How To Prevent Pressure Surges in Fire Protection Systems

Pressure surges occur in fire prevention systems for a variety of reasons. These include valves opening too fast or pumps shutting down without warning. The resulting rise in pressure can do damage to your pipes and fire prevention system. That can spell disaster for your facility, so it's critical to do what you can to avoid pressure surges. That's why we've compiled this detailed post to help you out. Here's how to prevent pressure surges in fire protection systems.

 

Use an Anti-Surge Control Valve  

If you want to prevent a water pressure surge in the start-up section of the vertical shaft, you need to use an anti-surge control valve. An anti-surge control valve makes it impossible for a pressure surge to occur. It's able to relieve any surge potential during the pump start-up due to its always-open nature. When the pressure stabilizes, the valve closes and acts as a relief valve.  

Fire Pump Control and Check Valves 

Another way to prevent a water pressure surge is by using a fire pump control valve. You should definitely use this method if your pressure surges occur when the pump starts up. A fire pump control valve works by: 

• Using a closed valve that prevents the initial surge of pressure during start-up
• The closed valve will gradually release the water, preventing a surge in pressure 

As you can see, a fire pump control valve is the best way to prevent pressure surges during starting up the pump. You can also replace your backflow device if it's causing pressure surges. 

A Valve Speed Control Device 

Your fire protection device has one goal, to put out any fires that occur. That's why they tend to emit lots of water pressure when they activate. The problem is that sometimes they can react too fast, causing a damaging pressure surge. To avoid this adverse effect, you can use a device to control the valve speed. That way, you can control the rate at which the valve opens and closes. If you get the speed right, the fire protection device won't react too fast and won’t cause a surge. 

Regulate the Jockey Pump Pressure 

Pressure surges occur when the jockey pump pressure is far lower than the fire pump pressure. The pressure difference can cause the valves to overreact and create a surge. If this is causing pressure waves for your system, there's an easy solution. Try to match the pressure of your jockey pump to your fire pump as close as you can. The even pressure will prevent further surges to your system.  

So that's how to prevent pressure surges in fire protection systems. You should now know how to m