Using the hydraulic calculation method for a 1 side

branched tree system was previously explained .

-We used to add the pressure losses in sprinklers”1-2-3-4”

-We added them to the losses in the pipes”1-2,2-3,3-4,4-5”
-We found the New “K Factor at node “6” that declared the
2nd branch as a 1 big sprinkler.
-we calculated the flow rate in the 2nd branch using the
Formula : Q=Ktot . P 6
-in 1 side branched system we used to start with the furthest
sprinkler “1” by calculating the flow rate which is equal to the
density x area of coverage .

-and then we calculated the

2
pressure on the mentioned
sprinkler using: P  Q 2
K

-Then we have calculated the pressure loss in the pipe using

Hazen-william equation at the convenient C value , usually
120.
-The pressure losses which must be covered by the
pump are the losses that occur on the longest run
of the whole system and the flow rate covered is the
sum of flow rate of all sprinklers .

-The Hazen William Equation is equal to :

q 1.85 1
p  1.1101.10 .( ) . 4.87
10

c D
The Problem may arise when the system is double
branched and the 2 branches do not have the same
number of sprinklers.

-At the furthest run the 2 branches must together be balanced

-Considering this system being: ordinary hazard 1 with
Area of operation equal to 1500 ft2.

-Density of Hydraulic most demand sprinkler is 0.15gpm/ft2

-Area of coverage of sprinkler = 130 ft2.
-Sprinkler K factor = 5.6.
 Pressure on
Node-Pipe Pipe length Flow on Notes
node/loss in
For pipe node/in pipe
pipe
losses
1* Sprinkler Q=0.15x130 Q 2
calculation
12.1psi P( )
K
=19.5GPM
1-2 Pipe 19.5gpm 1.6 hazen
calculation P2=1.6+ willam
Lpipe=13ft “Diameter
12.1=
of pipe is
13.7 psi given
 Pipe length Flow on node/in Pressure on
Node-Pipe Notes
node/loss in
For pipe pipe
pipe
losses
2* Sprinkler Q=K2. P 2 13.7psi P1+
calculation 20.7gpm Ploss(1-2)

2-3 Pipe 20.7+19.5=40.2gp 1.6psi hazen

calculation m P3= willam
Lpipe=13ft Q1+Q2 “Diameter
13.7+1.6
of pipe is
=15.3psi given
 Pipe length Flow on node/in Pressure on
Node-Pipe Notes
node/loss in
For pipe pipe
pipe
losses
3* Sprinkler Q=K3. P 3 15.3psi P2+
calculation =21.9GPM Ploss(2-3)

3-4 Pipe 40.2+21.9= 1.7psi hazen

calculation 62.1gpm P4= willam
Lpipe=13ft Q1+Q2+Q3 “Diameter
15.3+1.7
of pipe is
=17psi given
 Pipe length Flow on node/in Pressure on
Node-Pipe Notes
node/loss in
For pipe pipe
pipe
losses
4* Sprinkler Q=K4. P 4 17psi P3+
calculation =23.1GPM Ploss(3-4)

4-5 Pipe 62.1+23.1= 9 psi hazen

calculation 85.2gpm P5= 17+9 willam
Lpipe=13ft Q1+Q2+Q3+Q4 “Diameter
=26psi
of pipe is
given
-The final pressure at nipple 5 =26 psi and the flow rate
Going to branch “4-3-2-1” is equal to 85.2 gpm

-Now we have to identify how much flow rate shall go

to branch “6-7”.

-We start hydraulic calculation with “6-7”

As if this branch is the longest branch.
-We start with sprinkler 7 as if it is the hydraulic most
demand sprinkler, so k=5.6 , q=19.5 gpm
 Pressure on
Node-Pipe Pipe length Flow on Notes
node/loss in
For pipe node/in pipe
pipe
losses
7* Sprinkler Q=0.15x130 Q 2
calculation
12.1psi P( )
K
=19.5GPM
6-7 Pipe 19.5gpm 1.6 hazen
calculation P6=1.6+ willam
Lpipe=13ft “Diameter
12.1=
of pipe is
13.7 psi given
 Pressure on
Node-Pipe Pipe length Flow on Notes
node/loss in
For pipe node/in pipe
pipe
losses
6* Sprinkler Q=K6. P 6 13.7psi P7+
calculation 20.7gpm Ploss(6-7)

6-5 Pipe 20.7+19.5=40.2g 1.6psi hazen

calculation pm P5= willam
Lpipe=13ft Q7+Q6 “Diameter
13.7+1.6
of pipe is
=15.3psi given
 -According to Branch “6-7” Pressure at nipple “5”
Is equal to =15.3 psi and flow rate to “6-7” = 40.2gpm
-We find now the new K factor for the whole branch “6-7”
Q
Ktot 
P5
P  5 Is not the real pressure at nipple 5 , the real pressure is
already calculated = 26 psi from branch “1-2-3-4-5”
Ktot is equal to 10.2
-Now we have to balance the system by finding the real
Flow rate that is going to branch 6-7
Q6-7 = Ktot. P5

Caution: the pressure P5 in the equation above is

equal to 26 psi which belong to the real pressure
At nipple 5 calculated from the longest branch
“1-2-3-4-5”
-Q6-7 = 10.2. 26 = 52 Gpm
-Total Q at pipe 8-5 = 52 +85.2=137Gpm.
-Total pressure at 5 =26 psi.
We continue backward by calculating the flow rate at
every branch , because of the smiliratiy in branch”12-11-10-9-8”
And branch “8,13,14,15,16” , the balance is already achieved
A new Problem may arise when the most remote
Sprinkler is not at the last branch of the tree system

-How then we can calculate the demanded flow rate and

The pressure ?
-As we see above sprinkler “1” will cost the pump
the maximum pressure

-we can use the hydraulic calulation to calculate the

Pressure at nipple”5” and the flow rate sent to branch:
‘1-2-3-4-5” But the pressure at node 6 is unknown ,hence
The flow rate at node 6 is unknow as well ????
-The solution for this problem is to create 2 equations with
2 unknowns

-We know that P6 = P5- p5 6 .

-We know that Q6 = Ktot 6 . P6 . Equation 1

-Ktot 6 can be always calculated by assuming the 2
Branched “7-8” and “9-10” as the furthest branches.

q6 1.85 1
p56  1.1101.10 .( ) .
10
4.87
Equation2
c D56
 q6 1.85 1
p56  1.1101.10 .( ) .
10
4.87
Equation2
c D56
Q6= Ktot 6 . P6 Equation 1

-Ktot is known , D5-6 is known , C is known &P5 is known

-P6 and Q6 are unknon
 -We replace Equation 2 in equation 1 :
Q 2
6  K .P6
2 P6  p5  p56

  10 Q6 1.85 1  
Q 2
6  K 6 .  P5  1.1101.10 .( ) . 4.87
2
 .LPipe56  
  C D  
-We replace Equation 2 in equation 1 :
Q 2
6  K .P6 2 P6  p5  p56

Q 2
6

 
 Cst1  Cst 2. Q61.85 
 