Fire pumps for firefighters
Published: 01 September, 2006
Due to roll off the production lines in early 2007, this latest pump range from Angus - LD1100 (diesel) and LW1100 (petrol) - incorporates new developments in pump technology and materials.
Due to roll off the production lines in early 2007, this latest pump range from Angus - LD1100 (diesel) and LW1100 (petrol) - incorporates new developments in pump technology and materials.
Based on a Briggs & Stratton 3 cylinder 34 hp petrol engine, the new pump has a stainless steel frame and is available in both petrol and diesel variants; it can deliver 1,100 l/min at 7 bar.
Speaking for Angus Fire, Michael Mills told F&R: “The new pumps are targeted at fire and rescue services which require a robust water-cooled unit that will feed multiple fire hoses or achieve a substantial salvage flow.
“The design incorporates electric start and a fuel tank that slides out from the main frame allowing fuel to be added with out interrupting pumping operations. Deliveries of the new models from the Bentham factory should start early in 2007.
Said to ‘combine the benefits of high pressure firefighting performance with an extremely compact design’, another new product - the - Angus LWA1200 pump is a lightweight (115kg) portable fire or industrial pump designed to be easily carried and can be operated by one person.
“Electric start and exhaust ejector priming mean the pump can be put into service quickly and easily in an emergency situation.
“Typical flows range from 1,000l/min at 8 bar delivery to over 2,000 l/min at 1 bar,” reports Mills
“The LWA1200 also uses the internationally renowned Briggs and Stratton Vanguard 35hp (26 kW) air cooled petrol engine for lightness and reliability. The ‘V’ twin, overhead valve configuration, reduces vibration and provides excellent economy. All Briggs and Stratton engines meet all major emission standards worldwide,” he reports.
“The fire pumps we have designed use robust, pressure-tested pump casings which allow substantial input pressures (10 bar on the LWA1200) from hydrants or relay pumping. This can be boosted to high output pressures - the LWA1200 is tested to 21 bar,” says Mills. “This can be done without damaging the pump or exceeding its pressure rating, a feature generally not available with lower specification pumps.”
What is it made of?
GRP, carbon-fibre, Kevlar - all the toughest and lightest new materials have been built into this pump. “The advanced design incorporates a fibreglass cowl and instrument console, a carbon-fibre fuel tank that can be moved out from the frame for fuelling without interrupting pumping operations and a Kevlar composite frame base to provide exceptional rigidity without undue weight,” reports Mills
“Municipal fire brigades can expect 1,275 l/min at 7 bar with this unit. The pump provides a fire service with three 425 l/min hand lines with pressure to spare. The 35 hp (26 kW) engine will pump over 1/2 km and still provide over 4 bar pressure at the branch pipe, a feature especially useful to rural firefighters. In situations where flow rather than pressure is critical, such as in flood relief, the LWA1200 will provide over 2,000 l/min.”
Standard features of the LWA1200 include a lightweight ‘V’ twin, low vibration, air cooled 35 hp ‘Briggs and Stratton’ petrol engine, a sound treatment package, a 12v electric start and an emergency hand start facility.
The pump has a 12 litre fuel tank capacity (11/2 hours at maximum speed), fast and simple exhaust eject priming - 3m in 20 seconds, a grade 304 stainless steel frame and fabricated components, a CC601 heat-treated light alloy corrosion resistant pump body and impeller. The LWA1200 portable pump is CE marked for sale and use within the EEC. Centrifugal pumps will allow small solids to pass through the impeller and pump without causing damage. All Angus pumps are fitted with an inlet mesh filter which is smaller than the minimum clearance size of the impeller.
New from Grindex
Grindex Pumps designs and manufactures electric submersible pumps for fire professionals worldwide. Speaking for the company, Kent Bostrom commented: “Our pumps are increasingly being used in more specialised applications such as rescue and flood relief operations. We have delivered more than 240,000 pumps to over 100 countries.
“Our PROLINE and TUFF LINE pumps range from ‘Medium Duty’ to ‘Heavy Duty’. They are available with motor output from 1 to 89 hp. The PROLINE range of submersible drainage pumps consists of 9 models with maximum capacities from 5100 gallons/minute and 375 feet head.”
Altogether six PROLINE Sludge Pump models have capacities up to 700 gallons/minute and heads up to 155 feet. Grindex sludge pumps can handle liquids with solids up to tennis ball size.
Tubo Master Drainage pumps have been designed by Grindex for narrow spaces.
“Our newest TUBO LINE Pumps are designed for dewatering in casings and other narrow spaces, down to 8” or 12”, as well as in piledriving work areas. TUBO pumps are designed for continuous operation in demanding environments and can handle pH values from 5 to 8,” explains Kent.
For more than 40 years Grindex has specialised in designing and manufacturing electrical, submersible pumps for professionals. Its heavy-duty pumps are in use all over the world. Grindex is known for reliable, durable and dependable pumps around the world. A global network of sales and service centres with specially trained personnel provide technical support.
“Grindex manufacturing facilities are certified in accordance with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 for assured manufacturing and environmental quality,” concludes Kent.
