Chapter 6 - Pump types and applications

Abstract

This chapter discusses the types of pumps and their applications in fire protection pumping systems. There are two major types of pumps—dynamic and positive displacement. Dynamic pumps maintain a steady flow of the fluid whereas, positive displacement pumps contain individual portions of fluid that are enclosed before they are moved along. Dynamic pumps are used for water supply and positive displacement pumps are used for foam. Centrifugal pump is a subtype of dynamic pump having a rotating impeller, or vanes, which immersed in the fluid being pumped, and is encased in housing to direct the water flow. There are a variety of positive displacement pumps available to support fire protection needs. Primarily, they are used to supply additives to water for the enhancement of firefighting efforts. They generally consist of a rotating member with a number of lobes that move in a close-fitting casing. Rotary pumps, sliding vane pumps, and reciprocating pumps are some of the models of positive displacement pumps.