Go Flow

1 Table of Contents

1. Table of Contents 1
2. GoFlow2000 2
3. GoFlow - Quickstart Example 3-11
4. GoFlow - Tree Generator Example 12-18
5. GoFlow - Grid Generator Example 19-26
6. GoFlow2000 - System Data 27-28
7. GoFlow2000 - Generate System 29-31
8. GoFlow2000 - Nodes 32-34
9. GoFlow2000 - Auto Orthogonalize 35
10. GoFlow - Booster or Fire Pump Water Supply 36-37
11. GoFlow - Equivalent K-factor with a Sprinkler on a Riser Nipple 38
12. Index 39

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2 GoFlow2000
GoFlow2000

GoFlow2000 provides a simple, fast graphical environment for designing and carrying out the hydraulic analysis of
fire sprinkler systems. The pipe system can be laid out very quickly using a mouse. A number of features have
been incorporated to simplify and accelerate the task of developing pipe system layouts and corresponding data
files. GoFlow provides comprehensive, effective results presentation which are in accordance with NFPA 13
requirements.
GoFlow operates in the Pipe2012 graphical environment. The procedures for system layout and data entry are
covered in the many audio/video tutorials. Additional tutorials are provided for GoFlow and these include
GoFlow1 - GoFlow elements
GoFlow2 - Sprinkler system layouts - 10 operations
QSP1 - QuickStart example - system layout
QSP2 - QuickStart example - data entry
QSP3 - QuickStart example - analysis and results
A QuickStart example steps you through the entire process of preparing a model and analyzing a sprinkler system.
See GoFlow2000
QuickStart.
(Section
3)
See also GoFlow2000
-
System
Data
(Section
6)
GoFlow2000
-
Nodes
(Section
8)
GoFlow2000
-
Generate
System
(Section
7)
GoFlow2000
-
Auto
Orthogonal
(Section
9)

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3 GoFlow - Quickstart Example

GoFlow - Quickstart Example

GoFlow2000 QuickStart Example

This will guide you through the complete layout development, data entry and hydraulic analysis of a simple
sprinkler system. We suggest that you run GoFlow2000 in as high a resolution as your monitor can display such
that it can be comfortably read. We recommend the following monitor settings:

Monitor Size Setting

14" or 15" 1024 x 768
17" 1280 x 1024
21" 1600 x 1200

A simple example sprinkler system is shown in Figure 1. All the required data is displayed. This example will be
used to guide you through the layout, data entry and hydraulic analysis. Note that several audio/video tutorials
(QSP1, QSP2, and QSP3) are available also to guide you through this example.

Step 1 - Initial Preparation

Initial steps include file selection, background preparation and system data input. Make sure that you are in
Layout Mode and Auto-orthogonal is selected

a. file selection - You can access an existing data file or, as for this demonstration, create a new one.
Click on File (top menu box) and select New.

b. system data input - The GoFlow System Data screen appears.

You need to enter or modify all pertinent data. The units displayed (English (g.p.m.)) are acceptable as
are all the default values displayed. You need to enter the following data:

Outside Hose Demand 100

Pipe Schedule (select) Standard
Minimum Required Density 0.1
Minimum Area/Sprinkler 400

Click on MAP to return to the GoFlow2000 drawing region.

c. background preparation - You can import a drawing, a map, utilize grid lines or choose not to use a
background. For this demonstration we will turn on a grid and use it to guide our layout and let
GoFlow2000 calculate pipe lengths.

Click on Map Settings/Grids - The grid settings of 50 (major) and 10 (minor) are good for our
demonstration so we will select them from the dropdown list and use them.

Click on Major Grid and Minor Grid check boxes. This will display background grid lines.

Step 2 - System Layout and Data Entry for Pipes and Nodes

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The map area, which appears on the screen, will show a region approximately 1000 x 1000 feet with the 10-foot
grid lines displayed. Use the Z Win button to draw a box covering 100x100'. This area will be appropriate for the
demonstration. A larger or smaller region can be displayed by clicking on the zoom in
( + ) or a zoom out ( - ) button on the left side.

