Fire Sprinkler Design
Fire Sprinkler Design
Fire Sprinkler Design
Design Definitions
Automatic Sprinkler. A fire suppression or control device that
operates automatically when its heat-activated element is heated
to its thermal rating or above, allowing water to discharge over a
specified area.
Ceiling Height. The distance between the floor and the underside
of the ceiling above (or roof deck) within the area.
Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms arranged for the use of one or
more individuals living together, as in a single housekeeping unit
4
surface.
Hydraulically Designed System. A calculated sprinkler system
in which pipe sizes are selected on a pressure loss basis to provide
a prescribed water density, in gallons per minute per square foot
(mm/min), or a prescribed minimum discharge pressure or flow per
sprinkler, distributed with a reasonable degree of uniformity over a
specified area.
of
underground
and
overhead
piping
designed
5
in
accordance
with
fire
protection
engineering
standards.
The
fire area.
System Working Pressure. The maximum anticipated static (nonflowing)
or
flowing
pressure
applied
to
sprinkler
system
5.3
Branch Lines. The pipes in which the sprinklers are placed, either
or through risers.
Feed Mains. The pipes supplying cross mains, either directly or
through risers.
sprinkler.
Supervisory Device. A device arranged to supervise the
5.4
Types of Sprinkler
10
12
According to orientation.
Corrosion-Resistant
Sprinkler.
sprinkler
fabricated
with
13
Intermediate
Level
Sprinkler/Rack
Storage
Sprinkler.
5.5
Classification of Occupants
Clubs
Eaves and overhangs, if of combustible construction with no
combustibles beneath
Educational
Hospitals
Institutional
Libraries, except large stack rooms
Museums
Nursing or convalescent homes
Offices, including data processing
14
Residential
Restaurant seating areas
Theatres and auditoriums, excluding stages and prosceniums
Unused attics
Hazard
(Group
1).
Ordinary
hazard
(Group
1)
Ordinary
Hazard
(Group
2).
Ordinary
hazard
(Group
2)
Cereal mills
Chemical plants ordinary
Confectionery products
Distilleries
Dry cleaners
15
Feed mills
Horse stables
Leather goods manufacturing
Libraries large stack room areas
Machine shops
Metal working
Mercantile
Paper and pulp mills
Paper process plants
Piers and wharves
Post offices
Printing and publishing
Repair garages
Resin application area
Stages
Textile manufacturing
Tire manufacturing
Tobacco products manufacturing
Wood machining
Wood product assembly
on Aircraft Hangars)
Combustible hydraulic fluid use areas
Die Casting
Metal extruding
Plywood and particle board manufacturing
Printing [using inks having flash points below 100 F (38 C)]
Rubber reclaiming, compounding, drying, milling, vulcanizing
16
Saw mills
Textile picking, opening, blending, garneting, or carding,
Asphalt saturating
Flammable liquids spraying
Flow coating
Manufactured home or modular building assemblies (where
17
5.6 Sprinkler
5.6.1 SPRINKLER DISCHARGE CHARACTERISTICS
18
Design Methodology
1. Determine the hazard classification.
2. Water Demand Requirements Hydraulic Calculation Methods.
3. Water demand requirements
4. Pipe sizing / Schedule
5. Hydraulic Calculation
5.9
Light
Corridors
Light
Meeting Rooms
Light
Toilet Room
Light
Restaurant Seating
Light
Kitchen
Ordinary Group 1
Parking Garage
Ordinary Group 1
Mechanical Rooms
Ordinary Group 1
Electrical Rooms
Ordinary Group 1
Storage Rooms
Ordinary Group 2
Ballroom
Ordinary Group 2
19
20
5.10.2
DENSITY/AREA CURVES
The water supply for sprinklers only shall be determined either from
the density/area curves of Figure 11.2.3.1.5 in accordance with the
method of 11.2.3.2 or be based upon the room design method in
accordance with 11.2.3.3, at the discretion of the designer. NFPA 13
Standard.
5.10.3
21
RESTRICTIONS
Regardless of which of the two methods is used, the
5.11.1
GENERAL
23
4.52Q1.85
C 1.85d 4.87
Where:
pm = frictional resistance in kPa per meter of pipe
Qm = flow in L/min
C = friction loss coefficient
dm = actual internal diameter in mm
Velocity
Pressure
Formula.
