Appendix F (Fully Calculated Method)

The same fire sprinkler layout is evaluated using the pipe size already determined.
In fully calculated system, the hydraulically most unfavorable and most favorable locations are
attempted. Since the layout plan has false ceiling, there will be upper sprinklers in the ceiling
void and sprinklers under false ceiling. We only consider the false ceiling sprinklers (the lower
ones) in fully calculated method since when a fire occurs, the closer sprinklers which operate
first to put off the fire would be the lower ones.
Area served by 1 sprinkler = 3.6x3 = 10.8 m2
Area of Operation (for OH1) = 72m2
Number of sprinklers in operation = 72/10.8 = 6.7 (round off to 7 sprinklers)
In the layout, the area of operation where pressure requirement is minimal is hydraulically most
favorable whereas the area of operation where pressure requirement is the highest is
hydraulically most unfavorable. 4 sprinklers in a square are considered in study. In the most
unfavorable region, the last 4 sprinklers in a square are considered. Similarly, in the most
favorable region, the most remote 4 sprinklers are considered as shown on layout.
Most Unfavorable Area of Operation
The last range for the hydraulically most unfavorable location is considered.

Figure 1. The most unfavorable area of operation is shown

Figure 2. Elevation of the left side of the last range

Figure 3. Elevation of the right side of the last range

(I)

Calculation of last range

At Sprinkler A
Design Density = 5mm/min (as a starting point) for OH1
Area served = 10.8m2
Discharge rate = 10.8 x 5 = 54 L/min
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P(A)=0.46 bar (54L/min) at Sprinkler A
Using Hazen Williams formula (C=120),
Equivalent length of a 90 degree screwed elbow, for d=25mm pipe =0.77m from Table 23 of
LPC Rules,

Vertical length = 0.5 m

6.05105
( ) =
(0.77 + 0.5) 541.85
1201.85 254.87

p=0.03bar
Pressure loss from P(A) to P(A) = 0.03 bar
P(A) = 0.46+ 0.03 =0.49 bar at 54 L/min
At Sprinkler C
P(C) = P(A) + P(C-A); range pipe length from C-A=3.6m; equivalent length of a tee in 25mm
pipe=1.5m (from Table 23 of LPC Rules)
6.05105
( ) =
(5.1) 541.85
1.85
4.87
120 25
P(C-A) = 0.11bar
P(C) = 0.49 +0.11 = 0.6bar
P(C) = P(C) P(C-C) ;vertical distance =0.5m, equivalent length of a tee for 25 mm pipe =
1.5m (from Table 23 of LPC Rules, we use the smaller diameter of the pipe to determine
selection of equivalent length of a proper fitting when there is a change in diameter along the
pipework)
6.05105
( ) =
(2) 541.85
1.85
4.87
120 25
P(C-C) = 0.04bar
P(C) = 0.6 0.04 = 0.56bar
Using equation for sprinkler head (k=80 for 15mm orifice)
() =
= 800.56
=60 L/min which the flow rate of sprinkler C
At Distribution Pipe at P (E)
P(E ) = P(C) + P(E-C) @ 54+60 =114L/min; range pipe length for 32mm pipe =0.6m, range pipe
length for 40mm pipe= 0.9m , equivalent length of a tee for 32mm pipe = 2.1m

( ) =

6.05105
6.05105
1.85
(2.7)

114
+
(0.9) 1141.85
1201.85 324.87
1201.85 404.87

P(E-C) =0.07+0.008 = 0.08bar

P(E ) = 0.6 + 0.08 = 0.68bar
Consider the other side range pipe
Since we only considered false ceiling sprinklers and only 7 of the sprinklers are in operation,
upper sprinkler in the ceiling void (sprinkler F) shall not be included in the case.
Using the same approach taking a first attempt, and upper sprinkler F is not considered, Sprinkler
G is discharging at 5mm/min
Sprinkler G discharge = 54 L/min
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P(G)=0.46 bar (54L/min) at Sprinkler A
P(G) = P(G) + P(G-G)
Using Hazen Williams formula,
6.05105
( ) =
(2) 541.85
1.85
4.87
120 25
where 1.5 is the equivalent length of a tee for 25mm pipe (from Table 23 of LPC Rules) &
vertical distance =0.5m
P(G-G)=0.04bar
P(G) =0.46+ 0.04=0.5 bar at 54 L/min
At Sprinkler J
P(J) = P(G) + P(J-G)
; range pipe length (dia 25mm) =3m, range pipe length (dia 32mm) =
0.6m, equivalent length of a tee for a 25mm pipe = 2.1m
6.05105
6.05105
1.85
( ) =
(3 + 2.1) 54
+
(0.6) 541.85
1201.85 254.87
1201.85 324.87
P(J-G) = 0.11+0.004bar =0.11bar
P(J) = 0.5 +0.11 = 0.61bar
P(J) = P(J) P(J-J) ;Equivalent length of Tee for 32mm pipe = 2.1m; vertical distance: 0.5m
( ) =

