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Case Study
Unical AG S.p.A.

Logo Unical AG S.p.A. - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.
At the UNICAL facility in Caorso (PC), work has begun to upgrade the fire suppression system with the aim of bringing the existing system into compliance with current regulations. The project required a careful review of the technical solutions, particularly regarding the resizing of the tank—a task managed and optimized through coordination between Idroelettrica and the client’s designer.

Client requirements

The project aimed to:
  • bring the existing fire protection system into compliance with current regulations;
  • properly manage the resizing of the water reserve/reservoir while maintaining the performance required by the project;
  • improve the reliability and maintainability of the pumping station;
  • Eliminate operational issues typical of traditional systems (inlet/priming), especially in presence of an underground reservoir.

Idroelettrica's proposal

Idroelettrica SpA, in close collaboration with the design firm, proposed a FIREBOX VTP with vertical submersible axial-flow pumps, as required by UNI EN 12845 (see Section 10.6.1). The solution was developed according to the following hydraulic diagram:
  • underground storage tank;
  • pump compartment located directly above the tank.
This configuration allows you to:
  • Keep the main pumps at a negative pressure at all times;
  • eliminate inlet and priming problems;
  • improve access to the components of the pressurization system, thereby simplifying inspections and maintenance;
  • ensure consistent performance over time, in accordance with design requirements and regulatory updates.

The Result

The adoption of VTP systems (vertical-axis submersible pumps) has yielded tangible benefits:
  • greater reliability and efficiency of the fire protection water supply;
  • the ideal solution for underground water reservoirs, offering stable operation and reducing inlet-related issues;
  • elimination of common cavitation problems in traditional pumps;
  • An updated system that is consistent with the goal of regulatory compliance, with optimal results achieved through collaboration with the client’s designer.
Mirco Panelli
Caorso Plant Management
Our company prioritizes well-being, focusing on comfort and safety, and carefully selecting the supplier of the fire protection system to ensure quality.

Project specifications

Product employed

Underground water reserves

External UNDERGROUND Tank Right Chamber - Idroelettrica Spa
Idroelettrica buried fire‑water reservoir: monobloc tanks for underground installation, pressure‑tested and protected with epoxy coatings; available in pedestrian or vehicular (drive‑over) versions and engineered with static and dynamic structural verifications.
2
Ico Grup - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.

pump-set

2 Motopompe1 Pompa Jockey
Ico Pump - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.

Pump Type

14 kW + 1,1 kW
Ico Inst - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.

Installation

Sottobattente

Ico Prest - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.

Hydraulic Performance

Flow rate: 72 m³/h

Head: 53 m.w.c.

Ico Norm - Idro-elettrica S.p.A.

Applicable standards


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