WATER SUPPLIES AND

BASIC MANUAL FIRE

PUMP CALCULATION
 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PUMPS USED IN FIRE

PROTECTION SYSTEM, SUCH AS SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, STANDPIPE
SYSTEMS AND THE LIKES ARE CONTAINED IN NFPA 20,
20 STANDARDS
FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CENTRIFUGAL FIRE PUMPS, WHICH IS
CROSS REFERENCED BY OTHER RELEVANT NFPA STANDARDS; I.E.
NFPA 13, NFPA 14, ETC.

FIRE PUMP - A SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED AND LISTED PUMP THAT

INCREASES THE PRESSURE OF THE WATER SERVING
FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM.

CENTRIFUGAL FIRE PUMP

- DEVELOPS PRESSURE BY FORCING WATER TO ROTATE
AROUND A SHAFT,, USING CENTRIFUGAL FORCE TO
CREATE PRESSURE THAT BOOSTS THE WATER SUPPLY.
 TYPES OF PUMPS

 CENTRIFUGAL

 HORIZONTAL SHAFT SPLIT CASE

A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP CHARACTERIZED BY A HOUSING THAT IS SPLIT

PARALLEL TO THE SHAFT.
 TYPES OF PUMPS

 CENTRIFUGAL

 IN-LINE PUMP

A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP WHOSE DRIVE UNIT IS SUPPORTED BY THE

PUMP HAVING ITS SUCTION AND DISCHARGE FLANGE ON APPROXIMATELY
THE SAME CENTERLINE.
 TYPES OF PUMPS

 CENTRIFUGAL
 END SUCTION
A SINGLE SUCTION PUMP HAVING ITS SUCTION NOZZLE ON THE
OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE CASING FROM THE STUUFING BOX AND HAVING THE
FACE OF THE SUCTION NOZZLE PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS
OF THE SHAFT.
 TYPES OF PUMPS

 CENTRIFUGAL
 VERTICAL SHAFT TURBINE PUMP

A VERTICAL SHAFT CENTRIFUGAL PUMP WITH ROTATING IMPELLER

OR IMPELLERS AND WITH DISCHARGE FROM THE PUMPONG ELEMENT
COAXIAL WITH THE SHAFT.
DRIVERS AND CONTROLLERS

• Electric Motor
• Diesel Engine DRIVERS
• Steam Turbine
FIRE PUMP COMPONENTS

THE SUCTION SIDE OF A FIRE PUMP IS THE SIDE CONNECTED TO THE WATER
SUPPLY. THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF A FIRE PUMP IS THE SIDE TO WHICH THE
SPRINKLER OR STANDPIPE SYSTEM IS CONNECTED TO RECEIVE
PRESSURIZED WATER FROM THE PUMPS.

CERTAIN CRITERIA MUST BE MEET FOR PIPING AND COMPONENTS OF THE

FIRE PUMP:

 PIPING ON THE SUCTION SIDE OF THE PUMP MUST BE GALVANIZED

OR SPECIALLY COATED TO MINIMIZE CORROSION OR FLAKES OF
PIPING MATERIAL FROM BEING DRAWN INTO THE PUMP

 CONTROL VALVES ON THE SUCTION SIDE MUST BE OS&Y VALVES

 ALL PIPING, ESPECIALLY THE REDUCER ON THE SUCTION SIDE

DIRECTLY ATTACHED TO THE PUMP MUST BE DESIGNED TO
ELIMINATE AIR POCKETS THAT COULD CAUSE CAVITATION, OR
DESTRUCTIVE VIBRATIONS CAUSED BY THE CHURNING OF A FIRE
PUMP WHEN IT IS DRAWING AIR INTO THE PUMP INSTEAD OF WATER.
 THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP MUST BE RATED FOR THE
PRESSURE CREATED BY THE PUMP.

SINCE MOST SPRINKLERS AND VALVES ARE RATED AT 175 PSI,

PSI A
PUMP RELIEF VALVE MAY BE NECESSARY TO PREVENT
OVERPRESSURIZATION AND DAMAGE TO SPRINKLER COMPONENTS
WHEN PUMP DISCHARGE PRESSURES EXCEED 175 PSI.

 PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO BE

INSTALLED DOWNSTREAM OF THE FIRE PUMP TO PROTECT
SPRINKLER COMPONENTS DOWNSTREAM OF THE PRESSURE
REGULATING VALVE.
VALVE

 FIRE PUMP TEST HEADER WITH TEST VALVES OR TEST LINES WITH
FLOW METER AND PRESSURE GAUGE RETURNING TO THE WATER
TANK IS REQUIRED ON THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP TO
SIMULATE THE RATED FLOW AND PRESSURE OF THE FIRE PUMP AND
COMPARE THE TEST RESULTS TO THE LISTED CAPACITY/RATING OF
THE PUMP.
 TEST LINE RETURNING TO TANK

PRESSURE GAUGE
FLOW METER

WATER TANK SCHEMATIC OF A FIRE PUMP LAYOUT

 WATER SUPPLIES

 WATER TANKS (GRAVITY/ELEVATED, PRESSURIZED)

