Rod, We at GSA still adhere to this velocity limit. However, we don't do it because of equation breakdown or some other esoteric reason. We do it simply to insure that we get larger piping. Since we do not really maintain our system very well and numerous changes and additions are made to our systems by everybody and their dog, we need all of the help we can get. This is just one of the ways.
Since our buildings are supposed to last 100 years, we also start with a C-factor of 100 and reassess it in the future to see if it needs to be lowered again. We only use fire pumps where absolutely necessary to overcome elevation loss. Our fire pumps are not sized to reduce pipe sizes nor for providing the NFPA 14 pressures and flows at the top of standpipes. The fire pump is sized for the sprinkler system only. We are not that old fashioned, just that conservative. Rahe Loftin PE GSA Region 7 _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://fireball.firesprinkler.org/mailman/listinfo/sprinklerforum For Technical Assistance, send an email to: [email protected] To Unsubscribe, send an email to:[email protected] (Put the word unsubscribe in the subject field)
