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Ruhrpumpen’s Fire Campus

Operation Within 150% of the Rated Pump Curve

According to NFPA 20, fire pumps are permitted to operate at any point along the pump curve up to 150% of the rated flow capacity. This provision offers flexibility in system design and operation, allowing pumps to accommodate variable flow demands without compromising performance or certification.

Key Points:

• Rated Flow vs. Duty Point:

The rated flow is the flow rate at which the pump is officially listed or certified. The duty point, however, may sometimes exceed this value to meet specific system requirements. NFPA 20 allows pumps to safely operate up to 150% of their listed flow, provided the pump curve supports this range.

• Performance and Safety:

Operating within 150% of the pump curve ensures that the pump can deliver the necessary pressure and flow for effective fire suppression while maintaining mechanical integrity and reliability.

• Testing and Certification:

Fire pumps certified under NFPA 20 undergo rigorous testing across their operating range. This testing includes flows up to 150% of the rated capacity, verifying the pump’s ability to perform reliably without excessive vibration, overheating, or mechanical failure.

• System Design Flexibility:

This allowance enables designers to select pumps that can handle variations in system demand, accommodating future expansions or higher-than-anticipated flow requirements without the need for immediate equipment replacement.

Practical Implications

For projects where the duty point exceeds the listed flow rate, engineers and system designers can confidently specify pumps within the 150% operating range. This approach optimizes system efficiency and cost while ensuring compliance with safety standards.

For example, a pump listed at 3,500 GPM may be operated at a duty point of 4,000 GPM (approximately 114% of the rated flow) in compliance with NFPA 20, enabling tailored fire protection solutions without compromising performance.

Conclusion

NFPA 20’s allowance for fire pump operation up to 150% of the rated pump curve offers critical flexibility in fire protection system design and operation. By adhering to these guidelines, engineers and safety professionals can ensure that fire pumps deliver optimal performance, reliability, and compliance under varying operational conditions.

FireWatch: World Updates

MOL Group Refinery Fire – Százhalombatta, Hungary (October 2025).

Incident Details

• Location: MOL Group Refinery, Százhalombatta, Hungary
• Date: October 20–21, 2025
• Type of Facility: Oil Refinery (processing Russian-origin crude oil)
• Event: Fire outbreak in a processing unit
• Casualties: None reported
• Response: Immediate activation of emergency protocols; fire successfully contained

Significance and Impact

The MOL Group refinery is a key facility in Hungary’s energy infrastructure, responsible for processing a significant portion of the country’s crude oil supplies. This incident highlights the inherent risks associated with refining operations, where flammable materials and complex processing units demand stringent fire prevention and mitigation measures.

Despite the absence of injuries, the fire demonstrated the critical importance of:

• Effective early fire detection and rapid suppression capabilities
• Coordinated emergency response and shutdown procedures
• Ongoing maintenance and review of safety systems.

Fire Safety Considerations for Industrial Facilities

Industrial fires in high-risk environments such as oil refineries can have far-reaching consequences including threats to personnel safety, environmental hazards, and disruptions to critical supply chains. This event serves as a reminder for facility operators to continually assess and enhance their fire protection infrastructure.

Key safety recommendations include:

• Implementation of state-of-the-art fire detection and suppression systems tailored to specific industrial hazards
• Regular inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire pumps, alarms, and sprinkler systems
• Comprehensive emergency preparedness training for staff and coordinated response planning

Risk assessments addressing chemical, thermal, and mechanical hazards unique to refinery operations.

Safety and Operational Updates

Following the incident, MOL Group has initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Emergency protocols were promptly activated, and units unaffected by the blaze are being gradually restarted. The company has assured that Hungary's fuel supply remains secure, and air quality monitoring around the refinery has not detected harmful levels.

Ruhrpumpen's Spotlight

Fire pump system supplied by Ruhrpumpen, designed to meet the stringent fire protection needs of a leading manufacturing company operating multiple industrial facilities across the Americas. The customer required a robust, reliable fire safety solution capable of continuous operation under demanding industrial conditions, with seamless integration into their existing safety infrastructure.

This time, the system includes two diesel engine-driven fire pumps, model ZW 12x10x20 (F), constructed with durable cast iron bodies and stainless steel fittings. Each pump operates at a duty point of 4,000 US gallons per minute (GPM) at 150 psi and runs at 1,750 RPM.

The system is listed for 3,500 GPM but designed to operate efficiently at the 4,000 GPM duty point, compliant with NFPA 20 standards which allow fire pumps to operate at any point within 150% of their rated pump curve without compromising performance or certification. The pumps are powered by high-performance motors, model C18H0-UFAD42-D, rated at 614 horsepower (458.1 kW) and 1,760 RPM, compliant with T3 emission standards.

The system also incorporates a Newberry-manufactured double-wall diesel tank certified to UL-142 standards, with two tanks each holding a 500-gallon capacity, ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply and enhanced safety.