Velocity
pressure
shall
Where:
24
be
Where:
pn = normal pressure
pt = total pressure in psi (bar)
pv = velocity pressure in psi (bar)
5.11.4
EQUIVALENT
PIPE
LENGTHS
OF
VALVES
FITTINGS
25
AND
5.11.5
C-Factors.
26
27
28
29
5.11.9
PIPE SCHEDULES
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
5.12
5.13
39
Then
Water flow rate = 2.73 gpm
Head = 185 ft
Efficiency = 38.5%
Bhp = 0.33 hp
Motor hp = 0.33 hp / 0.385 = 0.8571 hp use 1.0 hp
40
6.
SPECIFICATION
6.1
Fire Pump
There are two types of standard fire pump used for the protection
service, the centrifugal and the vertical turbine type, either horizontal
or vertical mounted are permitted to obtain water on positive suction
head only. The vertical turbine type is practically suitable for fire pump
service when the water is located below ground where it would be
difficult to install any other type of pump below the minimum water
level.
Diesel engine drive when used to drive either centrifugal or vertical
turbine fire pump shall be specifically listed for fire pump service by
the testing laboratories. Engines shall be acceptable for horsepower
rating with listed controllers and standard accessories, such as angle
gear drive, governor, over speed shutdown devices, tachometer, oil
pressure gage, temperature gage, instrument panel, factory wiring,
electrical starter, two (2) sets of batteries with battery charger, engine
cooling exchanger system, fuel tank, exhaust muffler and others.
Pressure maintenance or jockey pump shall have rated capacities
not less than any normal leakage rate. They shall have discharge
pressure sufficient to maintain the desired fire protection system
pressure.
6.2
A. General:
1. Minimum sprinkler orifice size shall be 1/2 inch.
2. Sprinklers in non-public spaces such as mechanical/electrical
equipment, and storage rooms and sprinklers on exposed piping shall
have brass finish unless noted otherwise.
41
42
Thermo
sensitive
glass-bulb
or
fusible
solder/alloy
standard
response.
2. Thermo sensitive glass-bulb quick response.
3. Fusible solder/alloy quick response.
4. Normal or extended coverage type is acceptable.
5. Fixed or field adjustable type is acceptable.
6. Installation style:
a. Exposed: No escutcheon
F. Sprinkler Guards: Metal with red finish.
G. Spare Sprinkler Cabinet: Wall mounted. Storage capacity of not
less than minimum designated by NFPA 13.
H. Sprinkler Wrench: To match style and brand of sprinklers used
Sprinklers shall be installed in accordance with NFPA 13. These shall be
local Fire officers approved, pendant glass bulb sprinklers rated for 79
degree C. for sprinklers mounted in non air conditioned areas and 68
degree C. for sprinklers mounted in air conditioned areas, and suitable
for maximum ambient temperature of 50 degree C. sprinklers shall
have k factor of 80 with 15 mm (1/2) MSPT male inlets.
Recessed type of sprinklers shall be installed in the false ceilings
in order to make the surroundings decorative. There shall be a 2-piece
design of the recessed enclosure and mounting plate allows installation
of the sprinklers prior to the installation of the false ceiling. Both
sprinklers and escutcheon plates shall have chrome finish. Toilet and
pantry areas (AHU Plant room) shall be provided with side wall type
sprinklers and shall have chrome finish.
7.
43
PREPARATION
Ensure concrete bases are provided for floor mounted equipment.
INSTALLATION
A. Install Fire Protection System in compliance with applicable NFPA
standards (as referenced by the authority having jurisdiction.
B. Pipe and Fittings:
1. Acceptable pipe connection methods:
Schedule 40: Cut grooves or threaded.
2. Acceptable pipe size reducers:
a. Reducing fittings.
b. Tapered reducers.
3. Companion flanges or reducing grooved couplings are
unacceptable.
4. Install piping as follows, unless noted otherwise:
a. Parallel to walls.
b. Above suspended ceilings.
c. Behind walls.
5. Galvanized pipe and fittings:
a. Use where exposed to corrosive atmospheres in the
following locations:
Exterior piping.
b. Field paint damaged galvanizing on pipe and fittings.
