When you embark on a fire pump design in India, one of the most important things to consider is your water supply. If you will use your city’s water supply as the main source for your pump, you’ll need to ensure that an accurate and thorough test of the city water is done. Some rules to follow include:
- Make sure that your water test is no older than a year.
- Make sure that the water test is done close to the tap as possible.
- Ensure your test is done during the highest time of water usage in your area.
In cold climate areas like Jammu and Kashmir, Ultarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim or anywhere around the Himalayan area, testing during summer will be most ideal as many residents and commercial properties will be watering their crops and using water to cool down. In addition, in high density areas, peak times for water usage in the morning are between 6 am and 9am, and this may be the most ideal time for testing.
Another point to consider with regard to your water test will be: Does the city supply sufficient water to meet 150% of your fire pump design? This ensures that the city supply will carry enough volume to meet system demand. If this however isn’t the case, request another test this time plotting a water supply curve or using hydrants.
If your water supply is from a private source such as a ground storage tank or lake, keep in mind that some jurisdictions don’t allow using suction lift with fire pumps. This then means, if your water supply is below the suction inlet to your fire pump, you’ll need to use a lone vertical turbine pump in preference to the different kinds of pumps available.
Your final job parameter to size your fire pump will be required water flow for the systems that the pump will serve (standpipes, sprinklers and or others). If you use standpipe systems, the flow will be related to size and type of structure the pump will be protecting. In whichever case, the system demand will dictate the flow and pressure required.
Avoid Problems
In your effort to avoid any troubles that may arise during your fire pump design and installation process, make sure you do some thorough research and consult with local authorities in your jurisdiction and insurance representatives before you embark.
Certain jurisdictions have different requirements for the design and installation of fire pumps. Regulations in Punjab Province may require suction control valves for all fire pumps to prevent falling below 20 psi within the main, and those in Delhi may be different. Insurance companies will also have their different requirements for installing fire pumps. Do your research, get the necessary paperwork to ensure a smooth process.