6.05105
(2.6) 541.85
1201.85 324.87

P(J-J) = 0.02bar
P(J) = 0.61 0.02 = 0.59bar
Using equation for sprinkler head (k=80 for 15mm orifice)
() =
= 800.59
=61 L/min which the flow rate of sprinkler J
At Distribution Pipe at P(E)
P(E ) = P(J) + P(E-J) @ 54+61 =115L/min ; range pipe length = 2.1m
6.05105
( ) =
(2.1) 1151.85
1.85
4.87
120 40
P(E-D) =0.02bar
P(E ) = 0.61 + 0.02 = 0.63bar
Balancing of the two ranges
Two ranges give different head requirements as 0.68bar and 0.63bar at the same point E. Thus a
reattempt of the calculation is required such that both ranges will give the same P(E) of 0.68 bar
as higher should be selected.
For simplicity, it is possible to assume the relationship 2 , thus
0.63bar @ 115Lmin (original) can be projected to
0.68bar @ Qrev L/min
0.63
115 2
=(
)
0.68

= 119

@ 0.68

(for pipe range containing sprinkler G, J)

Thus, P(E) = 0.68bar
Q(E ) = 114+115 = 229 L/min
(II)

Calculation for the 2nd last range

Pressure at distribution pipe

=P(E) +head loss from E to the 2nd last range(Dia50mm,3m run, 229L/min)

6.05105
( 2 ) =
(3) 2291.85
1201.85 504.87
P=0.03bar
Pressure at distribution pipe=0.68bar + 0.03bar=0.71bar
In the 2nd last range, two false ceiling sprinklers are on the left, while one false ceiling sprinkler
is on the right in operation.
Left range: 0.68bar @ 114 L/min (from previous calculation)
Right range: 0.48bar @ 54 L/min(calculation elaborated below)
The right sprinkler discharges = 54L/min,
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P(sprinkler) = 0.46 bar (54L/min) at that Sprinkler
Vertical distance : 0.5m , equivalent length of a tee for a 32mm pipe = 2.4m , range pipe length
for a 40mm pipe = 2.1m
P(right range) = 0.46 + P(from sprinkler to distribution pipe); range pipe length (dia 25mm)
=3m, range pipe length (dia 32mm) = 0.6m, equivalent length of a tee for a 25mm pipe = 2.1m
( . )
6.05105
6.05105
1.85
=
(2.1) 54
+
(2.4 + 0.5) 541.85
1201.85 404.87
1201.85 324.87
P= 0.005+0.019bar =0.024bar
P(right range)= 0.46 + 0.024 = 0.48bar
Balancing of the two ranges
Using 2
0.48
54 2
=(
)
0.68

= 64.3

@ 0.68

Thus , flow at distribution pipe : 114 +64.3 = 178.3 L/min @ 0.68bar

Using 2 to balance out the pressures from the distribution pipe and last ranges

0.68
178.3 2
=(
)
0.71

= 182

@ 0.71

Thus , flow at distribution pipe : 229+182 = 411 L/min @ 0.71bar

Pressure at Subsidiary Stop Valve
The pressure at the subsidiary stop valve is calculated based on simple hydraulic calculation
(@411L/min)
Head loss of various pipe sizes at 411 L/min
pipe size(mm)
Straight length(m)

65
100
total
3
38.2
3.8
3+6x6.1=39.6
Fitting hydraulic length(m)
1 cross 1 elbow+6 tee/cross
total hydraulic length (m)
6.8
77.8
hydraulic loss (bar) by Hazen Williams' formula 0.06
0.08
0.14
Hence, the pressure at the outlet of the subsidiary stop valve
Pvalve = 0.71 +0.14 = 0.85bar @ 411L/min
Using the same method as in pre-calculation installations, the pressure loss for the riser ( from
the subsidiary zone valve to the installation alarm valve) is calculated at the flow of 411L/min.
Since typical office layout is applied for installation No. 2-4 under OH1, we shall use the above
full calculated results to be applied for installation no. 2-4 only. (steps similar to Pre-calculation)
I)

Installation No. 2,3,4 (OH1)

