GUIDE FOR

FIRE PROTECTION AND

DETECTION SYSTEM
CALCULATIONS

Fire Pump Layout and Sizing Calculations

Prepared by: Mehboob Shaikh

M Tech || B.Eng. || CFPS || CFI || AMIE

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 FIRE PUMP LAYOUT
&
SIZING CALCULATIONS

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 The Design Process

1. Calculate the Pump Demand to Pump Discharge Flange.

2. Calculate Water Supply to Pump Suction Flange
3. Select Pump so that the System flow demand is less than
150% of the rated flow of the pump(less than 140 %
recommended)
4. Using the Manufacturer Pump Curve, Find the Pump net
Pressure at the system demand flow.
5. Add the suction Pressure (at the demand flow) to get the
discharge pressure (at demand flow)
6. If the Discharge Pressure is greater than the demand, Okay.
If not, Select the new pump.
7. Check Maximum Pressure Produced by Pump and make
sure that pump does not create more pressure than the
equipment can handle.
8. Select suitable type of pump and driver based on required
flow, pressure, suction conditions, available space etc.

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 Check Points

1. Must meet Fire Protection System Demand (Flow &

Pressure)

• Based on available water supply

• Without over sizing
• Without under sizing

2. Must not over pressurize system components

• Avoid use of pressure relief valves

3. Must meet minimum suction requirements.

• 0 Psi (NFPA 20, 4.15.3.1)
• -3 Psi for suction tank (NFPA 20, 4.15.3.2)

4. It Must fit in the space allowed

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 Calculation of Demand Flow and Pressure at
the discharge Flange of Pump

Initial Considerations:

Source of Water Supplies:

1. Public Water mains

• Water test shall be less than a Year old
• Water test was performed as close as to the tap point possible.
• Test is performed during the time of highest water use.
2. Private water supply

To calculate Demand flow and Pressure two methods can be used.

1. Standpipe Method – For High Rise Buildings
2. Sprinkler Method – For Non-High-Rise buildings –
(Hazard Analysis Method)

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Method -01: Standpipe Method
Demand flow Determination:
Consider an example of building with,
Height = 212’ (> 75’ hence high rise)
City Water Pressure (Static) = 45 psi
City Water Pressure (Residual @ 1250 GPM) = 35 psi

In accordance with NFPA 14, in fully sprinklered structure first standpipe

requires 500 GPM and each additional standpipe requires 250 GPM up to
max. demand of 1000 GPM.
In accordance with NFPA 14, in Un-sprinklered structure first standpipe
requires 500 GPM and each additional standpipe requires 250 GPM up to
max. demand of 1250 GPM.
Building with two standpipes would require 750 GPM pump (500
for first standpipe + 250 for second)
Building with Five standpipes would require 1000 GPM (max.
allowed demand flow)
Assuming above example building to have flow demand of 1250
GPM Hence,
Demand flow = 1250 GPM
Lets calculate the required Pressure now.

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Demand Pressure Determination:
In accordance with NFPA 14, 100 psi is needed at the top of the
remote standpipe hose while flowing demand flow (1250 GPM
in our case)
Pressure Calculation for Pump

Pressure Required at the top of the structure = 100 psi (NFPA 14)
Height of the building (212’ x 0.433) = +92 psi
Friction loss in the piping = +10 psi
1. Total Pressure required for System = 202 psi
Residual pressure at street = 35 psi
Backflow Losses = -7 psi
Water Meter = -3 psi
Elevation Changes = 0 psi
Friction Loss in Suction Piping = -3 psi
2. Available Suction Pressure at Pump = 22 psi

Pump Discharge Pressure = 1 – 2 = 202 – 22 = 180 psi

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Method -02 : Sprinkler System Method
Identify the Hazards ( L /OH G1/OH2/EH1/EH2)
Identify required densities (NFPA 13,2013; Ch. 11; 11.2.3.1.1)
Identify the Hydraulically Most demanding hazard & area
Determination of Flow
Sprinkler Flow = Design area x Density
Add standby hose Demand to sprinkler Demand (NFPA 13, 2013;
table 11.2.3.1.2)
Determination of Pressure
Conduct Pressure loss calculation on software or manually as per
NFPA 13 guidelines.

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 Characteristic Firewater Pump Curve
Allowable Shut off Pressure Pump Rated Pressure

200

150
140

Y Axis - % of Rated Head

100

65
50

0 50 90 100 140 150 200

X – Axis - % of Rated Capacity

Overload Point

Size Selection normally varies from 90% to 140% of rated capacity & Pressure

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 Example – 1
Tank
Five Story Building

Standpipe Outlet

75 feet

Pump

Consider a fire pump taking suction from a gravity tank, as

illustrated above. The bottom of the tank is 75 feet above the
pump suction flange, and the pump is supplying a standpipe
system with a demand of 1000 gpm @ 125 psi at the pump
discharge. Determine what size of fire pump should be used?