Figure 1 Example pipe system

a. layout pipes - The entire piping system can be laid out using the mouse and a right click (RC) to add
pipes and nodes and a left click (LC) to select a different node The following operations will produce the
system:

1) RC on a grid line intersection in the lower left corner to make first node
2) move mouse 40 feet (4 blocks) to right and RC
3) move mouse 30 feet up and RC
4) move mouse 20 feet up and RC
5) move mouse 20 feet up and RC
6) move mouse 20 feet to right and RC
7) move mouse 20 feet to right and RC
8) select node at (a) and move 20 feet to right and RC

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9) move mouse 20 feet to left and RC

Now all the pipes and nodes are laid out. Note all nodes are junction nodes and GoFlow2000 has assigned pipe
and node names.

b. change node types - Select any nodes which are different than junctions and change to the correct
type. To do this select the junction node and select type from dropdown box under Node Information:

1) Select nodes at Sprinkler locations (LC) and change node type to Sprinkler

2) Select node at Pressure Supply location and change node type to Pressure
Supply

The system should now look as shown below. The AVI called QSP1 covers the steps described above.

Figure 2 Completed pipe system layout

c. provide data - Select each pipe and end node and provide data

1) Select each pipe and click Pipe Type (Pipe Information Window) and select choice from

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pull down list. Note that default roughness values (120) are provided. Provide appropriate
Fittings Data by checking the information in the Fittings Box (elbow for pipe with 90 degree
bend, for example) The fittings are noted in Figure 1

2) Select each Sprinkler and provide values shown for Elevation

3) Select each junction and provide Elevation. Provide a demand of 50 gpm at the node
where the inside hose is shown. Enter this node name in the System Data to generate a
report on the inside hose.

4) Select Pressure Supply and provide required data (static = 100 psi, residual = 70 psi at
residual flow = 500 gpm)

d. save data file - Provide a name and save your data file

Click on File (Main Menu) and Save As and provide a file name in the Pop-up Menu (such as QS for
QuickStart)

Step 3 - Analyze System and Review Results

d. check data and run analysis

1 Click Analyze (Main menu) and select Error Check. If errors are flagged correct these. If the
message "No Errors" appears proceed to next step.

2 Click Analyze (Main Menu) and select Analyze System and click Analyze on the Analysis
box to accept the default (Required Capacity). The Required Capacity is the hydraulic analysis
performed with the required flow at the remote sprinkler head. This will calculate the pressure
margin for your system. The Available Capacity is a hydraulic analysis using the capability of the
pressure supply. For this analysis the flow at the remote sprinkler head will be above or below
what is required.

e. review results - The results can be reviewed on the schematic using Results Labels or by looking at
the tabulated output.

1 Click on Output (Main tabs) and scroll through the tabulated summary of data and results. If
the Page Up and Page Down keys don't work click anywhere on the screen to activate them.
The tabulated output is shown in Figure 2. Click on Maps (Main tabs) to go back to your
system graphical display.

2 Click on Labels (Main menu) and select Pipe Results and Node Results to show the
pressures and flows. Figures 3 (Required Capacity) and 4 (Available Capacity) show a printout
with the pressures and flows shown. You can click on the P selector at the bottom right to
change the pipe results (to Velocity for example) and the N selector to change to the node
results (to head, for example).

3 Generate Water Supply Plot and Summary of Data and Hydraulic Calculations. Click on

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Analysis and select Supply Plot/Summary. This will generate the supply plot which is shown
in Figure 5 and the Summary which is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 3 Required Capacity - Pressure and Flow

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Figure 4 Available Capacity - Pressures and Flow

Figure 5 Supply Plot

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Figure 6 Summary of Data and Hydraulic Calculations

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Table 1 - GoFlow Data Summary

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Table 2 - GoFlow Tabulated Results

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4 GoFlow - Tree Generator Example

GoFlow - Tree Generator Example

Tree Generator Example:

For this example, we will use the tree generator in GoFlow2000 to analyze a wet pipe, center-fed, 1-2-5 extra hazard pipe
schedule system. The system characteristics are as follows:

Sprinkler K-factor: 5.6

Sprinkler spacing: 10 ft.
Branch line spacing: 10 ft.
Pipe schedule: Schedule 40

Other information is as follows:

Required design: 0.40/2500 + 500 gpm outside hose

Public water supply: Static – 100 psi
Residual – 78 psi
Flow – 1250 gpm

Sprinkler System Sketch:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Pipe2012 (make sure USB hardware key is installed); click OK

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2. From the SystemType/Units drop down box, select “GoFlow-GPM”; click Okay
3. Maximize window and enter GoFlow System Data as shown below:

Comments:

System Total Flow Requirements – This is where you can enter flow requirements at BOR; we will not typically use this
field.