 HYDRANTS

 CISTERNS

 PONDS, LAKES, RIVERS, ETC

 SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED BY NFPA 22,
FIRE WATER STORAGE TANKS STANDARDS FOR WATER TANKS PRIVATE FIRE
PROTECTION
QCDD MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

 CONSTRUCTED OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS

 CONSTRUCTED WITH COMPARTMENTS; EACH COMPARTMENT HAVING ITS
OWN INDEPENDENT AUTOMATIC SUPPLY INLET
 AT LEAST 50% OF THE FIRE PROTECTION DEMAND IS STORED WITH ANY
ONE COMPARTMENT OR TANK OUT OF SERVICE
 NET EFFECTIVE CAPACITY SIZED TO MEET MINIMUM REQUIRED DURATION
OF FLOW
 MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING ATTACHMENTS AS MINIMUM
 AUTOMATIC INFILL SUCH THAT TANK MAY BE REFILLED WITHIN A TIME
PERIOD OF 6 HRS
 VISUAL WATER INDICATOR
 DRAIN VALVE/S (MINIMUM 80 MM NOMINAL DIAMETER)
 SUCTION CONNECTIONS
 TEST RETURN PIPE/S
 OVERFLOW PIPE (MINIMUM ONE DIAMETER SIZE LARGER THAN THE
INLET PIPE)
FIRE WATER STORAGE TANKS. . . . .
SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PROVIDED BY NFPA 22,
STANDARDS FOR WATER TANKS PRIVATE FIRE
PROTECTION

 WHEN A WATER TANKS SERVES DOMESTIC AND FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEMS,

THE DOMESTIC SUPPLY CONNECTION SHALL BE CONNECTED ABOVE THE
LEVEL REQUIRED FOR FIRE PROTECTION DEMAND

 FOR HIGH RISE BUILDING, FIRE DEPARTMENT SUPPLY CONNECTION TO THE

TANK IS RECOMMENDED

ALL PIPES AND OPENINGS INTO THE TANK SHALL BE FITTED WITH DEVICE/S OR
PROVISIONS TO PREVENT INGRESS OF INSECTS
SUPPLEMENTAL COMPONENTS
JOCKEY PUMP - A SMALL PUMP THAT BOOSTS THE STATIC PRESSURE WITHIN THE
PIPING SYSTEM WHEN THE FIRE PUMP IS NOT RUNNING.

- IS NEEDED IF THE STATIC PRESSURE AVAILABLE FROM THE WATER SUPPLY

IS INSUFFICIENT TO PROVIDE PRESSURE AT THE MOST REMOTE SPRINKLER,
AND MINIMIZES OPERATION OF THE FIRE PUMP BY KEEPING PRESSURES ON
THE DISCHARGE SIDE OF THE PUMP CONSTANT.

* Size of Jockey Pump (pressure maintenance pump)

- flow less than a single sprinkler OR
- flow that can make up the allowable leakage rate in 10 minutes or 1 gpm (3.8 l/min)
whichever is higher

FUEL STORAGE TANK (ENGINE DRIVEN FIRE PUMPS)

 CAPACITY OF AT LEAST EQUAL TO 1 GALLON PER HORSEPOWER (5.07 L/KW),

PLUS 5 PERCENT VOLUME FOR EXPANSION AND 5 PERCENT VOLUME FOR
SUMP

 SEPARATE FUEL LINE AND SEPARATE FUEL SUPPLY TANK FOR EACH ENGINE

 FUEL SUPPLY TANK LOCATED ABOVEGROUND (NOT BURIED)

 ENGINE MANUFACTURER’S FUEL PUMP STATIC PRESSURE LIMITS NOT TO BE

EXCEEDED WHEN THE LEVEL OF FUEL IN THE TANK IS AT MAXIMUM

 FUEL RETURN LINE INSTALLED PER MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDATION

SUPPLEMENTAL COMPONENTS……….

CONTROLLERS

 LOCATED AS CLOSE AS PRACTICAL TO THE ENGINE IT CONTROLS

 LOCATED AND PROTECTED THAT IT WILL NOT BE DAMAGED BY

WATER ESCAPING FROM THE PUMP OR PUMP CONNECTIONS

 WHERE THE PUMP ROOM IS NOT CONSTANTLY ATTENDED,

ATTENDED
AUDIBLE OR VISIBLE ALARMS POWERED BY A SOURCE OTHER
THAN THE ENGINE STARTING BATTERIES AND NOT EXCEEDING 125
VOLTS SHALL BE PROVIDED AT A POINT OF CONSTANT
ATTENDANCE WHICH SHALL INDICATE THE FOLLOWING UNIQUE
SIGNALS:

 ENGINE RUNNING

 CONTROLLER MAIN SWITCH HAS BEEN TURNED TO “OFF”