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Step - 1 : Calculte the Pump Demand to Pump Discharge Flange.

Flow Demand = 1000 GPM By Standpipe Method Calculate

the Flow and presssure demand
Pressure Demand = 125 Psi

Step - 2 : Calculate Water Supply to Pump Suction Flange

Availabe Static Pressure = 75 ft. of water head

1ft. of water Head = 0.433 psi
Therefore ;
Available Static Pressure = 75 x 0.433
Available Static Pressure = 32 psi

Step - 3 : Select Pump so that the System flow demand is less

than 150% of the rated flow of the pump.

Lets Start with Flow Characteristics of the pump

Choice : 01 – 500 GPM Pump

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150% capacity of 500 GPM = 500 x 1.5 = 750 GPM
750 GPM < 1000 GPM ( less than the Demand flow)

Choice : 02 – 750 GPM Pump

150% capacity of 750 GPM = 750 x 1.5 = 1125 GPM
1125 GPM > 1000 GPM ( More than the Demand flow)
Final Selection will be based on result of Step 04 to Step 07

Choice : 03 – 1000 GPM Pump

150% capacity of 1000 GPM = 1000 x 1.5 = 1500 GPM
1500GPM > 1000 GPM ( More than the Demand flow)
Final Selection will be based on result of Step 04 to Step 07

Step – 4 : Using the Manufacturer Pump Curve, Find the Pump

net Pressure at the system demand flow.

Pump Curve for 750 GPM pump

Rated Pressure for 750 GPM (as per the Manufacturer Curve)
= 115 psi

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 Demand flow
Net Pressure
@ demand = 1000 GPM
flow = 92 psi

Step- 05 : Add the suction flow (at the demand flow) to get the
discharge pressure (at demand flow
Shut off Pressure ( Churn Pressure) = 149 psi @ 0 GPM
Net Pressure @ 750 GPM = 115 psi
Net Pressure @ 1000 GPM = 92 psi (@ demand flow)
Net Pressure @ 1125 GPM = 80 psi (@ 150% of demand flow)

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Static Pressure available to suction flange of the pump = 31 psi
(Assuming friction loss)
Therefore ;
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = Static Pressure + Pump Net
pressure @ demand flow
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = 31 + 92
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = 123 psi

Step – 07 Check Maximum Pressure Produced by Pump and

make sure that pump does not create more pressure than the
equipment can handle.
Total Pressure @ Churn Condition = 31+149 = 180 psi(exceeding
max. rated pressure of pipe and fittings) > 175 psi
Discharge Pressure is less than Demand Pressure i.e. 125 psi
hence 750 GPM is not sufficient to supply standpipe system flow
demand.
Lets try increasing height of water tank to another 20 ft.
Now, total height = 75+20 = 95 ft.
New Static Pressure = 95 x 0.433 = 40 psi ( Considering frictional
losses)
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge @ demand flow = 40 + 92
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge @ demand flow = 132 psi

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Total Pressure @ Churn Condition = Static Pressure + Churn
Pressure
Total Pressure @ Churn Condition = 40+149 = 189 psi(exceeding
max. rated pressure of pipe and fittings) > 175 psi
Hence 750 GPM pump is not a good choice.

Pump Curve for 1000 GPM pump

Rated Pressure for 1000 GPM (as per the Manufacturer Curve)
= 115 psi

Shut off Pressure ( Churn Pressure) = 129 psi @ 0 GPM

Net Pressure @ 1000 GPM = 115 psi

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Net Pressure @ 1000 GPM = 115 psi (@ demand flow)
Net Pressure @ 1125 GPM = 79 psi (@ 150% of demand flow)
Static Pressure available to suction flange of the pump = 31 psi
(Assuming friction loss)
Therefore;
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = Static Pressure + Pump Net
pressure @ demand flow
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = 31 + 115
Total Pressure @ Pump Discharge = 146 psi
Total Pressure @ Churn Condition = 31+129 = 160 psi(less than
max. rated pressure of pipe and fittings) < 175 psi
Discharge Pressure is more than Demand Pressure (i.e. 125 psi)
hence 1000 GPM is sufficient to supply standpipe system flow
demand.

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 Example - 2
The Estimated demand for sprinkler and hose streams is 1400
GPM at 90 psi. The suction Supply is a ground level storage tank
and the minimum inlet gauge pressure is 0 psi at maximum flow.
Determine the required rated capacity and pressure.

