Pump types and theory

Types of pumps
There are three main types that will
be covered;

Rotary gear
Rotary vane
Centrifucal

Centrifucal pumps are the most

common type of pump found today,

we will go into its use in depth

Rotary Gear Pumps

Rotary pumps
work by using tight
tolerance gears to
push water
Tolerances are so
tight that this
pump will pump air

Rotary Vane Pumps

These pumps work
like the rotary gear
pumps, but have
vanes that can
extend and retract
This pump resists
the effects of wear
much better

Parts of the centrifical pump

Throttle controls
the rotation speed
of the impellor.
More throttle =
more pressure

How the centrifical pump works

How the centrifical pump

works

How a centrifical pump works

Water supply for the pump

Booster
tank

Intake
from
steamers
and 2

Tank to pump

Tank fill

Water being supplied to steamer intake

into pump, flowing discharges and filling
tank at the same time

Two stage pumps

two stage pump in volume

Two stage pump in pressure

Discharge Manifold
The water being

discharged from
the pump is forced
into a manifold; the
junction for all
discharge lines
The manifold has
all of the discharge
valves that are
controled from the
pump panel

Using the relief valve

Relief Valves are

Used to sharp
increases in
pressure from
going all the way
through the
attack lines and
harming the
nozzle crew

Excess
pressure is
dumped into
the intake
side of the
pump

Using the relief valve

Using the relief valve

Centrifucal Pump Problems

There are several conditions that can
reduce the life or destroy the pump;
Running the pump with nothing flowing
or circulating
Cavitating the pump
Running the pump dry

Pump Running, but not

Discharging
Water that is held in

closed lines and in the

pump will be warmed by
the friction of the
running pump
If let go long enough, the
water can boil and
cavitate the pump
Check to see if your
hoselines are warm or
hot

Pump Cavitation
This occurs when
there is too much air
in the pump, or there
is more water being
discharged than is
coming into the pump
Sounds like gravel
rolling around on the
inside of the pump
casing

Running the Pump Without

Water
Pumps need the
water for cooling,
lubrication, and to
swell the packing
Without water in
the pump, the heat
from friction will
quickly destroy a
pump

Conclusion