OR “MANUAL” POSITION

 TROUBLE ON THE CONTROLLER OR ENGINE

 PUMP PERFORMANCE

 FLOW

 TOTAL HEAD

 POWER

 SPEED
 PUMP AFFINITY LAWS

 IMPELLER DIAMETER CHANGES; SAME SPEED

D1 = Q1 = √H1
D2 Q2 √H2

BHP1 = D1³
BHP2 D2³

WHERE :
D = IMPELLER DIAMETER
H = HEAD
Q = FLOW
N = PUMP SPEED
BHP = BRAKE HORSEPOWER
*** Subscript 1 denotes the original design and 2
for the new design condition
 PUMP AFFINITY LAWS

 PUMP SPEED CHANGES; SAME IMPELLER DIAMETER

N1 = Q1 = √H1
N2 Q2 √H2

BHP1 = N1³ = Q1³

BHP2 N2³ Q1³

WHERE :
D = IMPELLER DIAMETER
H = HEAD
Q = FLOW
N = PUMP SPEED
BHP = BRAKE HORSEPOWER
*** Subscript 1 denotes the original design and 2
for the new design condition
PUMP SELECTION

PUMPS ARE SELECTED TO FIT THE SYSTEM DEMANDS ON THE BASIS OF THREE KEY
POINTS RELATIVE TO THEIR RATED FLOW AND RATED PRESSURE.

GRAPHING A FIRE PUMP SUPPLY

A FIRE PUMP CURVE IS BASED UPON ITS RATED POINT, X-GPM AT Y-PSI.
THREE (3) RATING POINTS ON THE FIRE PUMP CURVE:

1. PRIMARY RATING POINT

(X-GPM) AT (Y- PSI) PUMP RATED CAPACITY

A MINIMUM OF 100 PERCENT OF RATED PRESSURE AT 100 PERCENT OF RATED FLOW

2. SECONDARY RATING POINT

(0.65) (Y-PSI), AT (1.5) (X-GPM) OVERLOAD, OR 150% POINT
(MAXIMUM PUMP CAPACITY)

A MINIMUM OF 65 PERCENT OF RATED PRESSURE AT 150 PERCENT OF RATED FLOW

GRAPHING A FIRE PUMP SUPPLY………..
SUPPLY

3. SHUT OFF POINT

(1.4) (Y-PSI) SHUTOFF (PRESSURE AT ZERO FLOW
OR CHURN) – MAXIMUM
SOME MAY HAVE LOWER SHUT OFF
POINTS; MOST COMMON ARE 120%
AND 140%
%

A MAXIMUM OF 140 PERCENT OF RATED PRESSURE AT 0 PERCENT OF RATED FLOW (CHURN)

GRAPHING A FIRE PUMP SUPPLY………..

Shut Off
(1.4) (Y-PSI)

(X-GPM) AT (Y- PSI)

Overload

(0.65) (Y-PSI), AT (1.5) (X-GPM)

 EXAMPLE

DETERMINE THE FIRE PUMP CURVE FOR A PUMP RATED AT 500 GPM @ 60 PSI

120

110
PUMP SHUTOFF PRESSURE
100 @ ZERO FLOW:
RE (PSI)

(1.4) Y = 84 PSI
90 FIRE PUMP RATED CAPACITY
X-GPM = 500 GPM
80 Y PS1 = 60 PSI
Y-PS1
PRESSUR

PUMP OVERLOAD (150% POINT)

70 MAXIMUM PUMP CAPACITY
(0.65) Y = 0.65 (60) = 39 PSI
60 (1.5) X = 750 GPM
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLOW X 100 (GPM)
CALCULATING PRESSURE DIFFERENTIALS

THE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE WATER SUPPLY AND THE SYSTEM DEMAND
DETERMINES WHETHER THE AVAILABLE PRESSURE ON A SUPPLY LINE, SUCH AS AN
EXISTING FIRE WATER SYSTEM NETWORK,
NETWORK CITY WATER SUPPLY,
SUPPLY IS CAPABLE OF MEETING
SYSTEM DEMAND.

PD = PS – [(PS – PR) x (QD/QT))¹·⁸⁵]]

WHERE:
PD = PRESSURE AT DESIRED FLOW, PSI
PS = THE STATIC TEST PRESSURE,, PSI
PR = THE RESIDUAL TEST PRESSURE, PSI
QD = DESIRED FLOW OR SYSTEM DEMAND, IN GPM
QT = RESIDUAL TEST FLOW ASSOCIATED WITH THE RESIDUAL
TEST PRESSURE, IN GPM
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE #1:

DETERMINE WHETHER THE AVAILABLE SUPPLY ON A WATER NETWORK TESTED AT 80 PSI

STATIC PRESSURE, 20 PSI RESIDUAL PRESSURE WHEN FLOWING 900 GPM, IS CAPABLE TO
SUPPLY A SPRINKLER SYSTEM WITH A SYSTEM DEMAND OF 700 GPM AT 50 PSI.