Pump Cutoff Factor – these fields are used only if there’s a pump

Outside Hose is at Main Supply – enter 500 for this example; the outside hose demand is applied at the water supply
node (i.e. pump, pressure supply, tank, etc.)

Pipe Schedule – the default is Steel Schedule 40; the drop down box can be used to select a different pipe schedule
(Steel 40 and Standard are the same pipe schedules).

4. Select “Edit”, “Generate System”; select “Tree” for System Type, and “Normal”.

Enter the following information based on the sketch:

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Comments:

Displacement of cross main (X1) – distance measured from cross main to last sprinkler on left side (55 ft. in this
example)

Number of sprinklers / branch line – total number of sprinklers on both sides of cross main (11 in this example)

Number of branch lines - 6 in this example (only need to include those in remote area)

Height of riser nipple to branch lines – 1.5 ft. in this example

5. Click “Preview”; this is where you can check to make sure the system information was entered correctly.

6. Click “Generate System”, then “Map” tab and you should see the following:

Comments: GoFlow assigns node values slightly different each time a system is generated and your nodes may not be labeled
exactly as shown in the figure above. For example, node J-1 may be labeled node J-2, and vice-versa, or the sprinkler nodes may
be slightly different. This will not affect the system’s analysis.

7. Enter piping & nodes from sprinkler system to water supply:

1. Left click (LC) on node J-2 (this will be the top of riser (TOR) node)
2. Move mouse directly below node J-2 and right click (RC) to enter node J-13 and pipe connecting node J-2 and J-13.
3. Move mouse to left of node J-13 and RC to enter node J-14 and connecting pipe.
4. Change node J-14 from a junction node to a pressure supply (i.e. public water supply) by LC on the drop down box in the
Node Information window on right side of screen, and select “Pressure Supply”.
5. Enter pressure supply information – Static Pr = 100; Res Pr = 78; Res flow = 1250 gpm (leave Elevation and Gauge Dif

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fields as 0).

8. Revise diameter & length of pipes from Pressure Supply (node VP-1) to TOR (node J-2):

1. Click on “Labels”, “Pipe Diameter & Length” to display the current pipe diameters & lengths.
2. LC on pipe between nodes VP-1 and J-13.
3. In Pipe Information window, enter “8” for diameter, “100” for length, and check one box to the right of Gate valv in the
Fittings window.
4. LC on pipe between nodes J-13 and J-2.
5. In Pipe Information window, enter “8” for diameter, “28.5” for length, and check Riser box. Check one box to the right of
Alarm C\, one box for 90 elbow, and one box for Gate valv in the Fittings window.
6. Click on “Edit” and “Apply” to save all edits completed up this point.

The water supply piping should look as follows:

9. Revise the elevations of the cross main and branch line nodes:

1. LC on node J-2; enter 28.5 in Elevation on Node Information window.

2. LC on each cross main node (J-4, J-6, J-8, etc.) to revise the elevation to 28.5 as described above.

To change the branch line elevations, we will use the “G Box” selection feature:

c. LC on G Box on left side of screen. Draw a box around all of the sprinklers on the upper most branch line by holding
down LC, and dragging yellow box around sprinklers. Release LC and the selected nodes and pipes will be
highlighted in red as shown below (make sure only the nodes you want selected are highlighted):

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d. In the Edit Node Set window, select “Elevation” from the drop down box, enter “30” in the Value box, and LC
“Proceed”. This will change the elevation of the entire branch line to 30 ft. Click “Layout” on left side of screen
to exit the G Box mode.
e. Revise the elevations of the remaining 5 branch lines to 30 ft. as described above.
f. You can quickly verify all elevations are correct by LC on “Labels” and “Node Elevation”.
g. Click on “File”, Save As...” to name and save file in desired folder.

