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7 Most Burning Questions About Domestic Water Booster Pumps

If buying domestic water pumps for your water pressure needs is on your bucket list, then here are a few important questions you need to ask yourself. Continue reading to learn more.

You may have heard of domestic water booster pumps and how they increase low water pressure and flow in a building, but how much do you actually know about them? If you are planning to install one, then this blog post is going to be extremely helpful. This is because it contains some of the most commonly asked questions about booster pumps for homes. So, let’s get started!
 

  1. What Does a Domestic Water Booster Pump Do?

    2. As we mentioned before, most water booster pumps are designed to increase low water pressure. They are common in high-rise buildings that often experience low water pressure due to gravity. The role of a booster pump is to create and provide that extra boost needed to raise the water pressure to the desired level.

     

  2. How Does It Function?

    3. Most domestic water booster pumps are centrifugal pumps, as they take water from a source and move it through a single stage or multiple impellers to increase the water pressure. They function like a fan with blades that rotate to boost the airflow. With the help of impellers, the pump increases pressure in the same way.

    The main components of a booster pump include an engine, impeller, inlet and outlet, pressure sensing device, and casing. While booster pumps vary depending on how they move water, some of them use a rotating propeller and others use an oscillating diaphragm.

     

  3. How Do You Determine When You Need a Booster Pump?

    4. A booster pump is recommended when there is low water pressure, especially if it is not caused by a leak, clog, or any plumbing issue. You should know what your water flow rate is and how much water your household uses. If you have a large house, you may need to consider a powerful booster pump to meet your water pressure needs.

     

  4. How to Pick the Best Pump Type?

    5. There are different booster pump types suitable for different applications. For instance, single-stage booster pumps are great for detached houses or residents with moderate pressure requirements. When the requirements are high, multi-stage booster pumps are better. These requirements may include pumping water uphill, transporting water through very long pipelines, or maintaining the city main water.

    If you look at domestic water pumps, they are ideal for increasing water pressure throughout a house. They can be used to increase the flow from a low recovery well to your home. However, before you decide on any water pump type, you should know what the flow rate of your water is. Consider all fixtures and measure how many gallons of water you will need per minute.

     

  5. Where to Install It?

    6. A booster pump should be installed right where you need to move water from. For instance, in a household with low water pressure, install the pump on the main line where water enters the building. Be sure to have a bypass for any pump malfunctions. It will allow you to isolate the pump if you need to troubleshoot it.

    Also, it is important to test the pump before connecting it to the pipeline. This is because plumbing issues like leaks may cause the pump to cycle due to a low flow rate. This may result in starting and stopping the pump in rapid succession. If you see a leak, isolate the pump and test it to assure that the pump is not the problem.

     

  6. How to Size a Water Booster Pump?

    7. To size a water booster pump for your building, you need to ask these questions: Is it a multi-story building? Do you want to move the water a significant distance? How far away is the water source?

    Water booster pumps with a single impeller are not good enough at drawing water from a significant distance. If you want to lift water from a lake for irrigation, then you need something with more horsepower and impellers.

     

  7. How to Keep it Quiet?

    8. To keep your booster pumps for homes quiet, you need to factor in the type of pump installed, the power source, and the materials around the installation. In fact, the way you install the pump can minimize or maximize the noise. So, be careful and hire a professional when it comes to installing and sizing booster pumps. Avoid installing it directly to copper lines.

    So, these are the most basic questions about water booster pumps, answered by an experienced team of pump professionals. If you want to learn more or have any queries regarding booster pumps for homes, talk to us directly.

Jockey Pumps and Fire Pumps: The Main Types to Consider

From horizontal split-case to end-suction, fire pumps come in different types. Learn about the pros and cons of using different jockey pumps and fire pumps for stationary fire protection.

Interested in improving the hydraulic performance of your fire protection or sprinkler system? Then consider installing jockey pumps and fire pumps.

They not only improve hydraulic performance, but they also maintain adequate water pressure throughout the system during a fire emergency. However, it’s crucial to know what type of fire pump would be best for your space.