To maintain system pressure and provide immediate response to minor leaks or pressure drops, a jockey pump is included. This vertical inline multistage pump delivers 90 GPM at 166 psi and is coupled to a 15 HP electric motor operating at 3,500 RPM and 460 V, 3-phase power. All materials conform to manufacturer standards, ensuring durability and long service life.

Control and monitoring are managed through an ETL-listed Ruhrpumpen pre-engineered packaged skid system, model 4000-ZW-CW-DE. This skid includes the two diesel engine-driven pumps and the jockey pump, designed for a rated capacity of 3,500 GPM and a rated pressure of 150 psig.

The control panel, housed in a rugged NEMA 4 enclosure for superior protection against environmental factors, is a GPD model capable of 24 VDC and 208-240 V inputs and equipped with Modbus TCP/IP communication provisions for easy integration into the customer’s facility management systems. The panel’s robust design features ensure reliable operation in harsh industrial environments.

This fire pump system solution was tailored to the customer’s specific requirements, reflecting their commitment to operational excellence and safety.

By leveraging Ruhrpumpen’s high-quality components, advanced engineering, and rigorous testing, the system ensures rapid activation, reliable fire water delivery, and long-term protection of critical assets. The integration of certified diesel tanks and modern control systems provides enhanced safety and ease of operation.

Additional terms include an extended warranty of 30 months, with 24 months operational coverage, and delivery freight on a Delivered At Place (DAP) basis.

Are you looking for Fire Pumps and Systems to cover your pumping needs? Let Ruhrpumpen help solve your pumping demands.

Contact us now by clicking here.

Ruhrpumpen’s Fire Campus

In previous posts, we’ve already discussed the NFPA 20 standard and its importance in the firefighting industry. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into the main guidelines and requirements set by NFPA 20 to ensure fire protection systems function properly during an emergency. We’ll also include a brief step-by-step list covering the design, installation, operation, and maintenance processes.

NFPA 20 does not provide a strict definition of a "reliable" power source within its enforceable sections. But Annex A offers important guidance often used by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to assess power reliability for fire pump applications.

According to this guidance, a power source is considered reliable if it meets certain criteria:

• First - The source’s power plant must not have experienced shutdowns lasting more than four continuous hours during the twelve months prior to the plan submittal.
• Second - The area or facility served by the source should not have a history of frequent unscheduled outages, with exceptions made for interruptions caused by natural disasters or large-scale utility failures.
• Third - The power supply to the fire pump should not be routed through overhead conductors located outside the protected premises, as these are more exposed to damage and fire risks.
• Finally, the system must be designed with a single disconnecting means and overcurrent protective device located at or near the fire pump controller, with no additional switches or devices that could inadvertently interrupt power to the pump.

When these conditions are not met, and the normal power source cannot be deemed reliable, NFPA 20 requires the addition of at least one alternate source of power. Acceptable alternatives include a standby or emergency generator sized to support the full starting and running load of the fire pump, a second utility service or an independent utility feed from a different substation or network path, or a backup fire pump powered by a separate engine, such as a diesel-driven pump. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that fire pumps remain operational under all circumstances, even if the primary electrical supply fails.

In addition to evaluating the reliability of the power source, NFPA 20 outlines other important technical considerations. The system must accommodate specific voltage drop limitations. When the fire pump starts at locked rotor condition, the power system must allow for a voltage drop, typically up to 15 percent, while under full running load, the voltage drop should not exceed 5 percent. Moreover, the infrastructure supporting the electrical supply—including feeders, service conductors, and switchgear—must be carefully designed and protected. This includes placing conductors underground or in fire-rated enclosures where necessary to safeguard them from physical damage or fire exposure.

For professionals at Ruhrpumpen’s Fire Systems Division, this information has several practical implications.

First, it is important to collect and review utility performance data in every project—specifically looking for outage history and any extended shutdowns. This will help determine whether the primary power source meets NFPA’s criteria for reliability. If the utility supply is found to be insufficient, the system design must include an appropriate alternate power solution, whether through a generator, dual feed, or alternate pump type.

Early coordination with the AHJ is essential, as they have final authority in determining whether the chosen power source is acceptable. Presenting technical data and proposed alternatives during the design phase can help avoid costly delays or redesigns.

Furthermore, it is critical to ensure that all electrical components, especially disconnects and overcurrent protection devices, comply with NFPA 20’s requirements, and that overhead wiring is avoided in vulnerable areas. During system commissioning, both normal and alternate power sources should be tested under load conditions to confirm that the pump starts reliably and that voltage drops stay within permissible limits.

After installation, the power supply system must be regularly monitored and maintained. This includes routine testing of standby generators, verifying fuel availability for engine-driven pumps, and keeping detailed records of utility performance.