10. Conduct error checks and analysis:

1. Click on “Analyze” and “Error Check” (a window should pop up stating “No errors”).
2. Click on “Analyze” and “Connectivity Check”; click OK and LC on any pipe in the system (a window should pop up stating
“System is all connected”); click OK.
3. Click on “Analyze” and “Analyze”; the following window should pop up:

d. Select “Locate Remote Area”; click “Analyze”. This will determine the remote area of the system as follow:

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All of the sprinklers outside the remote area will be turned off to allow analysis of only the remote
area sprinklers.

e. Click on “Analyze” and “Analyze”. A window will pop up; click on “Available Capacity” and “Analyze” to
determine the maximum achievable density based on the water supply data entered. If you wanted to
determine the water demand required to deliver the 0.40/2500, you would click on “Required Capacity” and
“Analyze”.

11. Obtain results:

1. Click on “Report” tab to view calculations.

2. Click on “Analyze” and “Summary/Supply Plot” to view results and water supply curve as shown below:

c. Click on “Options”, “Supply Information” to enter water supply information and “Options”, “Project Information” to
enter project information.
d. Results can be printed from the supply graph screen by clicking “File”, “Preview Report in PDF” as shown below:

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Comments:

Based on the results in the report (calculations or summary/supply plot), the system is only capable of delivering
0.286/2500 based on the current water supplies.

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5 GoFlow - Grid Generator Example
GoFlow - Grid Generator Example

Grid Generator Example:

For this example, we will use the grid generator in GoFlow2000 to analyze a wet pipe grid. The system characteristics are as follows:

Sprinkler K-factor: 8.0

Sprinkler spacing: 10 ft.
Branch line spacing: 12 ft.
Pipe schedule: Schedule 10
Near main diameter: 6 in.
Far main diameter: 4 in.
Branch line diameter: 2 in.

Other information is as follows:

Required design: 0.30/2000 + 250 gpm outside hose

Public water supply: Static – 75 psi
Residual – 62 psi
Flow – 1050 gpm

Sprinkler System Sketch:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Open Pipe2012 (make sure USB hardware key is installed); click OK

2. From the SystemType/Units drop down box, select “GoFlow-GPM”; click Okay.
3. Maximize window and enter GoFlow System Data as shown below:

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Comments:

System Total Flow Requirements – This is where you can enter flow requirements at BOR; we will not typically use
this field.

Pump Cutoff Factor – these fields are used only if there’s a pump

Outside Hose is at Main Supply – enter 250 for this example; the outside hose demand is applied at the water supply
node (i.e. pump, pressure supply, tank, etc.)

Pipe Schedule – the default is Steel Schedule 40; use the drop down box to select Steel Schedule 10 for this example.

d. Select “Edit”, “Generate System”; select “Grid” for System Type, and “Normal”.

Enter the following information based on the sketch:

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Comments:

Distance to first sprinkler (X1) – distance measured from near cross main to first sprinkler (6 ft. in this example)

Distance to terminating cross main (X2) – distance measured from far cross main to first sprinkler (6 ft. in this example)

Number of sprinklers / branch line – total number of sprinklers on each branch line (15 in this example)

Number of branch lines – 10 in this example

Diameter of near cross main – 6 in. in this example

Diameter of far cross main – 4 in. in this example

Height of riser nipple to branch lines – 2 ft. in this example

Diameter of branch lines – 2 in. in this example

5. Click “Preview”; this is where you can check to make sure the system information was entered correctly.
6. Click “Generate System”, then “Map” tab and you should see the following:

Comments: GoFlow assigns node values slightly different each time a system is generated and your nodes may not be labeled
exactly as shown in the figure above. This will not affect the system’s analysis.

