Module 4

BASIC HYDRAULIC CALCULATION

FOR AFSS DESIGN

DETERMINING THE DESIGN AREA

USING THE DENSITY AREA CURVE

DETERMINING THE MINIMUM SPRINKLERS IN

A BRANCHLINE TO CALCULATE

PROTECTION AREA OF COVERAGE

WALKTHROUGH OF HYDRAULIC FORMULAS

Underestimating the hazard poses a high risk of fire to
overpower the fire sprinklers – this will result to loss of
property or life

Once the sprinkler spacing and piping layout has been proposed in conformance
with the requirements of NFPA 13, the design engineer should:

a. Demonstrate that the delivery of the prescribed rate of water application will
be accomplished for the sprinklers in the design area that might be
reasonably expected to operate.

b. Demonstrate that the shape of the design area and location of the
sprinklers, regardless of the location of the fire within the building, will be
adequately supplied with water in the event of fire.

c. The design area should be the most challenging and farthest location of
sprinkler in order to ensure that enough water is supplied if it opens in the
event of fire.

Occupancy hazard classification is one the most critical steps in the design
of Automatic Fire Sprinkler System.
NFPA 13 recommends to identify first a design area which
is generally considered the most challenging location in the
building that should be adequately supplied with water in the
event of fire

The standard requires that the design area be divided by the sprinkler
coverage area to determine the number of sprinklers to be considered in
the Design Area

Area of Sprinkler Operation

No. of Sprinkler in the Design Area =
Coverage Area of 1 Sprinkler
Where:

Area of Sprinkler Operation represents the design area that can be

determined using the Area/Density Curve

Coverage Area of Sprinkler is the proposed coverage of one sprinkler

as determined by the system designer in conformance with the
requirement of NFPA 13 sprinkler spacing. The spacing should be
determined between and along the branch line.
The data provided in the Density/Area Curve and the Protection
Area per Sprinkler enable the designer to determine the number
of sprinkler heads that is expected operate in the selected
design area

Total sprinklers to
calculate = (Design
area) / (Protection
Area per sprinkler)

 For gridded systems, the extra sprinkler (or sprinklers) on branch line 4 can be placed
in any adjacent location from B to E at the designer’s option.
 For tree and looped systems, the extra sprinkler on line 4 should be placed closest to
the cross main.
Since the designer should account for a fire that might start
in a location that is challenging to the sprinkler system, the
area to be selected should be large enough to meet the
requirement for the remote area
NFPA 13, states in part: “…the design area shall be a rectangular area having a
dimension parallel to the branch lines at least 1.2 times the square root of the area
of sprinkler operation (A) used…”
Length of the Design Area
No. of Sprinkler in the Branch Line =
Sprinkler Spacing Along the
Branch Line
Where:
Length of the Design Area, L = 1.2 x (Design Area)1/2
L

DESIGN AREA

Design Area = Area of application of each sprinkler as determined

by the system designer and as reflected in the design.
 In the Density/Area-based calculation, the minimum flow from
a sprinkler is the product of the of sprinkler coverage area
multiplied by the minimum required density

Sprinkler Flow, Q

Q = (Design Density) x (Sprinkler

Coverage Area)

Where:

Design Density is taken from Density/Area

Curve and is dependent upon the occupancy
or hazards involved, expressed in GPM/ft2 or
LPM/m2

Sprinkler Coverage Area, AS ,represents the

protection area covered by a single sprinkler.
It is the area between the sprinklers on the
branch line and between the branch lines
Protection Area or Coverage Area Per Sprinkler

The protection area of coverage per sprinkler (As) shall be

determined by the formula:

AS = S X L

 Where S is the distance of sprinkler head along branch lines which is

the larger of either twice the distance to the wall or the distance to the
next sprinkler.

 Where L is the distance between branch lines determined as:

• The perpendicular distance to the sprinkler on the adjacent branch
line (or to a wall or obstruction in the case of the last branch line).
• The larger of either twice the distance to the wall or obstruction or
the distance to the next sprinkler.
Since the design area is at the remotest location in the
building relative to the water source, we should first
determine the required flow and starting pressure at the
remotest sprinkler and work our calculation backward
NFPA 13 provided the following formula in determining flow and pressure:

Q = K x P1/2 then P = (Q/K)2

Walkthrough of Formula

The theoretical foundation formula for water flow through an orifice is:
Q = av
Where
Q = flow in cubic feet per second
a = the cross sectional area in square feet
v = velocity in feet per second

