NFPA20Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection

Presented by: Khaled Muhsen, Regional Sales Manager – Shurjoint Piping Products, Inc.

Purpose of a Fire Purpose of a Fire PumpPump

To protect lives and properties against fire To protect lives and properties against fire by supplying an adequate water supply to by supplying an adequate water supply to automatic sprinklers or standpipe systemsautomatic sprinklers or standpipe systems

To meet building codes and insurance To meet building codes and insurance requirementsrequirements

Codes and StandardsCodes and Standards

National Fire Protection Association - National Fire Protection Association - NFPANFPA– Establishes the norms that governs all fire Establishes the norms that governs all fire

installationinstallation– Continuously revises the codes (Last issue Continuously revises the codes (Last issue

2003)2003)

Listing AuthoritiesListing Authorities

Underwriters Laboratories (UL)Underwriters Laboratories (UL)

Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)

Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)Factory Mutual Research Corporation (FM)

Codes and StandardsCodes and Standards

NFPA PhilosophyNFPA Philosophy– A fire pump system should operate irrespective A fire pump system should operate irrespective

of any damage it may cause to itselfof any damage it may cause to itself– No element of the system under emergency No element of the system under emergency

conditions should: conditions should:

Prevent a fire pump from turning onPrevent a fire pump from turning on

Cause a fire pump to turn offCause a fire pump to turn off– Changes to the code must be substantiated by Changes to the code must be substantiated by

data or experience (actual scenarios)data or experience (actual scenarios)

Codes and StandardsCodes and StandardsNFPA20 Structure:NFPA20 Structure:– Definitions (3 pages)Definitions (3 pages)– Centrifugal Fire Pumps (5 pages)Centrifugal Fire Pumps (5 pages)– Positive Displacement Pumps (2 pages)Positive Displacement Pumps (2 pages)– Electric Motors (1 page)Electric Motors (1 page)– Diesel Engines (4 pages)Diesel Engines (4 pages)– Controllers (12 pages)Controllers (12 pages)– Pump Installation and Related Components (10 Pump Installation and Related Components (10

pages)pages)– Acceptance Tests and Maintenance (2 pages)Acceptance Tests and Maintenance (2 pages)

Water SupplyWater Supply– Where fire pumps are installed on a city main, a fire Where fire pumps are installed on a city main, a fire

flow test should be performed to determine flow test should be performed to determine minimum and maximum supply pressures as well minimum and maximum supply pressures as well as suitability of supply for the fire protection systemas suitability of supply for the fire protection system

– Where adequate city supply water is unavailable, a Where adequate city supply water is unavailable, a suction tank or pit should be installedsuction tank or pit should be installed

– Tank sizing must consider 150% of the fire pump Tank sizing must consider 150% of the fire pump rated flowrated flow

– Total water requirements are defined in NFPA13 Total water requirements are defined in NFPA13 (Sprinkler Systems), NFPA14 (Standpipe Systems), (Sprinkler Systems), NFPA14 (Standpipe Systems), NFPA15 (Spray or Mist Systems), Mains)NFPA15 (Spray or Mist Systems), Mains)

Pump RequirementsPump Requirements

““Centrifugal fire pumps shall be listed for Centrifugal fire pumps shall be listed for fire protection service.”fire protection service.”

““Pumps shall furnish not less than Pumps shall furnish not less than 150%150%

of rated capacity at not less than of rated capacity at not less than 65%65% of of total rated head. The shutoff head shall total rated head. The shutoff head shall not exceed not exceed 140%140% of rated head for any of rated head for any type pump.”type pump.”

Pump RequirementsPump Requirements

100% 150%

140%

100%

65%

%Rated Head

%Rated Flow

Max Shutoff Head

Pump SizingPump Sizing““A stationary pump for fire protection should be selected A stationary pump for fire protection should be selected

in the range of operation from 90 percent to 150 in the range of operation from 90 percent to 150 percent of its rated capacity. The performance of the percent of its rated capacity. The performance of the pump when applied at capacities over 140 percent of pump when applied at capacities over 140 percent of rated capacity can be adversely affected by the rated capacity can be adversely affected by the suction conditions. Application of the pump at suction conditions. Application of the pump at capacities less than 90 percent of the rated capacity capacities less than 90 percent of the rated capacity is not recommended. The selection and application of is not recommended. The selection and application of the fire pump should not be confused with pump the fire pump should not be confused with pump operating conditions. With proper suction conditions, operating conditions. With proper suction conditions, the pump can operate at any point on its characteristic the pump can operate at any point on its characteristic curve from shutoff to 150 percent of its rated curve from shutoff to 150 percent of its rated capacity.”capacity.”

