DPS

DESIGN OF PLUMBING SYSTEMS

Official Publication of the New Master Plumbers / Plumbing Engineers

HYDRAULIC CALCULATION FOR AUTOMATIC WET SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

INTRODUCTION
This publication is the result of inspiration from the previous publication of American Society of Plumbing Engineers. No attempt however has been made to copy ASPEs publication but emulate its effort to provide materials for continuing education to its members and non-members. Design of Plumbing Systems (DPS) is a working pamphlet and the result of syndicated effort of concerned RMPs (Registered Master Plumbers) to extend and sustain education to peers who cannot attend formal CPE ( Continuing Professional Education) seminars or schooling. This is also a preparatory material to RMPs as-would be Plumbing Engineers in the near future.

HOW TO USE THIS PAMPHLET

This pamphlet is a guide to system designers of wet sprinkler systems as outlined in the following pages in simplified approach. This guide is not in any way or manner intended to supplant any systems used by qualified fire protection engineers to design an efficient automatic wet sprinkler system and any pretense to provide a complete and sufficient guide is hereby explicitly disclaimed. A questionnaire is provided at the end of this pamphlet. The user of this guide is suggested to answer the questions related to discussion and return to the publishers the questionnaire sheet with answers for validation purposes. The publishers are now in the process of seeking accreditation from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for CPE credit points. The user will find in this Guide a straight-forward approach in the design which calls for his/her creativity, judgment, and decisiveness which cannot be incorporated in any book or instructional manuals. The user should always refer to NFPA No. 13 during the process of calculations. English system is used throughout in the calculation.

DPS Publishers
Issue No. 001 December 2011

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DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

Page 3

HYDRAULIC CALCULATION FOR WET SPRINKLER SYSTEM (TREE- TYPE)

CALCULATION PROCEDURES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. After creating the sprinkler piping layout determine the most remote area of operation. Calculate the number of sprinkler heads and branches within the sprinkler area of operation. Determine the fire hazard classification of the commodity being protected. Select the applicable density from density/area curve of NFPA No. 13. Select the applicable area of coverage for the remotest sprinkler head from NFPA No. 13 table. 6. Use the standard form for hydraulic calculation from NFPA No. 13. 7. Provide sizes on the sprinkler piping layout from branches, cross main, feed main, riser and down to the riser pump discharge outlet.

OCCUPANCY HAZARD CLASSIFICATIONS

There are three basic occupancy hazard classifications outlined in NFPA No. 13: 1. Light Hazard 2. Ordinary Hazard: Group 1 and Group 2. 3. Extra Hazard: Group 1 and Group 2.

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

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In this pamphlet we are going to present an example of calculation for an open space office with no drop ceiling. In NFPA No. 13 offices are considered under light hazard classification.

DENSITY AND REMOTE AREA

As can be seen from the above graph for light hazard curve and 1,500 sq. ft. most demanding remote area of sprinkler operation, the density to use is 0.10 gpm/sq. ft . This means that sprinklers will operate effectively within the 1,500 sq. ft. in any fire situation. Density- the amount of water that must be delivered to the protected area every minute for every square foot of floor space. Remote Area- the farthest area of the floor space where minimum water should be delivered. For example in a protected remote area of 1,500 sq. ft. the minimum amount of water required should be 1,500 sq. ft. X 0.10 gpm/sq. ft. = 150 gpm.

REMOTE AREA AS INDICATED BY HATCHED LINES

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011 CALCULATIONS

Page 5

Based on the selected 1,500 sq. ft. (as shaded in the sample layout) area of sprinkler operation, calculate now the number of effective sprinkler heads: No. of Sprinkler Heads= Design Area/ Sprinkler Coverage Area = 1500/200= 7.5 say 8 No. of Sprinklers on branch Line= 1.2A/S where A= sprinkler operation area, sq. ft. S= sprinkler head spacing, ft. Thus, No. of Sprinklers on Branch Line= 1.2(1,500)/ 10 = 4.65 calculate 4. Since there are 8 sprinklers calculated two branches are considered for calculation in the remote area.
1/2 1/2

NOTES:
As per table below the maximum sprinkler coverage for light hazard application is 225 sq.ft for hydraulically calculated with a maximum sprinkler head to head spacing of 15 ft. In the calculation above 200 sq. ft. and 10 ft spacing are used. It is a matter of judgment and consideration of engineering economy to assign lower values without sacrificing the integrity of the system design.

Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing (Standard Spray Upright/Standard Spray Pendent) for Light Hazard
Protection Area Construction Type Noncombustible obstructed and unobstructed and combustible unobstructed Combustible obstructed Combustible with members less than 3 ft on center System Type Pipe schedule Hydraulically calculated All All ft2 200 225 168 130 m2 18.6 20.9 15.6 12.1 Spacing ( f 15 15 15 15

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011 HYDRAULIC CALCULATION FORM

Page 6

Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q

Pipe Size Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/

Req. Pressure Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe

Kfactor

None

lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011 STEP 1

Page 7

Using the hydraulic calculation form and referring to sample layout above calculate now the flow requirement of the farthest sprinkler head as follows: Q = As x D Q = 200 x 0.10 = 20 gpm Calculate the operating pressure required for the 20 gpm flow from: P1 = (Q1/k) where: Q1= 20 gpm k = 5.6 where: As= Area of sprinkler coverage, sq. ft. D = Density, gpm/sq. ft.

P1 = (20/5.6) = 12.75 psi say 13 psi. Per NFPA -13 minimum operating pressure required is 7 psi. Now, calculate the pressure loss due to pipe and fittings from sprinkler head to sprinkler head using Hazen- William formula:

4.52 Q1.85 L Pf = 1.85 4.87 C D

Where, Pf = Total friction loss in piece of pipe (psi) Q = Total flow in pipe (gpm) L = Length of pipe (feet) C = C-factor of pipe (from NFPA-13 (2007) D = Diameter of pipe (inches)

Per NFPA -13 minimum operating pressure required is 7 psi. Q = 20 gpm C = 120 from NFPA-13 table as shown below. L = 10 ft. from sample layout. D = 1.049 inch inside diameter from any pipe handbook.

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The value of friction loss due to pipes and fittings after substitution, Pf = 0.13 Pressure required due to pipes and fittings shall be, Pf = 12 x 0.13 = 1.6 psi. Assume the there is no change in elevation, pressure required due to elevation is Pe = 0. The pressure required now from Sprinkler to Sprinkler shall be, Pt = 13 + 1.6 + 0 = 14.6 psi.

Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) q

Pipe Size Nom

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/ Req. Pressure

Kfactor

Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q

20 Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

1 1.049

1 elbow

lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg

10 2 12

120

0.13

Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf

13.

1.6 0 14.6

5.6

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

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Equivalent Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Length Chart

Fittings and Valves
1/ 3/

4 2 in. in. in. 1 1 45 elbow 1 90 standard elbow 1 2 2 3 90 long-turn elbow 0.5 1 2 2 Tee or cross (flow turned 90) 3 4 5 6 Butterfly valve Gate valve 5 7 Swing check* For SI units, 1 in. = 25.4 mm; 1 ft = 0.3048 m. Notes: 1. This table applies to all types of pipe listed in Table 8-4.4.5. 2. Information on 1/2-in. pipe is included in this table only because it is allowed under 5-13.20.2 and 5-13.20.3. * Due to the variations in design of swing check valves, the pipe equivalents indicated in this table are considered ave

1 in.

11/4

11/2

Fittings and Valves Expressed in E 2 3 3 21/2 in. in. in. in. in 2 2 3 3 6 7 4 5 2 3 4 5 8 10 12 15 1 6 7 10 1 1 1 1 9 11 14 16

Light Hazard Pipe Schedules

1 in. 11/4 in. 11/2 in. 2 in. 21/2 in. 3 in. 31/2 in. Steel 2 sprinklers 3 sprinklers 5 sprinklers 10 sprinklers 30 sprinklers 60 sprinklers 100 sprinklers 1 in. 11/4 in. 11/2 in. 2 in. 21/2 in. 3 in. 31/2 in. 4 in. Copper 2 sprinklers 3 sprinklers 5 sprinklers 12 sprinklers 40 sprinklers 65 sprinklers 115 sprinklers See Section 5-2

See Section 5-2 4 in. For SI units, 1 in. = 25.4 mm.

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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STEP 2
Compute discharge capacity of sprinkler as follows:

Q=k p

Where, Q = Flow from individual sprinkler k = Sprinkler k-factor (See NFPA-13, 2007) = 5.6 p = Pressure from an individual sprinkler. = 14.6 psi.

Substituting the values in the formula, Q2 = 21.4, say 21 gpm. Now, add sprinkler and sprinkler = 20 + 21 = 41 gpm Compute for pressure loss using the formula in page 7, Pf = 0.49 psi/ft Pressure required due to pipes and fittings, Pt to = 0.49 x 15 = 7.35 say 7.30 psi. Again, there is no change in elevation and we equate, Pe to = 0
Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) q

Pipe Size Nom

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/ Req. Pressure

Kfactor

to

Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q

20 Act.

1 1.049

1 elbow 1 tee

21 Nom 1 41 Act. 1.049

Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg

10 2 12 10 5 15

120 120

0.13 0.49

Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf

13.

