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K Factor

The document discusses the K-factor formula which is used to calculate flow from nozzles like sprinkler heads. It gives the formulas for calculating flow, pressure, or finding the K-factor given other values. It also discusses using the Hcalc software to explore the K-factor formula and highlights converting between imperial and metric K-factor units.

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1K views

K Factor

The document discusses the K-factor formula which is used to calculate flow from nozzles like sprinkler heads. It gives the formulas for calculating flow, pressure, or finding the K-factor given other values. It also discusses using the Hcalc software to explore the K-factor formula and highlights converting between imperial and metric K-factor units.

Uploaded by

gita
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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K-Factor formula for fire sprinklers

Category: Hydraulic calculation for fire protection engineers


When we start any hydraulic calculation for a water based fire protection systems such as fire
sprinklers, water mist, hose reel and deluge systems the k-factor formula is one formula which
all fire protection engineers must know and understand. It allows us to calculate the discharge
flow from any type of nozzle (fire sprinkler, water mist or a deluge nozzle) for which we have a
k-factor. We can also calculate the k-factor for any nozzle if we have not been given one,
however you must check with the manufacture that this is acceptable.
The k-factor formula is the start of all hydraulic calculation for fire protection systems for both
manual and computerized calculations and is also required for the checking of both types.
The discharge from a sprinkler head or nozzle can be calculated from the formula bellow:
q = kp0.5
when q = flow in L/min
k = nozzle discharge coefficient or k-factor for head in Lpm/bar0.5
p = pressure in bar
This formula can be rewritten to give us:
k = q / p0.5 and p = ( q / k )2
Our Hcalc Hydraulic Calculator will allow you to explore the K Factor formula in more detail
and will allow you to calculate the flow, pressure or find the k factor for a nozzle or fire
sprinkler. You can freely download and use our Hcalc software.
For standard type sprinkler heads the many design standards specify standard k-factors and
minimum pressure, which can be used for different Hazard classifications and design densities.
For all other types of sprinkler heads the manufactures data sheet should be referred to for the kfactor and minimum head pressure.

We also use K-factors for many other applications in fire hydraulics such as flow from a fire
hydrant, wet riser outlet, hose reel or foam monitor. In fact the list is almost endless and this is
why it is important to be familiar with the above formulas.
Often K-factors are given as an imperial value in gpm/psi this value cannot be entered into FHC
without first converting to its metric equivalent Lpm/bar. To convert gpm/psi to Lpm/bar we
need to multiply by 14.4 (Approximate)
Example: A sprinkler head has a discharge coefficient of 4.2 gpm/psi what is its metric
equivalent valve. 4.2 x 14.4 = 60.48 Lpm/bar.
We only need to use K-factors to one decimal place so 60.48 becomes 60.5 Lpm/bar.

The Hazen Williams formula for use in fire sprinkler systems


Category: Hydraulic calculation for fire protection engineers
The Hazen Williams formula is an empirical equation and has long been used for calculating the
friction loss in pipework for water based fire sprinkler protection systems. This equation uses the
coefficient C to specify the pipes roughness, which is not based on a function of the Reynolds
number, as in other pressure loss equations. This however has the disadvantage that the equation
can only be used when water is flowing within the 'turbulent' flow range. If the system is outside
the normal pressure and flow range or the system is to use additives, or will be subject to unusual
temperature conditions then the Darcy Weisbach equation may be more appropriate.
The Hazen Williams formula has the advantage of been simple to calculate by using a scientific
calculator where as the Darcy Weisbach equation requires the use 'f' friction factor and this can
only be calculated by an number of iterations as 'f' is on both sides of the equation. You can use a
Moody diagram to find the value of 'f' however this is both time consuming and almost certainly
and inaccurate method.

The Hazen William formula has now become adopted through the world as the pressure loss
formula to use for the hydraulic design of fire sprinkler systems and in almost all cases the use of
the hazen william formula will provide adequate answers. The Hazen William formula can also
be used for the calculation of water mist systems where the system pressure does not exceed 12
bar (low pressure water mist systems) or the water velocity does not exceed 7.6 m/s and the
minimum pipe size is 20mm in the case of intermediate and high pressure water mist systems.
You can use Canute Hcalc software (hydraulic calculator) to visually explore the relationship
between the flow, pipe diameter and the pipe c-factor in the Hazen Williams formula which will
give you a good understanding of the formula. The Hcalc software is free to download and use.

when p = pressure loss in bar per meter


Q = flow through the pipe in L/min
C = friction loss coefficient
d = internal diameter of the pipe in mm

Value of C for use in the Hazen-Williams formula


Listed in the table bellow are typical values for the coefficient C, which can be used in the
Hazen-Williams formula for different fire sprinkler design standards. The value of C represents
the pipes roughness with higher values of C giving lower friction losses. The values given in the
design standards allow for degradation of the pipe, for instance new cast iron pipe has a C
coefficient of 130 and EN 12845 gives the value of 100, this is equivalent to a pipe, which is
about 20 years old

Velocity in pipe
Category: Hydraulic calculation for fire protection engineers
Some fire sprinkler design authorities such as EN 12845 limit the velocity through pipes and
valves in fire sprinkler systems; this is the case with EN 12845 however NFPA and FM do not
have any restriction. The case for limiting velocity is that the Hazen-Williams formula is less
accurate outside its normal range and equivalent pipe lengths for fittings, which are generally
used, start to lose their validity. Some authorities believe that velocity is self-limiting as pressure
losses increase exponentially as velocities increase, so pipe sizes must be increased to make use
of available water supply pressure.

EN 12845 limits velocity to 6 m/s through valves and flow switches and 10 m/s at any other
point in the system.
Velocity in pipe can be calculated using the following formula:-

The following table lists the maximum flows in litres per minute which can be obtained through
steel pipework to EN 10255 specifications for both 6 m/s and 10 m/s.

Maximum
flows through pipes for EN 12845 fire sprinkler systems

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