Purpose of fire extinguishing pumping station
Fire extinguishing pumping stations are a number of devices designed for pumping water or pumping foam fire extinguishers and communications. The fluid supply in these devices occurs under pressure. Stations are usually equipped with several pumps (2-5 pumps).
Contents of the article:
- Types of equipment
- Device and principle of operation
- Equipment installation
- Maintenance and Operation
Types of equipment
There are two types of fire extinguishing pumping stations and mode of movement – static and mobile. It also doesn’t really matter how the water is produced. Some pumping stations are connected to the main water supply, others to special water supplies. There are also options for obtaining water from tanks or ponds.
For stations serving high-rise buildings, additional specially designed pumps are installed. Stations operating with open tanks must install submersible pumps. This increases pressure and helps ensure proper functioning of fire equipment.
The choice of stations of a certain power and fire extinguishing methods depends on the characteristics of the intended protected object. To eliminate fires in certain sectors, a gaming system is installed using curtains. Sprinkler stations eliminate fires by extinguishing a large number of fires and flooding the affected areas through irrigation elements. There is a mobile set of fire hydrants.
Pumping stations have three types of control circuits: electrical, mechanical and combined. Their power varies, with a minimum of 5 kW and a maximum of 385 kW. Equipment is selected depending on the occupied space in the room. Besides power, performance is important. Pumping stations can pump from 0. 2 l/m to 80 l/m. For small installations, the corresponding parameters for pumping stations are specified in the relevant regulatory documents, which cannot be less.
Based on reliability, this equipment is divided into three categories. I include stations that operate continuously during fire fighting. Category II is for short breaks. Category III provides for complete shutdown of the station for up to 24 hours.
Device and principle of operation
The list of standard kits that this type is equipped with fire extinguishing pump unit grundfos hydro mx , includes pumps, discharge and suction manifolds, fittings, control cabinet, automation elements and control devices.
The pumps at the station are centrifugal, and in the standard configuration, there is a backup and a main pump. The backup pumps are activated in the event of a malfunction or inadequate operation of the main unit. The fire alarms are designed to monitor pressure and water intake.
Automation saves time for each fire that occurs. For this purpose, the stations are connected to a high-voltage network. The pumps are equipped with pressure gauges to measure the water pressure in the piping system.
In addition to the main pumping station equipment, there is a metal structure. The structure must have sturdy frames to withstand constant loads and not compromise the integrity of the fire suppression system. Regardless of the type and category, all equipment components are painted red.
If the fire system is low on water, special sensors detect this. A signal from them is sent to the pumping station, which begins operation. The bypassed main pump or a certain pressure is increased to the desired value. A signal appears on the control panel, and the automation is activated. The use of backup equipment may be required.
The pump creates water pressure and pressure using centrifugal force. A disk or wheel with curved blades is attached to the shaft. The wheel rotates using an electric motor. There may be multiple wheels. All components are housed in a spiral metal casing.
Equipment installation
Stationary stations are allocated a separate room. In most cases, these are basements, ground floors, or cellars. They must have access to stairs leading to the street or to the outside. In some cases, separate buildings are provided for these units.
They are permitted to be equipped with internal combustion engines and generators, unless the equipment is located in the basement. Regulations have been developed for emergency lighting in fire pumping stations. The room must have a telephone line.
In accordance with fire safety requirements, the width of the passages between units must be taken into account during design. Minimum values are established for this parameter. Measures must be taken to prevent flooding of the pumps; therefore, the motor is located 0. 5 meters above the engine room floor.
If the fire pumping station is equipped with an electric motor, two manual fire extinguishers are provided. For internal combustion engines, the number of fire extinguishers is doubled. If the motor voltage exceeds 1000 V, two additional fire extinguishers containing carbon dioxide are provided. Similar rules apply to powerful internal combustion engines.
The engine room floor must be insulated from vibration. However, this requirement is not mandatory. The fire extinguishing system is designed in such a way that each pump can be replaced along with the shut-off valve. Pipelines are made of steel. In the workshop, the pumping station is separated by fireproof partitions.
All equipment is properly tested before installation. Design and installation can only be carried out by a professional organization. Pumping stations must be present in buildings where water or foam is used for fire extinguishing.
Maintenance and Operation
Since fire extinguishing stations are part of the overall fire extinguishing system, the company appoints a person responsible for their condition. Inspections and maintenance are carried out in accordance with regulations, including technical and visual inspections. This action is taken after each repair and on the next maintenance date.
The project includes changes in design and equipment. To do this, contact the developer directly. Elements of the fire pumping station must be regularly cleaned of dirt and accumulated dust. Run pumps regularly to maintain output and maintain constant internal pressure.
