REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR

POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,

CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Fire Protection System

CALCULATION AND DESIGN FOR SPRINKLERS SYSTEM

I. Introduction

Problem statement

When designing a fire protection system, hydraulic calculations are very

important to ensure that the flow rate in piping network will be enough to control

fires effectively. Noble Office located at Baao, Camarines Sur has existing sprinkler

system. The goal of this design is to establish the system's needed capacity using

the hydraulic calculation method, determine the pipe sizes and the proper distances

of sprinkler heads, and evaluate the required fire pumps using NFPA 13 (Standard

for the Installation of Sprinkler System) and NFPA 20 (Standard for the Installation

of Centrifugal Fire Pumps) guidelines.

II. Design Computation

Reference Manual : NFPA 13 (2019 Edition)

Type of Occupancy : Light Hazard

Maximum Protection Area : 225 square feet

Design Area : 1650 square feet

Proposed Sprinkler Spacing:

Distance b/w sprinkler along the branch line : 12 feet

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Distance b/w branch line : 12 feet

Maximum Protection Area limitation for sprinkler (Amax) per NFPA 13: 225 ft2 (For

light hazard system)

Area/ Density Curve: Density is 0.10 GPM / ft2 @ 1650 ft2 (Light Hazard)

Figure 1. Area/ Density Curve

III. Design Plan

Floor Plan
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Elevation

Design Plan for Sprinklers

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

IV. Calculation

STEP No. 1 (Nozzle no. 1)

Determine the flow in GPM.

For light hazard 1,650 ft2 design area on the curve, densisty of 0.10 gallon per min.
or ft2 (gpm/ft2) is specified. The minimum required flow at the hydraulically most
demanding sprinkler.

Q = density × sprinkler coverage area

Q = 0.10 gpm/ft2 × 225 ft2 = 22.5 gpm

The minimum required pressure of hydraulically most demanding sprinkler.

Q = 𝑘 √𝑃t1

Where: Q = volume flow rate in sprinkler (gpm)

k = sprinkler discharge coefficient or k factor

P = required pressure (psi)

1
The k factor to be used for standard orifice (nominal inch) sprinkler range from 5.3 to
2

5.8; and then take 5.6 for the average.

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

𝑄 22.5 2
Pt1 = ( )2 =( ) = 16.4 psi
𝐾1 5.6
Pressure Losses through Pipping and Fittings

Friction losses resulting from water flow through pipping can be estimated by
several engineering approaches, but NFPA 13 specifies the use of Hazen - William
method.

This approach is based on the formula developed empirically by Hazen – Williams.

4.52𝑄 1.85
𝑃=
𝐶 1.85 𝑑4.87

Where: Pf1 = friction loss per ft of pipe in psi

Q = flow rate in gpm

d = actual internal pipe diameter in inches

C = 120 (Hazen – Williams coefficient (C) value for black steel or galvanized wet
system)

Where: d = 1.049 inches (inside diameter of 1 inch diameter pipe)

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

4.52(22.5)1.85
Pf1 = (120)1.85 (1.049)4.87 = 0.162 psi/ft

Note: The Pf multiply by the total equivalent pipe length within the specified potion to
determine the pressure loss in psi therefore;

L = length of the pipe from reference point to next point + equivalent length of
fittings + elevation (based on design plan of the sprinkler)
L1 = 12 feet + 2.7 feet + 1 foot
= 15.7 feet
PL1 = (0.162 psi/ft) (15.7 ft)
= 2.54 psi
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Step No. (Nozzle no. 2)

Solve for P2
Pt2 = P1 + PL1
= 16.14 psi + 2.54 psi
= 18.68 psi

Solve for the flow rate

q2 = 𝑘 √𝑃

= 5.6 √18.68
= 24.2 gpm

Q2 = Q1 + q 2
= 22.5 gpm + 24 .2 gpm

= 46.7 gpm

L2 = 12 + 7.8

= 19.8 ft

L = 19.8 ft, ID = 1.38 in @ 1 ¼ in diameter nominal pipe size

Determine the friction and pressure loss in pipe line from sprinkler 2 to 3 Q 2 =46.7 gpm
and L = 19.8