Solution :
System Demand = 1400 GPM
Required pump capacity = 1400/150% = 933 GPM say 1000 GPM
1400 GPM would be 140% of rated capacity. (refer Manufacturer
curve for exact value)

At 140% rated capacity, Pressure is 72% of rated presssure

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Net Pressure = Discharge pressure @ demand flow + static
Pressure
Net Pressure = 90 + 0 = 90 psi
Rated Pressure @ 1000 GPM = Net Pressure / 72%
Rated Pressure @ 1000 GPM = 90 / 72% = 125 Psi

Hence, Pump Rating should not be less than 1000 GPM @ 125
psi.

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 Example - 3
Type of Building = Medical Office building
Number of Story = B + 4 Typ. + 1
Building Construction Type = Non-Combustible – Type 2 B
Floor Area = 18,000 SF
Basement Level:
Electrical Rooms
General Storage
Oxygen Storage Room = 250 SF
Floor 1 to Floor 4
Offices, Exam rooms & Outpatient Procedure rooms
Fifth Floor
Mechanical Penthouse = 1950 SF (Roof Slope 3:12)
Exterior Loading Dock = 1950 SF

Type of Systems
1. Class 1 Manual Wet type
2. Wet Pipe Sprinkler System
3. Dry Pipe Sprinkler System

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 Hazard Analysis through Hydraulic Calculations (Refer Guide on Sprinkler Hydraulic
Calculation for more details)

Area Location Hazard Density ( gpm/sf) Design Flow Pressure Remarks

Classification area(SF) GPM Psi
Offices, Exam rooms Level 1 through 4 Light Hazard 0.10 1500 150 XXXX
Oxygen Storage Room Basement Extra Hazard 0.30 2500 750 XXXX Area is protected by 2 hr.
G1 fire resistance wall,
Room design Method
can be applied.
Exterior Loading Dock External area Ordinary 0.20 1500 390 65 psi Area of operation shall
Hazard G2 be increased by 30% due
to dry pipe system
without revising density.
Mechanical Room Level 5 Ordinary 0.15 1500 292.5 90 psi Area of operation shall
Hazard G1 be increased by 30% due
to excess ceiling slope
(more than 1:6) without
revising density.

A detailed Hydraulic calculation shall be performed on a software in order to determine flow and pressure
requirement in multiple Hazard area based on above given table.

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The most hydraulically demanding area in the above table is the level five mechanical room. Though the density
for this remote area is only 0.15 gpm (ordinary hazard group 1), the top floor location requires additional pressure
to overcome the head loss from elevation.

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Design area of Operation for Mech. Room = 1500 SF
Slope of the roof = 3 : 12 is exceeding 2:12 max. slope allowed by
NFPA 13, 11.2.3.2.4
Hence, design area shall be increased by 30% without revising
density.

Therefore;
New area of operation = 1500 x 1.3 =1950 SF
Density = 0.15 gpm /sf

A preliminary Hydraulic calculation shows sprinkler flow demand

for Mech. Room as

Flow demand = 0.15 x 1950 = 292.5 GPM

Standby Hose stream allowance = 250 GPM

Total Flow demand for Sprinkler system @ Mech. room = 292.5+

250 = 542.5 G

Total Flow demand for Sprinkler system @ Mech. room = 542.5

GPM

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 City Water supply evaluation : Water supply curve for this example

Demand flow = 543 GPM

Available Residual pressure @ demand flow = 49 psi

Pump Discharge Pressure = Total Pressure required for the

sysetm (Adding 10 psi to account all friction & elevation losses)
– Available suction pressure at the inlet of pump

Pump Discharge Pressure = 100 – 49 = 51 psi

Fire Pump with 400 GPM @ 51 psi is selected

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Step by Step Process for selection of Fire
pump for a Standpipe Systems

There are three common system demands for standpipe

systems: 750, 1000, and 1250 GPM

Demand - GPM Option 1 – GPM Option 2 - GPM

750 500 750
1000 750 1000
1250 1000 1250
Step – 01: Calculate the standpipe system demand from the
most remote standpipe outlet or hose station to the discharge
flange of the fire pump
Step – 02: Select a fire pump where the flow demand for the
standpipe system is less than or equal to 150 % of the rated flow
of the fire pump
Step – 03: Check the net pressure of the pump at the demand
flow of the standpipe System
Step – 04: Add the net pressure from Step 3 to the suction
pressure at the demand flow of the standpipe system to get the
discharge pressure at the demand flow
Step – 05: If the discharge pressure calculated in Step 4 exceeds
the demand pressure calculated in Step 1, continue to the next
step. If not, you have three options:
(a) Go back to Step 2 and select a different pump.
(b) Go back to Step 1 and alter the system to lower the demand.
(c) Change the water supply to raise the suction pressure
Step – 06: Check the net pressure of the pump at churn.