1.6 0 14.6 7.3 0 21.9

5.6 5.6 5.6

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DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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STEP 3
Compute the flow capacity of sprinkler using the formula in page 10, Q3 = 26.2 or 26 gpm. Now, add sprinkler and sprinkler= 41 + 26 = 67 gpm Pressure loss from equation in page 7 shall now be= 0.32 psi/ ft. From equation in page10, q4 = 29 gpm Then, add Q2-3 and q4 = 67 + 29 = 96 gpm. This is the total flow requirement from sprinkler up to sprinkler.

Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) Pipe Size q Nom 20 Act. Nom Act.

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/ Req. Pressure

Kfactor

to

Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q

1 1.049 1 1.049 1.38

1 elbow 1 tee 1 tee 1 tee

21 41 26 67 29 96

to
to

Nom 11/4 Act.

Nom 11/2 Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg

10 2 12 10 5 15 10 6 16

120 120 120

0.13 Pt
Pf Pe 0.49 Pt Pf Pe 0.32 Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf

1.6 0 14.6 7.3 0 21.9 5.1 0 27.0

5.6 5.6 5.6

1.61

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DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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STEP 4
The total flow requirement of the 4 remote sprinklers along the remote branch at 96 gpm is now known. Looking back at the sample layout in page 4, there is 1 more branch to consider as covered by the 1,500 sq.ft operating and most demanding area ( See hatched area). To determine the total flow requirement of the most demanding area we proceed as follows: Calculate the pressure required from sprinkler to point at the cross main. (The cross main is the sub-main pipe where the branches are connected. The branches are pipes where the sprinkler heads are installed. And the feed main is the main pipe connected to the riser.) From Hazen-Williams formula, p 3-4 = 0.29 psi/ft The flow requirement does not change and still at 96 gpm. But the elevation of the cross main is assumed at 1 foot below the branch pipe, Thus, Pe5 = 1 ft x 1 psi/ 2.32 ft. = 0.433 psi. Use 0.4 psi. From calculation sheet in page 14, the total pressure required at is 33.5 psi. This time the flow coefficient , k= 5.6 does not apply anymore. Since the flow and pressure requirements are known, 96 gpm and 33.5 psi, respectively, we can now compute for the system flow coefficient, ks. From formula in page 10, ks = 96/ (33.5) = 96/ 5.79 = 16.58 say 16.6 The pressure loss along the cross main from to , P 5-6 = 0.013 psi/ft Pressure required from to , Pf 5-6 = 25 ft x 0.013 psi/ft = 0.3 psi Total pressure required at now, Pt = 33.5 + 0.3 + 0 = 33.8 psi
1/2 1/2

Flow at , Q6 = 16.6 x (33.8) = 96.5 gpm which is the requirement of the second branch within the remote operating area. The system flow requirement of the most demanding area calculated, Q = Q5-6 + Q6 Q = 96 + 96.5 = 192.5 gpm. The 0.5 gpm takes care of the possible loss from to and balances the flow requirements of the 2 branches within the area of operation.

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

Page 13

Calculation does not end here. The hose requirement should be added to the calculated system flow requirement. From the table below select 50 gpm to represent inside hose. Thus, Qs = 192.5 + 50 = 242.5 gpm . Calculate 250 gpm standard capacity of fire pump per NFPA No. 20. ( This will be covered in future issues of DPS.) Assuming that our sample layout is located at the fifth floor of a 5-storey office building 4 meter high per storey. Fire pump is located 4 meters horizontally from the riser(base of ) and the following valves and fittings are to be considered before the fire pump: 3 elbows, 2 gate valves, 1 alarm check valve1 swing-type check valve. Size of the riser and discharge pipe is 4 (100mm). Calculation continues: From to there is a required floor control valve in the feed main before the connection to the riser. Using the system flow of 250 gpm compute the total pressure required from to and from to the fire pump . Finally, the fire water flow and pressure requirements of the sample layout are calculated as shown in the calculation sheet below: 250 gpm by 72.2 or 72 psi.

