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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.

VFD Booster Pumps: The What, Why, and How

VFD booster pumps maintain constant pressure and take care of any potential pressure drop that can cause issues like high power costs. Read on to know more about these frequency drives.

You may have heard of a domestic water booster pump and how it provides water pressure to move water from a storage tank to an entire facility. You may also know that a water pressure pump is commonly used in multi-story complexes, hotels, and apartments that often face challenges when it comes to achieving desired water pressure.

But have you ever heard of variable frequency drives (VFD) and how they can help you adjust the water flow or pressure to your actual demand? Read on to learn more.
 

What are VFD Booster Pumps?

 

VFDs or variable frequency drives add pressure to a building when the main water pressure is not sufficient. Their role is to control the frequency of the electrical power supplied to pumps. Without causing damage to the pump’s motor, VFDs can start or stop over and over again, allowing the motor to gradually ramp up to meet the actual flow demand within the capabilities of the pump.

They are installed with a water pressure booster pump to help it increase low water pressure and flow. This is done by providing an extra boost to bring your water pressure to the desired level. These VFDs are easy to install and provide automatic shutoff if no water is available, eliminating one major cause of pump breakdown or burnout.
 

Why do You Need a VFD Booster Pump?

 

You may need a water pressure booster pump to supply adequate pressure to terminal units like showers and bathrooms. Here, you will have to properly size it to maintain the design pressure while experiencing the maximum expected flow at the lowest suction pressure. You can use a pressure control valve to balance the system and maintain the desired pressure.

As the flow rate decreases or suction pressure varies, it can help you avoid over-pressurization and control problems. On the other hand, a VFD booster pump is great for instances where the flow requirements vary significantly. It will allow you to stage additional pumps on or off to maintain the desired pressure, which eliminates the need to have a control valve.
 

How VFD Booster Pumps Can Benefit Your Building

 

VFDs are added to pressure booster pumps as an alternative to using pressure control valves. They can help you achieve significant power savings and eliminate the booster pump’s cost and maintenance, which can amount to 20% or more. They are great if you want your motor to gradually ramp up to meet the actual demand within the pump’s performance capabilities.
 

Maintenance Tips for VFD Booster Pumps

 

There are a few important things to keep in mind to make VFD booster pumps operate without any hassle. For instance, enclosure seals must be examined regularly and replaced as soon as any damage is diagnosed. You may wonder that original manufacturer seals are expensive, but failure to replace damaged seals can lead to losses that cost more than the cost of the seal. Other tips include:

 

  • Keep Your VFD Cool
    Apart from dust on your VFD, which can cause airflow restrictions, you also need to check all your circulating fans for signs of bearing failure/foreign objects. This will usually be indicated by unusual noises or shafts that seem wobbly. Check heat sink temperatures on a regular basis. Any increase in the temperature of more than 3 to 5°C should be investigated.

 

  • Keep it Dry
    The presence of moisture can result in VFD circuit board corrosion, which can condemn the pump to failure or erratic operation. Therefore, during the early design stages, make sure that the VFD room is well located. Also, the drive is maintained in a dry area where moisture is not an issue.

 

  • Keep VFD Connections Tight
    Heat cycles and mechanical vibrations are the reason why loose connections occur. Poor connections can eventually lead to arcing, which may result in erratic operation. Consequently, this causes machine damage or even personnel injury. Here, another contributing factor is the re-tightening of an already tight connection that can ruin the connection. You can avoid this by using an infrared thermometer or infrared camera, which will help you identify hot connections. Keep in mind that when connections have become loose, they should be re-tightened.
     

    In Conclusion

     

    Manufacturers of your VFD water booster pumps may offer an extraordinary level of reliability and guidance, which can be compromised if you neglect to embrace a lifecycle approach. So, keep these points in mind. For more info regarding VFDs and water pressure booster pumps, get in touch with experts at Callaghan Pump.

Jockey Pump Head: A Simple Guide 2022

You know that fire pumps are a primary source of pressure for standpipes and sprinklers. But do you know why do you need to determine the jockey pump head? Here’s how to determine it.