At 411 L/min, pressure at installation valve = 0.85 bar + ps
Where ps =0mH (0bar) assume height of subsidiary stop valve at same level as
highest sprinkler head
Installation No.2 (from 5/F-16/F)
(a) Static head from highest subsidiary stop valve 16/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 x (16-5+1) = 61.2m = 6.1bar
With the use of 100mm pipe,
(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,

411L/min, 100mm in diameter, 61.2m length =

6.05x105
p=
x 61.2 x 4111.85 = 0.065bar
1201.85 x1004.87
At 411 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.85 +6.1+0.065) bar = 7.02bar
Installation No.3 (from 17/F-27/F & Refuge/F)
(a) Static head from highest subsidiary stop valve 27/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 x (27-5+1)+3.6 = 104.4m = 10.4bar
With the use of 100mm pipe,
(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,
411L/min, 100mm in diameter, 104.4m length =
p=

6.05x105
x 104.4 x 4111.85 = 0.11bar
1201.85 x1004.87

At 411 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.85 +10.4+0.11) bar = 11.36bar

Installation No.4 (from 28/F-38/F & R/F)
(a) Static head from highest subsidiary stop valve R/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 x (27-5+1)+3.6 + 3.6x(38-28+1) +4 = 148m = 14.8bar
With the use of 100mm pipe ,
(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,
411L/min, 100mm in diameter, 148m length =
=

6.05105
148 4111.85 = 0.16
1201.85 1004.87

At 411 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.85 +14.8+0.16) bar = 15.81bar

Summary of System Pressure and Flow at Installation Valve by using Fully Calculated
Method
System pressure and flow
at installation valve
("C gauge") (bar)

OH1 ,411 L/min

Installation no.2 (5/F-16/F)

Installation no.3 (17/F-27/F& Refuge/F)
Installation no.4 (28/F-38/F& R/F)

7.0
11.4
15.8

The fully calculated method verifies that the system pressure and flow at installation valve
calculated with pre-calculation is feasible for this sprinkler system. 411L/min is higher than 375
L/min low flow due to the attempt we made that the furthest sprinkler discharging 5 mm/min
while other 3 sprinklers in the 4 sprinkler group are having much higher discharge flow rate. The
discharge of furthest sprinkler can be reduced as long as the average discharge density of the 4
sprinkler group can be maintained to 5mm/min.

Most Favorable Area of Operation

1st range

2nd range

3rd range

Figure 4. The most favorable area of operation is shown

(I)

Calculation for the first range

Figure 5. Elevation of 1st range in the most favorable area of operation

At Sprinkler A
Design Density = 5mm/min (as a starting point) for OH1
Area served = 3.6x3= 10.8m2
Discharge rate = 10.8 x 5 = 54 L/min
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P(A)=0.46 bar (54L/min) at Sprinkler A
Using Hazen Williams formula (C=120),
for d=25mm pipe , equivalent length of a tee =1.5m from Table 23 of LPC Rules,
Vertical length = 0.5 m;
6.05105
( ) =
(1.5 + 0.5) 541.85
1.85
4.87
120 25

p=0.04bar
P(A) = 0.46+ 0.04 =0.5 bar at 54 L/min
Distribution pipe P(B)
Pressure at distribution pipe P(B) = P(A) + p(B-A)
horizontal range pipe = 0.3m
( ) =

6.05105
(0.3) 541.85
1201.85 254.87

( ) = 0.006
P(B) = 0.5+ 0.006 =0.51 bar at 54 L/min
Pressure at distribution pipe P(C)
=P(B) + P(C-B)(Dia65mm,3m run, 54L/min)
6.05105
( ) =
(3) 541.85
1.85
4.87
120 65
P=0.0006bar
Pressure at distribution pipe P(C) =0.51bar + 0.0006bar0.51bar
(II)

Calculation for the second range

Figure 6. Elevation of left side of the 2st range in the most favorable region

Figure 7. Elevation of right side of the 2st range in the most favorable region

At Sprinkler D
Design Density = 5mm/min
Area served = 10.8m2
Discharge rate = 10.8 x 5 = 54 L/min
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P(D)=0.46 bar (54L/min) at Sprinkler D
Using Hazen Williams formula (C=120),
Equivalent length of a 90 degree screwed elbow, for d=25mm pipe =0.77m from Table 23 of
LPC Rules; Vertical length = 0.5 m
( ) =

