Sprinkler Pump System Modernisation
The Challenge
Obsolete Infrastructure & Performance Failure. Following a system audit, it was determined that Pumps 1 and 3 in the prison’s fire sprinkler house were no longer capable of meeting the required hydraulic duty.
Years of service had led to worn impellers and general internal deterioration, significantly reducing water pressure and flow rates. The original Pullen Fire Pumps were now obsolete, which meant they were beyond economical repair, replacement parts were no longer available and the old units did not meet modern efficiency or safety standards.
The system was also vulnerable as two out of three pumps were failing to meet their duty, which meant that the prison’s “protect-in-place” fire strategy was compromised. In a facility where rapid evacuation is not an option, a fully functional sprinkler system is the primary line of defence for inmates and staff.
The Solution
The proposed solution focused on replacing the failing units with modern, high-performance technology while standardising the pump room to simplify future maintenance.
The Works Included:
Decommissioning: Isolation and removal of the legacy Pullen units, including all associated pipework spacers and cooling loop fittings.
Replacement: Installation of 2 Armstrong LPC Fire Pumps. These were specifically chosen to match Pump 2, ensuring a uniform system.
Precision Engineering: Installation of all pipework and fittings. For operational consistency, our engineers also relocated the pump cable isolators to match the configuration of the existing Pump 2.
Managed Implementation: Due to the design of the suction isolation valves, the system required a full drain-down to replace the spacers. To maintain facility security and safety, the works were scheduled in 2-hour daily windows, ensuring the fire suppression system was only offline for the minimum time required for critical mechanical changes.
The Outcome
The upgrade successfully transitioned the prison’s fire safety infrastructure from a failing legacy system to a robust, modern installation which restored protection and operational efficiency.
Key Results:
Restored Performance: The new Armstrong pumps meet and exceed the required duty, providing the necessary pressure to protect the facility in the event of a fire.
System Reliability: By standardising all three pumps to the same Armstrong model, the prison’s facilities team now benefits from simplified spare parts management and uniform maintenance procedures.
Compliance & Safety: The system is now fully compliant with standards and safety instructions.
Minimal Disruption: Despite the technical requirement for system drainage, the project was completed without compromising the prison’s daily security protocols, with the system tested and commissioned to be fully operational.
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