Fire protection systems are imperative in all high-rise buildings, considering the various fire hazards people face. Also, they are essential when the local water system can’t provide sufficient pressure to meet the hydraulic design requirements of the fire protection system. This is why there is an increasing demand for fire protection and jockey pump capacity as per the NFPA.

Fire sprinklers fall under the active fire protection method and function on the basis of a water supply system, which is designed to provide adequate pressure within the piping system. They are mandatory in residential and commercial buildings that are high-rise. Studies show that over 90% of fire incidents are arrested by the sprinkler system itself in high-rise buildings that have sprinklers installed.

Understand the Concept of Fire Pumps and Jockey Pump Sensing Lines

When it comes to fire pumps, they are common in tall buildings that require a relatively high terminal pressure. This is mostly because a fire protection water supply is provided from a ground-level water storage tank, making it difficult to reach the top floors of the building.

We at Callaghan Pump are a trusted supplier of fire pumps and jockey pump sensing lines that are ideal for all kinds of residents, projects, businesses, and industries. Based on our experience and knowledge, the most preferable fire pump is a centrifugal pump. The other one includes a positive displacement regenerative turbine pump, which operates on very close tolerances. On the other hand, a centrifugal pump doesn’t depend on tight tolerances.

Whether you use a centrifugal pump or regenerative turbine-type pump, make sure it is sized for low flow to achieve the maximum fire pump discharge head. Additionally, the flow should not exceed the flow capacity of a single sprinkler head. Otherwise, the jockey pump won’t be able to maintain pressure when a head opens up to fight a fire.

Why are Jockey Pumps required?

Also known as compensation pumps, jockey pumps ensure the trouble-free operation of a fire sprinkler system. Their role is to maintain water pressure in a fire protection system. They usually consist of a motor, pump, and controller, help larger fire pumps avoid running unnecessarily, and compensate for minor leaks in the water circuit.

As a small pump, jockey pump sensing lines are connected to a fire protection system to maintain pressure in the sprinkler pipes, allowing the system to activate when there is a pressure drop in the system. Your jockey pump should be able to generate the same pressure the fire pump generates at no flow. Here, avoid a jockey pump that will generate more than that as it can be flirting with the possibility of exceeding the rated system pressure.

The goal is to overwhelm the jockey pump, allow the pressure to drop in the system, and then result in the fire pump starting. Also, keep in mind that when jockey pump sensing lines are not incorporated into the design of a residential or commercial property, the place may run the risk of destruction caused by fire accidents. This is why you will need a proper fire pump and jockey pump piping diagram.

Here are the safety considerations to make before installing or repairing your fire pump and jockey pump head.

  • Pump Location

You have spent considerable time planning the location of your fire pump, but you may have overlooked some factors that could affect the overall pump operation or efficiency. For instance, the pump must be kept as close to the liquid source as possible. This is because the suction line can be short and direct. Fire pumps located in dark and cramped locations are often neglected and result in premature failure of the jockey pump head.

  • Foundation

The foundation of your fire pump should be sufficiently rigid, so it can absorb any vibration or stress encountered during the operation. Consider a raised foundation of the concrete or hard floor for the best installation of floor-mounted pumps. The raised foundation will ensure that a satisfactory base will protect against flooding and moisture drainage. Additionally, the pump needs to be bolted to the foundation, whether it is a raised concrete base or steel work wall.

  • Leveling

Leveling the pump is another requirement for ensuring enough shims and supporting the base-plate near the foundation bolts. These shims must be large enough to allow a gap of 3/4″ to 1-1/2″ between the foundation and base-plate for grouting. This will help the pump at any point of the base-plate carry a substantial weight load.

So, these are the factors to consider when installing a fire pump. If you are planning to install a fire pump, we can help you determine the jockey pump capacity as per the NFPA.

Contact us to get started.

4 Important Components of Fire Sprinkler Booster Pumps

Typical installation of fire sprinkler booster pumps comes with an array of features and components. From jockey pumps to control devices, these are the fire pump components you may need.

Sufficient water pressure is vital for a fire sprinkler system. That said, if your fire protection system is unable to get the right amount of water pressure from a water source, you may benefit greatly from a fire pump!

