CHAPTER 4

INSTALLIATION OF AUTOMATIC FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM AND

DESIGN CALCULATION

4.1 Pipework Distribution to Sprinkler

The arrangement of pipework will depend on the building shape and layout,
the position of the riser pipe and the number of sprinkler heads required. To provide a
reasonably balanced distribution, it is preferable to have a center feed pipe. In practice
this is not always possible and end feed arrangements are used. The maximum
spacing of sprinkler heads on range pipes depends on the fire hazard classification of
the building.

Table 4.1. Range Pipes Depends on the Fire Hazard Classification

Hazard Category Max. spacing of sprinkler Max. floor area covered by
heads one sprinkler head (m2)

Light 4.6 21

Ordinary 4.0 12

High 3.7 9

For sidewall-mounted sprinklers, the maximum floor area coverage by one

sprinkler head is 17m2 for light hazard and 9m2 for ordinary hazard [24].

4.1.1 Hazard Category

Light hazard areas are locations where the quantity and combustibility of
combustible material and flammable liquid is low. In these areas, expected fires have
relatively low rates of heat release. Light hazard areas may include offices,
classrooms, meeting rooms etc.
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Ordinary hazard areas are locations where the quantity and combustibility of
combustible materials and flammable liquid is moderate. Fires with moderate rates of
heat release are expected in these areas. Ordinary hazard locations could be offices,
malls, light manufacturing or research operations, parking garages, workshops, or
maintenance/service areas.
High hazard areas are locations where the quantity and combustibility of
combustible material is high or where high amounts of flammable liquid are present.
Quickly developing fires with high rates of heat release are expected. These locations
could be sites for cars repair, aircraft and boat servicing, painting, dipping, and
coating, storage areas (tanks, containers, etc ) [24].

4.1.2 Distribution Sprinkler Pipes Pattern

It is impossible to design adequate fire protection based on sprinkler
distribution.

Figure 4.1. Distribution Sprinkler Pipes Pattern

Source: [24]

4.2 Spacing of Sprinkler Head

The maximum distance permitted between sprinklers shall be based on the
centerline distance between sprinkler on the branch line or on adjacent branch lines.
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Staggered arrangement of sprinkler heads on an ordinary hazard installation

Figure 4.2. Arrangement of Sprinkler Heads

Source: [24]

4.2.1 Calculation of Sprinkler Head Numbers

An ordinary fire hazard category for a hall having a floor area 10m × 10m.
10 × 10 = 100 m2
Ordinary hazard requires a maximum served floor area of 12m2 per sprinkler
head. Therefore 100 ÷ 12 = 8.33, i.e. at least 9 sprinkler heads.
For practical purposes, 9 could be installed as shown

Figure 4.3 Design Area of Sprinkler Heads

The maximum area served by each sprinkler head = 3.33m × 3.33m =11.1m2.
This is satisfactory, being less than 12m2 [24].
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4.3 Fire Sprinkler Hydraulic Calculations and Design Density

In fire sprinkler design one of the most important concepts is the principal of
water density. This means how much water we apply over a certain area, much the
same as pressure is a force applied over a unit area.
Therefore, a volume of water spread over a certain area in a unit of time.
Volume can be measured in liter
Area can be measured in m2
Time can be measured in minutes
The density of water application would be measured thus:

Volume L
Density = = Equation 4.1
Area ×Time min × m 2
1L = 1000 cm3 = 0.001 m3
0.001 m3
Density =
min × m2
mm
= (millimeter per minute)
min
The volume of water discharged over an area of 1m2 in 1 min. For example, in
Ordinary Hazard, 5.0 mm/min bearing in mind that this really means 5 L /m2/min.

