In firefighting applications, a portable fire pump is a crucial piece of equipment to have on hand. These pumps can quickly draw water from a lake, river, or other natural water source and then deliver it to combat a fire at high pressure. They are often used in wild land firefighting scenarios, as well as to help firefighters extinguish structures or contain the fire until emergency response teams arrive.
There are many types of UL/FM fire pumps on the market today, fabricated by a variety of different manufacturers. In evaluating these pumps, most users are interested in the hydraulic performance of the pump as measured by its gallons per minute (GPM) and pressure boost capabilities. However, when choosing a fire pump for your system, there are other factors to consider as the type of pump you choose can have an impact on long term costs and ease of maintenance.
First and foremost, the type of fire pump you choose should be compatible with the suppression system you’re designing. Generally speaking, a centrifugal or turbine style fire pump arranged in a vertical fashion is more suitable for systems that are only pumping water. These pumps typically have a discharge outlet that is perpendicular to the suction inlet, allowing for greater efficiency when it comes to transferring water from a storage tank to your fire suppression system. They also tend to be less expensive than other options on the market due to the fact that they have fewer mechanical components. portable fire pump