 

Different Types of Fire Pump Systems

  • If you need a fire pump in your building, be sure to pick the right one. Here are the main types of fire pumps to help you make the right decision.

    •  

    1. Horizontal Split-Case

      2. The first in the list is the horizontal split case (HSC) pump, which received its name from its casing’s split design. You can use such types of fire pumps for water flows in excess of 5,000 gpm. If you have a concern about floor space, HSC pumps are not ideal for flows below 1,000 gpm.

      Please note that an HSC pump is not necessarily mounted horizontally. You can have the same durability features with a vertical diesel fire pump package. It is connected to a driver by a coupling or drive shaft. When mounted horizontally, this will create a larger footprint. Also, the casing is designed to manage higher working pressures, often making it heavier.

       

    2. End-Suction Horizontal

      3. End-suction fire pumps get their name from the passageway from which the water enters the pump. Generally speaking, it enters one side of the impeller. So, you will lose the ability to have bearings on both sides of the impeller. This also means that end-suction horizontal pumps don’t operate well on large water flow applications. The main benefit of such types of pumps is that they come at a lower initial cost.

      Unlike the HSC, the suction pipe and motor are parallel to each other to eliminate concerns about the fire pump rotation. If it’s a diesel fire pump package, then you have another advantage: The ability to situate the engine in parallel/near a wall.

      Make sure you consider proper air ventilation. The disadvantage is that you will need to remove the motor to remove the impeller. This could be a complex procedure for those maintaining the pump.

       

    3. End-Suction Vertical

      4. When space savings and lower initial costs are your main concerns, go for end-suction vertical designs. In this case, the water entering the impeller is identical to a horizontal end-suction design, but the casing is different. It is designed in such a way that the motor is mounted on top and the pump flanges coincide with the same elevation centre line.

      As far as jockey pumps and fire pumps go, end-suction vertical pumps require the smallest installation space. These pumps fill in pump gpm rating gaps as they are available to take advantage of smaller applications like 50 gpm, 100 gpm, 150 gpm, etc. Also, the mechanical design of an end-suction pump is the least expensive among all pump types.

       

    4. Vertical Shaft Turbine

      5. Often known as vertical turbines, vertical shaft turbine pumps have impellers that are submerged in the water source. These pumps include a bowl assembly and several impellers on a vertical shaft. They are extremely helpful in areas where water is scarce, but also when installing an above-ground tank is not possible.

      Almost any discharge pressure can be ordered with vertical shaft turbine pumps. You can add several impellers for additional pressure. When properly installed, you don’t have to worry about any priming concerns or air in the suction pipe. The disadvantage is that these pumps can be a challenge to service. Also, special care is required before operating a vertical turbine pump for the first time.

       

    5. Rotary Gear Pump

      6. Rotary gear pumps are the last in our list. They are used for a wide variety of fire pump applications, from high to low flow requirements. Unlike any other pump type in this list, they are built to self-prime. They are small and portable rotary gear pumps that are often best in rural areas to pump water from ponds or streams.

      These pumps operate through a positive or fixed displacement of the water being pumped, which is accomplished through pump gears. They can move a specific amount of water per gear revolution. No throttling is present in rotary gear pumps, so you will need a relief valve. However, they have a high operating noise with hydraulic efficiencies slightly less than other types of pumps. This is why these pumps are often ideal for high-viscosity liquids.

       

    Closing Thoughts

    So, that was everything you need to know about different types of fire pumps. If you still aren’t sure about the pump type and fire pump sensing line details, then don’t hesitate to contact us. We offer a wide range of jockey pumps and fire pumps and will help you determine which one is right for your building.

    Domestic Water Pump Installation: What Size Booster Pump Do I Need?

    Can you determine how much pumping pressure is required in your building? If not, we can help you translate this information into domestic water pump sizing. Continue reading to learn more.

    Ever think about how water gets to the top floors of a high-rise structure for everyday living purposes, such as drinking, cleaning, and bathing? This is usually done with the help of a domestic water pump, which maintains ideal water pressure in areas with low or fluctuating water pressure.