 

In high-rise residential buildings, fire pumps are often used to take water from a water source to sprinklers. They serve to increase the available water pressure to one suitable for the fire protection system. Therefore, when designing your building, it is important to consider fire sprinkler booster pumps.

 

Who Needs a Fire Pump?

 

First introduced in the early 1900s, fire pumps came to their inception during a period of explosive growth in high-rise buildings. Today, they are available for more than just high-rise buildings. Other buildings that require fire sprinkler booster pumps mainly include large industrial complexes, hospitals, warehouses, restaurants, and other large facilities.

 

Fire Pump Installation Components

 

If you need a fire pump for your fire sprinkler system, then these are some crucial fire pump components you should consider.

 

  1. Jockey Pump : The role of a jockey pump is to maintain water pressure throughout the fire sprinkler system. It helps you prevent the main pump from starting and stopping without any requirement. While the jockey pump can produce high pressure, it won’t change the volume of the water. Thus, it is used primarily to maintain pressure when you have a small leak or other change in the system that causes minor water loss.

     

  2. Hoses : Hose connections perform two different roles: Augmenting the water supply and testing the performance of the fire pump. This is done by measuring the flow and pressure.

     

  3. Control Devices : There are primarily two main control devices. The controller is set to automatic mode and can be changed to manual if necessary. There are also emergency features to start the pump driver in emergency scenarios, such as the pump failing to start automatically during a fire.

     

  4. Intake and Discharge Points : The fire pump intake and discharge points come with specific design specifications. To minimize the chances of air getting trapped inside the pump so that no pump damage or serious damage occurs, the pipe on the intake is kept flat across the top on the discharge side.

     

    Most fire pumps are typically listed by an approval institute. They are either electric pumps or diesel fire pumps and start whenever there is a pressure drop in the fire sprinkler system below a certain set-point. In a fire installation, you can have one or more fire pumps, depending on the occupancy hazard and specific fire installation standards.

     

    Characteristics of a Fire Pump

     

    Fire sprinkler booster pumps are typically made with non-corrosive materials (stainless steel, bronze) to avoid any potential clogging and corrosion. To minimize the chances of cavitation, they are most often designed with the NFPA value and flow [Q] and head [H] curve. The reason for this is the reliability and performance of water distribution into the building. The maximum flow for your fire pump can be determined to avoid cavitation and ensure enough power reserve. In some cases, it also dictates the capacity of the stored water.

     

    At Callaghan Pump, we provide different ranges of end-suction, horizontal split-case, vertical split-case, vertical in-line, and vertical turbine fire pumps for sale. All our products meet fire protection standards, where their fire components are tested and certified by accredited laboratories. Need more details?

    Contact us today!

New York Water Booster Pump: 8 Common Signs of Failure

Do you own a New York City Water Booster Pump? Then you must get familiar with the following pump failure signs. To learn more, consider reading this informative piece of writing.

If you’ve got a residential property in NYC, you might have a water booster pump to eliminate inadequate water pressure. Not only in residential properties, New York City Variable Booster Pumps are common in industries, offices, hotels, schools, and hospitals as well. Keep in mind that there are many potential malfunctions associated with water booster pumps. They can easily create huge headaches for you if you don’t address them.
 
In this blog post, you are going to explore some common signs of water booster pump failures that all property owners, businessmen, and managers should be aware of.

 

  1. Pump Doesn’t Start
     
    A booster pump that won’t start is definitely failing. Reasons for this could be no power, wiring problems, improperly adjusted pressure switches, a dirty filter, interrupted water supply, or outlet issues like a tripped GFI. Additionally, when a starting pressure is set too high or low, your pump won’t start. Fortunately, you can fix most of these problems on your own.

     

  2. Pump Doesn’t Stop
     
    New York City Water Booster Pumps are designed to operate continuously, especially when they are high in demand during peak hours of the day, which are generally morning or evening times. If your booster pump turns on but won’t stop, this could be due to problems with a lead-lag system setup, leaks in end fixtures, clogged pump parts, or wrong pressure settings.

