What is PUK Safety Fill?

When our PUK VARI COM, PUK VARI TANK (Twin) and PUK VARI TWIN booster sets are first turned on the control panel initiates our unique ‘Safety Fill’ feature to protect from rapid pressurisation. In tall buildings when a booster pump is first started, water can fill the system rapidly and create a hydraulic shock surge also known as ‘water hammer’, which can cause extreme damage to pipework.

Our ‘Safety Fill’ program first starts one pump at a low power level for a few minutes slowly filling the water system. This removes the risk of a sudden pressure shock and the pump can then operate at full power within only a couple of minutes.

This is particularly helpful in the even of a power cut. If power fails then the water pressure and levels inevitable drop. Upon the power being restored the pump system will start again and this is when your pipework is a risk. Our technology slowly refills the riser (and associated pipework) before allowing the pump to provide full working pressure protecting your pipework while you are not there!

We also recommend as best practice to install a Vent & Vac valve or Vent-A-Riser to the top of any risers to allow for the release of air upon filling and for air to enter if the riser is drained preventing a vacuum.

• Soft Start Program – Our pump start at reduced power slowly to prevent current spikes and sudden system loads.
• Water Rises Slowly – For a pre-set length of time water rises through the system, slowly increasing the level and filling the pipework.
• Preventing Water Shock – Safety fill technology prevents sudden shocks to pipework and reduces the need for shock arrestors and valves.
• Sprinkler Safe – On top of our Safety Fill technology we also offer Sprinkler Safe. If you fire system runs off the same booster pump as the cold water system then Sprinkler Safe bypasses the slow start protocol so the pumps can start rapidly to help fight the fire.

All variable speed twin pump systems that use a PUK control panel has this system built in. It can also be retrofitted to other booster sets with a full new electronic overhaul. If you would like to discuss this feature in regards to your specific building then please contact our booster pump team at boosters@pumpsukltd.co.uk.