SOLUTION:

FROM, PD = PS – [(PS – PR) x (QD/QT)¹·⁸⁵]

PD = 80 - [(80 – 20) x (700/900)¹·⁸⁵]
= 80 – [(60) x 0.628)]
= 80 – 37.7
PD = 42.3 psi (AVAILABLE PRESSURE AT THE NETWORK AT DESIRED FLOW
OR THE SYSTEM DEMAND, 700 GPM)

CHECK PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL:

THE PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN, THE PRESSURE AT

DESIRED FLOW (PD), AND THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM PRESSURE DEMAND (PR):

PD = PD – PR
= 42.3 – 50
PD = - 7.7 psi

N.B. PD MUST BE POSITIVE SUCH THAT THE WATER SUPPLY EXCEEDS THE SYSTEM DEMAND. IN
THIS CASE THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM CANNOT BE SUPPLIED FROM THE EXISTING WATER
NETWORK, UNLESS THE PRESSURE DEMAND IS MODIFIED OR LOWERED.
 120
110

100
RE (PSI)

90
80 PSI STATIC SYSTEM DEMAND
80
PRESSUR

700 GPM @ 50 PSI

70
PA = PS –(PS-PR) (QA/QT)¹·⁸⁵
60
= 42.3 PSI
50
20 PSI RESIDUAL
40
900 GPM FLOW
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FLOW X 100 (GPM)
SIZING FIRE PUMPS

COMBINING A FIRE PUMP AND CITY SUPPLY OR EXISTING WATER NETWORK

“THE
THE COMBINED CURVE OF A FIRE PUMP AND EXISTING WATER SUPPLY IS
DETERMINED BY SIMPLY ADDING THEM”.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 2:

A FIRE PUMP IS RATED AT 500 GPM AT 60 PSI. SHUT OFF POINT IS AT 140%. THE
CITY SUPPLY HAS BEEN TESTED TO BE 30 PSI STATIC,
STATIC 15 PSI RESIDUAL,
RESIDUAL WITH 900
GPM FLOWING. THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM DEMAND IS 550 GPM AT 78 PSI.
DETERMINE THE COMBINED PUMP/CITY SUPPLY CURVE, AND THE PRESSURE
DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN THE COMBINED SUPPLY AND THE SPRINKLER SYSTEM
DEMAND.
SOLUTION:

DETERMINE THE PRESSURE AVAILABLE AT THE CITY SUPPLY AT THE THREE FIRE
PUMP RATING POINTS (0 GPM, 500 GPM, 750 GPM FLOWS):

AT 0 GPM FLOW (30 PSI, THE STATIC PRESSURE)

AT 500 GPM FLOW, 1.85

PD = PS – (PS – PR) (QD/QT)
1.85
= 30 – (30 – 15) (500/900)
= 30 – (15) (0.337)
PD = 24.9 PSI
DATA:
PUMP RATING : 500 GPM @ 60 PSI, 140% CHURN
NETWORK/CITY SUPPLY : 30 PSI STATIC, 15 PSI
RESIDUAL @ 900 GPM FLOW
SYSTEM DEMAND : 550 GPM @ 78 PSI

AT 750 GPM FLOW,

1.85
PD = 30 – (30 – 15) (750/900)
= 30 – (15) (0.713)
PD = 19.3 PSI CHURN: 1,4 (60) = 84

ADD THE PUMP SUPPLY AND AVAILABLE PRESURE AT CITY SUPPLY TO GET THE
COMBINED PRESSURE:

AT 0 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE, PC = 84 PSI + 30 PSI = 114 PSI

AT 500 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE,

PRESSURE PC = 60 PSI + 24.9
24 9 PSI = 84.9
84 9 PSI

AT 750 GPM : COMBINED PRESSURE, PC = 39 PSI + 19.3 PSI = 58.3 PSI

0,65 (60) =39
 180

160

150

140

130 84 PSI + 30 PSI = 114 PSI

120

110
60 PSI + 24.9 PSI = 84.9 PSI
E (PSI)

100 84 PSI
90
PRESSURE

550 GPM @ 78 PSI

80 SPRINKLER DEMAND
39 PSI + 19.3 PSI = 58.3 PSI
70

60

50
30 PSI STATIC 750 GPM @ 39 PSI
40 500 GPM @ 60 PSI

30

20

10 PD = 24.9 PSI PD = 19.3 900 GPM @ 15 PSI

RESIDUAL
0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
FLOW (GPM)
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 3.

GIVEN :

SPRINKLER DEMAND : 1100 GPM @ 85 PSI

WATER NETWORK SUPPLY : 70 PSI STATIC

1100 GPM @ 34 PSI

PUMP CURVE WITH ASSIGNED :

 CHURN OF 120% OF RATED HEAD

 150% OF RATED FLOW AT 65% OF RATED HEAD

SPECIFY : MOST ECONOMICAL PUMP

SOLUTION:

USE THE OVERLOAD PORTION OF THE PUMP CURVE (150%)

RATED FLOW = 1100/1.5 = 733.3 GPM, SPECIFY NEXT STANDARD PUMP SIZE 750 GPM

% OVERLOAD FLOW = 1100/750 = 147%

FROM PUMP CURVE, 147 % OF RATED CAPACITY PRODUCES 67% OF RATED HEAD

RATED HEAD = PRESSURE NEEDED FROM THE PUMP/0.67

= (SPRINKLER DEMAND PRESSURE – RESIDUALPRESSURE @ DEMAND FLOW)/0.67

RATED HEAD = (85 – 34) / 0.67 = 76.12 ≈ 77 PSI

MINIMUM FIRE PUMP RATING REQUIRED = 750 GPM @ 77 PSI

CHURN PRESSURE = (77 X 1.2) = 92.4 PSI

RATED HEAD =?