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Step – 07: Add the suction pressure at the high static condition
to the net pressure in Step 6 to get the high discharge pressure
of the pump.
Step – 08: If the high discharge pressure of the pump is less than
or equal to the pressure rating of the components of the
standpipe system, continue to the next step. If not, you have four
options:
(a) Go back to Step 2 and select a different pump.
(b) Select different components for the standpipe system that
are rated for the high discharge pressure.
(c) Install a master pressure reducing valve assembly in the
standpipe supply downstream of the pump. The components of
the standpipe system between the pump and the master
pressure-reducing valve assembly will still need to be rated for
the pressure calculated in Step 7.
(d) Change the water supply and lower the suction pressure. Go
back to Step 4 and repeat the earlier steps to still make sure that
the pump can meet the system demand
Step – 09: Calculate the suction pressure at maximum flow and
make sure that it meets the requirements of NFPA 20. If not, you
have two options:
(a) Go back to Step 2 and select a pump with a lower flow rating.
(b) Increase the pressure available from the water supply. Go
back to Step 7 and make sure that the system does not get over-
pressurized.

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 Pump Selection Example
Consider a standpipe system for a building with a flow and
pressure demand of 1000 GPM at 184 psi calculated to the
discharge flange where the pump will go. The following
conditions exist for this standpipe system:

• The water supply is a public water utility with a reasonable

high and low as shown
• The fire pump will be installed 25 ft above the level of the
fire hydrant where the pressures in the public utility were
measured
• The suction pipe from the public water utility to the pump
room will be 6 in. Class 52 lined ductile iron (inside diameter
of 6.16 in.). The pipe will be 150 ft long with four standard
turn elbows, a tee and a gate valve
• The suction pipe inside the pump room will be 8 in. Schedule
30 steel pipe (inside diameter of 8.071 in.). The pipe will be
10 ft long with an elbow and a gate valve.
• There will be an 8 in. backflow preventer installed in the
pump room with a friction loss of 7 psi at all flows

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 Pump Lay-outing

Following NFPA 20 requirement shall be

followed for Pump room Layout.

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 • Pump House separation Requirements
❖ Must be 50’ away from the building

• Pump room Separation Requirements

❖ 2 hr. fire rated – Building not sprinklered or high rise
❖ 1 hr. fire rated – Building sprinklerd

❖Pump room Access requirements

• Pump house/room shall be sized to fit all necessary
equipment and accommodate.
• Clearance for installation and Maintenance
• Clearance for electrical Equipment’s
• Orientation of fire pump to suction piping.
General Guidelines for Vertical Turbine pump room
dimension.

Pump Range L (m) W(m)

50-250 3 5
250-500 4 6
500-750 5 6
750-1000 6 8
1000-1250 6 8
1250-1500 6 8
1500-2500 8 10

• Suction Piping Arrangment

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 Pipe can be smaller diameter Min. Distance to minimize
than below table values as long turbulence at suction flange
as suction pressure is greater
( Cl. 4.15.3.3)
than 0 psi at max. flow of pipe (
Cl. 4.15.3)

10 Times Rule:

Three ways of Water Entry to Pump

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 1. Straight run to Suction flange

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 2. Vertical Bend into Suction flange

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 3. Horizontal Bend into Suction flange

Only allowed if the lengh X, is greater than 10

times the pipe diameter.

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Use of Correct Reducer in Suction Piping

Flat Side Up

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 • Discharge Piping Arrangement
Supply pipe to fire protection System
(Refer NFPA 13 & 14 for installation
requirement of this pipe)

Discharge Control Valve

Suction Control Valve

Discharge Check valve

Discharge Pipe

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 Pump Capacity Vs Suction & Discharge Pipe Sizes
Pump Ratings NFPA 20, Table 4.27 (a) Minimum Pipe Size (in.)
(GPM)
Suction Discharge Relief Relief Meter # & Size Hose Header
Valve Valve Dis. Device Hose Valves Supply

50 -200 See Table 4.27 (a)

250 3½ 3 2 2½ 3½ 1-2 ½ 3

500 5 5 3 5 5 2-2 ½ 4

750 6 6 4 6 5 3- 2½ 6

1000 8 6 4 8 6 4-2 ½ 6

1250 8 8 6 8 6 6-2 ½ 8

1500 8 8 6 8 8 6-2 ½ 8

2000 – See Table 4.27 (a)

5000

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 Test Line

JP

Antivortex Plate

EP DP
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