Fire Pumps Systems: Types, Applications, and Installation

Upco Egypt is one of the leading companies specializing in fire pumps in Egypt. As an authorized agent for the UAE-based company Watex, Upco Egypt provides supply and installation services for all types of fire pumps, including diesel, electric, and jockey pumps. Installation work is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the approved fire code, ensuring the highest levels of safety and efficiency.

Fire pumps are an essential and indispensable element within fire fighting systems, due to their pivotal role in protecting lives and property from fire hazards, whether in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.

Fire pumps also represent the first line of defense in emergencies, as they pump water quickly and efficiently to control fires and limit their spread.

In this article, we review the importance of fire pumps, their different types, and how to choose the appropriate fire suppression system that meets the safety requirements within various facilities.

Types of fire pumps

There are many types of fire pumps to meet all safety requirements and diverse operating conditions within each facility. Here are the most prominent types used:

• Diesel Fire Pumps
  • These pumps are powered by a diesel engine and are used when the electricity supply is unavailable during a power outage. They are suitable for use in difficult conditions and environments that require high caution.
• Centrifugal Fire Pumps
  • It is one of the most common types in commercial and industrial buildings because it works to convert the kinetic energy of water into high-pressure energy, which allows water to be pumped in large quantities.
• Electric Fire Pumps
  • Electric fire pumps operate using an electric motor and provide high water pressure. One of their main advantages is that they are easy to maintain.
• UL FM fire pumps
  • UL FM certified fire pumps are from two of the world's leading organizations that provide products based on strict quality and safety standards. This type of pump delivers the performance required to maintain facilities.
• Jockey Pumps
  • Used to maintain the water pressure in the system at a certain level to avoid frequent starting of the main pump; it works automatically to compensate for any slight drop in pressure.
• Emergency Fire Pumps
  • Designed for use in emergencies where the main system is unavailable or down; often portable and used in remote locations or harsh conditions.

 

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UL FM fire pumps

UL FM fire pumps offer fast, high-efficiency water pumping solutions, reducing the time spent on manual pumping and helping firefighters combat the toughest fires efficiently and quickly.

UL FM fire pumps are widely used in commercial, industrial and residential facilities because they offer superior performance with ease of maintenance, in addition to operating in high temperatures from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius.

It has a pressure of up to 48 bar, or 700 psi, because it was designed in an innovative way and through the latest technological developments in fire fighting.

Diesel fire pumps

Diesel fire pumps are a vital option used in firefighting systems, especially in places where reliance on electricity is weak.

These pumps operate using a diesel engine, providing high continuous operation in difficult conditions. Diesel pumps are characterized by their powerful performance and rapid response, as they can pump large quantities of water to effectively fight fires.

Approved fire pumps

Approved fire pumps work by drawing water from a fixed source and then pumping it into the networks to feed the fire sprinklers. The size of the pump depends on the building, such as its size and nature, in addition to its safety requirements.

Mass fire pumps

Mass fire pumps are among the leading choices in the field of fire fighting systems, thanks to their efficiency and high capacity. These pumps rely on an advanced mechanism that ensures water is drawn from a fixed source such as a water tank and pumped at high pressure through pipe networks to feed fire sprinklers and other fire systems.

Jockey fire pump

The jockey fire pump is used to maintain the water pressure in the fire fighting system at a certain level before the main pump starts. It also works automatically to compensate for any slight drop in pressure resulting from small and simple leaks in the system, thus ensuring that the system remains in a constant state of readiness to fight fires.

Fire pump specifications

 

Fire pumps are a vital part of fire safety and prevention systems in various buildings and facilities. These pumps are characterized by technical specifications that enable them to meet safety and high performance needs. Among the most prominent of these specifications are the following:

• The pump must provide a flow rate of up to 150% of the required flow rate in order to provide a pressure value of at least 65% of the pressure value.
• The pump must be of the End Suction or Split Case type.
• Each pump must have its own control panel.
• The pump must be certified by recognized bodies such as UL or Fm.
• The pump must conform to NFPA specifications.

It does United Company upcoegypt supplies and installs all types of fire pumps and creates engineering designs for fire extinguishing networks. Contact us through our phone numbers or via our website.

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Fire pump rooms

Many people wonder what the components of a fire pump room are. Fire pump rooms consist of a set of essential elements that ensure the efficient and effective operation of the fire suppression system. These components include the following:

• Suction Pipe
  • This part is the link between the tank and the pump room, and its function is to draw water from the tank and then supply it to the fire pumps.
• Vortex Plate
  • In the absence of a Vortex Plate, bubbles will accumulate on the suction line, and the direction of the water will change by 180 degrees inside the tank to the suction line, resulting in the formation of bubbles and the occurrence of cavitation.
  • This is where the Vortex Plate comes in, where the water changes direction in two stages, once 90 degrees downwards and another 90 degrees upwards when the water is in the Suction Pipe, and prevents the accumulation of vortices.