67% OF RATED HEAD

50,05 PSI

750 GPM 1100 GPM = 147% OF RATED CAP.

 SPRINKLER DEMAND : 1100 GPM @ 85 PSI

WATER NETWORK SUPPLY : 70 PSI STATIC

CHECK/VERIFY PERFORMANCE CURVES:
1100 GPM @ 34 PSI

FROM THE DATA GIVEN: PUMP CURVE WITH ASSIGNED:

AVAILABLE PRESSURE AT THE WATER  CHURN OF 120% OF RATED HEAD
NETWORK AT FFG FLOWS:
 150% OF RATED FLOW AT 65% OF RATED HEAD

FROM PD = PS – (PS – PR) (QD/QT)¹·⁸⁵

PD @ 750 GPM FLOW,

(750/1100)¹ ⁸⁵
PD = 70 – (70 – 34) (750/1100)¹·⁸⁵
= 70 – (36) (0.49)
PD = 52.275 PSI

PD @ 1100 GPM FLOW = 34 PSI – GIVEN

COMBINING THE PUMP PRESSURE AND AVAILABLE WATER PRESSURE AT NETWORK .

AT 0 GPM FLOW : PC = 92.4

92 4 + 70 = 162.4
162 4 PSI

AT 750 GPM FLOW : PC = 77 + 52.275 = 129.275 PSI

AT 1100 GPM FLOW : PC = 51.59 + 34 = 85.59 PSI

92.4 PSI
CHURN @ 120% .
77 PSI

51.59 PSI,,
67% OF RATED PRESSURE

50.05 PSI

750 GPM 1100 GPM 1125 GPM

 .
SPRINKLER DEMAND : 1100 GPM @ 85 PSI
0 GPM @ 162.4 PSI WATER NETWORK SUPPLY : 70 PSI STATIC
170 1100 GPM @ 34 PSI
PUMP CURVE WITH ASSIGNED:
160 750 GPM @129.275 PSI  CHURN OF 120% OF RATED HEAD
150  150% OF RATED FLOW AT 65% OF RATED HEAD

140

130

120
.
1100 GPM @ 85.59 PSI

.
110 92.4 PSI

.
E (PSI)

100

.
750
50 G
GPM @ 77 PSI
S

.
90
PRESSURE

80 70 PSI STATIC

.
70 1100 GPM @ 51.6 PSI
60

.
50

40

30
750 GPM @ 52.275
52 275 PSI
20

10 34 PSI RESIDUAL @ 1100 GPM

0
100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 1000 1100
900
FLOW (GPM)
EXAMPLE # 4. STORAGE TANK - HORT’L CENTRIFUGAL PUMP ARRANGEMENT

THE ESTIMATED WATER DEMAND FOR SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS IS 1400 GPM @ 90 PSI.
THE SUCTION SUPPLY IS A GROUND LEVEL STORAGE TANK,
TANK AND THE MINIMUM INLET GAUGE
PRESSURE IS 0 PSI AT MAXIMUM FLOW. DETERMINE THE REQUIRED RATED CAPACITY AND
PRESSURE OF THE PUMP.

STEP 1. MEET THE DEMAND OF 1400 GPM WITH THE MAX. CAPACITY OF THE PUMP, WHICH IS
150% OF RATED CAPACITY,

1400/1.5 = 933 GPM

* USE THE NEAREST HIGHER STANDARD PUMP RATING OF 1000 GPM

* THEREFORE, 1400 GPM DEMAND WOULD BE 140% OF CAPACITY

STEP 2. FROM THE MANUFACTURER’S PUMP CHARACTERISTIC CURVE, DETERMINE THE

CORRESPONDING PRESSURE AT 140% CAPACITY.

USING THE SAMPLE PUMP PERFORMANCE CURVE IN SUCCEEDING PAGE, CHOSING THE 13 “
IMPELLER PUMP, THE PRESSURE RATING OF THE PUMP AT 1000 GPM IS 290 FT (125.57 PSI).
AT 140% CAPACITY, THE PRESSURE RATING IS 243 FT (105.22 PSI).

