https://www.dropbox.com/s/1pnryhlf5f0fckn/tim_flow_test.xlsx?dl=0

 

Tentative Estimate:

 

150,?,430.

 

.2/1950= 390 GPM min system demand so should be OK.

 

I welcome any and all to take what they like and leave the rest, and if you
have any questions mail me off Forum any time day or night here:

 

[email protected]

 

Tim, if this is the same AHJ as the tree deal you will be in luck. I used
Roland's Sprinkler Age article as a way forward with the spreadsheet, and
for checking and correcting my thinking and results over the year or so I
scratched my head.

In that article Roland estimates GPM based on calculating the size, length,
fittings and valves of the main drain. He assumes a flow and C of D for the
discharge and calcs back to the riser for a PSI required. It is for
estimating GPM for the purpose of exercising backflows.

I think your AHJ would see the value of it, and respect the author.

2013, June I think it was, maybe May.

 

Brad

 

 

  _____  

From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]]
On Behalf Of Brad Casterline
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 5:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: Hydrant Flow Test

 

Man those trees were fun Tim!

150 Static at the riser gauge?
Any Main Drain Test Tags?
If you could give me the Residual from the tags, and the size, length,
fittings and valves of the main drain I could estimate the GPM, and you
would have it all-- a source node to calc to right there in front of you,
all open and above ground, without flowing a single drop or turning a
wrench.
And nevermind all the "we can't trust Main Drain Tests as REAL flow tests,
we don't know why not, we just can't, for our calculations".

I figured out why not, and fixed it.

Brad

On Jan 24, 2017 3:54 PM, "Todd Williams" <[email protected]> wrote:

This is a quick response and would have to think it out a little, but could
you flow from the hose valves on the standpipes and read a static and
residual at one of the back flow preventer test outlets?

Todd G Williams, PE

Fire Protection Design/Consulting

Stonington, CT

Office: 860-535-2080 <tel:(860)%20535-2080> 

Cell: 860-608-4559

Fax: 860-553-3553 <tel:(860)%20553-3553> 

 

On Tue, Jan 24, 2017 at 2:37 PM, Tim Stone <[email protected]> wrote:

I am working on an existing project. 4 story wood frame hotel at a ski area.
The building equipped with 3 standpipes and no less than 11 - 4" Dry pipe
systems. The water supply is an underground water tank serving both fire and
domestic. The tank is located up on the side of the mountain. Inside the
building at the sprinkler riser there is 150 PSI Static. System was built in
1997 with no provisions for flow testing in the future. No Fire Hydrants off
the underground entering the building. There are yard hydrants fed from
separate water supply (Pond next to hotel building).

 

The owners are using the Conference Rooms for Trade Shows where large
amounts of combustible materials are being brought in from time to time. At
Christmas time, they bring fresh cut Balsam Fir trees in, have them
professionally decorated and then auction them off and shipped.  Some may
remember my earlier post about the Trees. I know Brad Casterline will. The
State AHJ has asked the owner to change the Conference Room use from Light
Hazard to Ordinary Hazard Group 2.  I need a current flow test to be
performed so to recalculate the affected areas in the building (3 Conference
room spaces). Here is the problem. 

 

The simple solution is to shut the sprinkler system down, Drain Sprinkler
system, (over 300' of 6" and various 4" runs too) turn FDC check valves 180
deg. (there are 2) or replace them with spool pieces of pipe, turn water on
and measure water flow from free standing Fire Dept. Connection out in the
front yard.  At minimum 2-3 hours to drain through 2" drain valve based on
isolation of all known control valves. This procedure would probably take
most of the day and the owner would be required to have a fire watch in
place for the day.

 

The owner and Servicing sprinkler contractor have run this idea by me for
possible solution. One of the conference rooms is fed by one of the 4" Dry
Pipe valves and the system extends outside (4"grooved feed main) to supply
coverage on outside porches and covered walk ways on the ground level . The
contractor has suggested that the 4" grooved main be taken apart outside and
used to perform the flow test while reading the pressure gauges back in the
sprinkler valve riser room.  This operation could be done in half a day
without any disruption to sprinkler protection balance of the building. A
length of 2.5" fire hose and a Hose Monster will be used.

 

Finally, my question is can this be done and use the results and supply
point and back feed the other sprinkler system design areas from a Flow test
from within the building??  

 

The other option is to go back to the simple solution and shut and drain
everything and install permanent By-Passes with control valves around the
existing FDC check valves. In this then the 6" BFP on the service entrance
could then be Forward Flow Tested annually as is required now.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

Regards,

G. Tim Stone

 

G. Tim Stone Consulting, LLC

NICET Level III Engineering Technician

Fire Protection Sprinkler Design

and Consulting Services

 

                117 Old Stage Rd. - Essex Jct., VT. 05452

CELL: (802) 373-0638 <tel:(802)%20373-0638>    TEL: (802) 434-2968
<tel:(802)%20434-2968>    Fax: (802) <tel:(802)%20434-4343>  434-4343

                           [email protected]

 


_______________________________________________
Sprinklerforum mailing list
Sprinklerforum@lists. <mailto:[email protected]>
firesprinkler.org
http://lists.firesprinkler.
<http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.or
g> org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org

_______________________________________________
Sprinklerforum mailing list
[email protected]
http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org

Reply via email to