Pump SizingPump Sizing

100% 150%

100%

Head

Flow

Pump Design Flow

90%

Pump Rated Flow

Misinterpreted Code Misinterpreted Code RequirementRequirement

– Sizing the fire pump - a listed pump should Sizing the fire pump - a listed pump should be applied for flows from 90% to 150% of be applied for flows from 90% to 150% of its rated pointits rated point

– Most fire pumps are sized to exceed the Most fire pumps are sized to exceed the duty requirement of the fire protection duty requirement of the fire protection systemsystem

– The rated flow is a convention used to The rated flow is a convention used to regulate the listing of pumpsregulate the listing of pumps

Pump RequirementsPump Requirements

FM & UL require that fire pumps have FM & UL require that fire pumps have packing sealspacking seals

ULC allows mechanical sealsULC allows mechanical seals

Packing requires periodic adjustment and Packing requires periodic adjustment and replacement as it hardens over timereplacement as it hardens over time

The packing gland should be tightened until The packing gland should be tightened until the seal leaks 30 drips per minutethe seal leaks 30 drips per minute

If the gland is tightened to much, the seal If the gland is tightened to much, the seal receives no lubrication and will burnreceives no lubrication and will burn

Allowable Pump Allowable Pump TypesTypes

– Horizontal Split CaseHorizontal Split Case– Vertical In-LineVertical In-Line– End SuctionEnd Suction– Vertical TurbineVertical Turbine

Horizontal Split Case Fire Pumps

HSC Fire PumpsHSC Fire PumpsBENFITSBENFITS– Available in a wide Available in a wide

flow and head rangeflow and head range– Serviceable without Serviceable without

disturbing piping or disturbing piping or driverdriver

– Available in electric Available in electric or diesel driveor diesel drive

DRAWBACKSDRAWBACKS– Large floor space Large floor space

requirementrequirement– Restricts mechanical Restricts mechanical

room layout due to room layout due to direction of rotationdirection of rotation

– More costlyMore costly– More difficult to More difficult to

serviceservice

Vertical In-Line Fire PumpsVertical In-Line Fire Pumps

VIL Fire PumpsVIL Fire PumpsBENEFITSBENEFITS– CompactCompact– ServiceableServiceable– ReliableReliable– Cost EffectiveCost Effective

DRAWBACKSDRAWBACKS– Only available up to Only available up to

1500GPM1500GPM– Electric Drive OnlyElectric Drive Only– Requires suction Requires suction

strainerstrainer

End Suction Fire Pumps

End Suction Fire PumpsEnd Suction Fire PumpsBENFITSBENFITS– Moderate floor space Moderate floor space

requirementrequirement– Flexibility in Flexibility in

mechanical room mechanical room layoutlayout

– Available in electric Available in electric or diesel driveor diesel drive

– ServiceableServiceable

DRAWBACKSDRAWBACKS– Only available up to Only available up to

1500gpm1500gpm– Single suction design Single suction design

limits hydraulic limits hydraulic efficiencyefficiency

Vertical Turbine Fire Pumps

Used where a Used where a flooded suction flooded suction cannot be cannot be maintainedmaintained

Underground water Underground water sources or below sources or below ground tanks with ground tanks with above ground pump above ground pump roomroom

Vertical Turbine Fire Vertical Turbine Fire PumpsPumps

BENFITSBENFITS– Will operate under Will operate under

suction liftsuction lift– Available in electric Available in electric

or diesel driveor diesel drive– Available over wide Available over wide

flow and head rangeflow and head range

DRAWBACKSDRAWBACKS– More costlyMore costly– More difficult to More difficult to

service and installservice and install

Typical Application Typical Application Wet Pit - Electric Wet Pit - Electric

Motor DriverMotor Driver

Typical Application Typical Application Wet Pit - Diesel Engine DriverWet Pit - Diesel Engine Driver