4.3.1 K-Factor Formula for Fire Sprinklers

The discharge from a sprinkler head can be calculated from the formula
below:
q = kp0.5 Equation 4.2
q
k=
p0.5

p = (q / k) 2
Where,
p = pressure in Bar
q = flow in liter per minute
k = discharge constant Lpm/Bar0.5 [25]

4.3.2 Minimum Flow Required from the Sprinkler Head

The minimum flow rate and pressure required from the sprinkler head can be
calculated with two equations.
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For example, this design can be based on Ordinary Hazard.

design density : 5 mm/min
K-factor : 80
head area : 12 m2
The first calculate the flow given the design density of 5 mm/min and the area
the head is covering 12 m2.
q = (design density) x (area per sprinkler) Equation 4.3
q = 5 mm/min x 12 m2 = 60 L/min
The second step is to calculate the required minimum pressure from the
sprinkler given the K-Factor and the flow rate by using the standard K-Factor
formula: [26]
p = (q / k) 2 Equation 4.4
p = (60/80)2
p = 0.56 bar
By comparing the two calculations, the minimum flows required from the
sprinkler head is 60 L/min and minimum required pressure is 0.56 bar for one
sprinkler.

4.3.3 Calculation the Pressure Drop in the Pipe

The Hazen Williams formula is an empirical equation and has long been used
for calculating the friction loss in pipework for water based on fire sprinkler
protection systems. This equation uses the coefficient C to specify the pipes
roughness.

Table 4.2. Constant for Pipe Material

Pipe Material Constant (C)

Cast Iron 100

Steel 120
Stainless Steel 140
Copper 140
CPVC 150
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6.05×105 ×Q1.85
P= Equation 4.5
C1.85 ×d4.87
Where, p = pressure loss in bar per meter
Q = flow rate through the pipe (minimum 60 liters/minute)
C = constant for pipe material (shown in table)
d = pipe internal diameter (mm) [27]

The calculation of pressure loss in pipe may be consider water flow rate is 60
liters/minute, pipe material can be used as Galvanized steel with constant (C) is 120,
and the pipe diameter is 50mm.
6.05×105 ×Q1.85
P=
C1.85 ×d4.87

6.05×105 ×601.85
P= = 7×10-3 bar
1201.85 ×324.87
For one meter pipe length, the pressure drops in pipe 7×10-3 bar.

4.4 Desire Water Pressure and Flow Rate

My design room is located at height 20 meter. So total pressure drop in pipe is
= 20×7×10-3 =0.14 bar
One sprinkler head required pressure is 0.56 bar. So 9 sprinkler heads required
pressure is
=0.56×9 = 5.04 bar
Every 10-meter-high, the water pressure is loss 1.1 bar due to the gravity
force.
My design room is located at height 10 meter. So, the water pressure is loss
1.1 bar due to the gravity force.
Total water pressure is needed for my design room is 6.28 bar, when all
sprinkler is ruptured.
Total flow rate is required for my design room is 540 l/min, when all sprinkler
is ruptured.

4.5 Flowchart of the Automatic Fire Sprinkler System

When the fire temperature reaches the desire temperature 68°C, the head of
the sprinkler head is ruptured. The water is come out from the sprinkler head. So, the
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water is flow through along the pipe. The metal flap which is the part of the flow
switch and which is excited in the sprinkler riser pipe. This flap is moved when the
water flow. This move is produced the signal which is sent the data to fire alarm
panel and pump control panel.

Figure 4.4. Flowchart of Automatic Fire Sprinkler System

The pressure switch which is measured the water pressure in riser pipe of the
fire sprinkler system. The pressure switch is also sent the data to the pump control
panel. When the water pressure is existed between 3.5 to 5.5 bar, the fire pump is
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operated. Over the water pressure 5.5 bar for other pressure drop case (i.e. small loss
in system pressure due to leakage) the jockey pump is operated.

4.6 Schematic Diagram of PLC Control System

In this schematic diagram, Sematic PLC S7-1214C AC/DC/RLY type is
chosen as the main controller as it can connect or integrate with other PLC
controllers. In this type of AC means the power supply to the PLC is AC 220V, DC
means the inputs only receives the DC signals and the outputs produce only on and
off.

Figure 4.5. Schematic Diagram of PLC Control System