As  Seen On: acrlatinoamerica.com July 16, 2025

In response to the growing demands of the fire protection industry, Armstrong Fluid Technology announced the expansion of its Vertical-In-Line pump line with the addition of the new 5x4x10PF model, capable of reaching a flow rate of 750 gallons per minute (gpm).

The family of Constant Speed Vertical-In-Line Fire Pumps has been expanded with a maximum 500 USGPM flow for both 60hz and 50hz markets and featuring new high-pressure ratings of up to 160PSI. They eliminate the need for offset piping and motor realignment. They also use less floor space than comparable Horizontal Split Case designs.

Profile of Vertical Turbine Pumps

Vertical turbine pumps are specially designed to move water from an underground well or reservoir. Water enters the pump through a bell-shaped part called the suction bell. From there it moves into the first stage impeller, which raises the water's velocity. Vertical turbine pumps are typically used in applications where a flooded suction cannot be maintained. These include applications with underground water sources or below-ground tanks with an above-ground pump room.

Vertical in-Line centrifugal pumps are single-stage centrifugal pumps. They are designed for vertical installation with suction and discharge in-line, to provide a smooth flow of liquid through the system. This design aligns the driver, shaft and impeller with gravitational force, so the pumps experience minimal vibration. Vertical In-line pumps serve a wide range of applications, including commercial, municipal and residential high-rise buildings, large industrial premises and storage warehouses, offshore and remote facilities, airports and power stations. Because of their small footprint, they are excellent for industrial applications where space is limited.

This type of centrifugal pump uses a casing design that draws in fluid from the end of the pump and discharges fluid out the top. End suction pumps are almost always single stage pumps, which means they use only one impeller.

Pumps that are designed and approved for fire suppression systems can be grouped into four major categories based on configuration.

Design Envelope Fire pumps are designed, assembled, and tested to meet the code requirements of a Self-Regulating Variable Speed Fire Pump Unit, as described in NFPA 20 – 2019 edition. Design Envelope Fire pumps are factory-built, integrated fire pumps consisting of a Vertical In-Line pump, driver, and variable speed control unit. They’re configured to maintain a set pressure until the maximum power draw is reached, while modulating pump speed to control to meet limits on pressure or suction.

Horizontal Split Case Fire Pump

These pumps use a between-the-bearings design, which means that the impeller is supported by bearings on both sides. This design provides more support for the impeller and enables it to rotate more efficiently under stress. HSC pumps place the suction and discharge nozzles (flanges) in the bottom half of the casing, on opposite sides. The impeller shaft is positioned slightly above the flanges. This sturdy but simple design is particularly suitable for higher flow applications, because it reduces thrust loads on the pump shaft and allows for operation over a broad range of flows.

A Review of Pump Types for HVAC Systems

Pumps can be grouped according to the method of displacement, the direction of fluid flow, orientation, and control capabilities. Major types of pumps include positive-displacement pumps, centrifugal pumps, and axial flow pumps.