Fire pumps are an essential component in firefighting, providing a crucial supply of water to firefighters. The right fire pump can make all the difference in an emergency.
Fire pumps are extremely versatile and can be applied to a variety of situations and applications:
Portable fire pumps are compact, lightweight, and easy-to-transport fire pumps that can be taken to the scene of a fire. These pumps are designed for quick and efficient deployment. Portable fire pumps come in various sizes and configurations, from small, hand-carried pumps to larger units that can be transported on a trailer or mounted on a vehicle. They are ideal for use in rural or remote areas, or for fighting small fires in urban settings. Portable fire pumps are typically powered by gasoline, diesel, or electric engines.
Fire engine pumps, also known as fire truck pumps, are specialized pumps mounted on fire trucks, providing a critical supply of water for firefighters in the field. These pumps are designed to operate under extreme conditions, providing high-pressure water to fire hoses and fire suppression systems. Fire engine pumps come in various sizes and configurations, from smaller portable pumps to larger, more powerful units that are capable of pumping thousands of gallons per minute. They are usually powered by the engine of the fire truck, providing a self-sufficient means of water delivery that can be deployed quickly and easily to the scene of a fire. In addition to providing water, fire engine pumps may also be equipped with foam or other firefighting agents, further enhancing their versatility and effectiveness.
Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) are advanced fire suppression systems that utilize a combination of compressed air and foam to suppress fires. CAFS systems are designed to deliver a high-quality foam solution that can extinguish fires quickly and effectively. The foam solution is generated by mixing compressed air with a foam concentrate, creating a highly effective firefighting agent that can smother fires and prevent re-ignition. CAFS systems can be used in a variety of settings, from industrial and commercial buildings to municipal fire trucks. They are often chosen for their ability to deliver foam at high pressure and flow rates, allowing for quick and effective fire suppression. CAFS systems typically include a pump, an air compressor, and a foam proportioner, all integrated into a single system for ease of use.
In recent years, there have been significant technological advances in the field of fire pumps. One notable development is the increased use of digital technology, such as smart pumps that can be remotely monitored and controlled. These pumps are equipped with sensors and software that can provide real-time performance data, allowing for improved efficiency and more accurate delivery of water and foam.
Also advances in material science have led to the development of more durable and lightweight pumps, improving portability and ease of use.
There are many companies at the forefront of these developments and improvements but there are several particularly worthy of mentioning:
GODIVA offers a range of fire pump products, including vehicle-mounted pumps, portable pumps, foam and CAFS systems, trailer and skid-mounted pumps, pump kits, and modules. GODIVA has collaborated with Hale Products, a company that produces firefighting pumps and equipment, to create a new line of Hale FLEX Series pumps. These pumps are specifically designed for use in multiple applications, including fire trucks and fire boats. The Flex Series pumps are known for their durability, reliability, and versatility. Another of the new GODIVA fire pump products is the KP series of rear or midship mounted PTO driven centrifugal fire pumps, which offer unrivalled performance up to 1500 LPM and are known for their single-pressure and multi-pressure options, reduced whole life cost of ownership, and ease of installation and maintenance in a small and lightweight package.
ZIEGLER is a company which offers a range of products including portable pumps and turrets. The company is committed to being an international top brand and the customer’s first choice for performance. Some of their fire pump products include the Ultra Power Portable pump with Briggs & Stratton engine, Ultra Power Portable pump with Kohler 2-cylinder 4-cycle lightweight engine, FPN 10-1000 / FPN 15-1000 Installation Pumps. They also offer standard vehicles for firefighting and technical rescue services such as the Medium fire truck (MLF) with Z-Cab and the (H)LF 10 and (H)LF 20.
Delta Fire offers a comprehensive range of fire pumps and firefighting products that have evolved over many years of design and development by industry experts and close interaction with firefighting professionals. The company places a strong emphasis on safety and implements sustainable business practices to improve and protect the environment.
Darley Fire Pumps is a leading provider of firefighting equipment, rescue gear, tools, and supplies with a long-standing reputation for building quality products that spans almost a century. The Darley PSM pump known for being particularly low maintenance and is becoming increasingly popular among fire departments, with 80% of firefighting pumpers equipped with a 1,500-gpm single-stage pump.
CET Fire Pumps currently produces over 1500 pumps annually from its Canadian and U.S.A manufacturing facilities. They specialize in product development and offer personalized customer service to provide unmatched value in the portable fire pump market. CET Fire Pumps offers a variety of pumps including heavy-duty, compact, and floating pumps.
Rosenbauer offers a wide array of advanced custom and commercial fire trucks and pumpers, including heavy rescues, tenders, mini pumpers, light rescues, aerial ladders, and platforms, and the RTX fully electric fire truck. Their fire truck pumps are designed as centrifugal pumps, providing the best efficiency and lowest pressure surges with a range of 750 l/min to 13,000 l/min.
Angus Fire is a global leader in firefighting products and has been committed to delivering the best firefighting foam concentrates and foam equipment for over 220 years. The company offers a range of self-contained portable firefighting pumps with petrol or diesel engines. Additionally, Angus Fire is the preferred supplier of foam and foam equipment across the globe and its name has come to stand for high performance, durability, safety, and quality.
In the future, fire pumps will continue to evolve and improve. For example, advancements in material science and 3D printing technology are expected to lead to the development of lighter, more compact, and more cost-effective fire pumps.
Fire Pumps an essential component in Firefighting is written by David Blackbourn Contributing Editor at Marcus Media.