    The role of a booster pump is to draw water from the water supply line or source before boosting the available water pressure in the building.

     

    Sizing a House Water Pressure Pump Booster

    A water booster pump is usually installed at the point where a municipal water line enters a building. It is commonly set to run at 30-50 psi and consists of a pump, motor, pressure tank, and controller.

    When sizing a domestic booster pump, you need to measure the current water pressure against the amount of pressure that the booster pump can provide. For instance, a building looking to boost water pressure from 20 to 40 psi will require a booster pump capable of producing 20 psi.

    After determining the pressure requirements, find out what type of booster pump is ideal for your requirement – whether it’s a single-stage or multiple-stage booster pump. Also, consider where the installation will take place. Is it an area with limited access? Then you should consider vertical booster pumps that consume less space than their counterpart horizontal booster pumps.

     

    Here are some additional considerations to make when sizing a house water pressure pump:

     

    1. Flow Rate

      2. Since varying flow rates occur throughout the day in your building, be sure to calculate the flow rate. For instance, the morning time normally results in peak flow usage. This is because most people get ready for work and school in the morning. The same building may have a minimum flow usage when most people are sleeping. Thus, the flow rate that fixtures use may vary greatly.

       

    2. Total Dynamic Head

      3. Once you know the required flow rate, determine the total head pressure. Every floor in a high-rise building will translate into pressure loss from the main city supply. This may be due to static head, friction loss, and vertical loss. Consider these losses in the total dynamic head. Make sure your domestic water pump installation can overcome these losses at a given flow rate. Typically, a pump should be able to achieve a water pressure of 40 psi at the top of a residential building.

       

    3. Number of Pumps

      4. Determine the number of pumps your booster system will utilize. For a small application below 150 GPM, two pumps will suffice. Larger applications of more than 150 GPM can consider three-pump installations for greater dependability. For systems with extremely variable demands, where the demand can range from the highest peak possible, consider installing multiple water booster pumps.

       

    4. Type of Pump

      5. There are different types of water booster pumps available to accomplish the necessary pressure boost in your building. For instance, end suction pumps are great for low-head installations. They offer an economical equipment package. On the other hand, split-case pumps are best for low to medium heads. They are heavy-duty, offer extended product life, and require more space. Other pump types include multistage centrifugal and turbine pumps that are used for high-head applications.

       

    5. Other Selection Considerations

      6. Lastly, there are some additional factors that influence pump sizing and selection. For optimal performance, create a flow profile for your building and track pump demands and high usage points. Generally speaking, domestic applications require high rates of 4-6 hours/day flow. Also, we recommend you to consider multiple pumps with smaller horsepower rather than one large domestic water pump.

     

    In Conclusion

    No matter how big or high the building is, if it doesn’t have adequate water pressure, it’s uninhabitable. That’s why it’s better to invest in a domestic water pump, which will help you boost the available water pressure to the top floors of your building. We have discussed the important factors that should be taken into account when choosing a water pressure booster system for your building. We hope this information will help you decide on the right house water pressure pump.

    To learn more about domestic water pump installation and sizing, contact us today!

    Know Everything About Jockey Pump Sensing Lines and Fire Pumps

    Fire pumps are an essential component of any water-based fire protection systems and require jockey pump sensing lines to control the speed at which water pressure is distributed. Let’s talk a little bit more about these systems in this blog post.

    Fire protection systems usually utilize two pumps. One is the main fire pump, which boosts and delivers large volumes of water to the fire sprinklers in case of a fire. The other one is a jockey pump sensing lines, which keeps the fire pump system pressurized during non-fire conditions.

    The role of jockey pump sensing lines is to maintain system pressure when normal plumbing issues allow the system to bleed down over a period of time. When it drops to a certain level, the jockey pump automatically starts and charges the fire pump system back to normal pressure.
     

