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Ruhrpumpen would like to take a moment to highlight a recent success that underscores the value and effectiveness of its Re-Engineering Services for Aftermarket Parts.

A major U.S. Gulf Coast end-user approached Ruhrpumpen with a severely worn 14-inch open impeller made from carbon steel. The deterioration of this critical component placed their pump at risk of prolonged downtime, potentially impacting their operations.

When they contacted the OEM for a replacement, they were faced with an unacceptably long lead time; one they simply couldn’t afford to wait for. They needed a high-quality, cost-effective solution with minimal turnaround time.

Thanks to the expertise and collaboration between the REAP team, PMC and the Houston Service Center, Ruhrpumpen successfully:

✔ Scanned, analyzed, and re-engineered the impeller to restore it to OEM specifications.
✔ Manufactured and delivered a new precision-machined impeller in stainless steel within just 3 weeks.
✔ Ensured the customer had a durable, corrosion-resistant replacement that enhanced long-term performance.

This achievement demonstrates Ruhrpumpen’s ability to provide rapid, high-quality aftermarket solutions that minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. Its re-engineering capabilities continue to be a key differentiator in the market, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted provider of engineered solutions.

A special congratulations goes to the REAP, PMC and the Houston Service Center for their outstanding efforts in making this project a success. Their dedication and technical expertise played a crucial role in delivering a solution that exceeded the customer’s expectations.

For customers struggling with long OEM lead times or dealing with worn or obsolete components, Ruhrpumpen’s Re-Engineering Services provide a faster, high-quality alternative.

FireWatch: World Updates, February 2025

In the early hours of January 21, a catastrophic fire swept through the Grand Kartal Hotel, a ski resort in Turkey, claiming the lives of at least 78 people and injuring more than 50 others. Among the victims were both adults and children who had been staying at the hotel for a ski vacation. The first investigation into the cause of the fire that engulfed the 12-story, wooden hotel is still underway. However, a survivor commented on the safety lapses and scary escapes, by the apparent absence of a functioning fire alarm system, clearly marked fire exits, and essential fire protection measures such as sprinklers. 

The presence of fire alarms and early detection systems is crucial for saving lives. The absence of a functional or effective fire alarm system delayed guests' awareness of the fire, costing them valuable time needed for a safe evacuation. Various NFPA codes and standards, widely adopted in the United States and other jurisdictions worldwide, establish minimum requirements to help prevent such tragedies. 

Effective fire detection and timely occupant notification through a properly installed, maintained, and functional fire alarm system are vital for saving lives. NFPA 72®, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code®, sets the minimum requirements for fire detection and alarm systems in residential and commercial buildings. Similarly, NFPA 101®, the Life Safety Code®, stresses the importance of ensuring fire alarm systems remain operational and are regularly tested, enabling prompt alerts to occupants in the event of a fire, allowing for a swift and safe evacuation. 

Media reports reveal that survivors struggled to locate exits amid the chaos. Many believed there was only one escape route, while some were forced to jump from windows to flee the flames. This confusion highlights the vital need for clearly marked, easily identifiable, and accessible fire exits to ensure a safe evacuation. NFPA 101 outlines clear guidelines for means of egress, including: 

1. Accessible, clearly marked exits. 
2. Two or more escape routes to ensure no single point of failure. 
3. Regular maintenance to keep exits unobstructed and functional. 

Reports also suggest that the hotel's remote location and severe weather conditions delayed emergency responders, who took over an hour to arrive at the scene. A functioning fire alarm system could have expedited the response, as these systems provide automated emergency notifications that help fire departments react more quickly. 

Was an automatic sprinkler system installed and operational? NFPA 101 mandates that all new hotels be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system in compliance with NFPA 13, the Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Additionally, the code requires fire sprinklers in all existing high-rise hotels, defined as buildings where the floor of an occupiable story exceeds 75 feet (23 meters) above the lowest level accessible to fire department vehicles. 

Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: February 2025

Between 2014 and 2018, local fire departments responded to an average of 970 structure fires annually that originated from the ignition of flammable or combustible liquids. These incidents resulted in an estimated three civilian deaths, 57 civilian injuries, and $180 million in direct property damage each year. According to a March 2021 analysis by the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) Applied Research, these fires primarily occurred in manufacturing, industrial, warehouse (including cold storage), and storage tank facilities.  

Ignitable (flammable and combustible) liquids produce vapors that can ignite and burn. NFPA 30, the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, outlines fundamental fire and explosion prevention requirements for the safe use and storage of these liquids, helping to protect both people and property from potential hazards.  

 EXAMPLES OF IGNITABLE LIQUIDS  

• Fuels: Gasoline, diesel, home heating oil   

• Hand Sanitizers: Many types contain alcohol  

• Coatings: Paints, stains, varnishes, and other finishes  

• Cooking Oils: Peanut oil, olive oil, canola oil  

 Since 1913, NFPA 30 has provided guidance to professionals such as plant managers, environmental health and safety managers, design consultants, regulatory personnel, and fire protection engineers in safely handling ignitable liquids. Its requirements, shaped by decades of experience, aim to reduce the risk of fires and explosions in industrial, mercantile, and warehouse settings. Adhering to this code helps minimize accidents, fires, and regulatory penalties while ensuring safe operations and preventing business disruptions.  

