WATEX UL/FM End Suction Fire Pump System

Nile Shield provides the WATEX UL/FM End Suction Fire Pump System, a fully integrated firefighting pump solution designed to deliver the required water flow rates and pressure for fire protection networks across a wide range of projects. The system is based on the WATEX WE End Suction pump series, featuring horizontal, single-stage centrifugal pumps with axial inlets specifically designed for firefighting applications in accordance with NFPA 20 requirements and UL 448 and FM specifications.

The WATEX WE Series features an End Suction design that covers a broad range of flow rates and operating pressures. According to the catalogue, the series supports rated flow capacities of up to 1,000 GPM, pressures of up to 229 PSI, operating temperatures of up to 105°C, and utilizes Soft Packing for shaft sealing.

The fire pump system consists of an integrated package that includes a Main Electric Driven Fire Pump as the primary firefighting pump, a Standby Diesel Driven Fire Pump as the backup unit, and a Jockey Pump for maintaining pressure within the fire protection network. Together, these components form a complete pumping system that can be configured according to the required flow rate and operating pressure of each project.

The reviewed systems are available in several configurations, including 250 GPM at 8 Bar, 500 GPM at 10.7 Bar, and 750 GPM at 9 Bar, while the WATEX WE Series also covers options reaching 1,000 GPM. This range of capacities provides flexibility in selecting the appropriate pump set according to the system design and the size and requirements of the fire protection network.

For the 250 GPM @ 8 Bar configuration, the system uses a WATEX WE 65-260 End Suction Pump operating at 2,950 RPM. The standby pump is powered by a Kirloskar KFP4R-UF05 diesel engine rated at 55 HP and operating at 3,000 RPM. The system also incorporates a WATEX RV10-10 Vertical Multistage Jockey Pump, featuring a stainless-steel casing and impeller and a 4 kW TEFC IP55 motor.

For the 500 GPM @ 10.7 Bar configuration, the system utilizes a WATEX WE 100-315 End Suction Pump operating at 2,950 RPM, powered by a 100 HP Marathon electric motor. The motor operates at 415V, 50Hz, 3 Phase, with a service factor of 1.15. The technical documentation also specifies a Cast Iron casing, Bronze impeller, and Stainless-Steel shaft.

The 500 GPM configuration also includes a WATEX RV10-16 Vertical Multistage Jockey Pump, featuring a stainless-steel casing and impeller and a 5.5 kW TEFC IP55 motor. Tornatech controllers are specified for the jockey, electric, and diesel-driven fire pumps.

Performance data for the 500 GPM configuration shows a rated flow of 500 GPM, with the performance curve recording 9.50 Bar at 150% flow and a 12.17 Bar shutoff pressure. Both performance points are recorded as PASS in the technical documentation.

For the 750 GPM @ 9 Bar configuration, the system uses a WATEX WE 100-260 End Suction Pump operating at 2,950 RPM. The electric-driven pump is powered by a 100 HP Marathon motor, while the standby pump is powered by a 116 HP Kirloskar KFP4R-UF16R2 diesel engine operating at 3,000 RPM.

The performance curve for the 750 GPM configuration confirms a rated pressure of 9 Bar, with 7.52 Bar at 150% flow and a 10.52 Bar shutoff pressure. Both results are recorded as PASS in the performance data.

One of the key advantages of the WATEX WE Series is the availability of multiple pump models covering a wide range of fire protection requirements. The series includes models such as WE 50-260, WE 50-315, WE 65-260, WE 65-315, WE 80-260, WE 80-315, WE 100-260, WE 100-315, and WE 125-315.

The Certificate of Compliance included in the technical documentation states that representative samples of WATEX Centrifugal Fire Pumps – End Suction were evaluated in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 448 – Standard for Pumps for Fire-Protection Service. The certificate also clarifies that a specific product must bear the UL Mark to be considered UL Certified and covered under UL's Follow-Up Services.

The pumps can be driven by either an electric motor or a combustion engine, with different operating speeds and performance configurations available according to user requirements. The hydraulic characteristics of the series are designed to support firefighting applications and provide suitable performance across different operating points.

The system is not limited to the main fire pump alone. It integrates the Electric Fire Pump, Diesel Fire Pump, and Jockey Pump within one complete solution, together with the associated controllers and operating components, allowing the overall package to be configured according to the requirements of each project.

The availability of 250, 500, 750, and up to 1,000 GPM options provides greater flexibility when selecting a system according to the required flow rate and operating pressure. WATEX technical tables also show 1,000 GPM options using models including WE 100-260 and WE 125-315, with different operating speeds and power ranges.

By combining End Suction Pump Technology, electric motors, diesel engines, Jockey Pumps, control systems, and multiple capacities and pump models, the WATEX UL/FM End Suction Fire Pump System provides an integrated solution for firefighting projects requiring pump packages selected according to their specific flow, pressure, and system design requirements.

Overall, the system provides a flexible range of firefighting pump solutions, starting from configurations such as 250 GPM and extending to 1,000 GPM options within the WE Series. Pump models and system components can be selected according to the requirements of the fire protection network, providing an integrated solution that combines performance, reliability, and multiple operating configurations.