The formula for area in square feet is:

a = πD² ÷ 4
In English unit, the area is modified to:
a = πd² ÷ 576
 Substituting the value of area (a) and velocity (v) in the foundation
formula, the theoretical flow from an orifice formula can be written as

Q = πd² ÷ 576 √(2gh)

 Understanding that we will have to convert Q to gallons per minute the

formula needs to be modified further to insert 7.48 gallon per cubic foot
and 60 seconds in one minute:

Q = 60 x 7.48 x πd² ÷ 576 √(2gh)

 When simplified and the discharge coefficient (cd) is added for the orifice,
a formula is now derived from the basic water flow energy equation to
determine how much water will flow through an orifice based on the water
pressure inside the piping at the orifice:

Q = 29.84cd d²√(P) or Q = 29.83 cd d2 P1/2

Pressure Requirement at the most demanding or remotest Sprinkler

Q = 29.84cd d²√(P) or Q = 29.83 cd d2 P1/2

 However, this formula contains a factor, cd , which is a discharge coefficient

characteristic of the orifice and which must be determined experimentally.

 For sprinklers, the product testing laboratories determine the orifice

discharge coefficient at the time of listing of a particular model of sprinkler.

 To simplify things, all factors other than pressure are lumped into what is
experimentally determined as the K-factor of a sprinkler, such that

Q = K x P1/2 then P = (Q/K)2

where K has units of gpm/(psi)1/2 or lpm/bar1/2

K-Factor is the numerical designation given to represent the
hydraulic characteristic of a sprinkler head. Value of which
is determined by the manufacturer and the product testing
laboratory.

 The K-factor for different sprinkler heads may range from K = 5.6 (standard
½” orifice) to K =14.0 for ESFR sprinklers.

 An increase in the k-factor of a sprinkler yields a higher flow (gpm), but

lower pressure. Conversely, a decrease in the k-factor of a sprinkler yields a
lower flow but higher pressure requirement.

 The pressure at the sprinkler head is critical for reasons other than the gpm
flow from the sprinkler.

 The pressure at the sprinkler head affects the head discharge droplet size
and spray pattern which are critical characteristics of the fire extinguishing
performance of a sprinkler head.

 NFPA 13 sets a minimum pressure of 7 psi (0.48 bar) at the end sprinkler in
any event, so that a proper spray umbrella is ensured.
Sample of K-Factors of different sprinkler manufacturers
Once the minimum pressure at the most remote sprinkler
is determined, the hydraulic calculation method should
proceed backward towards the fire pump

 As the calculations proceed toward the system riser, the minimum pressure
requirements increase, because additional pressure is needed at these
points due to elevation and friction losses that must be overcome while
still maintaining the minimum needed pressure at the most remote sprinkler.

 Total flow requirements also increase backward toward the source of

supply.

 Each sprinkler closer to the source of supply will show a successively

greater flow rate, since a higher total pressure is available at that point in
the system piping.

 This effect on the total water demand is termed hydraulic increase. Hence,
the total water demand of a system is not simply equal to the product of the
minimum density and the design area.
NFPA 13 specifies the use of the Hazen Williams formula
for friction losses resulting from water flow through
piping

The choice of C is critical to the accuracy of the friction loss

determination as stipulated by NFPA 13. The values assigned for use
are intended to simulate the expected interior roughness of aged pipe.
 Frictional resistance or friction loss through fittings and
valves are caused by turbulence in the water flow which
increase as the velocity of flow increases
Pressure Losses through Piping, Fittings, and Valves
Calculation of such losses is simplified through the use of “equivalent lengths”
which are added to the actual pipe length in determining the pipe friction loss.
Equivalent Schedule 40 Steel Pipe Length Chart (NFPA13 Table 14.4.3.1.1)
Fittings and Valves Expressed in Equivalent Feet of Pipe
Fittings and
1/2 in. 3/4 in. 1 in. 1-1/4 in.1-1/2 in. 2 in. 2-1/2. 3 in. 3-1/2 in. 4 in. 5 in. 6 in. 8 in. 10 in. 12 in.
Valves
45⁰ elbow - 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 4 5 7 9 11 13
90⁰ std elbow 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 12 14 18 22 27
90⁰ long-turn
0.5 1 2 2 2 3 4 5 5 6 8 9 13 16 18
elbow
Tee or cross
(flow turned 3 4 5 6 8 10 12 15 17 20 25 30 35 50 60
90⁰)
Butterfly Valve - - - - - 6 7 10 - 12 9 10 12 19 21
Gate Valve - - - - - 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6
Swing check* - - 5 7 9 11 14 16 19 22 27 32 45 55 65
For SI units, 1 in=25.4 mm; 1 ft=0.3048 m.