Implementation of the requirements of NFPA 30 can help to control the fire hazards related to the storage and handling of ignitible (flammable or combustible) liquids in the following areas:  

Changes to the storage requirements of ignitible (flammable and combustible) liquids have been developed for the 2021 edition based on results of recent fire testing and include:  

• The application of NFPA 30 container requirements to beverages, medicines, food, cosmetics, and other consumer products containing water-miscible ignitible liquids that are greater than 20 percent by volume ignitible liquids instead of greater than 50 percent by volume. 

• Six new storage designs for containers storing Class IB, IC, II, IIIA, and IIIB liquids. 

• Additional storage options for protected general-purpose warehouses. 

The requirements of NFPA 30 are established by five committees comprising representatives from manufacturing, consulting, insurance, research and testing, industry and trade organizations, and government agencies. NFPA follows a consensus-based standard development process that is open to the public. To address emerging challenges in the handling and storage of ignitable liquids, NFPA 30 undergoes a revision cycle every three years.  

Ruhrpumpen´s Spotlight: February 2025

The natural gas that powers homes, fuels industries and generates power is delivered daily through a robust network of pipelines. The Natural Gas, LNG, and Simple or Combined Cycle Power Generation industries provide confidence in design and equipment specifications to maximize performance and operations.

Ruhrpumpen’s principles are mirrored in every product we deliver. We remain committed to our values as a key driver of customer satisfaction. With this in mind, we recently delivered a Fire Pump House that embodies our values: Safety, Innovation, Responsibility, Collaboration, and Integrity. A safety mindset, creative solutions, sustainability and accountability for results, and engaging others to solve problems with honesty and respect to create value and fulfill commitments. 

A vertical diesel fire water pump was supplied today UL listed and FM approved. Its 18” flanged bowls in duplex material and 10” discharge head also in duplex as well as a flanged high-pressure column 10” in duplex too. A Clarke diesel engine C13H0-UFAD68 at 422HP and 1760RPM was supplied including a right-angle Deran gear drive.

Our pumphouse also includes a controller, Tornatech, model GPD 1PH/60 HZ/12 VDC/ 12O VAC. It includes a low fuel level switch, weekly test alarm contacts, over speed alarm contacts, low oil pressure alarm contacts, high temperature alarm contacts and failure to start alarm contacts. 

Our factory acceptance test, our hydrostatic pressure test, our non-destructive examinations, impeller balancing, and tortional analysis were part of our scope of supply and results were above satisfactory.

A special feature, requested by our customer, was added to our pumphouse. A jib crane with hoist was included to manipulate or remove equipment from the pumphouse using the double hatches on the rooftop.

Don't forget to visit this link to find more information about our Fire Pumps & Systems: Fire Pumps and Systems for Firefighting Applications - RP Systems

Ruhrpumpen's Fire Campus: January 2025

To curb the growing losses caused by wildfires, the U.S. must implement significant policy changes at all levels of government. In 2021, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) introduced Outthink Wildfire™, a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing community risk over time. The approach is based on two fundamental truths: wildfires are inevitable, and the fire service cannot extinguish them quickly enough to protect people and property in their path. Anticipating increased wildfire activity in the future, Outthink Wildfire calls for collaboration across diverse U.S. organizations and disciplines to create and enforce policies that better safeguard vulnerable neighborhoods, residents, and first responders. 

The five tenets of Outthink Wildfire must be supported by all levels of government: 

• Require all homes and businesses in the wildland urban interface (WUI) to be more resistant to ignition from wildfire embers and flames.
• Current codes and standards, as well as sound land use practices must be in use and enforced for new development and rebuilding in wildfire-prone areas.
• Fire departments for communities in the WUI must be prepared to respond safely and effectively to wildfire.
• Government must increase resources for vegetative fuel management on public land.
• The public must understand its role and act to reduce wildfire risk.

In May 2022, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) held a one-and-a-half-day summit in Sacramento, California, to generate ideas and recommendations for implementing property mitigation measures on a scale that matches the wildfire risk faced by residential areas near wildfire-prone landscapes in the United States. The summit brought together participants from diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise to discuss the challenges faced by individual property owners, communities, and policymakers at all levels of government. They also identified the necessary actions to address and overcome these challenges.

FireWatch: World Updates, January 2025

Several fast-moving and destructive wildfires are raging across Los Angeles County, California, fueled by exceptionally dry conditions and hurricane-strength seasonal winds. With gusts exceeding 145 kilometers (90 miles) per hour, the fires rapidly spread into urban areas, forcing over 100,000 residents to evacuate and claiming at least five lives as of January 9. 

The largest wildfire, the Palisades Fire, broke out on the morning of January 7 on Los Angeles' west side. It has since scorched approximately 7,000 hectares (17,000 acres) and destroyed around 1,000 structures. The second largest, the Eaton Fire, ignited near Pasadena later that night, burning over 4,290 hectares by the following morning. Additionally, three smaller fires — the Sunset, Hurst, and Lidia fires — continue to burn in other areas of the region. 

Large wildfires are uncommon in California during the early months of the year. However, fire alerts—triggered by satellite data that identifies heat generated by fires—have been increasing as wildfires spread across Los Angeles County. By January 13, over 170 fire alerts were recorded in the area, exceeding the average for the first three weeks of the year from 2012 to 2024 by more than 100 times. 

Typically, Los Angeles experiences no fire alerts during the first three months of the year. The only other year with more than 10 fire alerts in the area between January and March was 2021, which ultimately became one of California's most devastating wildfire seasons.

Southern California's fire season is traditionally believed to run from May to October. However, recent studies reveal that increasing temperatures and declining precipitation are extending its duration. This trend is expected to persist, with some regions of the state already experiencing fire season as a year-round phenomenon.