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My community has a number of fire pump pressurized fire loop systems that include private fire hydrants.
These facilities are large industrial structures and require pressures in excess of 200 psi for their sprinkler systems. The hydrants are needed to provide water access within code required distances. To avoid injury to fire personnel and damage to our pumper trucks, is it possible to decrease the fire pump pressure to a manageable pressure once we have arrived on site and assessed the situation? This would allow us to operate normally while the existing sprinklers, though not at full discharge, are still adding water to the situation. I am looking for solutions that don't involve millions of dollars or running hose for a quarter mile or more. Thanks in advance. Sent in anonymously for discussion. Click Title to View | Submit Your Question | Subscribe
10 Comments
Pete H
6/9/2023 06:37:11 am
It seems difficult if this has to be a means of controlling the pressure only temporarily for when the fire department is on site.
Glenn Berger
6/9/2023 08:12:42 am
I recommend that you talk to the responding fire department. They may bring their own PRV's to handle the delivered pressures.
SCHULMAN
6/9/2023 08:20:13 am
can you slap one of these on the back of the truck? https://www.akronbrass.com/intake-pressure-relief-valve-53
Danial Bartle
6/9/2023 09:47:52 am
While this is a much nicer and newer version than when I was working on a truck, this is most likely the type that is on the intake of the pump. It has a relief valve and most are field adjustable. Definitely need a pre-planned SOP for your facility
Alex
6/9/2023 08:43:08 am
I don't have a specific code reference, but I don't believe you would be able to decrease your pressure. During a fire, your sprinkler system's demand is likely to increase as more sprinklers activate and additional hose streams start to flow.
Dan Wilder
6/9/2023 09:29:25 am
This sounds like some additional equipment will be needed for the responding crews (not millions of dollars but still a cost), a site SOP be created and implemented, the site flagged with that SOP, notification to the sister/companion responding departments, and signage be provided by the owner due to the site specific conditions.
Casey Milhorn
6/9/2023 10:13:39 am
I agree mostly with the comments. If the sprinkler systems are designed to operate in excess of 200 psi, I would be afraid of someone on site making the call on pressure reduction for them. I'm assuming ESFR Systems, and they need a lot of water, in a short amount of time, so as to control the fire spread early. Any monkeying with that recipe could be bad. I also suggest some type of PRV on the hydrant itself. If the fire sprinkler system is properly designed, installed, and maintained, the responding fire department should be limited to mostly clean up efforts. Definitely need site specific SOP for these locations and I wouldn't be afraid of asking for some $ for some PRV's for the trucks. Split between a few facilities, it should be pocket change for them.
Mark Harris
6/9/2023 06:00:19 pm
Agree with the comments that don't mess with the automatic fire sprinkler design including the fire pump. There are distribution centers that have burned down because system or pump were shut off before fire was totally extinguished. Could be addressed in design with fire hydrants off a hydrant loop and only the sprinklers downstream of the fire pump but if large building with multiple riser lead ins that would result in a high pressure underground loop for sprinklers and city pressure underground for the hydrants which could be costly. The pressure reducing device for truck pump protection and training and operation plans sound like the best answer.
James M.
6/14/2023 11:31:48 am
If the system pressure requires 200psi, I think you would need to supplement the system through the FDC at that as well.
Scott McCormick
6/15/2023 11:35:58 am
What is the reason for this? I've had several warehouse projects and this was brought up. I immediately put the stops to this for several reasons. 1 the Fire Dept uses fire engines to connect to the private fire hydrant. These are "fire pumps", if the FD connects a pumper to a hydrant and then the pump turns on and now 90% of the water will be dumped on the ground. 2 the landscaper or street sweeper operator will get killed when the pump kicks on and 2,000 GPM is coming out of the end of the hose. Leave a Reply. |
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