Equivalent lengths for pressure losses through system alarm check valve including dry and
deluge valves are determined by the approval laboratories at the time of product listing.
 Hazen-Williams Table for Pipe Roughness
Coefficient, C Value
(NFPA 13- Table 14.4.4.5)

Pipe or Tube C Value

Unlined cast or ductile iron 100
Black steel (dry systems including preaction) 100
Black steel (wet systems including deluge) 120
Galvanized (all) 120
Plastic (listed) (all) 150
Cement-lined cast or ductile iron 140
Copper tube or stainless steel 150
Asbestos cement 140
Concrete 140
The equivalent pipe length chart is based on the use of
Schedule 40 Steel Pipe with a C-factor of 120, and the use
of other piping materials requires multiplying factors

C Value Multiplier
For other materials, the Hazen-Williams C factor should be multiplied by the
factors indicated below:

Value of C 100 130 140 150

Multiplying Factor 0.713 1.16 1.33 1.51
NFPA13 permits the velocity pressure effects to be ignored,
and Fire Protection Engineers found that ignoring the effects
of velocity pressure tends to produce a more conservative
design

Velocity Pressures corresponds to velocity energy, which is the

energy of motion.

When velocity pressures are used in calculations, the formula to be

used is:

Pv = (v2/2g) x 0.433 psi/ft (0.098 bar/m)

or Pv = 0.001123Q2/d4

Where:
Q = the upstream flow through the piping to an orifice (or
branch line) in gpm or lpm;
d = the actual internal diameter of the upstream pipe in inches
or meter.
 Additional pressure must be available within a sprinkler
system water supply to overcome the pressure loss
associated with elevation
 The pressure equation required to overcome the
effect of elevation can be explained through
empirical approach.
 If a cube whose dimensions are 1 ft in height,
length and width is filled with water and weighed it
would be found that 1 cubic foot of water weighs
62.4 lbs.
 From this we can see that the pressure acting on
the bottom of the one square foot column of water
would be 62.4 lbs / 144 square inches or .433 psi.

 Thus the pressure needed to overcome pressure loss due to elevation is equal to 0.433
psi per foot (0.099 bar/m) of elevation of the sprinklers above the level where the water
supply is located.
P = 0.433H
Where:
P = Pressure needed to overcome elevation, psi
H = elevation head, in feet
 The additional pressure needed to overcome elevation is added at the point where the
elevation change takes place within the system.
The building that houses the technology component of
Embarcadero de Legazpi has been found with multiple
hazard contents or occupancy
Area (Sq.
Description of Contents Hazard Classification
Meters)
384.85 Human Resource Department (Office Tables, cabinets, chairs, computers, Light Hazard
documents, centralized printer, carpeted floor, electrical fixtures)
81 Security and Lobby (Chairs, tables, ornamental plastic plants, body scanner) Light Hazard
90 Clinic and Elevator Area (Medicine cabinet, medical equipment, tables, Light Hazard
chairs, medical records, elevator equipment, electrical fixtures)
137.67 Comfort Rooms and Escalator Area (plastic pail, dipper, electric hand dryers, Light Hazard
electrical lightings and outlets)
327.8 Training Rooms (Tables, chairs, computer, projector, white board, speech Light Hazard
laboratory equipment, projector, white board, electrical lightings and fixtures)
137.69 Lecture Room ( Tables, chairs, white board, projector, computer units) Light Hazard
118.88 Pantry and Concessionaire (chairs, tables, oven, refrigerator) Ordinary Hazard Group 1
81 Gym (Weights, motorized threadmills, TV, refrigerator, aircon, mattings) Light Hazard
98.81 Internet Kiosk, Movie and Videoke Room (computer units, LED television, Ordinary Hazard Group 1
audio equipment, sofa chairs & tables, electrical lightings and outlets)
47.8 Storage Closet (Cabinets, utility tools, lightings) Light Hazard
37.27 Maintenance Room (power tools and equipment, grease and oil, Ordinary Hazard Group 1
maintenance supplies, electrical lightings and outlets)
617 Parking Area ( automobiles, motorcycles, shuttle service vehicles, lightings) Ordinary Hazard Group1
90 Pump Room & Storage (utility water pumps and drivers, pump controllers Ordinary Hazard Group 1
and spare parts, electrical lightings and outlets)
66.9 Fire Pump Room (fire pumps and drivers, pump controller, lightings) Ordinary Hazard Group 1
176.55 Electrical Room/ Power House (Generator, switch and distribution boards, Ordinary Hazard Group 1
back up batteries, control panels, ATS, electrical lightings and outlets)
153.79 Hallways (electrical lightings and fixtures, alarms, security guard control area) Light Hazard