6. Label piping appropriately.
C. Pipe Supports:
Install hangers in compliance with Section 15140 and NFPA 13
(as referenced by the authority having jurisdiction). All pipe
hangers bolts, nuts, washers and other hardware to be hot
dipped galvanized construction for use at the cooling towers. All
44
F. Control Valves:
1. Bolt position on lugged butterfly valves to allow removal of
downstream piping.
G. Sprinklers:
1. Unless noted otherwise, provide sprinkler types as indicated
on drawings.
2. Install sprinklers in fittings after piping is in place.
3. Install exposed sprinklers with frame parallel to branch line.
4. Install sprinkler guards where sprinklers are within 2.2 meters
of floor, or when subject to injury.
5. Line sprinklers up with themselves.
6. Prior to Date of Substantial Completion, deliver spare heads
and wrench and place in spare head cabinet(s).
45
8.
to sprinkler heads located at strategic positions within the property, and its
associated alarm system. The design of the fire sprinklers allows the system
to respond automatically to a growing fire and control it before it can develop
to the point at which lives are endangered and serious damage is done to the
property.
How does the system work?
46
9.
Introduction
When properly installed and maintained, automatic fire sprinkler
systems have proven to be the most effective means for protecting life and
property against fire. In recognition of their excellent track record in
controlling the spread of fire, both state codes and national standards offer
fire sprinklers as a cost-effective alternative to meeting many of their base
code requirements.
A lot is riding, therefore, on a sprinkler systems ability to operate and
function properly. So much so, in fact, that state law prohibits the occupancy
of any portion of a building until the required suppression system has been
tested and approved. Further, it requires that such systems be maintained in
an operative condition at all times and be repaired or replaced when
defective.
In order to meet both certification requirements and licensure
requirements, automatic fire sprinkler systems are required to be inspected,
tested and maintained in accordance with NFPA 25, Standard for the
Inspection,
Testing,
and
Maintenance
of
Water-Based
Fire
Protection
Systems..
While the provisions in this edition of the standard applicable to fire
sprinkler systems are very similar to those found in the 1998 edition, youll
find that the 2002 edition contains more restrictive testing requirements for
dry sprinklers and sprinklers subjected to harsh environments.
Application
It must be noted that this document is intended to serve as a quickreference guide only and is not intended to be all-inclusive. It covers most,
but not all, of the inspection, testing and maintenance requirements
47
48
who
have
developed
competenceVthrough
training
and
experience. [see NFPA 25(98), Sec. 1-4.2 or NFPA 25(02), Sec. 4.1.2.3].
System history
A number of requirements applied to a healthcare facilitys fire
protection systems are based on the age and date of installation of those
systems. Without an accurate written history of the fire protection system(s)
in your facility, it can be difficult to prove to a state or federal life safety
surveyor that those systems are being maintained in accordance with
applicable state and federal standards. This can result in fire/life safety
deficiencies being cited. Turnover of administrative and/or maintenance
personnel only serve to compound the problem. One of the best ways to deal
with this is to create and maintain an historical log on your system(s).
As with just about anything, the hardest part of creating an historical
log is getting started after that, its a matter of keeping it up-to-date. Basic
questions that need to be answered include:
49
Its important to note that certain changes made to your building could
necessitate modifications to your fire protection system. Things to watch for
include: construction or removal of walls and installation of such things as
drop-in ceilings, new suspended light fixtures, tracks for lift systems and new
cubicle curtains.
Applicable standards
1. Specific requirements relating to the inspection, testing and maintenance
of fire sprinkler systems can be found in:
Chapters 2 and 9 of the 1998 edition of NFPA 25
Chapters 5 and 12 of the 2002 edition of NFPA 25
2. Specific requirements relating to the inspection, testing and maintenance
of fire pumps can be found in:
Chapter 5 of the 1998 edition of NFPA 25
Chapter 8 of the 2002 edition of NFPA 25
Specific Requirements
The inspection, testing and maintenance requirements that apply to
your buildings fire sprinkler system start from the date of initial installation
and continue on at specific intervals throughout the life of the system. What
follows is a brief synopsis of some of the major requirements you need to be
aware of.
New installations
In order to meet both federal certification requirements and state
licensure requirements, automatic fire sprinkler systems are required to be
installed in accordance with NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of
Sprinkler Systems.
