By Gary Handwerk
Fire Apparatus & Emergency Equipment Magazine
What is a pumper? It’s a delivery system that transports equipment and a fire crew to the fire scene, but what it really does is put wet stuff on the red stuff. The water delivery system in most apparatus being purchased are specified by the chief, based on past experiences, a sales representative or someone at the apparatus builder, usually with input from each of these people.
The objective should be to design the fire pump system output for the flow and pressure required at the final outlet while operating the pump system at the lowest overall operating pressure.
Low system operating pressure allows the apparatus to operate at a lower engine rpm, because lower pump pressure requires less engine speed. This means less noise, and a lower overall pressure is safer and causes less wear and tear on the pump and engine system. The process also guarantees the performance capability of the apparatus at the end of the hose.
Full story: How to determine outlet performance