The diesel engine fire pump is mainly used for unattended fire hydrant fire water supply and sprinkler fire extinguishing systems. It has the characteristics of leading technology, high degree of automation, superior performance, reasonable structure and simple installation.

When a diesel-driven fire pump is operating, it produces heat that needs to be rejected or the engine will overheat. When a technician closes the door to the fire pump room and leaves to do an errand, the noise of the fire pump can be heard. Smoke or steam is then noted, and the fire department is summoned. Evaluation afterward shows that the supply and discharge isolation valves were closed, and no recirculation piping was installed, resulting in the fire pump water line being low flow with little or no heat rejection, causing the fire pump to overheat.

In order to operate properly, a diesel fire pump drive requires a specific fuel grade and precise temperature requirements that must be met. The engine manufacturer has precise requirements for the diesel fuel that is acceptable and will have a posting on the fuel tank. Residual fuels, domestic heating oil, drained lubricating oils, biodiesel above a certain percentage, No. 1 diesel, paraffin and similar fuels are not permitted.

The diesel fuel tank is sized based on the anticipated fire duration, and a fuel tank heater is required to maintain an ambient temperature in the fire pump room. All electrical wiring is sized and brought up to the fire pump controller in accordance with the manufacturer’s submittal requirements. The fire pump engine block heater and battery electrolyte should be tested to ensure that they work as designed, and the combustion air louvers should be verified as functional.