Typically, motor pumps are associated with the communication of garden plots and agricultural land. They are successfully used in the organization of irrigation and irrigation systems, and also contain for efficient pumping of water during flooding of basements with melt water. In addition, such equipment can cope with fires. Technical systems for water supply are rarely used for fire fighting, but in this case, the design allows you to perform such tasks due to mobility and sufficient pressure. At the same time, the fire pump, the photo of which is presented below, has several types and various operational indicators.
The scope of operation of units
Such units can be used both in the private sector and in public services for buildings, as well as in highly specialized areas. With regard to individual needs, systems are more often contained to ensure protection of the house and surrounding buildings from possible fires - especially when it comes to wooden buildings. In public services, the use of a fire pump is often reduced to dealing with the consequences of emergency flooding. This function cannot be excluded in private households, where there may be a need for pumping water from basements and wells.
As for the more specialized areas, it is possible to distinguish rescue operations, archaeological excavations, maintenance of sea vessels and, of course, the work of fire services. In other words, wherever fire protection or water pumping is required, a fire pump in one design or another may be useful. Equipment should be selected according to several criteria, so that during operation none of the operating indicators violates the function of the unit.
The device and principle of operation of a fire pump
Motor pumps show an example of a fairly simple, but at the same time productive equipment. The basis of the unit is a bunch of engine - pump, which is enclosed in a special housing or protected by a frame structure. In this case, the pump may consist of wheels and vanes. At the time of starting the equipment under the action of centrifugal force , the rotation of the blades begins. This leads to the movement of the serviced fluid through the hoses - usually the inlet and outlet “sleeves” are provided. It is also worth noting the function of the non-return valve, which is supplied with a fire pump. The instruction manual for pumps of this type emphasizes the risks of their dry running. It is to prevent this mode of operation that a valve is provided that traps the liquid inside the equipment. Work stops when pumping is completed.
Key Performance
Begin the review of the technical data of the motor pumps with the indicators of the lifting height. The possibility of using equipment, for example, in combating a forest fire or burning a high-rise building, depends on this parameter. For such purposes, units with a lift height of at least 16 m are used. It should be noted that modern models for the most part provide a lift of at least 20 m.
Another important indicator is performance. It should not be confused with the height of the water delivery, since in some cases the volume of the carrier delivered by the fire pumps is much more important. Characteristics in this indicator range from 900 to 1,800 l / min. It should be noted and power, which determines the possibilities of supplying water in different volumes. Units at 4,000-5,000 watts represent the initial level, and models with high performance usually have 9,000 watts or more. But it is important to understand that a large power potential does not mean the versatility of equipment. Of course, the usefulness of such models when working as an irrigation installation in the fields is obvious and a low-power analog will be useless in this case. But to solve watering problems in a small area, for example, it is quite possible to get by with a device with an initial level of performance.
Structural characteristics
As noted above, the base in the form of an engine and a pump can have a different type of frame. In the simplest version, it is a reliable frame metal structure that protects components and assemblies from strong vibrational vibrations. A greater degree of protection is provided by a closed case, but in this case access to the same mechanisms is complicated if repairs are necessary. Also, the fire pump is provided with a fuel tank. This tank should be considered not only as a mandatory addition to the power unit, since its capacity determines the ability to operate a particular model without interruptions for refueling. Quite a long working interval is provided by motor pumps with a tank of up to 6 liters. The characteristics of the outlet, that is, the socket, through which the passage of water through the pump is important, also matter. Usually this parameter is 10 cm, which is enough to ensure average performance with good pressure.
Filter supply
Most modern motor pumps have special mesh filters in their design that fit onto the suction hose. It is important to note that the cell sizes in such barriers determine the fraction of particles that can pass into the pump. And in this context, it is worth considering the design of fire engine pumps from the point of view of the pump design. It can be diaphragm (with the presence of membranes) or centrifugal with an open wheel. In the first embodiment, the equipment can be used to work with fecal wells, in pumping creamy environments, waste from livestock farms, etc. If a diaphragm of the NBR type is used, then the use of equipment in servicing dark oil products is also allowed. Actually, the main requirement for working environments is the absence of aggressive chemical influences that can lead the pump part of the motor pump to deformation or destruction.
Classification by type of fluid handled
The possibilities of operation of motor pumps with different types of media should be considered separately, as this is one of the key selection parameters. As standard, this unit is capable of serving clean and slightly contaminated water. Most devices are designed for domestic use - in this case, the optimal size of the transmitted particles does not exceed 5 mm. Such models perform well the functions of supplying clean water, but are not suitable for operation as an irrigation system in large areas. The second variety is a technique that can confidently pump contaminated water. In this case, the liquid may contain sand and small pebbles. It can be a large-sized fire pump, the weight of which is more than 100 kg. A centrifugal pump in this design allows objects up to 2.5 cm in size to pass. The most rugged units even work with aggressive liquids, including alkali, salt water, and high viscosity media. It is clear that for such needs, special pumps are provided, made of durable, wear-resistant materials.
Engine classification
The most widespread are diesel and gasoline devices, which are used in solving the most demanding tasks. It is noteworthy that the purpose and types of fire engine pumps from the point of view of equipping power units are closely interconnected. For example, a diesel engine provides high performance - accordingly, such devices are used in the maintenance of agricultural land and the technical support of fire stations. Gasoline motor pumps are more often used for domestic needs. As a standard, this is a small installation that has average power and performance. But in terms of maintenance, this option is simpler than diesel analogues. Electropumps are used only where it is impossible to use units with exhaust gases - usually in enclosed spaces.
Placement of a motor-pump
A lot of approaches to the installation of this equipment depend on the nature of the operation. If it is planned to use the model as a stationary object in a permanent place, then a site with access to a water source is initially thought out. Requirements for the surface of the installation are relevant in all cases - it should have a free approach, be even and cleaned of foreign objects. It is also recommended that the installation site should not rise more than 3 m in relation to the level of the water source. Depending on the version, the fire pump may require the initial filling of the water in the pump section. In addition, the placement of hoses should be considered. They must be accessible to the user and protected from external influences.
Terms of Use
Work should only begin after checking all the connections of the pump - both on the outlet hose and on the inlet “sleeve”. It is also necessary to check the condition of the filters. If they are excessively clogged, then it is advisable to clean them, otherwise there is a risk of deforming the membrane. The proper operation of fire engine pumps in accordance with the instructions also provides for careful monitoring of the engine during the water supply. After pumping is complete, it is necessary to clean the open cavities of the pumping part from dirt and check the integrity of the “sleeves”.
Conclusion
The unit in the initial category allows you to effectively cope with various tasks in the household that require handling water. More reputable segment representatives are used in professional needs to extinguish fires and carry out irrigation activities. So that the fire pump does not disappoint with its capabilities during operation, you should initially determine the range of functions that it will perform. The main list of characteristics in the form of productivity, power and hose sizes allows you to form an idea of the working potential of the unit. But do not ignore the secondary selection criteria - such as the frame structure and the volume of the fuel tank.