4.52 ( Q2)1.85
Pf2 = (𝐶)1.85 (𝑑)4.78

4.52 ( 46.7)1.85
= (120)1.85 (1.38)4.87

= 0.164 psi/ft
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

PL2 = (0.164 psi/ft) (19.8ft)

= 3.25 psi

Step No. (Nozzle no. 3)

Solve for P3
Pt3 = Pt2 + PL2
= 18.68 psi + 3.25 psi
= 21.93 psi

Solve for the flow rate

q3 = 𝑘 √𝑃

= 5.6 √21.93
= 26.22 gpm

Q3 = Q 2 + q 3
= 46.7 gpm + 26.22 gpm

= 72.89 gpm

L3 = 12 + 9

= 21 ft

L = 21, ID = 1.61 in @ 1 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size

4.52 ( Q3)1.85
Pf3 =
(𝐶)1.85 (𝑑)4.78

4.52 ( 72.89)1.85
= (120)1.85 (1.61)4.87
 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

= 0.177psi/ft
PL3 = (0.177 psi/ft) (21 ft)
= 3.72 psi
Pe3 = 1 (0.433)
Pe3 = 0.433 psi

Step No. (CM -BL2)

Solve for P4
Q3 = Q4 = 72.89 gpm
Pt4 = Pe3 + PL3 + Pt3
Pt4 = 0.4 + 3.72 + 21.93
Pt4 = 26.05 psi

72.89
k= √26.05

k = 14.28

L = 12 ft, ID = 2.067 in @ 2 in diameter nominal pipe size

4.52 (72.89)1.85
Pf4 = (120)1.85 (2.067)4.87

= 0.05235 psi

PL4 = (0.05235) (12)

= 0.628 psi
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Step No. 5 (BL2 CM – BL3)

K= 14.28
L = 12 ft, ID = 2.469 in @ 2 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size

Pt5 = PL4 + Pt4

Pt5 = 0.628 + 26.05
Pt5 = 26.68 psi

q = 14.28 √26.68
q = 73.76 gpm

Q5 = 73.76 + 72.89
Q5 = 146.65 gpm

4.52 (146.65 )1.85

Pf = (120)1.85 (2.469)4.87

Pf = 0.0803 psi/ft

PL5 = 12 (0.0803)
PL5 = 0.964 psi

Step No. 6 (BL3 CM – BL4)

K= 14. 28
L = 12 ft, ID = 2.469 in @ 2 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Pt6 = PL5 + Pt5

Pt6 = 0.964 + 26.68
Pt6 = 27.644 psi

q = 14.28 √27.644
q = 75.08 gpm

Q6 = 75.08 + 146.65
Q6 = 221.73 gpm

4.52 (221.73)1.85
Pf = (120)1.85 (2.469)4.87

Pf = 0.1725 psi/ft

PL6 = (0.1725) (12)

PL6 = 2.07 psi

Step No. 7 (BL4 CM – A)

P7 = Pt6 + PL6
P7 = 27.644 + 2.07
P7 = 29.71 psi

L = 6 ft, ID = 2.460 in @ 2 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size

q7 = 14.28 √29.71
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

q7 = 77.84 gpm

Q7 = 77.84 + 221.73
Q7 = 299.57 gpm

4.52 (299.57)1.85
Pf = (120)1.85 (2.469)4.87

Pf = 0.301 psi/ft

PL7 = (6) (0.301)

PL7 = 1.82 psi

Step No. 8 (Point A to Pump)

Q8= Q7 = 299.57 gpm

ID = 2.469 in @ 2 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size

Fittings
@2 ½ inches pipe
Tee Valve = 14 ft
Elbow= 3 ft
Alarm Valve = 15 ft
Gate Valve = 1.4 ft

Total length = (14+3+15+1.4+9) ft

Total length = 42.4 ft
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

P8 = P7 + PL7
P8 = 29.71 + 1.82
P8 = 31.53 psi

4.52 (299.57)1.85
Pf = (120)1.85 (2.469)4.87

Pf = 0.301 psi/ft

PL8 = (0.301) (42.4)

PL8 = 12.76 psi

Step No. 9 (Pump to Fire Tank)

Q= 299.57 gpm
ID = 2.469 in @ 2 ½ in diameter nominal pipe size
L= 12 ft

Fittings:
Gate Value (2 pcs) = 1.4
2 (1.4) = 2.8 ft

L = 2.8 + 12
L = 14.8 ft

PL9= (0.301) (14.8)

PL9 = 4.46 psi
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POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Pt9 = P8+ PL8

Pt9 = 31.53 + 12.76
Pt9 = 44.29 psi
Total P = 44.29 + 4.46
Total P = 48.75 psi

V. Summary

Required Number of Sprinkler is 24 sprinklers for two story design.