THUS AT THE DEMAND FLOW (1400 GPM) AND PRESSURE (90 PSI) THE PUMP IS OPERATING
AT 71.67 % OF ITS RATED PRESSURE (90/125.57 X 100); OR

RATED PRESSURE, Y AT 1000 GPM IS : Y = 90 PSI/0.0.7167 = 125.57 PSI

THEREFORE: THE PUMP RATING SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN 1000 GPM @ 125.57 ≈ 126 PSI.
 NOTE: THIS PUMP PERFORMANCE CURVE WAS FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. THIS DOES
NOT SUGGEST THAT THE PUMP IS THE MOST IDEAL AND ECONOMICAL ONE TO USE. THERE
COULD BE PUMP WITH THE MOST IDEAL CURVE.

290 FT (125.57 PSI)

243 FT (105.22
(105 22 PSI)

208 FT (90 PSI)

(DEMAND)
NFPA GUIDANCE ON WHAT PART OF THE FIRE PUMP CURVE TO USE

 CENTRIFUGAL PUMP SHOULD BE SELECTED IN THE RANGE OF OPERATION

FROM 90 PERCENT TO 150 PERCENT OF ITS RATED CAPACITY
 FOR DESIGN CAPACITIES BELOW THE RATED CAPACITY, THE RATED
PRESSURE SHOULD BE USED
 FOR DESIGN CAPACITIES BETWEEN 100 AND 150 PERCENT OF RATED
CAPACITY, THE PRESSURE USED SHOULD BE FOUND BY THE FOLLOWING
RELATIONSHIP

0.35 P = P’ – 0.65 P
0.5 Q 1.5 Q – QQ’

WHERE :
P = RATED PRESSURE
Q = RATED CAPACITY
P’ = MINIMUM AVALABLE PRESSURE AT CAPACITY Q’

N.B. ABOVE EQUATION IS USED WHERE THERE IS NO ACTUAL PUMP

PERFORMANCE CURVE TO WORK FROM.
ILLUSTRATION USING PREVIOUS RESULTS IN EXAMPLE # 4.

*** DEMAND FOR SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS : 1400 GPM @ 90 PSI.

*** CAPACITY AND PRESSURE RATING OF THE PUMP : 1000 GPM @ 126 PSI

USING THE EQUATION

0.35 P = P’ – 0.65 P
0.5 Q 1.5 Q – Q’
WHERE :
P = RATED PRESSURE = 126 PSI
Q = RATED CAPACITY = 1000 GPM
P’ = MINIMUM DEMAND/AVAILABLE PRESSURE AT CAPACITY
Q’ = DEMAND CAPACITY = 1400 GPM
Q
CHECK IF P’ MEETS THE PRESSURE REQUIREMENT AT DEMAND FLOW (WHICH IS
90 PSI)
0.35 (126) = P’ – (0.65 X 126)
0.5 (1000) 1.5(1000) – 1400

44.1 = P’ – 81.9
500 1500 – 1400

P’ = 90.72 PSI

SINCE THE VALUE OF P’ SO CALCULATED IS GREATER THAN THE 90 PSI

REQUIRED, THE PUMP WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND POINT.
ILLUSTRATION 2. USING PREVIOUS EXAMPLE # 4, BUT ONLY THE RATED FLOW OF THE PUMP
HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED. WHAT MUST BE THE MINIMUM PRESSURE RATING OF THE PUMP?

*** DEMAND FOR SPRINKLERS AND HOSE STREAMS : 1400 GPM @ 90 PSI.
PSI
*** CAPACITY OF THE PUMP : 1000 GPM @ ______ PSI

USING THE EQUATION

0.35 P = P’ – 0.65 P
0.5 Q 1.5 Q – Q’
WHERE :
P = RATED PRESSURE = ??? PSI
Q = RATED CAPACITY = 1000 GPM
P’ = MINIMUM AVAILABLE PRESSURE = 90 PSI
Q’ = DEMAND CAPACITY = 1400 GPM

SUBSTITUTING KNOWN VALUES IN THE FORMULA,

0.35 (P) = 90 – (0.65 X P)

0.5 (1000) 1.5(1000) – 1400

0.35 P = 90 – 0.65 P
500 1500 – 1400

35 P = 45,000 – 325 P
360 P = 45
45,000
000

P = 125 PSI MINIMUM PUMP RATING : 1000 GPM @ 125 PSI

HORSEPOWER OF FIRE PUMPS

BEFORE MATCHING A DRIVER TO A PUMP, IT IS NECESSARY TO KNOW THE MAXIMUM BRAKE

HORSEPOWER OF THE PUMP AT RATED SPEED. THIS DEMAND CAN BE DETERMINED DIRECTLY
FROM THE HORSEPOWER CURVE PROVIDED BY THE PUMP MANUFACTURER. TYPICAL FIRE
PUMPS REACH MAXIMUM BHP BETWEEN 140 AND 170 % OF RATED CAPACITY.