Suction & DischargeGaugesAir

Release Valve

Pressure Relief Valve•three pressure ranges•adjustable on site

NFPA Required NFPA Required Pump AccessoriesPump Accessories

Suction gauge must be of Suction gauge must be of the compound type (capable the compound type (capable of reading negative pressure of reading negative pressure or vacuum)or vacuum)

Discharge gauge must read Discharge gauge must read two times the working two times the working pressure of the pump and pressure of the pump and not less than 200psinot less than 200psi

NFPA Required NFPA Required Pump AccessoriesPump Accessories

1/2” Air Release Valve is 1/2” Air Release Valve is required required

Exception: top centre-line Exception: top centre-line discharge end suction and discharge end suction and vertical fire pumpsvertical fire pumps

Air Release ValveAir Release Valve

3/4” up to 2500usgpm3/4” up to 2500usgpm

1” over 3000usgpm1” over 3000usgpm

Should be set between the Should be set between the maximum suction pressure and maximum suction pressure and minimum suction pressure plus minimum suction pressure plus the closed valve pressure of the the closed valve pressure of the pumppump

Piped before the fire pump Piped before the fire pump discharge check valvedischarge check valve

Casing Relief ValveCasing Relief Valve

• Suction OS&Y Gate Valve

• Discharge Butterfly Valve

• Both must be supervised

• Discharge Butterfly Valve Installed after “Test Tee” and pressure sensing line

Isolation ValvesIsolation Valves

Hose Valve SystemsHose Valve Systems

– Provides testing meansProvides testing means– Sized by pump rated Sized by pump rated

capacitycapacity– There are hundreds of There are hundreds of

different thread types different thread types depending on jurisdiction depending on jurisdiction - type should be - type should be specified on projectsspecified on projects

Flow MetersFlow Meters– Does not replace a hose valve systemDoes not replace a hose valve system– Flow meters must be listed for fire protection serviceFlow meters must be listed for fire protection service– Gauge reading is a minimum of 175% the pump rated flowGauge reading is a minimum of 175% the pump rated flow– Provides a testing means without wasting waterProvides a testing means without wasting water– Flow meter is installed in bypass back to suctionFlow meter is installed in bypass back to suction– Must be installed with isolation valves per manufacturer’s Must be installed with isolation valves per manufacturer’s

specificationsspecifications– RULE OF THUMB:RULE OF THUMB:

Annular Type - 10Ø upstream - 5Ø downstreamAnnular Type - 10Ø upstream - 5Ø downstreamVenturi Type - 7Ø upstream - 5Ø downstreamVenturi Type - 7Ø upstream - 5Ø downstream

Main Relief Valves Main Relief Valves and Waste Conesand Waste Cones

– Sized by pump rated Sized by pump rated capacitycapacity

– Spring or pilot operatedSpring or pilot operated– Waste cone provides Waste cone provides

visibility of flow through visibility of flow through the valvethe valve

– When it is used:When it is used:

11 ( (Diesel driven systemsDiesel driven systems

22 ( (Electric systemsElectric systems??? ???

Main Relief Valve - Main Relief Valve - Diesel PumpsDiesel Pumps

1000

30

165

130

psi

GPM

Shutoff Head @ Rated Speed

20

1500

Shutoff Head @ 10%

Overspeed179

Main Relief Valves Main Relief Valves and Waste Conesand Waste Cones

– Recommended on all diesel driven Recommended on all diesel driven systemssystems

– Not required on diesel if maximum Not required on diesel if maximum supply pressure plus 1.21 x closed supply pressure plus 1.21 x closed valve pressure does not exceed valve pressure does not exceed system pressure ratingsystem pressure rating

– NFPA allows piping back to suction - NFPA allows piping back to suction - NOT recommendedNOT recommended

– Relief valve should be set below Relief valve should be set below maximum pressure rating of the maximum pressure rating of the systemsystem