     

  3. Pump Not Delivering Water
     
    If your pump is delivering low or no water, then this might be another clear sign of pump failure. The reason could be a lead-lag multi-pump system that’s not set up properly, a worn or dirty pump, wiring or power issues, foreign materials creating clogs, or discharge piping leaks. We advocate routine maintenance and testing of your New York City Water Booster Pump at least once a year.

     

  4. Pressure Relief Valve Not Working
     
    Issues related to a pressure relief valve often require professional services, but there are some scenarios in which you may be able to resolve the issue yourself. Such issues could be due to the mechanics of the valve itself. For instance, if it’s merely air in the valve, you can easily bleed the air out and reset the valve on your own. However, problems with pressure relief valves sometimes require replacement.

     

  5. Too High or Low Outlet Pressure
     
    Having an outlet pressure that is too low or too high or an undesirable pump discharge, even if you are receiving some amount of water, can be frustrating. In such a case, adjust the pressure relief valve in the direction you need and make sure the pressure relief valve can close (when the discharge pressure is too high) and open (when the discharge pressure is too low). Also, try to disassemble the valve, clear it of debris or scale, and make sure it functions properly.

     

  6. Pump Making Strange Noises
     
    A noisy water booster pump needs better stability, especially if it is moving or vibrating too much. Here, the mounting should be sufficient. You can reinforce the attachment. Unwanted noise could also be due to an insufficient water supply, low maintenance, or even problems with internal parts.

     

  7. Suction Problems
     
    Suction problems are a common reason why pumps fail and need service. These issues can be related to clogged strainers, trapped air in piping, uncleaned filters, or filly shut-off valves. Although you can check and resolve the issue by yourself, it’s better to hire a professional.

     

  8. High Energy Consumption
     
    When there are issues in your water booster pump like the ones mentioned above, it might reduce the efficiency of your pump and make your water bill more expensive over time. This is the time to act and get a professional to take a look at your water booster pump.
     
    Note: Technicians and factory-trained professionals can handle any type of pump and motor repair. They are equipped with machinery and equipment to meet the repair needs of customers. So, avoid trying a DIY approach when in doubt.

     

    In Conclusion

     
    While it’s a nightmare when your water pump starts malfunctioning, it is good to know that you can always replace it with high-quality New York Water Booster Pumps. These pumps are designed to work smoothly, last longer, and perform better than other standard booster pumps. We can also upgrade your booster pump’s VFD controls and help you enjoy uninterrupted water pressure and flow 24/7.

    For more info, don’t hesitate to talk to us directly.

All About NY Fire Pumps: Types, Basics, and Sizing

When you are planning to install a fire pump for your fire sprinkler system, there are some things you need to know. This is everything you need to know about NY Fire Pumps, their types, basics, and sizing.

In this ever-evolving world, one thing you can’t skip is supporting your fire protection needs. Depending on your building and sprinkler type, you have to achieve enough water pressure to meet your fire protection needs. You need to ensure that there’s an NY Fire Pump installed, and if there isn’t one, get one ASAP!

 

The Basics of NY Fire Pumps

Specifically designed, tested, and installed for fire protection, the NY Fire Pump propels water through pipelines and boosts the pressure and flow. It is usually placed between the water supply connection and the main riser of your fire sprinkler system. It automatically switches on when the activation of a fire sprinkler causes a drop in the water pressure.

 

While all fire pumps perform the same function, there are a variety of options to choose from. They generally come in all sorts of sizes, designs, types, and models. It’s important to know what each one does. Below are some of the most popular fire pumps available out there in the market.

 

  • Horizontal Split-Case : These are by far the most common and easy-to-work-with fire pumps. They aren’t essentially a part of a fire suppression system and have their own water source. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they also last for years.

 

  • Vertical Split Case : Vertical split-case pumps are exactly the same thing as the horizontal split-case, except they have vertical components. This means they take up significantly less floor space than their counterparts, which is great for small buildings with tighter spaces.

 

  • Vertical In-Line : These pumps are a little different from split-case in the sense that they are smaller. Just like vertical split-case, vertical in-line also saves space in buildings where there isn’t much room. However, they need some sort of base to get anchored.