    At Callaghan Pump…

    We offer state-of-the-art fire pumps and jockey pump sensing lines with diesel or electricity-driven single-stage and end-suction pumps. These pumps are great for fire-fighting applications and supplying water to fire hoses, fire hydrants, and sprinkler systems. These fire pumps follow the codes of NFPA 20 and ensure the safety of human life, buildings, and expensive assets. Our fire pumps typically consist of the following parts:
     

    • Single-stage or end-suction pump
    • Electric motor or diesel engine
    • Fuel system and battery for diesel engine
    • Suction and discharge gauges
    • Fire pump controllers
    • Pump casing
    • Relief valves

    Please note that most of these equipment are mounted on a base frame. Impellers and casing are designed to ensure optional performance. Heavy-duty shafts are used for zero corrosion, and no threads are exposed to the pump.
     

    Applications of Fire Pumps and Jockey Pump Sensing Lines

    Use fire pump sets in small-capacity fire-fighting applications for supplying water to fire hose reels, fire hydrants, or sprinkler systems in areas that are prone to fire hazards. We can also supply packaged fire pumping systems with all required accessories and valves ready for site installation. Here are the top applications of fire pumps:
     

    • Commercial complexes and high-rise buildings
    • Petrochemical industries and gas plants
    • Power stations and transformer stations
    • Airports and marine applications
    • Manufacturing plants
    • Chemical industries
    • Warehouses

     

    Top Features and Benefits of Fire Pumps

    If you want quality pumping products for your fire pump system, then Callaghan Pump is the answer to all your fire pump needs. We serve the greater New York Metropolitan area and supply fire pumps to the world’s largest package fire pump system located at JFK. Below are the top features of our fire pumps.
     

    • State-of-the-art design fire pumping system
    • Low water pressure solutions
    • Advice for sizing of fire pumps
    • 50%, 100%, and the 150% testing
    • Test results provided with fire pumps
    • NFPA 20 design and installation
    • Compact in size fire pump packages
    • Economical and cost-saving
    • Rugged construction

     

    Closing Remarks

    When it comes to fire pumps and jockey pump specifications, we at Callaghan Pump present smart, sturdy, and efficient pumping solutions with over 14 years of unmatchable experience and expertise for applications in the water booster industry. This helps us in providing our customers with high-quality, competitively-priced fire pumps delivered on time. We have a wide range of fire pumps that come with different jockey pump specifications. They can be provided with electric motors or diesel engines as per customer requirements.

    Contact us to determine your jockey pump capacity.

    VFD Water Booster Pump vs Traditional Pump: A Fair Comparison

    Are you confused about which pump you need – a VFD water booster pump or a traditional pressure pump system? Then consider reading this informative post.

    When it comes to boosting your domestic or industrial water pressure, there are two types of water booster pumps available in the market: The traditional booster pump and the VFD water booster pump. Be sure to do your research about the differences between these two different technologies and then make a choice based on the cost, performance, and reliability. That being said, let’s make a fair comparison.

    VFD Water Booster Pump vs Traditional Pump

    Low water pressure is common in high-rise facilities since they are tall and impose more water pressure issues. This is why there is an increase in the installation of water pressure booster systems to eliminate low water pressure in such buildings. Often known as on-off controlled pumps, these pumps require a large pump shaft and are likely to cause secondary pollution of water.

    They incorporate some type of pressure switch, bladder tank, and flow switch. Because traditional water pressure boosters are composed of a water tower, high water tank, or pressure tank pressurization equipment, they have a high equipment investment cost.

    Also known as pump variable frequency controllers, VFD pumps, in recent years, have been widely used in constant pressure water supply systems, firefighting apparatuses, water treatment plants, and more areas. Compared to traditional water pumps, they are more reliable when you want to control the pressure rate at which the pump distributes the water.
     

    Top Advantages of Using VFD Drives over Traditional Pumps

     

    By using the VFD water booster pump, you can quickly create a constant-pressure water system with obvious energy-saving effects. Here are the benefits of using VFD pumps.
     

      • Energy: Compared to traditional pumps, VFD pumps can help you save 20-40% on electricity.

     

      • Function: VFD pumps are of a small accounting area, require less investment, and have high working efficiency. They also come with high configuration flexibility, automation, and performance.