All newly installed fire sprinkler systems are required to meet specific
acceptance requirements, such as flushing of fire service mains and testing
50
signage
identifying
the
51
Quarterly
1. The following quarterly inspections are in addition to those required
monthly and can be performed by facility staff:
a. For hydraulically designed sprinkler systems, inspect the hydraulic
nameplate to verify that its securely attached to the sprinkler riser and
is legible.
Note: Most newly installed fire sprinkler systems are now hydraulically
designed.
b. Inspect alarm devices to verify that they are free of physical
damage.
c. Inspect fire department connections to verify that:
They are visible and accessible
Couplings or swivels are not damaged and rotate
smoothly
Plugs or caps are in place and not damaged
Gaskets are in place and in good condition
Identification signs are in place
The check valve is not leaking
The automatic drain valve is in place and operating
properly
52
b. Test the waterflow alarm on dry pipe sprinkler systems by using the
bypass connection.
Caution: Opening the inspectors test connection can cause the system
to trip accidentally, allowing the pipes to fill with water and creating a
potential for a serious freeze problem.
Annually
In addition to the monthly and quarterly inspections and tests, NFPA 25
has very detailed and specific inspection, testing and maintenance services
that need to be performed on an annual basis. Because of their complexity,
and to comply with Minnesota state law, these services must be performed
by a licensed sprinkler contractor and would include such things as:
An inspection of the facilitys supply of spare sprinkler
heads to ensure that there are a minimum of two
sprinklers of each type and temperature rating and that
percent of the full scale must be recalibrated or replaced [see NFPA 25(98),
Sec. 2-3.2 or NFPA 25(02), Sec. 5.3.2].
3. System check valves must be inspected internally every 5 years to verify
that all components operate properly, move freely and are in good condition
[see NFPA 25(98), Sec. 9-4.2.1 or NFPA 25(02), Sec. 12.4.2.1].
4. The 1998 edition of NFPA 25 has specific requirements dealing with testing
of
sprinkler heads that have been in service for an extended period of time [see
NFPA 25(98), Sec. 2-3.1]. These requirements, which emphasize the
importance of knowing the history of your facilitys fire sprinkler system,
would include:
a. Sprinklers manufactured prior to 1920 must be replaced.
b. Representative samples of solder-type, extra-high temperature
sprinklers (i.e. 325-375 F) that are exposed to semi-continuous or
continuous maximum allowable ambient temperature conditions are
required to be tested at 5 year intervals. These would be sprinklers you
might find, for example, in your boiler room and would have redcolored frame arms.
c. Sprinklers manufactured using fast response elements that have
been in service for 20 years are required to be tested. Retesting is
required at 10-year intervals.
Note: The first residential sprinkler was listed for service in 1981
and the first quick response sprinkler was listed for service in
1983.
d. Sprinklers that have been in service for 50 years must be replaced.
An alternative is to submit representative samples from one or more
sample areas to a recognized testing laboratory. Such tests are
required to be repeated at 10-year intervals.
e. Sprinklers in service for 75 years are required to be replaced or
representative samples submitted for testing. Retesting is then
required at 5-year intervals.
54
or
NFPA 25(02),
Sec. 8.3
for specific
observations
and
55
25(98), Sec. 5-3.3 or NFPA 25(02), Sec. 8.3.3 for specific visual
observations, measurements and adjustments that need to be made
while the pump is running and flowing water under the specified output
condition].
2. NFPA 25 requires that a preventive maintenance program be established
on all components of the pump assembly in accordance with manufacturers
recommendations [see NFPA 25(98), Sec. 5-5 or NFPA 25(02), Sec. 8.5].
Note: NFPA 25 provides a helpful table to use in the absence of
manufacturers recommendations for preventive maintenance [see
NFPA 25(98), Table 5-5.1 or NFPA 25(02), Table 8.5.3].
Documentation Requirements
Just as important as conducting required inspections, testing and
maintenance is documenting the fact that they occurred. Both NFPA 13 and
NFPA 25 require that these services be properly recorded. What follows is a
brief synopsis of some of the major documentation requirements you need to
be aware of.
Initial installation records
As mentioned earlier makes it unlawful to occupy any portion of a
building until the required suppression system has been tested and
approved. A proof that all underground and above ground piping related to
the fire sprinkler system has been properly tested, including flushing of
underground piping and hydrostatic testing of aboveground piping [see NFPA
13(99), Sec. 10-2]. Proper documentation serves as evidence that this has
occurred.