Main Relief Valve - Main Relief Valve - Electric PumpsElectric Pumps

1000

60

180

130

psi

GPM

Max Shutoff Head

20

1500

Rated Head

Misinterpreted Code Misinterpreted Code RequirementRequirement

– Devices in the discharge piping - main Devices in the discharge piping - main relief or pressure reducing valves should relief or pressure reducing valves should only be installed where absolutely only be installed where absolutely necessarynecessary

– Valves introduce a failure mode and Valves introduce a failure mode and should only be used when requiredshould only be used when required

Piping, Relief Valves, Metering Devices, and Piping, Relief Valves, Metering Devices, and Hose Valves should be sized according to Hose Valves should be sized according to

Table 2-20 on Page 20-13Table 2-20 on Page 20-13..

NFPA Fitting SizingNFPA Fitting Sizing

NFPA Required NFPA Required Pump AccessoriesPump AccessoriesFire Pump Rating

GPM (L/s)Suction

Size (in.)DischargeSize (in.)

Relief ValveSize (in.)

Relief ValveDischarge

(in.)

Flow MeterSize (in.)

Number &Size of Hose

Valves

Hose ValveManifoldSize (in.)

25 (95) 1 1 ¾ 1 1¼ 1 - 1½ “ 150 (189) 1½ 1¼ 1¼ 1½ 2 1 - 1½ “ 1½100 (379) 2 2 1½ 2 2½ 1 - 2½ “ 2½150 (568) 2½ 2½ 2 2½ 3 1 - 2½ “ 2½200 (757) 3 3 2 2½ 3 1 - 2½ “ 2½

250 (946) 3½ 3 2 2½ 3½ 1 - 2½ “ 3300 (1136) 4 4 2½ 3½ 3½ 2 - 2½ “ 3400 (1514) 4 4 3 5 4 2 - 2½ “ 4450 (1703) 5 5 3 5 4 2 - 2½ “ 4500 (1892) 5 5 3 5 5 2 - 2½ “ 4

750 (2839) 6 6 4 6 5 3 - 2½ “ 61000 (3785) 8 6 4 8 6 4 - 2½ “ 61250 (4731) 8 8 6 8 6 6 - 2½ “ 81500 (5677) 8 8 6 8 8 6 - 2½ “ 82000 (7570) 10 10 6 10 8 6 - 2½ “ 8

2500 (9462) 10 10 6 10 8 8 - 2½ “ 103000 (11,355) 12 12 8 12 8 12 - 2½ “ 10

Pressure Maintenance Pump Pressure Maintenance Pump (Jockey)(Jockey)

Every system has a normal leakage rate Every system has a normal leakage rate that will result in a pressure dropthat will result in a pressure drop

Jockey Pump will maintain the pressure in Jockey Pump will maintain the pressure in the systemthe system

This will prevent the main fire pump from This will prevent the main fire pump from starting for minor leaksstarting for minor leaks

Jockey PumpsJockey Pumps

Jockey (pressure maintenance) pumps and Jockey (pressure maintenance) pumps and jockey controllers need not be listed for fire jockey controllers need not be listed for fire protection service.protection service.

““The primary or standby fire pump shall not be The primary or standby fire pump shall not be used as a pressure maintenance pump.”used as a pressure maintenance pump.”

A jockey pump should be sized such that it A jockey pump should be sized such that it CANNOT meet the flow demand of a single CANNOT meet the flow demand of a single sprinkler fixture.sprinkler fixture.

Jockey Pump SizingJockey Pump Sizing

Jockey pumps should be sized for 1% of Jockey pumps should be sized for 1% of the flow of the main fire pumpthe flow of the main fire pump

Jockey pumps should be sized to provide Jockey pumps should be sized to provide 10psi more pressure than the main fire 10psi more pressure than the main fire pumppump

Jockey pump should be sized so that it Jockey pump should be sized so that it cannot meet the demand of the lowest cannot meet the demand of the lowest flow fire protection fitting in the systemflow fire protection fitting in the system

Fire Pump OperationFire Pump Operation

– Fire pumps are designed to start on a Fire pumps are designed to start on a pressure switch settingpressure switch setting