First Floor
Area (Sq. Hazard
Description of Contents
Meters) Classification
827 Production Areas 1&2 (Computer units, chairs, Ordinary Hazard
tables, carpeted floor, ornamental plastic plants, Group 1
office supplies, electrical lightings & outlets)
950 Production Areas 3&4 ( Computer units, chairs, Ordinary Hazard
tables, carpeted floor, ornamental plastic plants, Group 1
office supplies, electrical lightings and outlets)
66 Program Storage & Cabins (Computer units, tables, Ordinary Hazard
chairs, storage of documents, electrical lightings) Group 1
60.3 Locker Areas (lockers, personal belongings) Light Hazard
20.2 Storage Room (utility tools, files, records, electrical Light Hazard
lightings)
120.16 Laboratory & Meeting Rooms (Computer units, Light Hazard
conference table, chairs, white board, multimedia
projector, electrical lightings & outlets)
235.88 Comfort Rooms and Escalator Areas ( plastic pail, Light Hazard
hand dryers, escalator motors and rails)
64.35 Elevator Area (elevator cabin, motors, panel control Ordinary Hazard
boards, lightings fixtures) Group 1
176.11 Hallways (electrical lightings, body scanner) Light Hazard

Second Floor
 Third Floor

Area (Sq. Hazard

Description of Contents
Meters) Classification

827 Production Areas 4&5 (Computer units, chairs, tables, Ordinary Hazard
carpeted floor, ornamental plastic plants, office supplies, Group 1
electrical lightings & outlets)
950 Production Areas 6&7 ( Computer units, chairs, tables, Ordinary Hazard
carpeted floor, ornamental plastic plants, office supplies, Group 1
electrical lightings and outlets)
66 Program Storage & Cabins (Computer units, tables, chairs, Ordinary Hazard
storage of documents, electrical lightings) Group 1
60.3 Locker Areas (lockers, personal belongings) Light Hazard
20.2 Storage Room (utility tools, files, records, electrical lightings) Light Hazard
120.16 Laboratory & Meeting Rooms (Computer units, conference Light Hazard
table, chairs, white board, multimedia projector, electrical
lightings & outlets)
235.88 Comfort Rooms and Escalator Areas ( plastic pail, hand Ordinary Hazard
dryers, escalator motors and rails) Group 1
64.35 Elevator Area (elevator cabin, motors, panel control boards, Ordinary Hazard
lightings fixtures) Group 1
176.11 Hallways (electrical lightings, body scanner) Light Hazard

Summary:
Total Floor Area for Fire Protection : 7,687.0 Square Meters
Highest Hazard Occupancy identified: Ordinary Hazard Group 1
Location of Most Challenging Area : Third floor, Production Area 4
Ordinary Hazard Group 1 is identified, from the Density
Area Curve, we can use the design density of 0.15
GPM/ft2 with an area of sprinkler operation of 1,500 ft2

Design Area of Operation :1500 ft2

Design Density :0.15 GPM/ft2
Size of Sprinkler Head to be used :1/2 inch
Sprinkler Nozzle K-Factor :5.6 gpm/ (psi)1/2
Considering the proposed spacing of sprinklers in the
building, the coverage area of one sprinkler satisfies the
Protection Area and Spacing requirements of NFPA 13

Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing for Ordinary Hazard Occupancy

For Standard Spray Upright and Standard Spray Pendent
(NFPA 13, Table 8.6.2.2.1b)

Sprinkler Head Spacing = 3.225 m (10.578 ft, 10 ft & 7 inches)

Branchline Spacing = 3.20 m (10.496 ft, 10 ft & 6 inches)

Protection Area per Sprinkler = Sprinkler Head Spacing x Branchline Spacing

= 10.578 ft x 10.496 ft
= 111.03 ft2 (below the max. area of 130 ft2)

From the design spacing proposal, maximum spacing and protection area
required for one sprinkler satisfied the specifications of NFPA 13 standard
From NFPA 13, the design area shall be a rectangular area having a dimension
parallel to the branch lines where the longest length should be at least 1.2 times
the square root of the area of sprinkler operation (A) used. Thus, computing for the
length of the Design Area:

Length of the Design Area, L = 1.2 x (Design Area)1/2

= 1.2
= 46.5 ft

No. of Sprinkler Heads to be = Minimum Length Required

calculated on Branchline Sprinkler Head Spacing
= 46.5 ft __
10.578 ft
= 4.4 say 5 Heads

No. of Sprinkler Heads in the = Area of Application__

in the Design Area Considered Sprinkler Area Coverage
= 1500 ft2 __
111.03 ft2
= 13.5, say 14 Heads
 Remotest Nozzle

SPRINKLER SYSTEM SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

Remotest and most challenging area
The design area, which is the remotest area farthest
from the fire pump consist of 14 sprinkler heads with
the pipe sizes as shown.
 Basics Of Fire Sprinkler Design
1. Determine the Occupancy and hazard classification of the property.

Proper identification of the building’s Occupancy and Hazard Classification is

the basis of sprinkler design, installation and water supply requirement.

2. Determine the design area and design density.

3. Identify the type of fire sprinkler design suited to the need of the area
to be protected.

▪ Wet Type Sprinkler System

▪ Dry Type Sprinkler System
▪ Deluge Water Spray System
▪ Pre-action System:
➢ Single Interlock
➢ Double Interlock
4. Identify the location of fire pump and the remotest and most
challenging design area.

The goal of hydraulic design in a sprinkler system is to provide adequate water

density over the area of application while overcoming the water pressure losses
due to friction and elevation
5. Determine the number of System Riser required based on protection
area limitation
NFPA 13, Chapter 8, Section 8.2 states that the maximum floor area on any one floor to be protected
by sprinklers supplied by any one sprinkler system riser or combined system riser shall be as follows:
1. Light hazard – 52,000 ft2 (4831 m2)
2. Ordinary hazard – 52,000 ft2 (4831 m2)
3. Extra hazard
a) Pipe schedule – 25,000 ft2 (2323 m2)
b) Hydraulically calculated – 40,000 ft2 (3716 m2)
4. Storage – High-piled storage (as defined in 3.3.12) and storage covered by other NFPA standards

6. Plan for sprinkler spacing base on allowable maximum protection area

of coverage (as discussed in Module 2)
 Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing for Ordinary Hazard Occupancy
For Standard Spray Upright and Standard Spray Pendent Sprinkler
(NFPA 13, Table 8.6.2.2.1b)

For Standard Sidewall Spray Sprinkler

(NFPA 13, Table 8.7.2.2.1)

Light Hazard Ordinary Hazard

Noncombustible Noncombustible
Combustible or Limited- Combustible or Limited-
Finish Combustible Finish Combustible
Finish Finish
Maximum distance
14 ft 14 ft 10 ft 10 ft
along the wall (S)
Maximum room
12 ft 14 ft 10 ft 10 ft
width (L)
Maximum
protection area
For SI units, 1 ft = 0.3048 m; = 0.0929
 Protection Areas and Maximum Spacing for Extra Hazard Occupancy
(For Standard Spray Upright/Standard Spray Pendent Sprinkler)
(NFPA 13, Table 8.6.2.2.1c)
Protection Spacing
Area (maximum)
Construction System
ft m
Type Type
All Pipe 90 8.4 12 3.7
schedule
[In buildings with
storage bays 25 ft
(7.6 m) wide, 12 ft 6
in. (3.8 m) shall be
permitted]
All Hydraulically 100 9.3 12 3.7
calculated
with density
≥0.25
[In buildings with
storage bays 25 ft
(7.6 m) wide, 12 ft 6
in. (3.8 m) shall be
permitted]
All Hydraulically 130 12.1 15 4.6
calculated
with density
<0.25
7. Identify the design area, properly label the pipe sizes, nodes and
sprinkler heads and proceed with hydraulic calculation from remotest
sprinkler head back to Fire Pump discharge flange.
 Shortcut Approach in Hydraulic Calculation

Determine the FLOW DEMAND using the following equations:

1. The Sum of all sprinkler flow requirement at the remotest area

2. Allowance for water flow requirement for Fire Department

Connection and inside hose (standpipes)
Determine the PRESSURE DEMAND using the following equations:

Pressure needed at the sprinklers to ensure that they flow at the required
level and quantity

Pressure needed to overcome the effects of elevation

Pressure needed to overcome Friction Losses due to valves, pipes and fittings
Example:

You have a project with basic information given below and you are required to
submit to your superior within 2 hours the following data: number of sprinklers,
number of risers, fire pump and water tank capacities.