     

      • Cost: With a soft start and stop, VFD water pressure booster systems eliminate the water hammer effect and reduce the average motor shaft torque and wear.

     

      • Life Span: VFD water booster pump not only reduce the maintenance cost, but also improve the life span of the pump and the water supply system as a whole.

     

      • Pollution: Since the VFD water pressure system gets water directly from the source, it reduces the secondary pollution and prevents infectious disease transmission.

     

      • Control: VFDs achieve complete control, saving manpower. Their speed is proportional to the pump head, and the shaft power is equal to the product of flow and head.

     

      • Applications: VFD pumps are great for high-rise buildings, urban and rural residential areas, enterprises, and so forth. They are also commonly used in various industrial, constant water control needs, including cooling water, heating network water cycle, boiler feed water, and so on.

    If you are interested in the VFD water booster pump or want to learn about the booster pump sizing, contact us. Our technical support will cater to your unique water booster needs and answer you as soon as possible.

    Domestic Water Booster Pumps: 5 Most Burning Questions

    The demand for water-boosting pumps is growing considerably in recent years. The good news is, you can install water pressure booster pumps . Here are some common booster pump questions we can answer.

    Just like your garden pumps, water pressure booster pumps are self-priming. They are used to boost water pressure in your pipes. They can irrigate outdoor areas and supply water to toilets, washbasins, and washing machines. All these applications make them an essential pressure-boosting device for both commercial and residential buildings.

    At Callaghan Pump, we have been in the water-boosting industry for more than 14 years, and we are often asked about domestic water booster pumps and how they work, what their applications are, and which options are the best to choose from. To answer all your queries, here we are – answering some of the most burning questions related to water pressure booster pumps .

     

    What is a Water Booster Pump?

    A water pressure pump is simply a pump or device used to boost water pressure within your building. It is either powered by diesel, electricity, or steam. When combined with a water storage tank, booster pumps supply increased water pressure to taps, showers, hoses, etc.

     

    How does it Work?

    A water booster pump system switches on/off automatically. This depends on water pressure requirements. The pump is supplied with water via the suction side. Using impellers, it pulls water in and pushes water out. These impellers work like vanes to rotate on an axis and pull water in.

     

    Why do I Need One?

    If you want to boost your household water pressure to streamline your daily chores like cleaning dishes or watering plants, then you may need a booster pump . It will automatically increase the pressure in your pipes when the pressure drops. This pump is also ideal for rainwater harvesting systems, automatic irrigation systems, and water reservoirs.

     

    Which Water Booster Pump Should I Choose?

    There are mainly three different types of water pressure pumps. First, a pump with a pressure switch and pressure vessel. Second, one with an electronic controller. And third, one with a speed controller. The pump type you opt for depends on your requirements. For example, a booster pump with a pressure switch and pressure vessel is good in situations where you would like to have a certain water buffer.

     

    How to Install a Water Booster Pump?

    You can install it in two different locations – between existing water pipes or somewhere close to a water source like a groundwater/rainwater tank. For the first location, the pump should be kept closer to the water meter. Install it at the point where the pipe system begins.

     

    In Conclusion

    Even gravity can be the reason why your household is suffering from low water pressure. This is why you may need a water booster pump to overcome such challenges. For domestic water supply, we supply water pressure booster pumps that are designed to boost water pressure in high-rise buildings, even during peak hours. These hours may be in the mornings or evenings, when most people shower, clean, or cook.
    For domestic water booster pumps, talk to us.

     

    Domestic Water Booster Pump Systems: No More Low Water Pressure!

    There is an array of domestic water booster pump systems available out there when it comes to improving water pressure and flow. Learn more about them in this piece.

    Are you looking for the best water pressure booster pump to eliminate low-pressure issues in your house? There is an extensive range of domestic pumps available out there, whether you are searching for a pressure-boosting pump for your home or simply for your garden. When you think your house is experiencing low water pressure issues, then these are the signs to look out for:

     

    • Sudden Drop in Water Temperature
      One of the most evident signs of inadequate water pressure is the changing water temperature. For example, you may be having a shower when suddenly the water temperature dramatically varies. This issue can vanish with booster pump installation.

