A jockey pump works by maintaining constant pressure in a fire sprinkler system's pipes, ensuring readiness for activation.
The primary function of a jockey pump, a small pump in a fire sprinkler system, is to keep the water pressure within the pipes at a specific level. Fire sprinkler systems are designed to hold water under pressure. Over time, minor leaks or temperature changes can cause the pressure to drop slightly. The jockey pump automatically turns on to compensate for these small pressure losses, topping up the system to its required pressure set point.
Maintaining System Pressure
Think of the jockey pump as a diligent guardian for the fire sprinkler system's pressure. It operates within a narrow pressure range, activating when the pressure dips just below the set point and shutting off once it reaches the desired level again.
- Action: The jockey pump senses a minor pressure drop in the sprinkler pipes.
- Response: It automatically starts and pumps a small amount of water into the system.
- Outcome: The system pressure is restored to the correct level.
This constant maintenance prevents the main fire pump from starting unnecessarily due to minor leaks.
The Critical Role in Fire Detection
Maintaining this constant pressure is vital for the system's rapid response to a fire. Here's why, directly integrating information from the reference:
This is to ensure that if a fire-sprinkler is activated, there will be a pressure drop, which will be sensed by the fire pumps automatic controller, which will cause the fire pump to start.
When a sprinkler head activates (due to heat from a fire), water is released, causing a significant and rapid drop in the system's pressure. Unlike the slow leaks handled by the jockey pump, this sudden pressure loss signals a genuine demand for water to suppress a fire. The fire pump controller is specifically calibrated to recognize this larger, faster pressure drop.
| Component | Function Related to Jockey Pump |
|---|---|
| Jockey Pump | Maintains baseline pressure |
| Sprinkler Pipes | Hold pressurized water |
| Sprinkler Head | Activates, causes pressure drop |
| Pressure Sensor | Detects pressure drops |
| Fire Pump Controller | Senses pressure drop (major) and starts main pump |
| Main Fire Pump | Provides high-volume water for fire suppression |
In essence, the jockey pump keeps the system primed and pressurized. This allows the system's pressure monitoring equipment to reliably distinguish between minor leaks (handled by the jockey pump) and actual fire activation (triggering the main fire pump).