– Some fire pumps can be started automatically Some fire pumps can be started automatically based on a deluge valve opening, or a remote based on a deluge valve opening, or a remote signalsignal

– The pressure sensing line is the lifeline for the The pressure sensing line is the lifeline for the fire protection systemfire protection system

Fire Pump OperationFire Pump Operation– Pressure switches should be rated for maximum pressure Pressure switches should be rated for maximum pressure

conditionsconditions– Sensing lines must be 1/2” non-ferrous (copper) with two Sensing lines must be 1/2” non-ferrous (copper) with two

check valves with a 3/32” hole drilled in the flappercheck valves with a 3/32” hole drilled in the flapper– Check valves are for damping of pressure when the pump Check valves are for damping of pressure when the pump

starts to protect the pressure switchstarts to protect the pressure switch– Check valves are installed 5 feet apart and must open on a Check valves are installed 5 feet apart and must open on a

pressure drop in the sensing line pressure drop in the sensing line – Check valves close when the pump startsCheck valves close when the pump starts– Jockey pump and fire pump sensing lines must be separateJockey pump and fire pump sensing lines must be separate

System gradually looses pressure

50

90 95100110

Jockey startFire Pump start

Stop PointPump shutoff

psi

Time period

boost

Fire Pump OperationFire Pump Operation

Critical New Code Requirements Critical New Code Requirements (2003)(2003)

– Extensive changes to NFPA20 including Extensive changes to NFPA20 including chapter numberschapter numbers

– Fire pump sizing will move from the Appendix Fire pump sizing will move from the Appendix to the main text of the codeto the main text of the code

– Greater clarity on devices in the discharge Greater clarity on devices in the discharge pipingpiping

– Provisions for the acceptance of electronic Provisions for the acceptance of electronic speed governors on diesel enginesspeed governors on diesel engines

– Reference to NEMA ICS 14-2001 as Appendix Reference to NEMA ICS 14-2001 as Appendix B (Application Guide for Electric Fire Pump B (Application Guide for Electric Fire Pump Controllers)Controllers)

Critical New Code Requirements Critical New Code Requirements (2003)(2003)

– Diesel tank supervision and markingsDiesel tank supervision and markings– Alternate valve arrangement for diesel Alternate valve arrangement for diesel

cooling linescooling lines– Provision for reading amperage and Provision for reading amperage and

voltage on limited service controllersvoltage on limited service controllers– Variable speed drivers as pressure limiting Variable speed drivers as pressure limiting

devicesdevices– Copper lines and fittings not allowed for Copper lines and fittings not allowed for

diesel pipingdiesel piping

Typical System Performance - 500gpm, 160psiincluding 85psi Suction Pressure

100

110

120

130

140

150

160

170

180

190

200

210

220

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750 800

Flow - GPM

Hea

d -

PS

I

2700

2800

2900

3000

3100

3200

3300

3400

3500

3600

RP

M

PLT OFF 85psi SuctPLT ON 85psi SuctPLT ON 85psi RPMPLT OFF 85psi RPM

System PressureLimit

Pressure LimitingControl Range

RPM

System Pressure

RPM

FIRE PUMP CONTROLLERSFIRE PUMP CONTROLLERS

Diesel or ElectricDiesel or Electric

Full Service or Limited ServiceFull Service or Limited Service

HP of the motorHP of the motor

Voltage of the installationVoltage of the installation

Withstand ratingWithstand rating

Starting methodStarting method

Across the Line Across the Line – Limited Service - Under 30hpLimited Service - Under 30hp– Full ServiceFull Service

Reduced VoltageReduced Voltage– Auto TransformerAuto Transformer– Wye Delta - Special Motor RequiredWye Delta - Special Motor Required– Part Winding - Special Motor Part Winding - Special Motor

RequiredRequired– Primary ResistorPrimary Resistor

CONTROLLER STARTING METHODCONTROLLER STARTING METHOD

CONTROLLER STARTING METHODCONTROLLER STARTING METHOD600

% of FullLoad

Current

Full speed

390

252200

FULL VOLTAGE

PRIM. RESISTOR

PART WINDING

AUTO-TRANSFORMER

WYE DELTA

FULL LOAD CURRENT

420

100

AUTOMATIC TRANSFER AUTOMATIC TRANSFER SWITCHESSWITCHES

What is it?What is it?– An additional controller used An additional controller used

in case of a power failurein case of a power failure

Why use it?Why use it?– To transfer the power to To transfer the power to

another source (generator another source (generator or diesel)or diesel)

