HASS USER GUIDE Page 1–1

CHAPTER 1

Introduction to HASS

HASS® (Hydraulic Analyzer of Sprinkler Systems) was first licensed in 1976 as a tool for
designing, proving, and reviewing fire sprinkler systems . . . a hydraulics analysis program easily
used by engineers, sprinkler contractors, designers and reviewers alike. HASS is valuable in
determining the initial design concept with the Grid Estimator/ Sizer or the Tree Generator with
proposed results calculated in just a few minutes. Also, you receive major revisions about once
a year, as HASS continually adds new features and improves the ease of use. Before we get
into the detailed operation of HASS, let's cover some of items you’ll need to know and
equipment you will need for effective use.

1.1 Operator Requirements

Most HASS users have experience in sprinkler system design, layout or review. While an
engineering degree is not required, a technical background is important, since standard fire
protection industry jargon is used throughout. HASS was designed for use by those with
sprinkler design knowledge, not by computer people. Successful HASS use requires an
operator who is capable of making value judgments concerning calculations results. After all,
the operator has direct responsibility for proper use of HASS as a tool in completing the design
or layout and proving the system.
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1.2 Computer Requirements

HASS operates on a computer equipped with a CD-ROM drive, a 80486 or Pentium processor
chip, and Windows 95 and above.

1.3 Operating the Computer

If you have operated other Windows programs, you can expect to operate this HASS Windows
program with little or no difficulty . . . but, if you are switching over from any other hydraulics
program, you may find that you need to forget some old habits and establish new ones. In any
case, before beginning serious HASS Windows use, you will want to spend some time exploring
various features, using sample data, such as the examples included in this User Guide, as well
as systems you have calculated earlier.

Note: We provide no training on the operation of your computer system, so you may want to
carefully review your computer and Windows manuals, and perhaps purchase additional tutorial
programs.

In addition to HASS, you may need other fire protection software (such as HASS-ESTIMATOR,
HASS HOUSE or COOSA® - for CO2 system analysis).

1.4 Initial Set Up

HASS installation instructions are provided with each major shipment.

Files are compressed before shipment and must always be installed in the prescribed
manner for proper operation.

Once installed please secure the HASS CD-ROM, user code and installation
instructions, safe and ready for future authorized use.

With HASS installed on your computer, you are ready to work through the examples shown on
green (English) or ivory (metric) pages of this manual. As you proceed, please keep these
points in mind:

Do not reset the computer while HASS is running unless you have exhausted every
other possible remedy.

Make a backup copy of HASS data files (based on the value of the stored data).

1.5 Overview of the HASS Program

The HASS program performs hydraulic analysis in accordance with NFPA-13 and calculates
ANY configuration of nodes and pipes. The calculation uses the total supply available or the
demand as specified by minimum end head flow or pressure with an option to calculate using
velocity pressures. The Hazen-Williams formula is used for most situations with an option to
use the Darcy-Weisbach formula for certain calculations, such as high pressure water mist
systems (NFPA 750). You can review entered data as well as the report on the screen and by
hardcopy printout. Reports are patterned after NFPA-13 and are accompanied by a graphics
N1.85 water supply curve and flowplot (based on automatically generated or manually entered
X-Y coordinates).
HASS USER GUIDE Page 1–3

Written in the "C++" programming language, HASS includes more than just the ability to
calculate a sprinkler system. The Grid Estimator gives proposed pipe sizes, and automatic
peaking proves the remote area of the grid. The Tree Generator gives a layout using the
ordinary hazard piping schedule, and a deluge option for all sprinklers flowing. The System
Builder assembles branch lines and cross mains for more complex systems, while General Data
Entry allows each node and pipe to be entered individually.

Pipe tables let you enter pipe data by nominal diameter and fittings by letter, making automatic
adjustment with respect to Schedule 40 piping and changes in Hazen-Williams coefficient
(HWC). For pumps, enter data by rated flow and pressure or by five points of the pump curve.
A missing pipe identifier helps you locate data entry errors so you can make any needed
changes as you optimize the design.

Among other features, HASS allows calculation with negative pressures at non-flowing nodes,
development of equivalent K-factors and templates for developing coversheets ready to
accompany the report as it is printed. HASS permits the cutting and pasting of data to repeat
identical items and groups of items, modifying items one at a time, or globally changing several
identical items using a Replace function. Help screens are active in all modules.

1.6 General Features

Two major features are common to all program modules; one is to develop input data describing
the sprinkler system layout, while the other is to understand the screen layout for receiving the
above developed data. Together, they add immensely to the flexibility of HASS, but in different
ways. Let's first consider the sprinkler system layout.

1.6.1 The Sprinkler System Layout

In describing the sprinkler system layout we will constantly be using the words "node" and
"pipe", so you will need to have a clear idea in your mind of what these things are.