Required Number of riser/ Alarm Check Valve assembly = 1 set

Total system flow demand = QS + QH

Where:

Qs = 299.57 gpm say 300 gpm

QH = Inside (Hose Cabinets) + outside (Hydrants) = 250 gpm

Total system demand = 550 gpm

Total System Pressure Demand = 48.75 psi say 49 psi + 65 PSI = 114 PSI

Water Tank Capacity = 550 gpm x 60 min. = 33 000 gallons capacity

PUMP SELECTION:

Total dynamic head, TDH

TDH = 135 psi/0.443 psi per ft

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

TDH = 304.74 ft

Q = 550 gpm

Use 2 pcs 750 GPM rated pump from article 2 – 3 page 20 – 7 NFPA 20, 1993 ed.

1 pc Fire Pump and 1 pc stand by Fire Pump

POWER REQUIRED
(48.8)(550)(1)(304.74)
P= (7.48)(33000)(0.6)

P = 55.23 hp

Use standard motor: 75 hp

Jockey Pump capacity = 5.50 gpm

Power required for jockey pump:

(48.8)(5.50)(1)(304.74)
P= (7.48)(33000)(0.6)

P = 0.55 hp

Used Standard motor 0.75 hp

 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES CAMARINES SUR
POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES NABUA,
CAMARINES SUR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Contract Name Light Hazard 1,650 ft2

Nozzle Ident Flow Pipe Pipe Equiv. Friction D= 0.10

Ref. Step
Step No.

and In size Fittings and Pipe Loss Pressure Normal gpm/ft2

Location gpm Devices Length (psi/ft) Summary Pressure
(ft) (psi) Notes:
K=5.6

1 q L= 15.7 C= 120 Pt=16.14 Q=

F = 12 Pe 225*0.1=22.5
1 BL-1 1 + 2.7 +
1 P=(22.5/5.6)2
Q= 22.5 T= 15.7 0.162 PL= 2.54 =16.14
2 q= 24.2 L= 12 Pt= 18.68 q=5.6√18.68
F=12 Pe
2 1¼ +7.8
Q= 46.7 T=19.8 PL= 3.25
0.164
q=21.93 L= 21 Pt= 21.93 q=5.6/√21.93
F=12+ Pe=0.433 Pe=1*0.433
3 DN 1½ 9
to Q=72.89 T= 21 PL= 3.72
RN 0.177
72.89
q L= 12 Pt= 26.05 K=
√26.05
CM Pe =14.28
4 to Q= 72.89 2 T=12 PL= 0.628
BL-2
0.05235
q= 73.76 L = 12 Pt= 26.59 q=
BL2 14.28√26.68
5 CM 2½ Pe
to Q= L = 12 PL= 0.964
BL-3 146.65 0.0803

q= 75.08 L = 12 Pt= 27.64 q=

BL3 14.28√27.64
6 CM 2½ Pe
to Q= L = 12 PL= 2.07
BL-4 221.73 0.1725

q= 77.84 L=6 Pt= 29.71 q=

BL4 14.28√29.71
7 CM 2½ Pe
to Q=299.57 L=6 PL= 1.82
A 0.301

q Tee valve L= 42.4 Pt= 31.53 q=

Point A =14 14.28√27.64
8 to 2½ Elbow=3 Pe
Point Q= Alarm L= 42.4 PL= 12.76
299.57 valve= 15 0.301
Gate valve
=1.4
q L= 14.8 Pt= 44.29
Pump Pe
9 to Fire Q= 2½ 2.8 L= 14.8 PL= 5.772
Tank 299.57 0.0803

Total
pressure =
48.75