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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.

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!