7. Enter piping & nodes from sprinkler system to water supply:

1. Left click (LC) on pipe P-81 located on left cross main (this will highlight the pipe in red).
2. In Pipe Information window on the right side of the screen, click on “Insrt”; this will insert an intermediate node in pipe P-81 (this
will be our point of connection at the near cross main).
3. Use the horizontal scroll bar at the bottom of the screen to move the near main to the center of the screen (this will allow you to
more easily view the piping that will be entered to the water supply).
4. LC on new intermediate node.
5. Move mouse directly left of the intermediate node and right click (RC) to enter node J-42 and pipe connecting node J-42 and

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intermediate node (J-41).
6. Move mouse directly down from node J-42 and RC to enter node J-43 and connecting pipe (this pipe will be the riser).
7. Move mouse directly left of node J-43 and RC to enter node J-44 and connecting pipe.
8. Change node J-44 from a junction node to a pressure supply (i.e. public water supply) by LC on the drop down box in the Node
Information window on right side of screen, and select “Pressure Supply”.
9. Enter pressure supply information – Static Pr = 75; Res Pr = 62; Res flow = 1050 gpm (Elevation and Gauge Dif fields should be
0).

8. Revise diameter & length of pipes from Pressure Supply (node VP-1) to point of connection to near main (node J-41):

1. Click on “Labels”, “Pipe Diameter & Length” to display the current pipe diameters & lengths.
2. LC on pipe between nodes VP-1 and J-43.
3. In Pipe Information window, enter “8” for diameter, “200” for length, check one box to the right of Gate valv, and one box to the
right of 90 elbow in the Fittings window.
4. LC on pipe between nodes J-43 and J-42.
5. In Pipe Information window located in upper right corner of screen, enter “8” for diameter, “33” for length, and check Riser box.
Check one box to the right of Alarm C\, one box for 90 elbow, and one box for Gate valv in the Fittings window.
6. LC on pipe between nodes J-42 and J-41.
7. In Pipe Information window located in upper right corner of screen, enter “6” for diameter and “15” for length. Check one box to
the right of Tee in the Fittings window.
8. Click on “Labels”, “All Labels Off”, and “Pipe Fittings” to display the current pipe fittings.
9. Click on “Labels”, “Node Name” to also display the nodes.
10. Click on “Edit” and “Apply” to save all edits completed up this point.

The water supply piping should look as follows:

9. Revise the lengths of the near main pipes connected to the intermediate node:

1. LC on pipe between nodes J-41 and J-19.

2. In Pipe Information window, enter “6” for length.
3. LC on pipe between nodes J-41 and J-15.

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4. In Pipe Information window, enter “6” for length

10. Revise the elevations of the cross main and branch line nodes:

1. Click on “Labels”, “All Labels Off” to clean up the screen.

2. LC on Group on left side of screen
3. LC on all nodes located at bottom of riser nipples on near and far mains; each node selected will be highlighted in red as shown
below (make sure only the nodes you want selected are highlighted):

d. In the Edit Node Set window, select “Elevation” from the Item to Edit drop down box, enter “33” in the Value box, LC
“Proceed”, and click OK. The selected nodes will be highlighted in red as shown below (make sure only the nodes you
want selected are highlighted):This will change the elevation of the highlighted nodes to 30 ft. Click “Layout” on left side of
screen to exit the Group mode.

To change the branch line elevations, we will use the “G Box” selection feature:

5. LC on G Box on left side of screen. Draw a box around all of the sprinklers and top of riser nipples by holding down LC, and
dragging the yellow box around these nodes. Release LC and the selected nodes and pipes will be highlighted in red as shown
below (make sure only the nodes you want selected are highlighted):

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f. In the Edit Node Set window, select “Elevation” from the drop down box, enter “35” in the Value box, LC “Proceed”, click
OK. This will change the elevation of all branch lines to 35 ft. Click “Layout” on left side of screen to exit the G Box mode.
g. You can quickly verify all elevations are correct by LC on “Labels” and “Node Elevation”.
h. Click on “Edit” and “Apply” to save all edits completed up this point.
i. Click on “File”, Save As...” to name and save file in desired folder.