A NODE may be a point of inflow such as a source, or a point of discharge such as a sprinkler
or hose stream. A node is also needed to represent a point where three or more pipes join,
where there is a change in pipe diameter or Hazen-Williams coefficient, or wherever the
calculated pressure should be shown.

A PIPE, on the other hand, represents a run of piping or tubing that connects two and only two
nodes. By far the most common kind of "pipe" is real pipe, but HASS also considers fire pumps
and fixed pressure loss devices as "special kinds of pipes". Each node and each pipe must
have a unique tag. This makes it possible to add and delete nodes and pipes at will using
General Data Entry.

When new nodes and pipes are introduced, we have chosen to assign numerical node and pipe
tags. These tags should suit the designer's individual preference, and allow flexibility in labeling
the drawing. You may overtype these assumed tags using up to eight characters in any
combination of letters and numbers, or use the re-numbering option to use a new sequential
numbering system for modified layouts.
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1.6.2 Program Screens and Areas

A screen presents a display of information subdivided into various areas. At the top of most
screen displays is a common header that specifies the current version of the program, the user's
license number, and the name of the active sprinkler data file. On the next line, the Menu bar
presents major activities for selection, and is followed below by the Toolbar displaying options
active during each selected activity.

Most program modules have only one data area but in the General Data Entry/Editing program
there are three areas, with only one area active at a time. You can move to another area with a
click of the left mouse button or using <Alt+P> to go to pipes, <Alt+N> to go to nodes, <Alt+S>
to go to the source, or <Alt+Spacebar> to move in a counterclockwise direction from one area to
the next.

Each area of the Data Entry Screen is subdivided into fields. A field is a block of one or more
column positions along a single row, used to display input. When you click the desired field,
asterisk to the left of the row and a box around the field indicates that the field is active. The
extent of the box indicates the width of the field.

1.6.3 Editing Within a Field

There are several types of fields, although they all appear to be identical on the computer
screen. Since each program module "knows" what kind of information should go in each field,
any illegal keyboard entries are immediately recognized and ignored, causing the computer to
"beep" a warning. So for the most part, letters and numbers may be entered into the screen
fields from the keyboard.

A click of the left mouse button or the Enter key tells the computer to accept the currently
displayed contents as you move out of a field. The field value is then checked for
reasonableness, the data is accepted, and the next sequential field becomes the active field.

You will want to have a clear understanding of the many routine features that Windows provides
to speed up data entry and editing within a field. Let’s take a look at some of these techniques
on the following page.

Click - After placing the mouse cursor over a specific point, depress and release the left mouse
button.

Double Click - After placing the mouse cursor over a specific point, depress and release the left
mouse button twice in reasonably rapid succession.

Right Click - After placing the mouse cursor over a specific point, depress and release the right
mouse button.

In the examples, the click commands are in italics, while keyboard commands are in bold face
type.
HASS USER GUIDE Page 1–5

Highlighting a section displays its contents in reverse video (changing form dark characters on
a light background to light characters on a dark background). To highlight a section:

Place the mouse cursor on one end of the section.

Depress the left mouse button and (without releasing the mouse button),
Drag the mouse cursor to the other end of the section and
Release the mouse button.

Once the mouse button is released, the highlighted area cannot be changed. For example, to
highlight a node:

Place the mouse cursor on the node tag for the node,
Depress the left mouse button,
Drag the mouse cursor to the k-factor section and
Release the mouse button.

Generally, the highlight information changes as the mouse cursor moves across the screen, so
you can see the highlighted section before releasing the mouse button. If you have difficulties
highlighting a section, it is often helpful to click somewhere else on the screen and to try again.

Menu commands are in the formation <Menu Title>|<command>.

To open a file the examples use the expression File|Open.

To execute this command click on the word File (at the top of the program window on
the next line below the title bar).

A menu will display the word Open along with other menu commands.

Next, click on the word “Open” will to execute the menu command File|Open.

Toolbar buttons, immediately below the menu bar, provide quick access to corresponding menu
commands, and can be activated when they are “bright”

1.6.5 Moving from Field to Field

A click of the left mouse button will move the cursor from one field to another and from one
screen area to another, as will the tab and back tab keys. Windows keyboard entries related to
fields are the up and down arrow keys (to move to the preceding and succeeding fields,
respectively, without altering the contents of a field) and the Enter key (to advance to the next
field). When the last field is reached, the cursor wraps around and the first field becomes the
active field.