Hose Stream Demand and Water Supply Duration Requirements for Hydraulically Calculated Systems
Occupancy or Commodity Classification Light hazard Ordinary hazard Extra hazard Inside Hose (gpm) 0, 50, or 100 0, 50, or 100 0, 50, or 100 Total Combined Inside and Outside Hose (gpm 100 250 500

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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CALCULATION SHEET
Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) q

Pipe Size Nom

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/

Req. Pressure Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt 13

Kfactor

to

Q q Q q Q q Q q

20

Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

1 1.049 1 1.049 11/4 1.38 11/2 1.61 3 3.068 3 3.068 4 4.026

21 41 26 67 29 96 0 96

to
to

Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q

to Inside Hose

96.5 Nom 192.5 Act.

Nom 50 242.5 or Act. 250

Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom

250

lgth ftg tot lgth 1 tee ftg tot lgth 1 tee ftg tot lgth 2 tee ftg tot lgth 1 tee ftg tot 1 gate valve lgth ftg 1 elbow tot 2 gate valve lgth 3 elbow ftg tot 1 check valve lgth ftg 1 ac. valve tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth

1 elbow

10 2 12 10 5 15 10 6 16 5 16 21 10 15 25 86.9 8 94.9 65.6 78 143.6

120 120 120 120 120 120 120

0.13 0.49 0.32 0.29 0.013 0.075 0.02

1.6 0 14.6 7.3 0 21.9 5.1 0 27.0 6.1 0.4 33.5 0.3 0 33.8 7.1 0 40.9 2.9 28.4 72.2

5.6 5.6 5.6 16.6

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

Page 15

Sustained Education from Design of Plumbing Systems Version About This Month Issue
This December 2011 issue deals with hydraulic calculations for a tree-type wet sprinkler layout. This pamphlet presents the calculations in a step by step manner from determining the number of sprinkler heads to fire water and pressure requirements of the system. Methodology is based on NFPA No. 13. For those who find it difficult to attend a formal continuing education course due to reasons of time and distance availability this issuance of DPS on- line is a good means to help RMPs maintain their design technical know-how and obtain CPE points. (CPE accreditation from PRC is in process.) Questionnaire and sample design problem is provided below to test your understanding of the article presented. An answer sheet is also included for your submission to newnampap@yahoo.com for grading purposes. Corrected and graded answer will be sent back to you.

SPE Questions- Hydraulic Calculations for Wet Sprinkler System

1. A calculated sprinkler system in which pipe sizes are selected on a pressure loss basis to provide a prescribed water density, flow and minimum discharge pressure. a. Hydraulically design system. b. Pipe schedule system. c. none of the above. 2. A sprinkler system in which the pipe sizing is selected from a schedule that is determined by the occupancy classifications. a. Hydraulically design system. b. Pipe schedule system c. All of the above. 3. The pipes in which the sprinklers are installed and usually connected to the cross main. a. Riser. b. Feed main. c. None of the above. 4. The pipes supplying the branch lines directly or through the riser. a. Cross main. b. Feed main. c. All of the above. 5. The pipes supplying cross mains. a. Feed main. b. Riser. c. Branch line. 6. The vertical pipes supply pipes in a sprinkler system. a. Downspout. b. Riser c. Vertical feed main. 7. The above ground supply pipe directly connected to the water supply. a. System riser. b. Main pipe. c. None of the above.

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

Page 16

8. In the sample problem below what is the hazard classification of the occupancy? Operating area of the sprinklers? Design density? 9. How many effective sprinklers are there in the area of sprinkler operation? Branches? Sprinklers per branch? 10. Provide a tree-type wet sprinkler layout in the tenth floor of a 10- storey residential building. The tenth floor is a covered open area used by the residents for functions. The riser location is as indicated in the floor layout. Each floor is 3.5 meters high and there is no drop ceiling. The fire pump is located about 3 meters from the base of the riser. Calculate the system fire water and the pressure required to effectively meet the sprinkler system requirement using the hydraulic calculation sheet provided in the answer sheet.

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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Answer Sheet- Email to newnampap@yahoo.com

1.0 ___________ 2.0 ___________ 3.0 ___________ 4.0 ___________ 5.0 ___________ 6.0 ___________ 7.0 ___________ 8.0 ___________ 9.0 ___________ 10.0 See calculation sheet below.

HYDRAULIC CALCULATION FORM

Sprinkler Location

Flow (gpm) q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q q Q

Pipe Size Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act. Nom Act.

Fittings & Devices

Pipe Equivalent Length

Cfactor

psi/ft/

Req. Pressure Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe Pt Pf Pe

Kfactor

None

lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot lgth ftg tot

SUSTAINED PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION FOR RMPS AND PES

DPS-Issue No. 001- December 2011

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Official Magazine of the New Master Plumbers / Plumbing Engineers

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DPS Publishers wish to extend their sincerest gratitude to relentless and untiring support of all contributors. No amount of water nor any kind of sprinkler systems can extinguish the fire in their hearts to serve and share their technical know -how to all plumbing professionals.

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