11. Conduct error checks and analysis:

1. Click on “Analyze” and “Error Check” (a window should pop up stating “No errors”).
2. Click on “Analyze” and “Connectivity Check”; click OK and LC on any pipe in the system (a window should pop up stating
“System is all connected”); click OK.
3. Click on “Analyze” and “Analyze”; the following window should pop up:

d. Select “Locate Remote Area”; click “Analyze”. This will determine the remote area of the system as follows:

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All of the sprinklers outside the remote area will be turned off to allow analysis of only the remote area
sprinklers.

e. Click on “Analyze” and “Analyze”. A window will pop up; click on “Available Capacity” and “Analyze” to determine
the maximum achievable density based on the water supply data entered. If you wanted to determine the water
demand required to deliver the 0.32/2000, you would click on “Required Capacity” and “Analyze”.

12. Obtain results:

1. Click on “Report” tab to view calculations.

2. Click on “Analyze” and “Summary/Supply Plot” to view results and water supply curve as shown below:

c. Click on “Options”, “Supply Information” to enter water supply information and “Options”, “Project Information” to enter
project information.
d. Results can be printed from the supply graph screen by clicking “File”, “Preview Report in PDF” as shown below:

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Comments:

Based on the results in the report (calculations or summary/supply plot), the system is capable of delivering
0.381/2000 based on the current water supplies.

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6 GoFlow2000 - System Data

GoFlow2000 - System Data

GoFlow System Data

Units: Choose the units from the choices offered which include English (gpm) and three SI choices;
liters/second, centimeters/hour, liters/minute. See GoFlow Units ('Units GoFlow' in the on-line
documentation)
Default HW Coefficient: This value will be used for any pipe entered without the Hazen Williams Coefficient
defined.
System Total Flow Requirements: This is an optional input for the total flow delivered to the riser. It does not
affect the hydraulic calculations.
Pump Cutoff Factor: The pump cutoff pressure (churn) is calculated as Rated Pressure x this factor (default
value is 1.4)
Pump 1.5 Qr Factor: This defines the pressure at 1.5 x Rated Flow as the Rated Pressure x this factor.
Outside Hose is at Main Supply: Check this box of the Outside Hose is located at the main supply. If this is not
checked then the next box will ask you to identify the node for the Outside Hose*.
Outside Hose Demand: The outside hose requirement in gpm if the location is the main supply.
Inside Hose at Node: The node location for the primary inside hose requirement*.
*Note: the node (junction) demands will define the magnitude of the hose requirements at these nodes. These
requirements can be imposed at any junction in the sprinkler system.
Use KYPipe Analysis for GoFlow - This check box allows the user to use the KYPipe analysis engine to
analyze the model. This enables such features as Changes and Demand Patterns, and added options for pumps

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and pressure supplies to be used within a fire sprinkler analysis.
System Type - For GoFlow users, this should be set to GoFlow (or GoFlow (KY) if Use KYPipe Analysis for
GoFlow is selected). Other System Types are for use with other Pipe2012 models.
Pipe Schedule: Select the pipe schedule to be used for the Pipe Type from the drop down list. You can add
schedules to this list. Note: it is important to select or provide the appropriate schedule prior to entering data. See
Pipe Type. ('Pipe Type Data' in the on-line documentation)
Sprinkler Data
Default Sprinkler K: the K factor for the principal sprinklers.
Minimum Required Density: the required density (in gpm/ft^2 or appropriate SI units) for the sprinklers.
Maximum Area Per Sprinkler: the maximum coverage area per sprinkler. The required flow for a sprinkler is the
product of this and the previous entry.
Remote Region
This data will be required only of the hydraulically remote area is to be determined.
ESFR - Stands for Early Suppression Fast Response. Refers to areas of lowest pressure. By checking this box,
instead of defining the remote region are with an area and width to height ration, a configuration of 12 sprinklers
in a 4 x 3 arrangement arrangement is used. The ESFR specification uses the design pressure specified and
ignores the required density values above.
Remote Region Area - Rectangular area in ft ^ 2 or m ^2. The analysis will define the most remote area
hydraulically (lowest flow).
Width to Height Ratio: this is used to size the width and height of the remote area. For the data shown, height x
1.2 width = 1500 or height = 35.4 and width = 42.4.
Max Distance Between Branches - in feet or meters
Max Distance Between Sprinklers - in feet or meters.