1.7 General Sequence of Operations

You will normally use the Grid Estimator or Tree Generator to initially create the data for gridded
or tree-type systems, respectively. More complex systems can also be developed by using the
System Builder option to define all branch line piping, multiple cross mains, and sprinkler
locations. Also, the Merge utility will let you generate more complex systems. When you edit
them, be sure to include the piping needed to tie the system to the source node. For systems
that are not similar to these standard types or combinations of them, you can use General Data
Entry to enter node and pipe data for a new data file.
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1.8 The HASS Welcome Screen

The HASS Welcome Screen (as displayed on page one of this chapter) identifies the version of
the program and the hardware configuration for which it is installed. No user input is required.
HASS activates automatically at the end of ten seconds or earlier if any key is struck.

To assure that the programs are initialized properly, any other installation or attempted
activation automatically results in an error message.

1.9 HASS Training Program Exercises (in User Guide) and Examples (with software)
│
Our on-site, self-directed training program is based on the HASS User Guide, with a battery of
exercises describing each mouse click and keystroke needed to complete each exercise. When
│ HASS is sent, the program files are accompanied by several examples that show the input data
for developing a grid, tree or tree-cross-main grid sprinkler system. Also, input data is provided
for major utilities.
│
1.9.1 User Guide Exercises

│ Let’s review the foreword (page iii) for the best way to learn to use HASS, with special attention
to Work all the exercises as described below. To do this, Understanding HASS Operations is
essential, especially, the various menus, toolbar items and screen descriptions, plus the HASS
Report description (see Chapters 2, 4 and 10).
│
In Chapter 4, let’s start with a 9 node, 8 pipe system (pp.4-4/4-14) to illustrate the basics of
node-to-node and pipe-to-pipe data entry.
│ In Chapter 5, we’ll develop and calculate a gridded system using the Grid Estimator Sizer
(pp.5-5/5-25), followed by two alternate data entry methods, Assign/Recall and
Record/Playback (pp.5-31/5-38).
│
In Chapter 6, we’ll develop a tree system using the Tree Generator (pp.6-5/6-21), as well as a
Looped System (pp.6-22/6-30).

│ In Chapter 7 we’ll find the System Builder, a powerful approach to assembling a system using
pipe segments, branch lines and cross mains (pp.7-1/7-6).

In Chapter 8, we’ll find Darcy-Weisbach calculations for systems having liquids other than
│ water (e.g. anti-freeze mixtures) or high pressures (e.g. water mist systems).

Chapter 12 is loaded with Utilities, each having input data and calculation results.
│
Working the exercises at the computer gives best results.

1.9.2 Examples sent with HASS

│
The above exercises are supplemented by examples with data entry ready for review. The
examples are in a file sent with the latest HASS version, and are located in a HASS Data
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│ Examples directory. Let’s create a HASS Data Examples directory on your computer and run
through the examples similar to the exercises in Chapters 5, 6 and 7.
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To review the Grid Estimator/Sizer (ges) data, at the HASS desktop,

│
Click the “Grid” menu item, Edit Existing Grid, locate and activate
HASSgrid1aM.ges (grid Estimator/sizer) to review the entered data,
Click the toolbar right arrow for a calculation summary,
Click again for the HASS Grid Generator Report, and print the results. │

HASS will let you generate a sprinkler data file (sdf) with proposed pipe sizes, and Click OK,
with an option to generate a job cost file; Click No since we’ll use one we have. │
To review the Job Cost Estimator (jc2) data, at the HASS desktop,

Click the “Green $” toolbar button, │

Click File|Open, locate and activate HASSgrid1aM.jc2 (job cost data),
Click through the data screens to review the data,
Click Report|By Page to see the report.
│
To review a Sprinkler Data File (sdf), at the HASS desktop,

Click File|Open, locate and activate 1aM.sdf and the cover sheet appears. │
Click OK/Save to leave the cover sheet and display and review the data.
Click the “Calc” toolbar button, review Edit Calculation Criteria,
Click OK to review automatic peaking of the grid,
Click OK to review end-head condition values, │
Click OK to calculate the system and “Yes” to save the file.

When calculated, the Coversheet (1aM.con) appears first, followed by the calculated results.
│
The Water Supply Analysis graph on page two displays the Source Supply Curve, dashed past
the water test flow point to indicate extrapolated values where flow rates may be less than
indicated, especially on public water systems supplied by pumps or on circulating systems │
where the indicated static pressure is actually a residual pressure (Note for calculation 1aM.sdf,
that the flow test point is relocated to 950 lpm (2850 less 1900 for hose streams), is less than
the calculated (required) flow rate, and may not be acceptable, suggesting further investigation).
│
Other curves include the System Demand Curve, Net Pump Supply Curve, with hose streams
deducted for Pump Discharge Curve, Available at Source and Available at Pump Suction. (For
definitions, see the HASS User Guide, page 10-7).
│
In the calculated results, once more notice in Pipe Data, Pipe 30 that our 6 bar pressure
reducing valve is based on the friction loss in the wide open globe/angle valve (from the table
found in Options|Edit PRV fitting loss). │
Let’s recalculate a full flow (FF) supply calc (using a minimum end-head flow of zero gpm), notice
in Pipe Data, Pipe 30 that our 6 bar pressure reducer gives a pressure of 6 bars at node 24A.
│
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To review the Tree Generator (tre) data, at the HASS desktop,

│
Click the “Tree” menu item, Edit Existing Grid, locate and activate
HASStre1M.tre (Tree Generator) to review the entered data,
│ Click the toolbar right arrow for a calculation summary,
Click again for the HASS Grid Generator Report, and print the results.