• Fire network valves (Gate Valve OS & Y)
  • An isolation valve and a discharge line are installed on the fire pump suction line. An isolation valve is also installed, and this applies to the Electrical Pump, Stand By Diesel & Jokey Pump. The role of these valves is to close them when maintenance is performed.
• Check Valve
  • It works to maintain the network after the pump stops working. It is installed on the discharge line of each pump, where it works to prevent water from flowing back from one pump to another.
•  Automatic Air Release
  • An air vent valve is installed on the base of a fire pump to allow air to escape frequently and prevent it from accumulating inside the pump.
• Pressure Relief Valve
  • It is a valve that opens automatically when the pressure rises, as it works to discharge this pressure out of the network so that it does not return again and cause a problem.
• Flexible Coupling / Strain Relief
  • It works to prevent vibrations from the motor from reaching the tanks, which could cause water leakage. These connections are made of rubber and have received certifications.
• Test Line
  • It works to test the electric and backup pump, and a water meter is installed on the test line. In the case of testing the pump, the valve is opened and the Pump is operated from the control panel so that the pump can draw water from the tank.
• Eccentric Reducer
  • It works to prevent the occurrence of Air Pockets, which are air pockets that may exist and could cause Cavitation in pipes.
• Control Panel
  • Control panels are an essential part of a fire pump system, ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the pumps in emergency situations. Control panels consist of a set of devices and components that enable the monitoring and management of pump operation in a safe and efficient manner.
•  Diesel Engine Muffler
  • It is the muffler or silencer of a diesel engine. It is a vital part of the exhaust system of diesel engines used in fire pumps, as it improves the working environment and reduces noise pollution by absorbing engine sound.

Fire pump room specifications

The fire system includes three pumps: a Main pump, a Standby pump, and a Jockey pump. In the event of a fire, only one pump is activated.

The main pump works by supplying the network with the required pressure and flow rate according to the design, while the standby pump works by supplying the network with the required pressure and flow rate when a malfunction occurs in the main pump.

The jockey pump acts as a compensatory pump, intervening when a leak occurs in the network instead of the main pump. The pump pressure is similar to the main pump pressure but at a flow rate of only 10%.

Fire pump prices

It is difficult to determine fixed prices for fire pumps, and there are several factors that affect their cost, including the following:

• Pump type (diesel, electric, jockey, etc.).
• Capacity and ability to pump water.
• The brand.
• Technical specifications such as the materials used in manufacturing.
• Certificates and accreditations such as FM & UL certifications.

In addition to those factors, there are maintenance and installation costs and some other services that are added to the total cost. You can contact us at Al-Muttahida Company, the exclusive and sole agent for Watex Emirates Company in Egypt, on the phone numbers and we will answer all your questions regarding all types of fire pumps, because we are the best company in supplying and installing all types of fire pumps.

What types of fire pumps are approved?

Approved fire pump types include a range of pumps specifically designed to operate within fire-fighting systems, and approved according to international standards and codes such as NFPA, UL and FM. These pumps are divided into electric fire pumps, diesel engine-powered fire pumps to ensure operation in cases of power outages, as well as jockey pumps that maintain network pressure continuously.

The approved systems also include the most common centrifugal pumps, and vertical turbine pumps used to draw water from great depths. The choice of the appropriate type depends on the nature of the facility, the water source, and protection requirements, with the necessity for all pumps to be approved and compliant with the fire code to ensure the highest levels of safety and readiness in emergency situations.

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Fire pump companies in Egypt

Fire pump companies in Egypt are a key element in supporting the safety and firefighting system within various facilities, and among them, the United Company (upcoegypt) stands out as one of the best and strongest companies operating in this field.

The company is distinguished by being the exclusive agent for Watex UAE, one of the leading regional brands in the manufacture of pumps and fire fighting systems, which ensures the provision of high-quality products that conform to the latest international specifications and standards.

United Company also provides integrated solutions that include the supply and installation of all types of fire pumps, with full compliance with the fire code and safety requirements, which makes it the reliable choice for many residential, commercial and industrial projects within Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gallons do fire pumps hold?

Fire pump capacities vary greatly depending on their type and intended use. Pump capacity is measured in gallons per minute (Gpm-Gallons-Minute). Pump capacities range from about 50 gallons to over 5000 gallons per minute.

What is the pressure in fire pipes (in bar)?

Typically ranging from 7 to 12 bar (1 bar is approximately 14.5 pounds per square inch), in most fire-fighting systems the pipes are designed to withstand high pressures to ensure that water is effectively delivered to fire points.