       

    • Turning on Multiple Water Outlets is Impossible
      Another clear sign of poor water pressure is when you can’t turn on multiple outlets at once. This means it is impossible to shower while watering the plants.
      So, if you notice the above-mentioned signs in your house and wonder why there is an inadequate water pressure in your household, then these are some common causes:

       

      1.  Distance from the Water Source : The longer the distance from a water source, the poorer the water pressure. When a building is located at the end of a water supply pipeline, the water pressure can be inadequate by the time it reaches the building.

         

      2.  Pipe Sizes and Diameters : Some homes have smaller pipelines that could be a direct cause of poor water pressure. In fact, the combination of small pipes and being situated at the end of the main pipe can be more problematic.

         

      3.  Gravity : Gravity works both ways when it comes to supplying a steady or slow water flow. The higher the building, the lower the water pressure. This is simply because water can weigh a lot when it travels upwards, especially in high-rise buildings.

         

      4.  Narrow Hoses : This is a common cause of insufficient pressure in water sprinklers, especially in a garden. Narrow hoses have an inner diameter of less than 13 mm. For a longer distance, the problem may be worse.

         

      5.  High Pipe Friction : Everything from the length of the pipe to the inner diameter of the hose to the amount of water per hour you need affects pipe friction. For example, a long hose with a small inner diameter will lead to high pipe friction.

         

      6.  Narrow Fittings : When the passage of couplings is very narrow (around 8 mm), you may notice a drop in the available water pressure. We advise you to replace them with a different type of quick couplings.

         

      7.  Kinked Suction : If a section hose is kinked, the pump will be unable to draw in a sufficient amount of water. So, make sure the hose is not narrow or kinked.

         

      8.  Dirty Nozzles : Natural water increases the risk of the pump drawing in dirt particles. If it does, the pump and sprinklers will not work properly and may get clogged. If one of your sprinklers doesn’t perform adequately, check the nozzle for dirt.

         

        At Callaghan Pump, we offer many types of water booster pumps from trusted manufacturers, ensuring quality production and technology with each pump model. Our domestic water booster pump systems have various applications and features manufactured with robust components.

        Contact us to learn more.

    Aurora Fire Pumps: Know Different Types of Centrifugal Fire Pumps

    If all the types of Aurora fire pumps are not taken into consideration, it could result in a poor pump installation that may not achieve the necessary pressure requirements. Here’s what you should know.

    Aurora fire pumps act as an integral part of a fire sprinkler system and help the system maintain adequate water supply and pressure. Powered by either electricity or diesel, their role is to provide water flow at a higher pressure to the fire protection system.

    The fire pump starts whenever there is a drop in the available water pressure in the fire sprinkler system. This is generally kept below a certain threshold point. The pump intake is connected to the underground water supply or a static water source, such as a tank, reservoir, or lake.

     

    Centrifugal Fire Pumps for Fire Protection Systems

     

    These are the most common fire pumps that are used with most sprinkler systems. With these pumps, water pressure is built principally by the action of centrifugal force, which is the spinning action. Water enters the suction inlet and then reaches the center of the impeller. Due to the rotation of the impeller, the water experiences a certain rise in pressure. Most centrifugal pumps are able to handle large volumes of water and provide high-pressure boosts.

    Below are the different types of centrifugal Aurora pumps in NYC:

     

    • Horizontal Split-Case
      As the name suggests, horizontal split-case pumps split the water flow and allow it to enter the impeller from the opposite direction of the pump housing. It is installed with a split casing and can be opened for pump maintenance access. Also, the pump is connected to the driver with the help of a horizontal shaft.

      Such types of centrifugal fire pumps are reliable, come in an array of rated flow and pressure capacities, and are quite easy to maintain. Please note that horizontal split-case requires the most space among all types of centrifugal Aurora pumps in NYC.