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7 GoFlow2000 - Generate System

GoFlow2000 - Generate System

Generating Systems
Generating Systems is a very useful time savings feature. This is accessed as shown above by clicking on Edit and
Generate System. Before accessing the feature, select the node (layout mode) where the generated system will be
attached. The following selection appears.

Click on the basic configuration and additional choices for that configuration will appear.

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Select your configuration and the following menu will appear. You can enter the data specific to your configuration.
Note the distance parameters are noted on the schematic. Distances must be entered as a negative if the
orientation from the first to second location for that distance is to the left. For example shown below the distance
from the cross main to first (leftmost) sprinkler is 15 feet to the left (-15) and from the last sprinkler to cross main is
to the right (5). For the system being generated X1 will be -25.

Once the data is entered you can click preview to see the system before it is generated.

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8 GoFlow2000 - Nodes
GoFlow2000 - Nodes

There are a limited number of nodes available for GoFlow as shown below. Some additional description of the
nodes and associated data inputs are described.

Junction
A demand may be specified at any junction. This may represent an inside hose or other requirement. For the
inside hose the junction name should be indicated on the System Data | System Specifications screen so this will
be referenced in the tabulated report.
Reservoir
See Pressure
Supplies.
Pumps
Provide the Rated Pressure and Rated Flow for the fire pump as shown below

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Sprinkler
(Rack
Sprinkler)
Sprinkler Constant ('Sprinkler Data' in the on-line documentation) - The sprinkler constant is defined
as the flow divided by the square root of the pressure. Some typical values are presented (see Sprinkler
Constant ('Sprinkler Data' in the on-line documentation))
Sprinkler
Connections
Leave the data fields blank if the sprinkler connects directly to a branch line. Data for sprinkler connections
include the following
Length - the total length in feet (m) of the connecting pipe
Diameter - the diameter in inches (mm) of the connecting pipe
Elevation Change - the change in elevation in feet (m) from the branch line to the sprinkler (use
negative (-) sign if sprinkler is lower than branch line)
Elbow - click on number of elbows in connection

The data shown is for a connection such as the one shown below.

Pressure Supplies
All sprinkler systems should have one pressure supply which is designated as the main supply. Additional
supplies can be modeled and will be designated as Not Main supply. If a supply is a constant level reservoir then
a Reservoir node should be selected and the Grade (water level) input.

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BFP
(Backflow
Preventer)
Backflow preventers prevent flow backflow into the supply line. Over two hundred BFPs are included in the
library and you can select any of these by selecting the Type, Vendor, Model, and Diameter from the drop
down lists provided as shown below. You can add new devices by accessing the Backflow Preventer
Spreadsheet: Other Data | Loss Element (BFP).

34 Go Flow
 Go Flow

9 GoFlow2000 - Auto Orthogonalize

GoFlow2000 - Auto Orthogonalize

Auto Orthogonalize
This feature should be turned on to automatically orthogonalize pipes. It is recommended that you normally operate
with this switch on. Click on Edit and Auto Orthogonalize to turn on or off.

35 Go Flow
 Go Flow

10 GoFlow - Booster or Fire Pump Water Supply

GoFlow - Booster or Fire Pump Water Supply

Booster or Fire Pump Water Supply:

Enter fire pump test data into GoFlow using two flow/pressure points from the pump test curve as a pressure
supply:

Enter the pump test results as a pressure supply as follows:

Static Pr – enter the discharge pressure at churn (no flow)

Res Pr – calculate the estimated flow of the sprinkler system using the flowing formula:

Flow = (1.1 x sprinkler density x remote area) + hose stream

Extrapolate the discharge pressure (not the net pressure) from the pump discharge curve corresponding to the
above estimated flow. Enter this pressure as the Res Pr value in the node information window.

ESFR Systems:

For analysis of ESFR systems, the minimum required density and remote area need to be handled differently
than a conventional density/area design since ESFR system designs are based on 12 sprinklers operating at a
specific pressure and the remote area is defined as 4 sprinklers on 3 branch lines.