 

  • Vertical Turbine : These pumps have the ability to start with negative pressure and take input from a below-grade water source. The vertical turbine is available in a range of pressures and capacities, ranging from diesel to electric drivers.

 

  • In-Line Pumps : They are widely used in congested areas and have both vertical and horizontal shafts. These pumps provide a smooth flow of water throughout the fire protection system.

 

  • End Suction Pumps : The discharge of an end suction fire pump is perpendicular to the suction inlet. These pumps are also compact and consume less space compared to horizontal split-case. But, keep in mind that they often have limited capacity.
     

    The Sizing of the NY Fire Pump

     
    NY Fire Pumps are built to handle the most demanding fire sprinkler systems without any hassle. Here, incorrectly sized or installed pumps can result in problems like improper system functions, undeveloped spray patterns, insufficient pressure, etc. Hence, the idea is to properly size your fire pump and identify the needs of the most demanding systems. For instance, the standpipe is among the most demanding systems.
     

    Summing Up

     
    Fire protection may seem a challenging task at first glance, but with the right knowledge and expertise, you can achieve desired results. If you have any questions related to NY Fire Pumps, please feel free to contact us at Callaghan Pump. From code interpretation and system design to installation and sizing, our professionals can help you get the answers you need.

Low Water Pressure on Upper Floors? Install NYC Water Booster Pumps

It’s true that low water pressure is common on upper floors, but there is one solution. Install NYC Water Booster Pumps to eliminate water pressure issues. Read more in this blog post.

If you are an upper-story owner or tenant complaining about inadequate water pressure, then you have landed on the right page. This blog post is all about the NYC Variable Booster Pump and how it can help you eliminate low water pressure issues. So, let’s get started!

 

Why do Taller Buildings have Low Water Pressure?

 

Not having ideal water pressure is a common issue for taller buildings in New York City. The higher the building, the more force it requires to fight gravity. As a result, you have a greater propensity for pressure issues. Luckily, there is no need to live with complaints. Just install one of the NYC Water Booster Pumps. These pumps are perfect for solving low-pressure problems that are common on upper floors.

 

Understanding the Basics of the NYC Water Booster Pump

 

Once you know that you need a booster pump, it’s time to understand how they work. Most water booster pumps work with rooftop tanks, as gravity pulls water downward and results in lower floors having better pressure.

 

According to the state building code, NY buildings are required to maintain a minimum water pressure of 20 psi or above. Ideally, it should be somewhere between 60 and 80 psi. Let’s take a look at the factors involved in booster pump installation:

 

  1. Water Source
    Before you install an NYC Water Booster Pump or a series of booster pumps, make sure you know where your water is coming from. Figure out how it is distributed throughout your building. This is because different water supply sources require different approaches. For example, street-level water supply comes with a different approach than water coming from a rooftop tank.

     

    Also, it is important to check if pressure relief valves are needed to avoid too much pressure, which can cause wear and tear on plumbing. Sometimes, you may require other features like cut-off valves to prevent pump damage.

     

  2. Flow Rate
    Your booster pump should distribute water to your entire building during peak water use times, which may be early mornings or evenings. For that, you need to calculate the flow rate of your system. This can be done by looking at the total number of fixtures, such as showerheads, taps, toilets, and appliances. Calculate the peak flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm).

     

  3. Building Height
    Next, you need to identify your building height. With each successive floor, water pressure reduces. It is a key factor for calculating your building’s total dynamic head (TDH). Also, consider friction loss occurring in the pipes, which again accumulates with height. Be sure to include filtration systems and hot water heaters to calculate the TDH.

     

  4. Number of Pumps
    Finally, figure out how many NYC Variable Booster Pumps you need and where they should be positioned or installed to accommodate the dynamic head. In very tall or high-rise buildings, create pressure zones or install booster pumps in a chain to achieve the desired pressure.

     

    Before you install NYC Water Booster Pumps, make sure low water pressure is not due to the following reasons:

     

    • Clogged pipelines
      These are common in older buildings, where hard water usually builds up, resulting in calcium deposits.