Available data on the project / structure:

Type or Use of Building : Storage Warehouse
Storage type : Cartoon and Paper products with 4 meter high racks
Total area : 60 x 40 x 8 m

Reference for the design: NFPA 13, Chapter 13 sections 8 and 11

Hazard Classification : Ordinary Hazard Group 2 (NFPA 13:11.2.3.2.1.1)

Area of Sprinkler Operation : 1,500 ft² (139.4 m²)
Design density : 0.20 gpm / ft² (NFPA 113, Table 11.2.3.2.1.1)
Sprinkler Protection Area (As) : 12.1 m² (NFPA 13, Table 8.6.2.2.1b)

1. Determine the number of sprinklers, Ns, to calculate. This quantity is the number
of sprinklers expected to operate in case of fire.
A
Ns =
Sr
Ns = pe m² / 12.1 m²
13.4
Ns = ra
11.52, say 12 heads
i o
2 . Determine the Quantity of Water Flow demand

➢ Sprinkler Demand, Qs
Qs = Density x As x Ns x Fs
where: Density = 0.20 gpm/ft
As = 12.1 m² = 130.2ft²
Ns = 12 heads

Qs = 0.20 gpm/ft² x 130.2 ft² x 12 x 1.10

= 343.73 gpm

➢ Hose Allowance Stream Demand, Qh

Qh = inside hose (fire hose cabinets) + outside hose (hydrants, class 3)
= 250 gpm ( maximum allowable quantity for ordinary hazard)

➢ Total Water Flow Demand

Qt = Qs + Qh
= 250 gpm + 343.73 gpm
= 593.73 gpm

There is no 600 gpm Fire Pump per NFPA 13 standard, then use the next 750 gpm
capacity for Fire Pump
3 . Determine the Pressure demand

➢ Pressure required at the last or remotest sprinkler head, Pn

Pn = (Q / K)²
Pn = [(343.73 / 12) / 5.6] ²
= 26.16 psi

➢ Pressured required to overcome elevation, Pe

Pe = 0.433 H
= 0.433 x 8 m x 3.28
= 11.36 psi

➢ Pressure required to overcome friction losses, Pf

Pf = 4.52 x (Q/C)1.85 X d -4.87 x L

Note: Calculation for friction losses should be done on each pipe size with the
with all the fittings and valves component of a particular size starting from
remotest sprinkler to the discharge flange of the fire pump.
Q = 343.73 gpm
C = 120 for Black Iron (BI) Pipe
d = nominal inside diameter of pipe, inches
L = length of pipe + equivalent length of fittings, feet

Pf = say you arrived at 50 psi

Hint: Make a summary of pressure loss due to friction as shown
in the example below
➢ Total Pressure Demand, Pt
Pt = Pn + Pe + Pf
= 26.26 + 11.36 + 50
= 87.62 psi

Note:

1. It is a good practice to add 10% allowance due to corrosion. With 10% corrosion
factor, your Fire Pump should be rated at 96.9 psi, say 100 psi.
2. This 100 psi can be your system working pressure and the cut-in pressure of your fire
pump is at least 80 psi.

4. Determine the minimum number of sprinklers for the whole area, St

St = Area of storage warehouse / Sprinkler Coverage

= (60 x 40) m / 12.1 m
= 198.3 heads
= say 199 heads

With this quantity of sprinkler heads, you can now plot the ideal branchline and
sprinkler head spacing in the area.

Do you need to follow the 199 heads? Is it absolutely necessary to stick with 199
heads?
5. Determine the number of riser and alarm check valve assembly, R

R = Area of storage warehouse / maximum area per riser, NFPA 13: 8.2.1
= 60 x 40 / 4831 m²
= 0.49, the area is good for 1 riser and alarm check valve only.

6. Determine the needed water tank capacity, Wt

Wt = System demand flow x duration, NFA 13, Table 11.2.3.1.1

= 750 gpm x 60 min (min is 60, max is 90 minutes)
= 45000 gal

Summary:

1. Fire Pump Capacity = rated to deliver 750 gpm at 7 bar (100 psi)
2. Number of sprinkler = 199 heads, upright, ½” dia at 5.6 K-factor
3. Alarm Check Valve = 1 set, 125 mm dia, complete with accessories
4. Water Tank Capacity = 45,000 gpm above ground