On the System Data tab, enter minimum required density, remote region area, and width to height ratio data as
follows:

Minimum Required Density = K x (P)½ / S

where: K = sprinkler K-factor

P = ESFR design pressure (psi)
S = sprinkler spacing (ft²)

Remote Area Region = 12 x S

where: S = sprinkler spacing (ft²)

*Width to Height Ratio = d x 4 / (RA)½

where: d = sprinkler to sprinkler distance along branch line (ft.)

RA = remote area (ft²)

36 Go Flow
 Go Flow
*Note: this number should be rounded down to the nearest tenth (i.e. 1.15 1.1)

37 Go Flow
 Go Flow

11 GoFlow - Equivalent K-factor with a Sprinkler on a Riser Nipple

GoFlow - Equivalent K-factor with a Sprinkler on a Riser Nipple

Calculating an equivalent K-factor with a sprinkler on a riser nipple:

1. Determine end head pressure using the formula Q = KvP. For this example, assume an end head density is
0.25 gpm/ft², sprinkler spacing is 100 ft², and sprinkler K-factor is 5.6:

End head flow: Q = density x sprinkler spacing = 0.25 x 100 = 25 gpm

End head pressure: P = (Q/K)² = (25/5.6)² = 19.93 psi

1. Determine friction loss through riser nipple using Hazen-Williams formula. For this example, assume the
riser nipple is 1 in. diameter and 2 ft. long with C=120 (wet system):

p = 4.52Q1.85 = 4.52(25)1.85 = 0.25 psi/ft based on 2 ft. length, p = 0.25(2) = 0.5 psi
1.85 4.87
C d 1201.8514.87

1. Determine new pressure by adding friction loss through riser nipple calculated in (2) to end pressure
calculated in (1):

p = 19.93 + 0.5 = 20.43 psi

1. Determine new K-factor with new pressure calculated in (3):

K = Q/vP = 25/v20.43 = 5.53

1. Use new sprinkler K-factor (5.53) in hydraulic analysis instead of 5.6.

38 Go Flow
 Go Flow

12 Index
Auto
Orthongonalize
GoFlow,

35
Booster
Pump
Sprinkler
System,

36-37
Default
Sprinkler
K,

27-28
ESFR
Systems,

36-37
Fire
Pump
for
Sprinkler
System,

36-37
Fire
Sprinkler
demo,

3-11
Fire
Sprinkler
System
Generator,

12-18
Fire
Sprinkler
System
Generator.,

29-31
,

19-26
Fire
Sprinkler
systems,

2
Generate
Fire
Sprinkler
System,

12-18
,

19-26
Generate
System
GoFlow,

29-31
GoFlow
-
Booster
or
Fire
Pump
Water
Supply,

36-37
GoFlow
-
Equivalent
K-factor
with
a
Sprinkler
on
a
Riser
Nipple,

38
GoFlow
-
Grid
Generator
Example,

19-26
GoFlow
-
Quickstart
Example,

3-11
GoFlow
-
Tree
Generator
Example,

12-18
GoFlow2000,

2
GoFlow2000
-
Auto
Orthogonalize,

35
GoFlow2000
-
Generate
System,

29-31
GoFlow2000
-
Nodes,

32-34
GoFlow2000
-
System
Data,

27-28
Inside
Hose,

27-28
K
Factor
Riser
Nipple,

38
Max
Distance
Between
Branches,

27-28
Max
Distance
Between
Sprinklers,

27-28
Maximum
Area
Per
Sprinkler,

27-28
Minimum
Required
Density,

27-28
Nipple
Riser
K
factor,

38
Nodes
GoFlow,

32-34
Outside
Hose
Demand,

27-28
Pressure
Supplies
GoFlow,

32-34
Pump
1.5
Qr
Factor,

27-28
Pump
Cutoff
Factor,

27-28
Rack
Sprinkler,

32-34
Remote
Region
Area,

27-28
Riser
Nipple
K
factor,

38
Sprinkler
demo,

3-11
Sprinkler
K
Default,

27-28
Sprinkler
System
Generator,

29-31
,

12-18
,

19-26
Sprinkler
Systems,

2
System
Data
GoFlow,

27-28
System
Total
Flow
Requirements,

27-28
Width
to
Height
Ratio
GoFlow,

27-28

39 Go Flow