Hydraulic calculation of sprinkler system:

Our application will be Car parking,

1. Hazard Classification: as per NFPA13, A-2.1.2.1
It’s Ordinary Hazard Group I
2. From Density curve select density NFPA13, Figure 7-2.3.1.2 Area/density curves.
Density = 0.15 gpm/sq.ft.
3. Coverage area per sprinkler: from NFPA13, Table 8-5.3.2(a) & (b) = 130 sq.ft.
4. Remote calculated area 1500 sq.ft. & should be the highest & farthest from the pump room
5. Now we will calculate the first sprinkler head as follows;
- Min. flow rate for sprinkler = Density X Sprinkler Coverage area = 0.15 X 130 = 19.5 gpm.
- Calculate the pressure required by q = K √ ͞p ≡ P = (q/k)² = (19.5/5.6)² = 12.13 psi ( k=5.6).
- So, min. flow rate for last sprinkler 19.5 gpm @ 12.13 psi.
6. Node # 1 required 19.5 gpm & 12.13 psi.
7. Calculate friction loss between node 1 & 2:
By Hazen Williams p = 0.12418 psi/ft. = 1.61 psi
8. The pressure required at node # 2 is 12.13+1.61 = 13.74 psi so; the flow rate for node #2 will be more
than flow rate at node # 1 due to increasing pressure at node # 2.
9. Flow rate at node # 2 = K √ ͞p = 5.6 √ ͞13.͞ 7͞4 = 20.76 gpm.
10. The flow rate through pipe from node # 2 to node # 3 = 19.5 + 20.76 = 40.26 gpm.
Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 2 to node 3 = 0.47478 psi/ft. = 6.17 psi
11. Pressure at node # 3 is 19.81 psi.
12. Flow rate of node # 3 = K √ ͞p = 5.6 √ ͞19.͞ 81. = 24.93 gpm.
13. The flow rate through pipe from node # 3 to node # 4 = 40.26 + 24.93 = 65.2 gpm.
14. Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 3 to node 4 = 0.30465 psi/ft. = 3.96 psi
15. Total pressure at node # 4 is 19.81 + 3.96 = 23.77 psi.
16. Flow rate of node # 4 = K √ ͞p = 5.6 √ ͞23.͞ 7͞7. = 27.3 gpm.
17. The flow rate through pipe from node # 4 to node # 5 = 65.2 + 27.3 = 92.5 gpm.
18. Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 4 to node 5 = 0.27465 psi/ft. = 3.57 psi
19. Total pressure at node 5 is = 23.77 + 3.57 = 27.34 psi.
20. Node # 5 hasn’t discharge under calculation.
21. Flow rate from node # 5 to node # 6 is same 92.5 gpm.
22. Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 5 to node 6 = 0.27465 psi/ft. = 1.65 psi
23. Total pressure at node # 6 is = 27.34 + 1.65 = 28.99 psi.
24. Now node # 6 has flow rate of 92.5 gpm at 28.99 psi.
25. We will get K-factor for total pipes from node # 1 to node # 6 k = q /√ ͞p
26. The K-Factor for the 1ST. branch line from node # 1 to node # 6 is K= 92.5/√ ͞23.77 = 18.97.
27. Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 6 to node # 7 = 0.03423 psi/ft. = 0.34 psi
28. Total pressure at node # 7 is = 28.99 + 0.34 = 29.33 psi.
29. To get the flow rate from 2nd branch line use the formula q = K √ ͞p = 18.98√ ͞29.33 = 102.79 gpm
30. Added flow rate of 2nd branch line to the main line q = 92.5 + 102.79 = 195.29 gpm.
31. Calculate friction loss through pipe from node 7 to node # 8 = 0.09357 psi/ft. = 0.94 psi.
32. Total pressure at node # 8 is = 29.33 + 0.94 = 30.27 psi.
33. To get the flow rate from 3rd. branch line use the formula q = K √ ͞p = 18.98√ ͞30.27 = 104.43 gpm.
34. Added flow rate of 3rd. branch line to the main line q = 195.29 + 104.43 = 299.72 gpm.
35. From node # 8 no additional flow rate we have to add only we have to calculate the friction loss
through the pipe network plus added any elevation to the pressure to get the pump capacity.

This calculation only for the beginner I suggest to study NFPA13 after reading this calculation & I am
waiting your question & reply. (note: I used NFPA13 for this calculation)

Regards

Eng. Salah S. Youssef

General Manager
Alnahrain Security & Safety
Hazen-Williams formula:
From NFPA 13, 8-4.2.1

Where
p = frictional resistance in psi per foot of pipe
Q = flow in gpm
C = friction loss coefficient
d = actual internal diameter of pipe in inches

Table 8-4.4.5 Hazen-Williams C Values

Pipe or Tube C Value*
Unlined cast or ductile iron 100
Black steel (dry systems including preaction) 100
Black steel (wet systems including deluge) 120
Galvanized (all) 120
Plastic (listed) all 150
Cement-lined cast or ductile iron 140
Copper tube or stainless steel 150
Asbestos cement 140
Concrete 140
* The authority having jurisdiction is permitted to consider other C
values.