HYDRAULIC HORSEPOWER = LB OF LIQUID PER MINUTE X HEAD IN FT

33,000

UNIT ANALYSIS: (FT³/MIN X 62.4 LB/FT³) X FT

FT LB/HP MIN
FT-LB/HP-MIN

BRAKE HORSE POWER = HYDRAULIC HORSEPOWER

PUMP EFFICIENCY

BRAKE HORSEPOWER = GALLONS PER MINUTE X HEAD IN FT X SP. GRAVITY

3960 X PUMP EFFICIENCY
HORSEPOWER OF FIRE PUMPS……..

ALSO,

BHP = 5.83 QP
10,000 X E

OR

BHP = QP/1710 X E

WHERE:
Q = FLOW, IN GPM
P = PRESSURE OR TOTAL HEAD, IN PSI
E = EFFICIENCY

N.B. THE EFFICIENCY AT MAX. BHP IS USUALLY 60 TO 75 PERCENT

MOTOR INPUT HORSEPOWER

EHp = BRAKE HORSEPOWER

MOTOR EFFICIENCY
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 5:

FROM THE DATA AND RESULTS IN EXAMPLE # 3 , FIND BY FORMULA THE

MINIMUM HORSEPOWER REQUIRED TO DRIVE THE PUMP.

DATA FROM PRECEEDING EXAMPLE:

- PUMP RATING : 750 GPM @ 77 PSI
- THE PRESSURE
SS IS
S 67%
6 % AT 147%
%CCAPACITY
C

SOLUTION:

STEP 1. ASSUME 65% EFFICIENCY AT THE 147% RATED CAPACITY

STEP 2. FROM THE GIVEN DATA, AT 147% CAPACITY (1100 GPM) THE
PRESSURE IS 67% OR (0.67 X 77 = 51.59 PSI)

N.B. DETAILS OF STEP 2 IS OBTAINED IN THE PUMP CURVE.

STEP 3. BY FORMULA,

BHP = QP/1710 X E
= (1100)(51.59)/1710 X 0.65

BHP = 51 HP
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE # 5:

USING ANOTHER FORMULA…

DATA FROM PRECEEDING EXAMPLE:

- PUMP RATING : 750 GPM @ 77 PSI
- THE PRESSURE IS 67% AT 147% CAPACITY (1100 GPM AT
51.59 PSI)

BHP = GPM X HEAD IN FT X SP. GRAVITY

3960 X PUMP EFFICIENCY

= (1100) X (51.59 X2.31) X (1)

3960 X 0.65

BHP = 51 HP

*** N.B. H = 2.31 P

P = 0.433 H
S.G OF WATER = 1
MAJOR DAVID V. OIDA JR., PME
BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
PHILIPPINES

MINISTRY OF INTERIOR
CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
QATAR
FUEL SUPPLY REQUIREMENT

NFPA REQUIRES FUEL SUPPLY TANK/S TO HAVE A CAPACITY OF AT LEAST

EQUAL TO:

1 GAL PER HORSEPOWER (5.07 L/KW) + 5% VOLUME FOR

EXPANSION + 5% VOLUME FOR SUMP

N.B. THE 1 GAL/HP (5.07 L/KW) IS ALREADY ESTIMATED FOR AN 8 HRS

CONTINUOUS RUNNING OF THE ENGINE.

THE CAPACITY IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE 8 HRS OF FUEL WHEN FULL

AND ESTIMATES THAT THE PUMP DRIVER CAN BE OPERATED FOR A
MINIMUM OF 30 MINUTES ONCE A WEEK, PLUS 1 HR FOR ANNUAL
TESTING AND STILL HAVE ADEQUATE FUEL FOR THE REQUIRED 2 TO 4
TESTING,
HRS REQUIRED BY THE FIRE PROTECTION SYSTEM. THIS CAN BE DONE
BY FILLING THE FUEL TANK ONLY ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.
FIRE PUMP SETTING

Fire pump system when started by pressure drop should be arranged as follows:
a) The jockey pump stop point should equal the pump churn pressure plus the
minimum static supply pressure.
b) The jockey pump start point should be at least 10 psi (0.68 bar) less than the
jockey pump stop point.
c) The fire pump start point should be 5 psi (0.34 bar) less than the jockey pump
startt po
sta point.
t Use 10
0 ps
psi (0
(0.68
68 ba
bar)) increments
c e e ts for
o eac
each add
additional
t o a pu
pump.
p
d) Where minimum run timers are provided the pump will continue to operate after
attaining these pressures. The final pressures should not exceed the pressure rating
of the system.
y
e) Where the operating differential of pressure switches does not permit these
settings, the settings should be as close as equipment will permit. The settings should
be established by pressures observed on test gauges.
f) Examples of fire pump settings follow:
1. Pump: 1000 gpm, 100 psi pump withn churn pressure of 115 psi
2. Suction supply : 50 psi from city – minimum static; 60 psi from city –
maximum static
3. Jockey pump stop = 115 psi + 50 = 165 psi
FIRE PUMP SETTING……….

