Traditional fire pump installations on open bodies of water and rivers can be problematic from the perspectives of installation cost, maintenance and operation, and damage prevention (freezing and flooding). As such, HFRC and its partner, Holland Special Pumps (HSP), specialize in the design and use of remotely powered, hydraulic driven pumps to eliminate these problems.
Advantages
Remotely powered, hydraulically driven fire pumps offer several advantages over fixed pump house installations:
- Flood and Ice Protection – The power unit can be located well inland or uphill of the water. As a result, it can be inherently protected from flooding, ice damming, and ice flows.
- Reduced Power Cost and Fueling Risk – The onshore location of the power and fuel tanks do not need to be ran out on the dock. This can greatly lower electrical installation costs and reduce the risks associated with fuel tanks and fueling over/near the water.
- Reduce Footprint – Less space is needed along waterfronts, wharfs, and piers to place the pumps as the power unit can be located elsewhere.
- Less Weight on Marine Structures – The remote location of the power unit allows the heaviest part of the system (particularly when diesel fuel tanks are involved) to be located safely onshore. As such, a fire pump may be added to a wharf or pier with little or no structural reinforcement.
- Less Pump Maintenance – In many cases, the pump can be lowered into the water on an as-needed basis only and stored above the water line. This greatly reduces the potential for:
- Strainer/pump fouling due to debris, marine vegetation, and aquatic creatures
- Galvanic and other corrosion
- Freeze and ice flow damage
These advantages can generate significant savings in installation and long-term operational costs. This is particularly attractive in those cases where the frequency of pump use is expected to be low.
Please contact HFRC for additional information, assessments, design, and sales.