How to Design a Fire Fighting Pumping Unit with Specific Pump Capacities?

[mundus]

I have a query of supplying pumps namely electricity operating pump 500 GPM, 7 bar, diesel engine driven backup pump 500 GPM, 7 bar and a jockey pump 50 GPM, 8 bar to be used for making fire fighting pumping unit (FFPU). Please guide/tell how to design the unit (FFPU) from these?

 

[russ_watters]

You'll need to be much more specific about what you want to know.

 

[mundus]

You'll need to be much more specific about what you want to know.

I need to build fixed skid mounted FFPU consisting of three pumps (already mentioned) with water supplied from city source and stored in fire tank. All the pumps (centrifugal) should have common suction and discharge pipe.

I need:
a relationship of calculating diesel engine (rating) from known pump type and size
relationship(s) for selection of valves (types, ratings, characteristics (linear, equal percentage etc.) etc.)
relationship(s) of calculating piping (size, lengths etc.)
relationship(s) of calculating losses in piping and pump set and way to incorporate them into the final selection
relationship(s) of calculating sensor(s) and controllers (actuating time, operating voltage(s) etc.) from above data
relationship/circuit diagram of designing control unit (consisting of sensors, controllers etc.)

 

[russ_watters]

That's a pretty big and important task you are asking us to help you with. It is generally required by law that you hire a registered professional engineer to do it for you. Even if that is not an issue, for us to help you could create liability problems for us. So please hire yourself an engineer. Thread locked.

 

[alphy]

Thank you for your query regarding the design of a fire fighting pumping unit (FFPU). I understand the importance of having a properly designed FFPU in order to effectively combat fires and protect lives and property.

Based on the information provided, it seems that the FFPU will consist of three pumps: an electricity-operating pump with a capacity of 500 gallons per minute (GPM) and a pressure of 7 bar, a diesel engine-driven backup pump also with a capacity of 500 GPM and a pressure of 7 bar, and a jockey pump with a capacity of 50 GPM and a pressure of 8 bar.

In order to design the FFPU, we need to consider several factors such as the required flow rate and pressure, the type of fire being fought, and the available power sources. The first step would be to determine the total flow rate and pressure required for the FFPU, which can be calculated by considering the size and type of the building or area that needs to be protected.

Next, we need to determine the optimal combination and arrangement of the pumps to achieve the desired flow rate and pressure. This will depend on factors such as the efficiency and reliability of each pump, as well as the availability of power sources. It may be beneficial to have the electricity-operating pump as the primary pump, with the diesel engine-driven backup pump serving as a secondary pump in case of power outages or malfunctions.

Additionally, we need to consider the location and installation of the FFPU, ensuring that it is easily accessible and protected from external factors such as weather and potential damage. It is also important to regularly maintain and test the pumps to ensure their proper functioning in case of an emergency.

In conclusion, designing a FFPU requires careful consideration of various factors and a thorough understanding of the pumps and their capabilities. I hope this guidance has been helpful in designing an effective and efficient FFPU for your fire fighting needs.