Hi Craig, Travis, Scot and Tim,
Thanks for your replies. I am using Pipenet Spray/Sprinkler software which is 
mainly a hydraulic colocation software not used in the US. 

You are right Craig, when less sprinklers are activated, the restrictor can't 
lessen the pressure, but in this case I have low flow because of less opened 
sprinklers. Look at the below scenarios. The first scenario is without 
restrictor and the second and third are with restrictor. If I don't install a 
restrictor, my sprinkler system demand is 451gpm. But if I install a 
restrictor, my maximum sprinkler system demand is 314gpm.


1-    First scenario: No restrictors, 12 sprinklers activated at the most 
remote area at the top floor:
-    The pressure at the beginning of sprinkler piping: 65psi
-    The pressure just behind the most remote sprinkler: 45psi
-    Total flow for all 12 open sprinklers: 451gpm

2-    Second scenario: 0.5m length, 1” pipe, 12 sprinklers activated at the 
most remote area at the top floor:
-    The pressure at the beginning of sprinkler piping: 65psi
-    The pressure after restrictor: 31psi
-    The pressure just behind the most remote sprinkler: 21psi
-    Total flow for all 12 open sprinklers: 314gpm

3-    Second scenario: 0.5m length, 1” pipe, 3 sprinklers activated at the most 
remote area at the top floor:
-    The pressure at the beginning of sprinkler piping: 67psi
-    The pressure after restrictor: 61psi
-    The pressure just behind the most remote sprinkler: 56psi
-    Total flow for all 3 open sprinklers: 127gpm

Best,
Reza

Cel: +98 9122444875
www.sarian.ir <http://www.sarian.ir/> 

 

Here’s a question, are you going to try to reduce the sprinkler system pressure 
to lessen the flow based on one sprinkler or two or ten flowing?  If you base 
it on ten but only have three flowing, your pressure reduction does not work 
the same.  

 The sprinkler demand we calc to prove is a product of required pressure and 
K-factor not provided pressure and K-factor.  Your calcs are to prove the 
system works based on the supply pressure and flow.  Every sprinkler system 
design will typically flow more than what is calculated since we are only 
proving the supply can meet the minimum design requirements. 

 We calculate a 1500 sq. ft. area and find a required flow and pressure to 
accomplish that.  But when only one or two sprinklers flow and the supply flow 
and pressure to that system are the same as when we calculated 10 or 12 
sprinklers, the discharge from a few will always be more than what is needed.

 Also, actual flow, even for the entire remote area will be more than the 
minimum calculated if there was any cushion in your calcs.  

 What calculation software are you using?  

 Basically, calculate what is required for the sprinklers, then calculate the 
standpipe and do not worry about the overage on the sprinkelrs.

 
Craig L. Prahl 
Fire Protection Group Lead/SME
CH2M
200 Verdae Blvd. 
Greenville, SC  29607
Direct - 864.920.7540

Fax - 864.920.7129

CH2MHILL Extension  77540
[email protected]

 

From: Sprinklerforum [mailto:[email protected]] On 
Behalf Of Reza Esmaeili
Sent: Thursday, February 09, 2017 7:05 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Reducing Sprinklers' Pressure in a Combined Standpipe/Sprinkler System 
[EXTERNAL]

 

Hi forumites,

As per NFPA 14, in a combined standpipe/sprinkler system, the minimum pressure 
at the outlet of most remote 1 1⁄2 in. hose station should be 65psi. As 
standpipe and sprinkler riser in shared, I want to reduce the pressure to the 
sprinklers to around 15psi in order to reduce the total sprinklers flow demand 
and finally to select a smaller fire pump. 

What is the most cost-effective way to do that? Can I use a restrictor? For 
example, if the main sprinkler pipe at each floor is 3", can I install a short 
1" pipe just at the beginning to reduce sprinklers pressure. Can I do that? I 
checked this in a hydraulic calculation software and in works fine, but I am 
not sure if this is a right way.

Best,
Reza
www.sarian.ir <http://www.sarian.ir/> 

 

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