6.05105
(0.77 + 0.5) 541.85
1201.85 254.87

p=0.03bar
Pressure loss from P(D) to P(D) = 0.03 bar
P(D) = 0.46+ 0.03 =0.49 bar at 54 L/min
At Sprinkler F
P(F) = P(D) + P(F-D); range pipe length from F-D=3.6m; equivalent length of a tee in 25mm
pipe=1.5m (from Table 23 of LPC Rules)
6.05105
( ) =
(5.1) 541.85
1201.85 254.87
P(F-D) = 0.11bar
P(F) = 0.49 +0.11 = 0.6bar
P(F) = P(F) P(F-F) ;vertical distance =0.5m, equivalent length of a tee for 25 mm pipe =
1.5m
( ) =

6.05105
(2) 541.85
1201.85 254.87

P(F-F) = 0.04bar
P(F) = 0.6 0.04 = 0.56bar
Using equation for sprinkler head (k=80 for 15mm orifice)
() =

= 800.56
=60 L/min which the flow rate of sprinkler F
At Distribution Pipe at P (C)
P(C ) = P(F) + P(C-F) @ 54+60 =114L/min; range pipe length for 25mm pipe =0.3m,
( ) =

6.05105
(0.3) 1141.85
1201.85 254.87

P(C-F) =0.03bar
P(C ) = 0.6 + 0.03 = 0.63bar
Consider the other side range pipe
Since we only considered false ceiling sprinklers and only 7 of the sprinklers are in operation,
upper sprinkler in the ceiling void (sprinkler F) shall not be included in the case.
Using the same approach above, upper sprinkler H is not considered, Sprinkler J is discharging at
5mm/min
Sprinkler J discharge = 54 L/min
Using equation for sprinkler head (k =80 for 15mm orifice)
54 = 80
P (J) =0.46 bar (54L/min) at Sprinkler A
P (J) = P(J) + P(J-J) ; equivalent length of 2 elbows and 1 tee = 2x0.77+1.5 = 3.04m (from
table 23 of LPC rules) ; horizontal length = 0.5m ; vertical length =0.5m
( ) =

6.05105
(4.04) 541.85
1201.85 254.87
P(J-J)=0.09bar

P (J) =0.46+ 0.09=0.55 bar at 54 L/min

At Distribution Pipe at P(C)
P(C) = P(J) + P(C-J) @ 54 L/min ; range pipe length = 2.8m; equivalent length of a tee=1.5m
(from table 23 of LPC rules)
6.05105
( ) =
(4.3) 541.85
1201.85 254.87
P(C-J) =0.09bar

P(C) = 0.55 + 0.09 = 0.64bar

Balancing of the two ranges
Two ranges give different head requirements as 0.64bar and 0.63bar at the same point C. Thus a
reattempt of the calculation is required such that both ranges will give the same P(C) of 0.64 bar
as higher should be selected.
For simplicity, it is possible to assume the relationship 2 , thus
0.63bar @ 114Lmin (original) can be projected to
0.64bar @ Qrev L/min
0.63
114 2
=(
)
0.64

= 115

@ 0.64

(for pipe range containing sprinkler D&F)

Thus, P(C) = 0.64bar
Q(C ) = 115+54 = 169 L/min
Using 2
From previous calculation, distribution pipe P(C) = 0.51bar @ 54L/min
0.51
54 2
=(
)
0.64

= 60.5

@ 0.64

Thus , flow at distribution pipe : 169+60.5 = 230 L/min @ 0.64bar

Pressure at distribution pipe
=P(C) +head loss from C to the third range in the area of operation (Dia100mm,3m run,
230L/min)
( 3 ) =

6.05105
(3) 2301.85
1201.85 1004.87

P=0.001bar
Pressure at distribution pipe=0.64bar + 0.001bar0.64bar

(III)

Calculation for the third range

Same results as the second range,

For left range pipe, 0.63bar @114L/min
For right range pipe, 0.64bar @ 54L/min
Pressure and flow in between both range pipes (distribution pipe) as the following:
P(distribution pipe) = 0.64bar
Q(distribution pipe) = 114+54+ = 169 L/min
Flow at distribution pipe = 169 + 230 = 399 L/min at 0.64bar
Most favorable area of operation for 7 sprinklers requires 399 L/min, while most unfavorable
area of operation for 7 sprinklers requires 411 L/min. As explained previously, existing
uncertainties due to assumption of the further sprinkler discharging at 5mm/min and rounding up
digit issue results in the most unfavorable area which should have the smallest amount of water
flow having a higher discharge water flow rate than the most favorable area.
Pressure at Subsidiary Stop Valve
The pressure at the subsidiary stop valve is calculated based on simple hydraulic calculation
(@399L/min)
Head loss of various pipe sizes at 399 L/min
pipe size(mm)
Straight length(m)
Fitting hydraulic length(m)