HASS will let you generate a sprinkler data file (sdf) - Click OK, followed by the option to generate
│ a job cost file; Click No, since we have reviewed job cost data for the grid.

To review the System Builder (sb) data, (We suggest mastering other data entry methods, then
the System Builder. Its greatest value is in three-cross-main grids). At the desktop,
│
Click the “System Builder” menu item, Edit Existing System Builder, activate
HASSsysbldr1M.sb and Click OK to review General Data items,
│ Click the toolbar right arrow to display Pipe Segments (coded by letter and indicated by
diameter length and fitting),
Click the toolbar right arrow to display Pipes (coded by number combining Pipe Segments
coded by letter),
│ Click the toolbar right arrow to display Groups (coded by number with pipe codes entered
by number of pipes of that code).
Click the toolbar right arrow to display Cross Mains (coded by number left and right of the
first page, to the right of additional pages).
│
Pipe segments are like words in a sentence, pipes are like sentences on a page, and groups are
like pages side by side, and cross mains are left and right of the first page, to the right of
│ additional pages.

Click the toolbar right arrow for the System Builder Report, ready for review.
Click again to generate a System Builder data file (sb),
│ Click OK, to display System Builder for the source nodes and pipes.

Please see pages 7-3/7-4 for Branch nodes (BN-1-1-1), Cross Main nodes (CN-1-1), Branch
Lines (BL-1-1-1), Riser Nipples (RN-1-1-1), and Cross Main Nodes (CM-1-1).
│
From more than 25 utilities are included in Chapter 12 , we have selected several data entry
examples: Flow Test Summary, Water Supply Summary, Pump Performance Analysis/Report,
│ Hydraulic Gradient, Loop Analysis (Underground), and Static Pressure Calculator.

Click Utilities|Flow Test Summary|Open, and activate HASSft1M.ftf to reveal the flow test data
ready for calculation, then Click OK to view the results and print (pp.12-20/12-21).
│
Click Utilities|Water Supply Summary|Open, activateHASSwft1.wft, to reveal the data ready for
calculation, then Click OK to view the results and print (pp.12-22/12-25).
│
Click Utilities|Pump Performance Analysis/Report|Open, and activate HASSpumpM.prt, to
reveal the data for calculation, Click the toolbar Calc button to review and print (pp.12-26/12-33).

│ Click Utilities|Hydraulic Gradient|Open, and activate HASSgrad1M.grt, using the toolbar right
arrow, review three data screens, then the report ready to review and print (pp.12-37/12-41).
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 HASS USER GUIDE Page 1–9

Click Utilities|Loop Analysis|Open, and activateHASSloops1M.lp using the toolbar right arrow,
review six data screens, then the report ready to review and print. (pp.12-42/12-52) │

To use the Static Pressure Calculator (pp.12-54), at the HASS desktop,

│
Click File|Open, locate and activate 1aM.sdf and the cover sheet appears.
Click OK/Save to leave the cover sheet and display and review the data.
Click the “Calc” toolbar button, review Edit Calculation Criteria,
Click OK to review automatic peaking of the grid, │
Click OK to review end-head condition values,
Click OK to calculate the system and “Yes” to save the file.
Scroll down to the Utility report to see the static pressure at each node.
│
To develop the static pressure on your own, return to the edit mode, then

Click Utilities|Static Pressure Calculator, and check the All Nodes box and
│
Click OK to show the static pressure at each node.
Click Yes to as this information to the utility report.
Click the “Calc” toolbar button, review Edit Calculation Criteria,
Click OK to review automatic peaking of the grid, │
Click OK to review end-head condition values,
Click OK to calculate the system and “Yes” to save the file.
Scroll down to the Utility report for your calculation at the end of the report.
│

Please take the time to use HASS and master its capabilities. Sometimes the program is
used for months with many of the timesaving routines left unexplored. You will want to
familiarize yourself with every option and complete all of the exercises, because each
exercise introduces new concepts and develops those concepts for future use.

As always, we hope that you will give us your comments and suggestions. We continue
to maintain that our many satisfied license holders are our greatest resource.
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NOTES:

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