of a fire, which is ideal for facilities that are not staffed at all times and may need emergency water to combat fires. They can also be programmed to shut off once the fire is extinguished.
Fire fighting pumps are not only useful in the event of a fire, but they can also be used for a variety of other applications that require water at a high-pressure. These include spray irrigation, boom spraying and machinery washdown. Some of these pumps even come with features such as self-priming, which eliminates the need for manual priming by removing air from the pump when it is turned on.
Generally, fire fighting pumps are designed to operate for extended periods of time without needing maintenance, but they can be serviced at regular intervals to ensure proper functionality. In general, these fire pumps are more cost-effective than electric fire pumps because they run on a cheaper fuel source and require less frequent maintenance. Additionally, they are often more durable than electric fire pumps and have a longer lifespan.
In addition to monitoring diesel engine parameters like speed, fuel consumption, diagnostic errors and battery voltage, Xylem ARM can also monitor electrical motor and VFD parameters including motor speed, amperage, voltage and power consumption. It can also monitor suction pressure/vacuum, discharge pressure, flow and sump level.
Although it’s a common myth that cell phones can spark a fire at the gas pump, there is actually a more dangerous danger lurking in your pump room. Static electricity, the same thing that shocks your feet after you walk across a carpet, can ignite gasoline vapors at the pump and cause a flash fire. To avoid this, don’t touch the gas pump or anything metal while refueling, and use rubber gloves to pump your vehicle. It’s also important to keep an eye on the weather. Static electricity fires are more likely in cool or dry conditions.