When to use it?When to use it?– If Authorities Require OneIf Authorities Require One– If Power Source not ReliableIf Power Source not Reliable

Serve Three Basic FunctionsServe Three Basic Functions::• Start the Diesel Engine in an emergencyStart the Diesel Engine in an emergency• Monitor the Operation and Condition of the Monitor the Operation and Condition of the

Diesel EngineDiesel Engine• Keep the batteries chargedKeep the batteries charged

DIESEL CONTROLLERSDIESEL CONTROLLERS

Diesel Can be Started by Three MethodsDiesel Can be Started by Three Methods::• Pressure Switch (In the Automatic Mode)Pressure Switch (In the Automatic Mode)• Pressure Switch (In the Test Mode)Pressure Switch (In the Test Mode)• Manual Cranking (In the Automatic or Manual Manual Cranking (In the Automatic or Manual

Mode)Mode)

Starting sequenceStarting sequence::• Alternating cranking sequenceAlternating cranking sequence• Six cranks every 30 seconds until diesel startsSix cranks every 30 seconds until diesel starts• If diesel fails to start, an alarm is activatedIf diesel fails to start, an alarm is activated

DIESEL CONTROLLERSDIESEL CONTROLLERS

Diesel Can be Stopped by Two MethodsDiesel Can be Stopped by Two Methods::• Manually by Pushing the Stop ButtonManually by Pushing the Stop Button• Automatically after 30 minutes during weekly Automatically after 30 minutes during weekly

testtest

Overspeed shutdown:Overspeed shutdown:• A diesel fire pump will shut down in an A diesel fire pump will shut down in an

emergency condition if the diesel operates emergency condition if the diesel operates more than 20% faster than the rated speedmore than 20% faster than the rated speed

DIESEL CONTROLLERSDIESEL CONTROLLERS

Diesel Controller AlarmsDiesel Controller Alarms• Battery and Charger FailuresBattery and Charger Failures• Diesel operating condition (High Coolant Diesel operating condition (High Coolant

Temperature, Low Oil Pressure, Overspeed, Temperature, Low Oil Pressure, Overspeed, Failure to Start)Failure to Start)

• Contacts for remote indication of alarm Contacts for remote indication of alarm conditionsconditions

• Optional Pump Room Alarms (Low suction Optional Pump Room Alarms (Low suction pressure, flow meter on, Main Relief Valve pressure, flow meter on, Main Relief Valve open, Low/High Pump Room temperature, Low open, Low/High Pump Room temperature, Low fuel level, Others )fuel level, Others )

DIESEL CONTROLLERSDIESEL CONTROLLERS

Battery Charging Systems:Battery Charging Systems:• One charger for each set of batteriesOne charger for each set of batteries• Chargers are capable of fully charging the Chargers are capable of fully charging the

batteries in 24 hoursbatteries in 24 hours• Batteries remain in an overcharged Batteries remain in an overcharged

conditioncondition

DIESEL CONTROLLERSDIESEL CONTROLLERS

Pump MaintenancePump MaintenancePump acceptance tests are defined in NFPA20 Chapter 11Pump acceptance tests are defined in NFPA20 Chapter 11

Inspection and maintenance are defined in NFPA25 Inspection and maintenance are defined in NFPA25 Chapter 5Chapter 5

Seals and bearings are the highest maintenance item for a Seals and bearings are the highest maintenance item for a pumppump

The packing should be checked and adjusted each time the The packing should be checked and adjusted each time the pump is testedpump is tested

As fire pumps do not run often, bearings should be checked As fire pumps do not run often, bearings should be checked for cleanliness and to ensure that adequate oil or grease for cleanliness and to ensure that adequate oil or grease has been applied (depending on the type of bearing)has been applied (depending on the type of bearing)

Motor bearings should also be checkedMotor bearings should also be checked

Thank youThank you!!