       

    • Vertical Turbine Pump
      Vertical turbine pumps are the only type of fire pump allowed by NFPA 20, which is standard for the installation of fire pumps with negative suction pressure. You can use these pumps with a jockey pump sensing line diagram and raw water sources, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers. Plus, vertical turbine pumps are available in a wide range of capacities and can be used with both diesel and electric drivers.

       

    • In-Line Pump
      In-line fire pumps are great where space is limited. These pumps can be driven by both a vertical or horizontal shaft. Here, vertical shaft types are common and have the driver located directly above the fire pump. These shafts are typically less expensive units and take the least amount of space. However, they are often expensive to repair. This is simply because it can be difficult to lift and remove the motor to gain access to diesel fire pumps.

       

    • End Suction Pump
      End suction fire pumps have a discharge outlet, which is perpendicular to the suction inlet. When compared to horizontal split-case, they are more compact and require less space in a fire pump room. These fire pumps are limited to a capacity of approximately 1,500 gpm and can be used with either an electric or diesel driver.

       

      In Conclusion

       

      As you can see, there are several types of fire pumps that can be used in a variety of situations. When your fire protection system demand exceeds what your water supply is providing, it’s time to look at Aurora pumps in NYC. These are cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions that ensure your sprinklers are always ready for action!

      For more guidance, contact us today.

    VFD Pumps: A Simple Guide to Their Uses and Benefits

    Do you have a water pressure booster pump or are you planning to install one? Learn how adding a variable frequency drive (VFD) can help your pump operate at different speeds without bringing additional costs.

    You may know that most water pressure booster pumps are generally sized to operate at the best efficiency point at maximum flow. However, the maximum flow requirements occur for a very short period. So, the pump requires some method of flow control.

    Traditional methods include valves that increase system pressure and inherently waste energy. This also causes the centrifugal pump to operate at low efficiencies.

    The best method of flow control is using VFDs (Variable Frequency Drives) that can help you achieve reduced flow by providing variable speed pump operation. As a result, this would reduce system pressure and operation near the best efficiency of the booster pump. Additionally, energy and maintenance costs will stay low.

    In this article, we will discuss the benefits of using variable frequency drives followed by a brief description of VFD pumps. Let’s get started!

     

    Variable Frequency Drives

     

    Often known as variable speed drives, variable frequency drives do pretty much what their name suggests. They are used to control the motor speed in various applications, including water booster pumps. VFDs are simply a power supply to your pump motor and control the motor input frequency and voltage. They drive the motor at variable frequencies, providing more control than just ON or OFF.

     

    Why Do You Need VFD Pumps?

     

    If you want to regulate the flow rate of your water pressure booster pumps, then you will need a VFD. It will give you dynamic control over the flow and reduce/increase the water level in your tank and the volume of water at which it is being supplied.

    For the low water demand, the motor needs to slow down, so the supply is kept low accordingly. For the high demand, the pump needs to speed up accordingly. Thus, the pump needs to operate at maximum flow using maximum energy, meaning maximum costs. This is why you need VFD pumps.

    These drives save the booster pump from inefficient uses of resources when maximum flow is not necessary. With 90% of the cost coming from energy consumption, energy saving can create a significant impact on the pump’s lifetime cost.

    Rather than using traditional methods of controlling the level of water in your tank, such as the installation of float switches, you can use VFDs that are designed to manage flow variations.

     

    Benefits of VFD Pumps

     

    There are several advantages of running a water booster pump from a variable speed drive. Have a look at them:

     

    • Increases/decreases flow rate to meet specific water pressure requirements.
    • Minimizes pump maintenance by keeping the equipment running at its maximum efficiency and lowering total system pressure.
    • Boosts energy efficiency to power the water booster pump.
    • Decreases the cost of every gallon pumped.
    • Eliminates or lowers the number of control valves that need individual sensor installation and maintenance.
    • Gains full control over motor speed without making any switch to costly DC motors.
       

      What Else?

       

      Keep in mind that pumping abrasive slurries is challenging due to high viscosity. This can damage your pump, which is only designed to run at a fixed speed. Here, VFDs may allow you to pump slurries and adjust on the fly to changes in the liquid being pumped. This is a great perk for industrial applications.