100
17.8
3+3x6.1=21.3
1 elbow+3 tee/cross

total hydraulic length (m)

39.1

hydraulic loss (bar) by Hazen Williams' formula

0.04

Hence, the pressure at the outlet of the subsidiary stop valve

Pvalve = 0.64 +0.04 = 0.68bar @ 399L/min
Using the same method as in pre-calculation installations
The pressure loss for the riser (from the subsidiary zone valve to the installation alarm valve) is
calculated at the flow of 399L/min.
Since typical office layout is applied for installation No. 2-4 under OH1, we shall use the above
fully calculated results to be applied for installation no. 2-4 only. (steps similar to Pre-calculation)

II)

Installation No. 2,3,4 (OH1)

At 399 L/min, pressure at installation valve = 0.68 bar + ps
Where ps =0mH (0bar) assume height of subsidiary stop valve at same level as
highest sprinkler head
Installation No.2 (from 5/F-16/F)
(a) Static head from lowest subsidiary stop valve 5/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 = 21.6m = 2.2bar
With the use of 100mm pipe,
(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,
399L/min, 100mm in diameter, 21.6m length =
6.05x105
p=
x 21.6 x 3991.85 = 0.02bar
1201.85 x1004.87
At 399 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.68 +2.2+0.02) bar = 2.9bar
Installation No.3 (from 17/F-27/F & Refuge/F)
(a) Static head from lowest subsidiary stop valve 17/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 x (17-5+1) = 64.8m = 6.5bar
With the use of 100mm pipe,
(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,
399L/min, 100mm in diameter, 64.8m length =
p=

6.05x105
x 64.8 x 3991.85 = 0.07bar
1201.85 x1004.87

At 399 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.68 +6.5+0.07) = 7.3bar

Installation No.4 (from 28/F-38/F & R/F)

(a) Static head from lowest subsidiary stop valve 28/F to G/F installation valve =
4+3.5x4 + 3.6 x (27-5+1)+3.6 + 3.6 = 108m = 10.8bar

With the use of 100mm pipe ,

(b) Pipe friction loss for vertical rise with use of Hazen Williams Formula
With the use of 100mm pipe,
399L/min, 100mm in diameter, 108m length =
=

6.05105
108 3991.85 = 0.11
1201.85 1004.87

At 399 L/min, pressure at installation valve = (0.68 +10.8+0.11)bar = 11.6bar

Summary of the system pressure and flow at installation valve by using fully calculated method
System pressure and flow
at installation valve
("C gauge") (bar)

OH1 ,399 L/min

Installation no.2 (5/F-16/F)

Installation no.3 (17/F-27/F& Refuge/F)
Installation no.4 (28/F-38/F& R/F)

2.9
7.3
11.6

Head loss from pump outlet to installation valve C gauge

For OH1 installation,
At 411 L/min, L= 33.5m from pump outlet to installation valve
6.05105
=
33.5 4111.85
1201.85 1004.87
Head loss from pump outlet to installation valve C gauge = 0.04bar

At 399L/min, L= 33.5m from pump outlet to installation valve

6.05105
=
33.5 3991.85
1201.85 1004.87
Head loss from pump outlet to installation valve C gauge = 0.03bar

Summary of pump pressure and flow of Sprinkler pump

Pump Pressure and

Flow of Sprinkler Pump (bar)
Installation no.2 (5/F-16/F)

OH1
Flow rate
Nominal flow
411L/min
Obtained after pump
7.0+0.04=
selection
7.0

399 L/min
2.9+0.03=
2.9
7.3+0.03=
7.3

Installation no.3 (17/F-27/F& Refuge/F)

Obtained after pump

selection

11.4+0.04=
11.4

Installation no.4 (28/F-38/F& R/F)

Obtained after pump

selection

15.8+0.04= 11.6+0.03=
15.8
11.6

In practice, if we have these two points (most unfavorable and most favorable at different
pressures and different flows), we can select a pump that fits that system and find a
corresponding nominal flow data of that pump.
If Qmax = 399 L/min, for OH installation, duration of operation is 60 min, then the tank size can
be obtained as Qmax x 60 min = tank size (L)
399x 60 = 23940L = 24m3 (fully calculated method)
In pre-calculated method, sprinkler water tank = 50 m3 ; hence, Using fully calculated method,
we can customize tank size and select a proper pump in a more economical way.