       

    • Undersized pipes
      These are common in poor plumbing designs that produce the same results as clogged pipelines.

       

    • Partially closed shut-off valve
      A partially closed valve can cause the pressure to drop. So, just fully open it.

       

    • Leaking
      Leaks are another reason why you might be experiencing low water pressure in your building. The solution is to get it fixed with a plumber.

       

      If any of these reasons are causing low water pressure in your building, installing a water booster pump would be pointless. In fact, it would actually do damage to the existing plumbing system. Still unsure about it? Ask a professional or hire a plumber.

       

      NYC Water Booster Pumps Designed to Meet Your Needs

       

      In an effort to provide the highest quality products and services, we offer an array of NYC Water Booster Pumps available in different models and ranges. We are committed to helping our clients solve and correct water pressure problems. Have any queries?

      Don’t hesitate to reach out.

New York Fire Pump: Learn the Basics of the System

Knowing your New York Fire Pumps would help you make the right decision when it comes to picking the best pump for your water-boosting needs. Here’s a guide to help you in your journey.

You may know that fire pumps act as a primary water supply source for standpipes or sprinklers. They are often used in combination with gravity tanks, reservoirs, and pressure tanks to supply adequate water pressure to sprinkler systems.

 

The New York Fire Pump is special – usually connected to the public water main for most of its water supply. It is designed to take the water from a supply source and then discharge it into the standpipe/sprinkler system when under pressure. This is the pressure with which the water is discharged from the fire and is known as the total head.

 

The head is generally calculated in pounds per square inch or psi. The higher the psi of the pump, the greater the pressure with which water is discharged. Most New York Fire Pumps deliver a minimum of at least 25 psi at the highest line of sprinkler heads.

 

How do New York Fire Pumps Function?

 

The New York Fire Pump uses standard centrifugal pumps that are reliable, compact, and require little maintenance. They are powered by a variety of drivers, including electric motors, diesel engines, and steam turbines. Keep in mind that the water available to the centrifugal pump should always be under pressure. This is because fire pumps can’t draw water by themselves from the water source.

 

You can use a water tank if the tank uses gravity to supply water to the pump. Such water tanks are called suction tanks. The water travels from the suction tank through the supply inlet before reaching the pump, where it enters a rotating impeller. This impeller boosts the water pressure on the inlet side of the pump and then discharges it under increased pressure into the standpipe or sprinkler system.

 

Which New York Fire Pumps Should You Install?

 

There are several types of fire pumps that can discharge water from 200 gpm to 5,000 gpm. Most of them include a single impeller and are therefore commonly called single-stage fire pumps. Furthermore, there are vertical and horizontal pumps.

 

Vertical pumps are a modified centrifugal pump that has a vertical installation and covers less space horizontally, making them great for tighter spaces. Unlike standard pumps, these pumps do not need the suction supply to be under pressure. Instead, they draw the water into the pump by suction.

 

On the other hand, horizontal fire pumps cover more space horizontally. Make sure you inspect the water intake hose, foot valve, and strainer regularly. This is because mud, gravel, leaves, or other materials often obstruct the piping and cause damage to the fire pump.

 

What’s the Role of Jockey Pumps?

 

Fire pumps need jockey pumps that are often found on sprinkler systems. These pumps automatically operate when there is a slight drop in the available water pressure due to some sort of leakage in the system. The role of the jockey pump is to restore the pressure in the fire protection system to the desired level. If the pressure drop is greater than the capacity of the jockey pump, then the fire pump gets activated.

 

Where Should You Install New York Fire Pumps?

 

Your fire pump should be housed in a separate room that is fire-resistant or made of non-combustible materials. The room should be as close as possible to the fire protection system and kept clean and accessible at all times.
Make sure the pump, driver, and controller are always protected against possible interruption of services. The temperature inside the room needs to be maintained above 40° Fahrenheit to prevent freezing of the water in the fire protection system. Above everything, the pump room should only be used for fire protection operations. It should not be used for general operations.

For more details regarding New York Fire Pumps, talk to us directly.