       

      How to Pick the Right VFD Pumps?

       

      VFDs alone can’t power a booster pump. Also, not all pump motors work well with VFDs. Thus, you will need guidance when it comes to choosing the right VFD pump. Luckily, we can help you pick the best solution for your water pump room dimensions. Our pump motors are able to withstand the harmonics and frequencies of VFD pumps. They also don’t offer high-grade insulation and are able to operate the pump at a slower than usual speed without interrupting the heat loss pattern.

       

      Final Words

       

      Even working within a limited space, VFDs are applicable to a lot of situations and provide solutions to tricky problems. Although they are not the solution to every problem, they can create the difference between a big problem and a challenging application. If you have such a requirement for flow control, ask the experts at Callaghan Pump. We have experienced professionals on hand who can provide assistance with VFDs and water pressure booster pumps for your particular pumping application.

    5 Crucial Piping Rules for Correct Diesel Fire Pump Installation

    Going to install a diesel fire pump? Then you may need to consider numerous pump piping arrangements and standards. Read more about fire pump installation in this informative blog post.

    Installing a new regenerative turbine pump for your fire protection system? After carefully selecting the right size and design, you will need to set up the pump for a successful installation. For instance, setting the base correctly will help you align the pump properly. Here, it’s important that you don’t overlook the piping when setting up the pump installation.
     
    When installed with incorrect piping arrangements, your diesel fire pump could experience premature and repeated failures. Consequently, maintenance teams will have to regularly repair the pump. So, what should be kept in mind when installing a fire pump?

     

    Important Diesel Fire Pump Piping Arrangements

     
    It goes without saying that effective fire pump installations require an array of piping arrangements. If you are planning to install a diesel fire pump, then you may need to consider numerous pump components and installation standards. In addition to addressing the components that comprise a fire pump installation, careful attention also needs to be given to the piping arrangement.
     
    Information is limited on this topic, except what you may see in the installation, operation, and maintenance manual. But by following these simple piping rules, you can save your whole diesel fire pump package from premature pump failure and pitfalls.

     

    1. Keep Suction Piping Short
      When it comes to the suction side of your fire pump, use a straight run pipe equal to 5 to 10x greater than the pipe diameter to ensure that the inlet pressure drop remains as low as possible. The pipe should be placed between the pump inlet and any obstruction in the suction line, such as valves, elbows, and tees. It will give you a uniform velocity across the pipe diameter and help your fire pump achieve optimal suction.

       

    2. Make the Diameter Equal to/Larger than the Inlet
      It is known that pipe sizing can maintain a balance between cost and friction loss. Since larger pipes cost more, smaller pipes tend to impose greater friction. In terms of diameter, your discharge pipe diameter should match the discharge flange. Keep in mind that it can be larger to reduce friction losses, avoid cavitation, and produce an even water flow.

       

    3. Install Eccentric Reducers on the Suction Side
      On the suction side, the diameter of the pipe can be the same size. However, it is often in a bigger size. So, consider using eccentric reducers on the suction side when a pipe size transition is required. You can install the flat side of the reducer on the top if water is coming from below the fire pump. When it is coming from the top, mount the flat portion of the reducer on the bottom of the pipe.

       

    4. Eliminate Mounted Elbows
      When you include five to ten pipe diameters of straight run pipe between the pump inlet and elbow, you will need to eliminate elbows mounted on or close to the inlet nozzle of the sensing line for fire pumps. This will help minimize the side loading of the pump impeller and develop uniform pump axial bearing and loading.

       

    5. Reduce Potential Air Entrapment
      Maintaining adequate water levels in supply tanks will require eliminating vortices and air entrapment. Here, you will need to avoid high pockets in the suction piping. Since pockets can trap air, keep all pipes and fittings tight in suction vacuum conditions to avoid any air from getting into the regenerative turbine pump.

      So, these are the rules to follow when it comes to installing a diesel fire pump. If you need any help regarding a diesel fire pump package, then feel free to contact us today.