pressure tank for Fire-fighting system
Fire-fighting pressure tank plays a crucial role in firefighting water supply systems. Its core function is to store and supply firefighting water using the pressure of compressed air inside the tank. It is not a large water storage container, but rather a device that, through pre-pressurization, can quickly and automatically provide pressurized fire-fighting water in the early stages of a fire or when there are fluctuations in the pipeline pressure.
The main applications are as follows:
- High-rise buildings: Provide stable initial pressure for high-zone fire protection systems and compensate for pipeline leaks.
- Automatic sprinkler systems: Essential pressure stabilizing equipment for all wet automatic sprinkler systems.
- Fire hydrant systems/Water spray and fine water mist fire suppression systems: Maintain the daily pressure of the fire hydrant network.
- Small independent fire protection systems: Such as substations, communication equipment rooms, etc. The pressure stabilizing tank can be directly combined with a water pump to form a simple constant-pressure fire water supply system.
The primary functions of a fire-fighting pressure tank are pressure stabilization and water replenishment. In automatic sprinkler or fire hydrant systems, the piping network needs to maintain a certain pressure (e.g., 0.10-0.15 MPa). When the pressure drops due to minor leaks or temperature changes, the pressure tank can immediately discharge a small amount of pressurized water to compensate for the pressure loss, avoid frequent starts of the main fire pump, save energy, and protect equipment.
In the early stages of a fire, it takes a certain amount of time (usually no more than 2 minutes) for the main fire pump to start up and reach its rated flow rate. During this "window period," the pressure tank can provide initial, pressurized fire-fighting water to 1-2 sprinklers or a fire hydrant, winning valuable time for firefighting.
Working principle:
The pressure tank contains a rubber capsule (diaphragm) that divides it into two chambers: a gas chamber (upper part, filled with nitrogen or air) and a water chamber (lower part, connected to the fire protection piping network). After system installation, the gas chamber is first pre-charged to a certain pressure (P₀), which is typically equal to or slightly lower than the minimum operating pressure required by the fire protection piping network.
Under normal operating conditions, the fire protection piping system is filled with water, and the pressure is stable. At this time, the water chamber inside the tank is also full, the gas chamber is compressed, and the pressure is balanced with the piping network pressure. When a minor leak occurs in the piping network or a temperature drop causes a pressure decrease, the pressure in the air chamber inside the tank becomes higher than the piping network pressure. This immediately compresses the capsule, forcing water from the water chamber into the piping network, thus stabilizing the pressure. This process is instantaneous and automatic, requiring no pump activation. If the pressure continues to drop (indicating a significant leak or the start of fire suppression), when the water level in the tank drops to the minimum set value and the pressure drops to the starting pressure of the main fire pump, the pressure switch will activate, automatically starting the main fire pump. The main pump supplies water for fire suppression, and simultaneously, some water flows back to the pressure tank, refilling it in preparation for the next operation.
Advantages:
- Rapid Response: Instantaneous response to pressure fluctuations, without waiting for the motor to start.
- Energy Saving and Environmental Protection: Effectively reduces the frequent starting of the main fire pump and pressure stabilizing pump, extending equipment lifespan.
- Ensures Initial Firefighting: Provides crucial first-time water supply for personnel evacuation and initial fire suppression.
- High Degree of Automation: Fully automatic, requiring no manual intervention.
Limitations:
- Limited Water Storage: Cannot be used as a primary fire water source; its water storage capacity is usually only sufficient for initial firefighting or pressure stabilization.
- Requires Regular Maintenance: Requires regular checks to ensure the capsule is intact and the air pressure is normal.
As a professional pressure tank manufacturer for over 12 years, YCZX has produced various pressure tanks and buffer tanks for firefighting systems and manufacturers. Contact us to custom pressure tanks for firefighting equipments.