By following these guidelines, Ruhrpumpen can ensure that its fire protection systems meet NFPA 20 standards, providing dependable performance in emergency situations and satisfying both engineering best practices and AHJ requirements.

Are you looking for Fire Pumps and Systems to cover your pumping needs? Let Ruhrpumpen help solve your pumping demands.

Contact us now by clicking here.

FireWatch: World Updates

A major fire at a car battery warehouse in the United States once again highlighted the growing risks associated with lithium-ion storage facilities. The incident forced the evacuation of nearby residential areas due to toxic smoke and the potential risk of explosion, raising renewed safety concerns around the management of high-energy batteries.

According to emergency services, the fire escalated rapidly after ignition, generating thick plumes of smoke that spread across the surrounding area. First responders deployed specialized firefighting units and hazardous materials teams to contain the blaze. While no injuries were reported, the incident underscored how thermal runaway, a condition where batteries overheat uncontrollably, can turn into a large-scale industrial hazard.

The question of how best to suppress lithium-ion battery fires remains complex. NFPA 855 references that sprinkler systems (water-based) and water mist may play a role in containment or cooling, though water is not universally considered the primary extinguishing method. Other approaches, such as foam-based solutions, encapsulating agents, or clean agents, are also being evaluated depending on the type of facility and the scale of storage. What is clear is that cooling and containment are crucial to reduce the spread of fire and safeguard nearby structures and assets.

For operators handling volatile or high-density materials, this reinforces the critical role of reliable fire protection systems. Fire pumps and suppression equipment must be fully operational, compliant with safety standards, and capable of providing rapid pressure delivery, redundancy, and compatibility with different extinguishing agents as determined by risk analysis.

At Ruhrpumpen, our Fire Systems Division is committed to supporting critical infrastructure worldwide with UL/FM-certified pumping solutions engineered for resilience, compliance, and performance. Because when dealing with high-energy risks, preparedness is not optional, it’s the only defense.

While no single system can fully eliminate the risks of lithium-ion fires, robust protection strategies, and the reliable pumping systems behind them, remain essential for minimizing impact and protecting lives.

Ruhrpumpen's Spotlight

As part of its commitment to delivering reliable fire protection solutions for critical infrastructure, Ruhrpumpen’s Fire Systems Division recently completed the supply of a fully engineered, prepackaged fire pump system for a major industrial gases and chemicals facility in Edmonton, Canada. This project highlights our ability to meet demanding performance, safety, and compliance standards for world-class operations.

Engineered for High Demand Applications

At the heart of the system are two HSC 8x14x21E (E) horizontal split case fire pumps. These pumps are designed for durability, high flow rates, and reliable operation in line with NFPA 20 and international fire safety standards.

• Duty Point: 681.4 m³/h @ 106.5 m of differential head
• One pump is electric-driven, featuring:
• A 400 HP motor operating at 1800 RPM (4 poles)
• CSA-approved, suitable for CSA Safe / UL Fire Pump area classifications
• Direct-On-Line (DOL) starting method
• TEFC enclosure, with IP55 protection
• Operating at 460 V / 60 Hz / 3 phase
• The second pump is diesel engine-driven, equipped with:
• A 455 HP engine rated at 1760 RPM
• EPA Tier 3 Certified, with UL/FM approval
• 230V-AC, 2000 Watt jacket water heater for cold-weather reliability
• 24 VDC electrical system
• NEMA 4X/IP66 316 stainless steel instrument panel, ensuring corrosion resistance and system integrity

Integrated Jockey Pump for System Pressure Maintenance

To maintain system pressure and reduce pump cycling, the package includes a vertical inline multistage jockey pump, either Grundfos or Ruhrpumpen CR model:

• Flow capacity: 6.0 m³/h @ 106 meters
• ANSI 32 discharge and suction connections
• 3.7 kW electric motor at 3461 RPM, 460 V / 3 Ph / 60 Hz
• TEFC motor enclosure
• Equipped with anti-condensation heater and thermostat for extended motor life

Prepackaged Pump House

All components were delivered in a fully prepackaged fire pump house configuration, minimizing installation time and ensuring factory-assembled quality. While the specific structural details of the pump house are proprietary, this all-in-one solution includes pre-installed piping, electrical connections, and controls — greatly simplifying site integration and commissioning.

Serving a Leading Global Industrial Operator

The end user of this system is a global leader in industrial gases and chemical solutions, operating one of its key facilities in the Edmonton area. Known for supplying essential gases such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen to sectors including energy, refining, and manufacturing, this customer is recognized for its strict adherence to safety, operational uptime, and environmental standards.

Securing this project reflects Ruhrpumpen’s position as a trusted partner for high-profile industrial clients requiring dependable fire protection systems that meet exacting technical and regulatory requirements.

Are you looking for Fire Pumps and Systems to cover your pumping needs? Let Ruhrpumpen help solve your pumping demands.

Contact us now by clicking here.