1. Initial records must, at a minimum, include:
a. Name of installation contractor
56
secured
near
the
valve
controlling
the
corresponding
hydraulically designed area [see NFPA 13(99), Sec. 10-5]. This sign
must include the following information:
a. Location of the design area(s)
b. Discharge densities over the design area(s)
c. Required flow and residual pressure demand at the base of the
riser
d. Occupancy classification or commodity classification and
maximum permitted storage height and configuration
e. Hose stream demand included in addition to the sprinkler
demand
Note: A sample information sign can be found in Appendix
A to NFPA 13 [see Figure A-10-5].
Monthly, quarterly, annual and long term records
Sample forms for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire sprinkler
systems can be found in Appendix B of the 1998 edition of NFPA 25 or in
57
Annex B of the 2002 edition of NFPA 25. These forms should be available
through your local fire sprinkler contractor.
Sample reports are also available for dry pipe sprinkler systems and
fire pumps as follows (again, these reports should be available through your
local fire sprinkler contractor):
Inspection,
testing
and
maintenance
of
dry
pipe
10.
10.1
Cost Estimates
ITEM
DESCRIPTION
AMOUNT,
QR
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
11.
EVALUATION,
230,000.00
110,000.00
13,500.00
175,320.00
130,000.00
21,000.00
5,700.00
SUB TOTAL
685520.00
12 PERCENT MARK UP
82262.40
767782.40
OBSERVATION,
CONCLUSION
AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
CONCLUSION
In the design of fire sprinkler system, only the most remote area is
considered. Getting the required water demand and pressure develop.
59
Sizing fire pump is from the sum of sprinkler water demand and hose
demand. Fire pump package includes on-duty fire pump which is electric
driven, standby fire pump which is diesel engine driven and a jockey pump
to maintain the system pressure which is also electric driven. This for
hotel which is a multilevel residential building, the main parts of the
design that need further consideration the calculation of the required
pressure at the most remote sprinkler.
RECOMMENDATION
Standard procedure based on NFPA 13, 13R and other related standard
shall be consulted first before proceeding the design.
60
12.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bromann, Mark. The Design and Layout of Fire Sprinkler Systems, 2nd Ed. CRC
Press 2001.
Cheung, K.P. Fire Services Installations in Hong Kong
www.arch.hku.hk/~kpcheung/fire/fire23.html
Gummerhaul, M.L. and Pennel G.T. Hotel and Motel Fire Sprinkler Systems
Article in www.pmengineer.com, Nov. 1, 2008.
Fire Sprinkler System Maintenance and Inspection
www.firesystems.net/inspections/sprinkler_systems.htm
How to Size a Pump and Tank
www.thedsystem.com/hf_pages/dsys_c.html
Maintenance and Testing of Fire Sprinkler System
www.health.state.mn.us/divs/fpc/Firesprinklers2.pdf
NFPA 13 Standard for the Installation of Fire Sprinkler Systems, 2002 Ed.
NFPA 13R Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems in Residential
Occupancies up to and Including Four Stories in Height. 2002 Ed.
NFPA 20 - Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection.
2003 Ed.
Qatar Construction Specification, Section 23
61
APPENDICES
62
63
APPENDIX B - SPRINKLER
MODEL BROCHURE
64
APPENDIX C - SPRINKLER
SYSTEM PIPING LAYOUT
(MECHANICAL PLANS SIZE
A3)
(Floor Plans, Riser Diagram,
General Notes and
Specifications, Standard
Details, Equipment Schedule)
65
APPENDIX D QUICK
REPORTS
66
Table of Contents
1.
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT................................................................................1
2.
3.
4.
Types of Sprinkler........................................................................................... 9
5.5
Classification of Occupants..........................................................................12
5.5.1
5.5.2
5.5.3
5.6 Sprinkler......................................................................................................... 16
5.6.1
5.6.2
TEMPERATURE CHARACTERISTICS.........................................................16
DENSITY/AREA CURVES.........................................................................19
5.10.3
5.10.4
RESTRICTIONS...................................................................................... 20
SPECIFICATION................................................................................................ 38
6.1 Fire Pump...................................................................................................... 38
6.2 Sprinkler and Accessories.............................................................................. 38
7.
8.
9.
68