4. Jockey pump start = 165 psi -10 psi = 155 psi

5. Fire pump stop = 115 psi + 50 psi = 165 psi
6. Fire pump start = 155 psi – 5 psi = 150 psi
7. Fire pump maximum churn = 115 psi + 60 psi = 175 psi

g) Where minimum run timers are provided, the pumps will continue to operate at
churn pressure beyond the stop setting. The final pressures should not exceed the
pressure rating of the system components.
 4. SPACING OF SPRINKLERS
From NFPA_13 – Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems

Table 4-6.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (SSU/SSP)

Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard Extra Hazard

Construction Type Protection Maximum Protection Maximum Protection Maximum

Area Spacing Area Spacing Area Spacing
Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m) Ft2 (m2) Ft. (m)

Non-combustible
225 (20.9)
Obstructed and
Unobstructed
200 (18.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
For pipe
Combustible
schedule
unobstructed

Combustible
168 (15.6) 15 (4.57) 130 (12.0) 15 (4.57) 100 (9.3) 12 (3.6)
obstructed

Legend:
SSU – Sprinkler Standard Upright (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
SSP – Sprinkler Standard Pendent (K-factor = 5.6 gpm/psi ; 8.0 lpm/kpa)
Table 4-7.2: Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinkler)

Ordinary Hazard
Light Hazard

Non-combustible Non-combustible
Combustible or Limited Combustible or Limited
Finish combustible Finish combustible
Finish Finish

Maximum distance
14 ft (4.3 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
along the wall

Maximum room
12 ft (3.7 m) 14 ft (4.3 m) 10 ft (3.0 m) 10 ft (3.0 m)
width (L)

Maximum
120 ft2 (11.1 m2) 196 ft2 (18.2 m2) 80 ft2 (7.4 m2) 100 ft2 (9.3 m2)
protection area
5. PIPE SIZING SCHEDULE
Table 6-5.2.2: Light Hazard Pipe Schedule
Steel
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 30 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 60 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 100 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1
4 21
Table 6-5.3.2: Ordinary Hazard Pipe Schedule
Steel
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 10 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 20 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 40 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 65 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 100 sprinklers
5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 160 sprinklers
6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 275 sprinklers
8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1
Copper
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 40 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 65 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ………………….... 115 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) …………………... see 4-2.1
4 21
Copper
1 in (25 mm) ……….………….….. 2 sprinklers
1 ¼ in (32 mm) …………………… 3 sprinklers
1 ½ in (40 mm) …………………… 5 sprinklers
2 in (50 mm) …………………….. 12 sprinklers
2 ½ (65 mm) ……………………. 25 sprinklers
3 in (75 mm) …………………….. 45 sprinklers
3 ½ (90 mm) ……………….……. 75 sprinklers
4 in (100 mm) ………………….. 115 sprinklers
5 in (125 mm) ………………….. 180 sprinklers
6 in (150 mm) ………………….. 300 sprinklers
8 in (200 mm) ………………….. see 4-2.1
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Discharge Head
The required discharge head, whether expressed in feet of head (ft.) or pounds per square inch (psi), is the pressure that is
required
i d tto produce
d the
th sum of:
f

The required residual pressure at the highest, most remote fire department valve outlet at the required flow rate.
The frictional losses of fittings, valves and lengths of piping in the flow path, adding the friction of subsequent flowing
standpipes from the most remote outlet back to the source fire pump.
The static elevation pressure of the most remote outlet’s location (2.31 ft. = 0.434 psi).

The required residual pressure varies with the codes in question. For example, the requirements are 25 psi in New York, 65
psi in Chicago and 100 psi for the International Building Code and International Fire Code. The 100 psi requirement appears
in NFPA 14, the Standpipe Installation Standard.

The piping design layout influences the frictional losses. The Building Code may dictate requirements for the piping layout,
especially as the building’s overall height increases, resulting in the need for multiple zones.

Design Points on the Fire Pump Curve

The estimated discharge pressure for the system is established at the pump’s discharge flange. The estimated gallons per
minute flow rate required for the system’s supply is determined using the required pressure. The duty point or “Primary
Rating Point” of the fire pump expresses the overall system’s 100% Q (flow rate) at 100% P (pressure) requirements.
This is the design point on the pump curve that is normally used to select and specify the fire pump model and the
horsepower.

NFPA 20 prescribes two additional points that must be met on the fire pump curves.
The “Secondary Rating Point” of 150% Q at 65% P expresses the conditions at the normal fire pump test flow point.
The “Shut-Off” condition of 0% Q at 120 to 140% P expresses the pump’s discharge pressure at no flow.

All fire pumps listed for fire protection service must have performance curves that meet these three curve conditions. Fire
pumps are generally selected within a range of 90% to 130% of the primary rating point of a given pump capacity. As an
example, a 750-gpm pump might be selected and utilized for a demand of between 675 gpm and 975 gpm, but once the
primary rating point of the next size pump is reached, the larger pump should be selected.
Once a fire pump is selected from a specific manufacturer’s curve, other important system design points can be evaluated.
Plotting the fire pump’s performance curve on a graph of the project’s water flow test data allows for the prediction of the
system’s
t ’ maximum
i churn
h pressure.

According to NFPA 20, the “Shut-Off”condition pressure, plus the water supply static pressure, should not exceed 175 psi for
single-zone sprinkler/standpipe systems and 350 psi in multiple-zone systems.